Santa Maria Novella
Brand Campaign
DP: Marcello Merletto
A dream collaboration with one of the world’s oldest and most iconic perfume houses. Having admired Santa Maria Novella since childhood, this project holds a deeply personal meaning for me. It’s a brand that has always represented a rare blend of tradition, history, and timeless elegance — qualities that have shaped and inspired my creative journey from the very beginning. Being able to capture its rich heritage, artisanal craftsmanship, and enduring beauty through this campaign was not only an incredible honor but also a project I’ll always hold close.
I had the privilege of shooting both the campaign and the accompanying film, creating a 360° visual story that weaves together photography, video, and atmosphere. The inspiration was born during my first visit to the brand’s historic store in Florence, where a 200-year-old clock, still tuned daily by an expert watchmaker, caught my eye. That quiet, powerful detail sparked the concept behind “The Essence of Time” — a campaign celebrating the artistry, legacy, and quiet poetry of time itself.
The Photoshoot
This photoshoot for Santa Maria Novella was captured in Florence, weaving through some of the city's most timeless and beautiful locations. We highlighted several iconic fragrances from the Santa Maria Novella collection, creating a visual story that feels fresh, organic, and deeply connected to nature. Natural elements, soft textures, and the serene beauty of a lush Florentine garden set the tone for the campaign, celebrating the brand’s heritage and artisanal spirit in a way that feels both modern and timeless.



One of the most incredible locations set for this shoot is a beautiful garden perched high on a hill, overlooking the city of Florence. Surrounded by trees, wild herbs, and soft afternoon light, it offered the perfect backdrop for capturing the natural, timeless essence of the fragrances. The view stretched across terracotta rooftops and historic landmarks, adding a sense of quiet magic to the images and grounding the shoot in the heart of Tuscany.


We then moved to the historic Santa Maria Novella store in the center of Florence — an iconic space steeped in centuries of history. The store itself feels like a living museum, filled with exquisite paintings, antique tapestries, and intricate arazzi that tell the story of the brand’s rich heritage. Shooting in such an extraordinary setting added depth and character to the images, capturing the timeless beauty and artisanal legacy that define Santa Maria Novella.




Another iconic location we photographed was Ponte Vecchio, one of Florence’s most famous landmarks. The bridge’s historic arches, shimmering reflections on the river, and timeless charm provided a beautiful contrast to the modern elegance of the fragrances. It was the perfect place to capture the spirit of the city — where history, beauty, and tradition seamlessly meet.


We ended the shoot at sunset, with a breathtaking view over the city as the sky turned soft shades of gold and rose. The fading light cast a warm glow over Florence’s rooftops and historic landmarks, creating the perfect, serene finale to a day spent capturing the essence of Santa Maria Novella. It was a moment that felt both timeless and unforgettable — a quiet celebration of beauty, heritage, and place.
