Set sail for a soul-infusing blend of scent and innovation, with a British house infusing their own, unique ingredients within a signature base of Holy Grass…
In the ever-evolving world of luxury fragrance, Vallense emerges as a breath of fresh air, an exquisite blend of artistry and science that promises to redefine our olfactory experiences. At the heart and helm of this innovative fragrance house is William Borrell, a seasoned entrepreneur whose journey from the world of spirits to perfumery is as captivating as the scents he creates.
William Borrell’s story is one of passion and transformation. With over a decade spent in the distillation industry, he founded Vestal, a craft spirit brand that quickly garnered international acclaim. Known for its meticulous attention to detail and quality, Vestal became one of the most awarded brands in its category. After successfully selling Vestal in 2020, William sought a new challenge—one that would allow him to explore his innate curiosity and creativity in a different realm.
Tired of the constraints of the spirits industry, William turned his focus to fragrance. He began collecting unique ingredients from his travels around the world, purchasing distillation equipment to experiment with these treasures. This led to the establishment of Vallense, where his expertise in sourcing and processing raw materials would shine anew.
But Vallense is not just a one-man show; it is a collaborative effort among three visionary founders, and one extraordinary perfumer.
Andrea Thompson, Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire since 2019, brings her wealth of experience in journalism and public speaking to Vallense. Known for her innovative approach to societal issues such as sustainability and diversity, Andrea’s insights into global fashion and beauty trends enrich the brand’s narrative.
Clorinda Di Tommaso, CEO and founder of CDT Angels Srl, adds her extensive background in luxury brand management to the mix. With 25 years of experience building iconic beauty brands across EMEA, UK, and USA, Clorinda’s strategic vision ensures that Vallense not only captures attention but also retains its place as a leader in the fragrance industry.
At Vallense, fragrance creation transcends mere scent; it becomes an exploration of sensory transformation. The brand employs unique production techniques that blend art and science, resulting in captivating scent stories that resonate deeply with our energy fields. Each fragrance is crafted with precision and care, using ingredients sourced from around the globe—each one telling its own story.
The debut collection features three symphonies of scents, each anchored by Holy Grass—a sweet, earthy note that embodies freedom and imagination. We were lucky enough to smell this ingredient on William’s boat – the very place he distils these unique ingredients – and it was comforting, grassy, hay-like (in the perfumery world we’d class this as a ‘coumarin’ type note). This signature base note serves as a grounding foundation for all the fragrances, and brings harmony to the collection, despite their differences of character.
William Borrell describes Vallense’s fragrances as “modern alchemy,” emphasising their powerful yet invisible nature. Having seen his ‘floating laboratory’ on board his boat moored near Kings Cross, we totally agree! Stepping aboard is like entering the workshop of a contemporary wizard. You see, William does more than tinker with techniques: he believes that scent is not just something we smell; it is energy — a form of vibration that interacts with our senses. This philosophy underpins every creation at Vallense, where fragrances are designed to be transformative experiences rather than mere pleasant aromas.
William explains that ‘Energy describes the ability of a system to cause change,’ and this principle is woven into the very fabric of Vallense’s creations. Each scent is crafted to evoke emotions and memories, allowing wearers to connect with their inner selves through olfactory exploration.
Vallense takes pride in its artisanal approach to fragrance creation. Every bottle is a testament to craftsmanship; in fact, the initial batch was hand-painted by William himself—a labour of love he shared live on Instagram. Thousands tuned in to watch him meticulously finish each bottle, showcasing the slow-perfumery artistry that defines Vallense. This intimate connection with their audience fosters a sense of community around the brand.
As Vallense continues to grow, its commitment to quality and innovation remains unwavering. The founders envision expanding their collection while staying true to their core values: sustainability, artistry, and transformation. Each new fragrance will continue to embody these principles, inviting wearers on a journey through their senses.
Vallense invites you to explore the valley of the senses—a realm where nature’s vibrations come alive through scent. With its dedication to quality craftsmanship and innovative techniques, Vallense stands poised to make an indelible mark on the world of luxury fragrance.
As you embark on this sensory journey, you’ll discover that each fragrance is not merely an accessory but an integral part of your energy field—powerful, transformative, and utterly unforgettable. So, welcome to Vallense: where scent becomes an art form, and every bottle tells a story waiting to be experienced. At the Perfume Society, we think you will fall in love with how soothing yet simultaneously uplifting each of the Vallense fragrances can be. No matter if you choose Spirit, with its captivating blend of freshness and warmth; the radiant floral, fruity serenity of Sun; or the opulent alchemy of Source: each Vallense fragrance is a sensorial journey you’ll never forget.
Now, where to begin? Simply click each fragrance bottle image, below, and set your imaginations free to sail…
