Lorenzo Orlandi Berti

# Lorenzo Orlandi Berti: Italian Perfumer to Watch

## From Tuscany to Milan: A Perfumer's Journey

Lorenzo Orlandi Berti grew up in Montepulciano, a hilltop town in Tuscany famous for its wine and aromatic countryside. From a young age, he could identify the perfumes his friends wore just by smell. That natural ability pointed toward something bigger.

At 17, he wrote his high school thesis on the psychology of perfume. He wanted to understand why scent affects the way we think and feel. That curiosity became the foundation of everything that followed.

He took his first formal step into the industry at 20, enrolling in the "Professione Olfatto" course by Mouillettes & Co. The program gave him a structured method for memorizing odors and a deeper grasp of how fragrances are built. It opened the door to his professional life in Milan.

Berti joined Atelier Fragranze Milano as an intern. Over five years, he worked his way through roles as laboratory assistant and production director before earning the title of junior perfumer. That progression says a lot about how he works: methodical, committed, and always learning.

At the atelier, he works alongside mentors [Luca Maffei](/perfumer/luca-maffei) and Paolo Cerizza. Luca and his brother Marco Maffei, who founded the house, gave Berti the trust and space to grow. He credits them directly for the opportunities that shaped his career.

The creative philosophy at Atelier Fragranze Milano is called "Human Centric Perfumery." It puts emotion and storytelling first, not market trends or sales data. Every fragrance aims to connect with people on a personal level. That approach fits Berti's sensibility perfectly.

His Tuscan roots show up in his work. The woody hillsides, aromatic plants, and grape-heavy air of his hometown left a lasting mark on his nose. He describes his connection to scent as something spontaneous, deepened by training but never manufactured.

## Notable Creations: Bold Ideas, Unexpected Combinations

Berti's most talked-about creation so far is [Fig Tzatziki](/perfume/salum-fig-tzatziki), made in collaboration with Luca Maffei for the brand Sãlum. It belongs to their "Med Mon Amour" collection, a series built around Mediterranean summers.

The concept is bold. Tzatziki is a food, not a perfume idea. Turning it into a wearable scent takes real skill and confidence.

The fragrance opens with [cucumber](/note/cucumber), [mint](/note/mint), and [fig leaf](/note/fig-leaf). The combination is crisp and green, like stepping into shade on a hot afternoon. There's a brightness to it that feels natural rather than synthetic.

The heart shifts into something warmer and creamier. Greek yogurt and ripe [fig](/note/fig) bring a soft, almost edible quality. A quiet note of [jasmine](/note/jasmine) adds just enough floral lift to keep it balanced. It sits comfortably in the [gourmand](/style/gourmand) and [fruity](/style/fruity) categories without leaning too heavily on sweetness.

The base settles into fig milk, [sandalwood](/note/sandalwood), [amber](/note/amber), and [musk](/note/musk). The sillage is moderate, leaving a close but noticeable trail. Longevity holds well through the day, making it reliable for warm-weather wear. It works best in spring and summer and suits casual and social occasions.

Beyond Sãlum, Berti has created fragrances for brands including A13, Egōscentrique, Grande, Masca Parfums, Necalli, Roccobarocco, Spiritica, and Susurri. That range shows he can move across different creative briefs without losing his voice.

He's early in his career, but the body of work is already varied and interesting. Perfumers who can blend personal instinct with technical discipline tend to build lasting reputations. Berti has both. Keep an eye on what he does next.