Virginia Di Somma is one of the foundation stallholders in the Oval room at the southern end of the market, where a wellness hub is starting to be established – check out this new area.
What is it that you are offering at the market? The Olfactory has a small collection of organic parfums and recently introduced face and body products. Everything is made in small batches by hand, from 100% natural ingredients.
What makes your perfumes different?
Perfumes are absorbed into skin, so it is vital to source ingredients that heal and support the body as you wear them.
Natural ingredients are far more complex and interesting than synthetics that are typically used in mass-produced fragrances. We don’t use any synthetics whatsoever because we understand how toxic they can be to both the body and our environment.
I hear that you trained in Italy with a master perfumer?
Yes – I was privileged to learn basic blending techniques as well as how to make a tincture. We use an ambergris tincture in all perfumes.
I learned under the tutelage of esteemed natural perfumer Dominique Dubrana. He hadn’t taught for six years and only agreed to create
a course after I told him my story. He told me that he would advertise a course and, if others enrolled, he would run it. Three days later he emailed to tell me the course was booked out and I was on my way.
What was it about your story that tugged his heartstrings?
I grew up in Christchurch and, apart from travelling, I’d spent a good part of my life there. I had a thriving fashion business, a home, family and life-long friendships. Life was good... until the earthquake struck in February 2011. My life was literally turned upside down. My sister and I took our then 92-year-old mother to Auckland where my brother opened his home for us to live in for a year, so we could sort out insurance and EQC claims and work out what to do with our lives.
How did you decide to become a natural perfumer?
My son made a casual comment one day, “I wonder if there is a demand for bespoke perfumes?” It really struck a chord because the focus of my fashion business had been personal styling and I really enjoy the one on one engagement with clients. My personal drive to use natural products set me off on a quest that lead me to Italy.
Your mother was Italian?
Yes, her parents came to New Zealand in 1916. My grandmother was only 17-years-old and had a scholarship to attend the Milano Operatic School, but my then 35-year-old grandfather had already decided they were moving to New Zealand to create new opportunities and make a better life for their family.
Is that who your signature parfum is named after?
No – unfortunately, my grandmother returned to Italy before I was born. I composed Nonni to celebrate my own mother’s 100th birthday, which we celebrated last June. It’s a classically feminine, timeless and romantic parfum, made from pure, natural ingredients, but designed and inspired by two perfumes she wore while I was growing up – Nina Ricci’s L’air du Temps and Madame Rochas, Femme.
What about the bespoke idea that your son suggested?
A bespoke composition is a deeply engaging, pampering experience for the client and something I feel privileged to facilitate. Clients come into the studio and answer 10 insightful questions. From their answers, I draw oils from more than 250 ingredients in the perfumer’s organ. The notes they choose, are then blended into a unique formula that then becomes their own specifically tailored scent. Customers seem to love the sensual experience almost as much as I do!
And not just for individuals, I hear?
Indeed. Some corporates understand that their brand can be expressed in multi-sensory ways, so I also design specialist brand scents known as olfactory logos. Scent is a powerful tool in telling a story, particularly when organic ingredients are used. The wellbeing value adds to the experience which is something synthetic ingredients can never compete with.