Paolo Cerizza: the invisible hand behind Acqua di Portofino's Italian elegance

Behind the Mediterranean elegance of Acqua di Portofino fragrances lies a name that discerning perfume lovers will recognize without hesitation: Paolo Cerizza. Trained by the greatest, this heir to an Italian perfume dynasty transforms the sea air, sea spray and light of the Riviera into compositions of rare finesse. On SCENTISSIME, discover Cerizza's most emblematic creations for Acqua di Portofino - fragrances that not only tell the story of Italy, but invite you to wear it.

The heritage of perfumery

Sanremo, 1960. From childhood, Paolo Cerizza was immersed in a world of rare fragrances and noble raw materials. His playground: his family's distillation workshops, between Milan and Imperia, where jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang and sandalwood reveal their secrets during steam distillation. He wouldn't become a perfumer, but he already was one.

The story begins in 1946, when his father, Aurelio Cerizza, founded E.M.A. (Essences of Aromatic Materials) in Milan. Ten years later, he set up a distillery in Imperia. Then, in 1966, he gave birth to Cerizza Spa, a company that would leave a lasting mark on Italian perfumery. Paolo Cerizza joined the family business in 1983, alongside his brothers, carrying on a tradition built on the excellence of raw materials and craftsmanship.

But the young Paolo was not content to simply reproduce what he had learned. He quickly honed his eye, nose and intuition with a mentor, and not just any mentor: René Ricord, former assistant to Jean Carles, a founding figure of modern perfumery and creator of the Roure School teaching method. Under his tutelage, Paolo developed a singular, almost synesthetic approach: fragrances appeared to him as obvious, clear-cut, structured mental images.

Some noteworthy creations

Paolo Cerizza's career has been punctuated by collaborations with houses attentive to exacting standards and the beauty of detail.

For Masca Parfums, he signed Aroma Profundo, a striking alliance of yellow mandarin, red poppy and amber woods. For Laura Biagiotti, he composed Ambrosia Aurea, a floral and musky symphony inspired by ancient grandeur.

For Acqua di Portofino, he created a complete collection of powerful scents evocative of the maritime elegance of this Italian town, famous for its colorful houses that invite you to stroll as much as for its architectural gems.

A signature of emotion and precision

A discreet but respected creator, Paolo Cerizza combines the rigor of a craftsman with the freedom of an artist. His formulas combine freshness and depth, clarity and mystery. Each fragrance recounts a sensation, sometimes fleeting, sometimes haunting, always sincere.

His work is acclaimed for its ability to evoke fine emotions, without ever falling into the facile spectacular. He conceives his fragrances as sensitive constructions, rooted in Italian tradition but open to contemporary demands.

Why we follow him closely

Because his fragrances convey true emotion. Because he works with honesty, passion and a rare humility. Because each of his accords carries the memory of a house, but speaks the language of today. Paolo Cerizza's creations don't seduce by demonstration. They invite themselves in gently, with elegance, and eventually assert themselves. Like a matter of course.

Would you like to feel Paolo Cerizza's olfactory signature on your skin? Discover on SCENTISSIME the seven fragrances he has designed for ACQUA DI PORTOFINO. Which one will sweep you off your feet?

Paolo Cerizza's creations on SCENTISSIME

Explore these fragrances and many more in our online boutique, and don't hesitate to take our Olfactory Diagnosis to discover the fragrance that will perfectly match your desires. Follow us on Instagram for more real-time news. To enjoy the exclusive benefits of our loyalty and referral program, simply click here: The List.