The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Kastellorizo arrived in 2017 from Anatole Lebreton, the perfumer behind its aromatic, green-fruity character. The name points toward a Greek island, but the available record doesn't define a specific story behind it, so the composition speaks for itself: elemi, mastic, and artemisia at the top; fig and fig leaf in the heart; lavender and sandalwood underneath. That's a deliberate balance of brightness, greenery, and quiet wood, the kind of structure that can feel equally at ease on skin and in the air around you.
What makes the composition interesting is its clean architecture. Elemi brings a resinous brightness, while mastic adds a green, lightly aromatic edge. Artemisia introduces a bitter herbal snap. Fig and fig leaf keep the center fruity without making the whole composition feel dessert-like. Lavender and sandalwood ground it in a soft woody finish, giving the green fruit a calm landing place rather than letting it float away.
The evolution
The opening lands as a crisp aromatic signal: elemi, mastic, and artemisia make a bright, resinous, slightly bitter entrance. As the first hour settles, fig and fig leaf take over with a green-fruity character, more leafy than syrupy. The composition doesn't lose its edge; artemisia keeps a dry herbal thread running through the fruit. Later, lavender and sandalwood soften the profile without making it heavy. The resinous notes remain the lasting surprise, leaving a green, woody trace on skin that can remain close for 8-10 hours. By the end, the fig feels less like a snack and more like a polished accent.
Cultural impact
Kastellorizo sits within Maison de Parfum Berry's early collection of place-led fragrances, where names carry more weight than trend language. Its appeal is especially clear to wearers who enjoy fig presented with green, resinous edges rather than overt sweetness. The composition feels suited to considered everyday wear, especially for people who want something distinctive, aromatic, and a little literary without announcing itself from across the street.
The House
Maison de Parfum BerryMaison de Parfum Berry is a French fragrance house rooted in Normandy, co-founded by Cécile Vialla and Charles Berry. The house emerged in 2013 with its debut scent Eblouissants Reflets, establishing its presence in the artisan perfume landscape. By 2017, the brand had expanded into a full collection of eleven distinct fragrances, including Cathédrale, Mystique, Ambre 35, Coeur Noir, Violette Rebelle, Adouala, Enfance, Conquérante, Kastellorizo, and Portrait. The house draws creative inspiration from the cultural and sensory heritage of Normandy, translating regional traditions into olfactory narratives. Based in the Cosmetic Valley region, Maison de Parfum Berry operates within one of France's historic perfume manufacturing corridors.
The Creator
Anatole LebretonLebreton grounds his work in classical perfumery structures while remaining curious about where tradition can bend. He has cited the rose-patchouli accord as a reference point he returns to, but twists classical materials with modern additions.
