Heritage
A house, in its own words
Guglielmo Battistoni opened his first atelier on Via Condotti in 1946, positioning the label among Rome’s emerging post‑war designers. The early years focused on ready‑to‑wear clothing, but the house soon recognized the power of scent to complete a look. In 1975 the brand launched Marte, a masculine fragrance built around leather, citrus and aromatic herbs. Marte quickly earned a reputation for durability and became a staple in Italian gentlemen’s wardrobes. The 1990s saw the introduction of Marte Evolution, a fresher reinterpretation that added marine notes while preserving the original’s backbone. In 1997 Battistoni released Marte 61, a limited edition that celebrated the brand’s 61st anniversary with a richer amber base. Throughout the 2000s the label broadened its fragrance range, adding feminine scents such as Creation Donna and expanding the Marte family with Concentree and Evolution II. A 2015 heritage campaign revived several archival formulas, reinforcing the house’s respect for its own history. Most recently, in 2022 the brand introduced Marte Concentree, a high‑concentration version that highlights the original’s leather heart. Each milestone reflects Battistoni’s steady growth from a single boutique to a multi‑category luxury house while keeping the original Roman spirit intact. Battistoni approaches perfumery as an extension of clothing design. The house believes that a fragrance should dress the skin with the same care a tailor gives a suit. It values durability, authenticity and a quiet confidence that does not rely on fleeting trends. The creative team selects ingredients that can age gracefully, allowing a scent to evolve with the wearer. Rather than chase novelty, Battistoni seeks to refine classic structures, adding subtle twists that keep a composition relevant across decades. The brand also respects the cultural roots of its name; the Mars reference in its flagship line underscores a masculine vigor that aligns with the Roman heritage of power and discipline. Sustainability enters the philosophy through careful sourcing of natural absolutes and a commitment to reduce waste by offering refillable bottles for select scents. In every decision, the house aims to create an olfactory experience that feels both personal and timeless.