Maison Mona di Orio

The concept behind the perfume brand originates from the idea of mastery, where a young, talented individual serves as an apprentice to a master. Throughout years of apprenticeship, the apprentice learns the tricks and art of the trade, adopting the personal style of the master while gradually adding their own touch. After gaining enough experience, the apprentice becomes a journeyman, embarking on a journey to meet other masters and expand their skills. Eventually, they produce their own masterpieces, becoming masters themselves. In this particular case, the master was Edmond Roudnitska, and the apprentice was the gifted French woman, Mona di Orio, who displayed exceptional olfactory talent from a young age. Under Roudnitska's guidance and through encounters with other influential figures like Serge Lutens, Mona delved into various artistic realms, ultimately founding her own perfume house in collaboration with Dutch designer and style consultant Jeroen Oude Sogtoen in 2004. Mona believed that a beautiful perfume should captivate and gradually reveal its soul, touching the heart over time. Her fragrances, painstakingly crafted with meticulous attention to detail and an artistic approach, unfold slowly compared to mass-produced scents, blending elements delicately to create a truly unique olfactory experience. Each of her perfumes is a creation of perfection, designed to deeply resonate with the wearer. To signify her connection to excellence and celebration, Mona chose modified champagne corks from the prestigious Jaquesson champagne house as closures for her perfumes. This choice symbolizes her belief that opening a bottle is a momentous occasion worthy of reverence. Tragically, Mona di Orio passed away unexpectedly in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional perfumes. Her friend and business partner, Jeroen Oude Sogtoen, continues the brand, honoring Mona's vision and commitment to creating fragrances that are true works of art.