Benjamin Foatelli
Benjamin Foatelli belongs to a new generation of perfumers who trained at the Grasse Institute of Perfumery before joining Mane, one of the world's great fragrance houses. Currently based in Indonesia, he brings an international perspective to his work at the company. His education at GIP was comprehensive, covering not only the artistic craft of fine fragrance creation but also functional perfumery applications across candles, aerosols, and electrical diffusers. He has spoken openly about the demanding nature of perfumery training, recalling that memorizing hundreds of raw materials in a short period was the most challenging phase. Foatelli has contributed to a notable collaboration: Fortune Leaves by Mystères du Château de Dé, a joint venture between Mikimoto and Lalique. With fourteen perfumes to his name, he continues to build a career that bridges technical precision with creative expression, working across both fine fragrance and functional categories.
The signature
How Benjamin composes
Foatelli's training at GIP gave him fluency across the full spectrum of perfumery applications, from fine fragrance to functional products. This breadth shows in his work, which spans multiple categories including personal care and home fragrance. His approach emphasizes technical foundation: the memorization and deep understanding of raw materials that allows a perfumer to compose with confidence and precision. With fourteen creations averaging 7.7 in ratings, his portfolio suggests a consistent hand that prioritizes balance and craftsmanship over novelty. His work on Fortune Leaves hints at an ability to translate luxury brand narratives into wearable olfactory stories.
Philosophy
What drives Benjamin
Foatelli approaches perfumery with a pragmatic realism about the industry. He has acknowledged that commercial fragrance houses often prefer safe, proven formulas over bold innovation, noting that companies tend to avoid risks in testing new olfactory directions. Yet this reality does not dim his enthusiasm for the craft itself. Foatelli thrives on sharing his work, describing the act of presenting creations as a core part of what he enjoys about the profession. This desire for connection through scent shapes how he approaches each brief, seeking to communicate something meaningful even within commercial constraints.