Pieces of Eight x Strati Parfum: The Creation of a Fragrance
If you've ever wondered how a perfume is created, read on, as we continue our chat with perfumer Teresa Strati - maker of Pieces of Eight's debut bespoke fragrance.
PO8: Tell us about your relationship with scent and the creation of Strati Parfum.
TS: Scent has always been a powerful force in my life, connecting the diverse heritages of my family. When my mother moved to Australia from Fiji, scents became little reminders of home. Her refreshing and nurturing fragrances—sweet citrus, narcotic white florals, and woods—inspired me to create and embody similar vibrant landscapes in my work.
My father’s Italian heritage added another layer. My Nonno and Nonna, who also moved to Australia, conveyed their love and traditions through their carefully tended garden. Though they didn’t speak much English, their vegetable garden was a vital part of our family life, nourishing both body and spirit.
The name “Strati,” meaning layers, creating form, and clouds, reflects both my surname and the brand’s essence. Strati Parfum celebrates these deep-rooted traditions, capturing the emotional power of scent that has profoundly shaped my life.
PO8: How do you approach creating a fragrance? Can you describe your process from the initial concept to the final product?
TS: Creating a perfume starts with a spark of inspiration, quickly captured in a brief list of molecules and materials. A fleeting moment. This initial idea evolves through detailed work and trials over several months until the core concept takes shape. I then map out the fragrance, predicting how it will smell based on the written formula. If I can imagine the scent whilst reading my formula I will proceed to blending. This involves carefully selecting, and combining ingredients, refining to achieve harmony.
Research is crucial, as I explore the characteristics of various molecules and compounds, uncovering new facets and potential in each ingredient. Once the formula is clear, I begin to create a balanced, layered scent. For instance, with Pieces of Eight’s first fragrance, the initial concept revolved around Bitter Orange, mixed with a prune-like molecule and smooth Sandalwood derivatives built around a Rum theme, resulting in a complex, deep fragrance. From here I incorporated a sugar cane accord - a nod to my cultural roots. Finally, allowing the fragrance to mature is essential to develop the full complexity of the scent to reveal its true character over time.
PO8: In what ways does this process differ when collaborating to create a bespoke scent like Pieces of Eight by Strati Parfum?
TS: Creating a bespoke scent like Pieces of Eight by Strati Parfum goes beyond the usual steps of inspiration, visualisation, ingredient selection, blending, and maturation. It becomes a deeply personal and collaborative process.
My role begins in consultation with my client to understand the client’s specific personal needs. This insight helps tailor the fragrance to align with their unique identity and goals. Through iterative feedback sessions, we refine the scent together, ensuring it captures their essence and resonates with their audience. The final product is a personalised narrative that reflects their individuality and fosters a meaningful connection with their clientele.
PO8: What’s next for Strati Parfum?
TS: My dream is to continue learning by working alongside renowned perfumers globally. While Australia feels far from the heart of French perfume tradition, my journey to Paris has fuelled my passion. Immersing myself in the international perfume community, learning diverse techniques and bringing innovative perspectives back to Strati Parfum will allow me to create unique scents that evoke powerful memories and emotions.
Pieces of Eight Parfum is just the beginning for the Contemporary Melbourne Jewellery Gallery. I'm working on expanding the range with new collections, each rich in storytelling and the artistic expression that is deeply tied to Melanie Katsalidis's vision. These collections are not just fragrances, they're treasures of experience, creativity and heritage. In essence, the next phase for Strati Parfum is about travelling, learning and creating fragrances that resonate deeply, bridging cultures and emotions.
