Attending Esxence in Milan this year was an unforgettable experience, so let us tell you a bit about it. The first three days catered specifically to perfume lovers and press, providing a perfect environment to network, build connections, and share the joys of perfumery with fellow enthusiasts—many of whom we had previously only met through online communities. Saturday, the general admission day, saw a massive turnout, with over 5000 tickets sold, proving once again that the love for niche perfumery is stronger than ever.

One of the standout attractions was Fugazzi’s vending machine, placed strategically by their stand, offering samples to eager visitors. The buzz surrounding it was undeniable, especially among younger attendees, with long queues forming throughout the day. Meanwhile, a dedicated alley showcased the finest French brands, where attendees could immerse themselves in new offerings from Le Jardin Retrouve, L.T. Piver, and Jacques Fath.

A particularly captivating exhibition came from Osmothèque, which transported visitors back to the dazzling 1920s. The rare opportunity to smell preserved originals of classics like Shalimar Eau de Parfum and Chanel’s Gardénia was an unparalleled delight, offering an olfactory glimpse into the golden age of perfumery.

Esxence is also known as the place where brands unveil their latest creations before their global release, and this year was no exception. Italian brands commanded attention, with Meo Fusciuni, Tiziana Terenzi, and Filippo Sorcinelli drawing large crowds. Sorcinelli’s debut of the outrageously imaginative Atmosphere D’Emotion collection turned heads, particularly with its extravagant caps—we’ll soon be adding these to our fragrance database, so stay tuned.

Another highlight was Bon Parfumeur’s unveiling of 403 Myrrh Shadow, a collaborative effort between Quentin Bisch and Amelie Jacquin. Early reactions suggest this scent will be a favorite among fragrance aficionados.

Bohoboco also made a lasting impression, both with its striking stand design—featuring cascading real potatoes behind their Polish Potatoes fragrance—and their unconventional Magic Mushrooms, which blends strong herbal notes with grapefruit and a hint of cannabis.

Gourmand fragrances had a particularly strong presence this year, with an unexpected note stealing the show—Banana. Jacques Fath’s Musc Couture featured a striking red banana top note, while a perfume house from Barcelona, 27 87, built an entire stand around this season’s breakout ingredient. On a more traditional note, Italy’s own pride, Bergamot, was celebrated with an extensive display of its six different varieties, along with an educational insight into the various plant parts used in essential oil extraction.

As we moved towards the partner stands, we were thrilled to reconnect with our friends at Le Parfum magazine. Their latest edition featured exclusive interviews with industry legends Dominique Ropion and Pierre Montale, adding another layer of insight to the event.

For the Fragplace team, Esxence 2025 was a whirlwind of excitement, discovery, and camaraderie. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this event special, and we can’t wait to do it all over again next year. See you in 2026!