Sofia Bardelli’s journey into perfumery began in the fragrant gardens of Florence, where childhood memories of Tuscan blossoms later shaped her creative vision. After completing a degree in Pharmacy at the University of Pavia, she made a bold career shift. A documentary about Grasse—the world capital of perfume—ignited her passion and led her to enroll at the prestigious Grasse Institute of Perfumery (GIP), where she was selected as one of only a few candidates worldwide.

Her rigorous training in Grasse gave her a deep appreciation for high-quality raw materials and technical precision. She mastered complex accords such as lily of the valley while developing her own distinctive blending style. After graduating, she was recruited as an analytical perfumer by a major French company, refining her technical expertise before returning to Italy in 2019 as a creative perfumer.

At the heart of Bardelli’s artistic vision is storytelling through scent. She believes that perfume has a magical ability to convey emotions and transport the mind to distant places. Her creative process often begins with a single raw material tied to a narrative—whether inspired by ancient Rome or cosmic themes. This vision also led her to co-found her own brand, In Astra, in 2020 together with her sister Fabiola.

Bardelli’s portfolio showcases impressive versatility across multiple fragrance families. For Electimuss, she created standout compositions such as Imperium, a vibrant blend of citrus and vanilla that balances freshness with warmth. Mercurial Cashmere highlights her expertise in gourmand fragrances, combining spicy, floral, and creamy sweet notes, while Vixere captures the elegance of palace gardens through a refined citrus-floral structure.

Her work for Sãlum’s Polynesian Soul collection demonstrates her bold and experimental spirit. Blue Mai Tai recreates the sensation of a tropical cocktail with rum and lime accords, while Cocoyster surprises with an unusual pairing of salty and creamy notes. Particularly innovative is Strawberry Pool, which combines fruity strawberry with aquatic, chlorine-like nuances to evoke a unique poolside atmosphere.

Bardelli is also among the new generation of perfumers integrating organically grown ingredients into high-end formulations, reflecting her commitment to sustainability. Her work combines technical mastery with imaginative storytelling and a forward-thinking approach to modern perfumery.

Through her ability to translate stories, emotions, and unconventional ideas into scent, Sofia Bardelli has established herself as an important voice in contemporary niche perfumery. Each of her creations offers a sensory journey—from the splendor of ancient worlds to the mysteries of the cosmos.