Heritage
A house, in its own words
Rosendo Mateu was born in Barcelona in 1945 and entered the fragrance industry at an early age, joining the Puig house where he spent more than 50 years. During his tenure, he authored more than 80 fragrances for prestigious houses, often working behind the scenes with what observers describe as extreme precision. In 2010, he received the title of Master Perfumer after four decades dedicated to the craft. He retired from Puig in 2017 and launched his own house, Olfactive Expressions, allowing him to pursue his vision without restriction. His son Joan Mateu, who had worked alongside him as a perfume developer, took over the business following the founder's death in 2021. The house has since continued releasing new compositions, with at least one edition anticipated through 2026.
Mateu approached perfumery like a craftsman working with light, as one profile described it, employing sobriety, patience, and intuition rather than formulaic technique. He believed in fragrances that communicate emotion without being loud or ostentatious. His preferred materials were noble and familiar, centered on musk, sandalwood, amber, and neroli, built into accords that feel warm and intimate. He described his own collection as personal and free-spirited, a direct contrast to his decades creating for other houses. Each numbered fragrance in the main collection spotlights three primary ingredients that anchor its character. His son has maintained this directional approach since taking the helm.