With a love of science and nature, Victor Alarcon started the bespoke perfumery, Viti Vinci
May 3, 2024
- By
Blaire Dessent
With a love of science and nature, Victor Alarcon started the bespoke perfumery, Viti Vinci
May 3, 2024
- By
Blaire Dessent
The Viti Vinci showroom, located just behind Palma’s cathedral, is a beautiful space where old and new collide in a natural way. Glass bottles line wooden shelves, old fashioned distillery vessels are steaming and distilling, and bespoke perfumes are being tested. Fragrances are handcrafted by a small, specialised team, led by Alarcon, using locally grown ingredients from a nearby farm. In addition to their sensuous scents, Viti Vinci are offering a new alternative to commercial perfumes, which are typically full of harsh chemicals and additives that are bad for the skin. Scents such as Jardins d’Alfabia or True Illusion are found in a range of perfumes, cosmetics and candles, for purchase online and in select stores.
BD
What is your connection with Mallorca? Why did you start Viti Vinci on the island?
VA

My connection with Mallorca is deeply rooted in my childhood memories of idyllic summers spent sailing around the island with my family. This enduring affection for Mallorca significantly influenced my decision to establish Viti Vinci here. The initial spark for Viti Vinci was kindled in London, where I immersed myself in the enigmatic world of scents. I explored their historical significance in ancient rituals and their modern-day applications. This exploration revealed the profound impact natural scents have on our emotions and moods, prompting me to create a perfume brand that could harness this power. Mallorca, with its unique flora and a rich heritage of perfume making, offered the perfect setting. The island's natural beauty and its aromatic diversity were integral in shaping our brand, which is deeply committed to environmental sustainability through regenerative agriculture. Viti Vinci was founded here in the wake of the pandemic, leveraging a crisis as a stepping stone to root our vision in this enchanting island.

BD
Rewilding and land regeneration are an essential part of Viti Vinci’s vision, and you grow most of the plants used in your products. Can you tell us about some of the plants that you grow on your land?
VA

At Viti Vinci, we cultivate a symbiotic relationship with nature, nurturing the land with the same respect and generosity it offers us. Over the past four years, we've revitalised our soils, promoting biodiversity and creating a thriving ecosystem where our plants flourish. Our farm, a testament to these principles, is nestled in the east coast of Mallorca, rich in Mediterranean flora. We grow aromatic essentials like rosemary, lavender, mastic, and wild thyme. Looking forward, we are excited to introduce plants unique to our locale, such as Mallorcan St John’s wort, everlasting, and sea fennel, which will further enrich our olfactory offerings.

BD
You refer to Viti Vici as ‘made by scent scientists’. What do you mean by this?
VA

At Viti Vinci, 'Distilled by Scent Scientists' encapsulates our scientific and methodical approach to perfumery. We craft fragrances that are more than just aesthetically pleasing; they are designed to evoke specific emotions and moods. While we benefit from the expertise of a talented perfumer, Caroline Leclerc, my own background in biochemistry complements her expertise, providing a scientific foundation to our artistry. This scientific perspective ensures that each scent is not only beautiful but also emotionally resonant.

This exploration revealed the profound impact natural scents have on our emotions and moods, prompting me to create a perfume brand that could harness this power. Mallorca, with its unique flora and a rich heritage of perfume making, offered the perfect setting.
BD
Talk about your olfactory architecture concept? Is this for private homes and individuals as well as public spaces?
VA

Olfactory architecture at Viti Vinci involves creating a narrative that resonates through scent within a space's design and architecture. This concept is not merely about adding fragrance; it is about integrating a scent that embodies the essence and story of the space. Whether for private residences or public spaces, our process involves a deep engagement with the space's history, philosophy, and aesthetic. By using natural, high-quality materials, we craft fragrances that enhance the architectural experience, making it not only visible but also viscerally felt through the transformative power of scent.

BD
Would you tell us about the meaning and purpose behind aromachology and the distilled pure Mallorcan essences that you have created?
VA

Aromachology, the study of how scents affect human emotions and behaviours, is fundamental to our creations at Viti Vinci. By utilising the purest raw materials, we capture the evocative power of natural scents to forge deep connections with the self. Our fragrances are crafted to not only recall memories but to stir emotions, offering a profound sensory journey that reconnects individuals with their innermost selves.

BD
We are in full spring mode – what is something that you recommend for cleansing the spirit; for welcoming the change that spring brings?
VA

Spring heralds the renewal of life's cycle, awakening dormant landscapes into vibrant growth. As trees bud and flowers bloom, the air becomes infused with their delicate, sensual scents. Choosing just one fragrance from this symphony is a challenge, but if pressed, I would recommend the orange blossom. Known for its beautiful, white petals and a fragrance that is at once floral, fresh, and citrusy, orange blossom is celebrated for its ability to dispel the winter blues. Should you find yourself wandering through Sóller on a bright spring day, the enchanting aroma of orange blossom will undoubtedly uplift your mood and rejuvenate your spirit.

BD
When you have a day off, what is something you love to do on the island?
VA

Sailing of course! On my days off, I cherish the opportunity to reconnect with the sea. Sailing along the coast of Mallorca offers a sense of freedom and a chance to reflect, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the island.

www.vitivinci.com

@vitivinci

All photos by Duncan Kendall.

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