Heritage
A house, in its own words
The story of Gleam begins with Ludovica and Matilde Gritti, two relatives whose family background includes a tradition of natural‑remedy making in Portugal that dates back to the 1800s. After years of living abroad, the sisters settled between the Mediterranean coast and London, a geographic split that informs the brand’s dual identity. In interviews they describe the move as a chance to merge the warmth of southern Europe with the crisp, urban energy of the UK. The first public collection appeared in 2023, introducing Golden Star and Vanilla Crush, both positioned as bright, approachable scents. The following year, Gleam expanded its range with Silver Minerale and Iconic Gold, signaling a willingness to experiment with mineral‑inspired accords. By 2025 the house released a cluster of new fragrances—Gelatino, Camporella, Scottatura and Cocco Bello—demonstrating a rapid development pace uncommon for new independent houses. Throughout this period the founders have emphasized a hands‑on approach, personally overseeing scent development and packaging decisions. While the exact founding year is not disclosed in public records, the brand’s activity from 2023 onward suggests an establishment date in the early 2020s. Gleam’s growth has been documented in several niche‑fragrance blogs and video reviews, which note the founders’ commitment to a transparent, travel‑inspired narrative. The house remains privately held, with no public equity or corporate parent, allowing the Gritti sisters to retain creative control over each launch. Gleam’s creative vision centers on the idea of scent as a passport. The founders speak of designing perfumes for "globetrotting spirits" who seek a fragrance that feels both familiar and novel. This philosophy translates into a focus on bright, clean compositions that avoid heavy, oppressive notes. The brand values simplicity in formulation, preferring to highlight a single dominant accord while supporting it with subtle secondary layers. Sustainability appears in their statements about sourcing ingredients that are responsibly harvested, though detailed certifications are not publicly listed. Gleam also stresses a personal connection to each fragrance, encouraging wearers to associate a scent with a specific place or memory. The house’s language avoids grandiose claims, instead offering straightforward descriptions such as "classy, fresh and surprising". This modest tone reflects a belief that a perfume’s merit lies in its ability to integrate into daily life rather than dominate it. Community feedback, gathered through social platforms and independent reviewers, informs future releases, indicating an iterative, listener‑oriented development process.