Sofia Bardelli
An In Astra co-founder translating stars, nature and contrasting materials into fragrance.
About Sofia Bardelli
Sofia Bardelli is a perfumer working in Italy and a co-founder of In Astra, a fragrance house inspired by the stars. Nature, travel and people's stories inform her work, while fragrance offers her a way to communicate emotions and memories through scent.
Career
After studying pharmacy at the University of Pavia, Bardelli moved to Grasse to train at the Grasse Institute of Perfumery. She subsequently worked as an analytical perfumer for a French fragrance company, developing her knowledge of natural and synthetic materials, before returning to Italy as a creative perfumer in 2019. In 2020 she established In Astra with her sister Fabiola, who directs the brand's artistic vision while Sofia creates its fragrances.
Creative Style & Philosophy
For In Astra, Bardelli begins by researching the characteristics of a star, then translates the idea into accords that bring contrasting materials together. Pink pepper essential oil is a particular favourite: she values its metallic spice alongside its citrus and fruity facets, and uses it in Antares. Mismar, her first composition for the house, took repeated revisions before its balance expressed her vision of the North Star.
Signature Works
- *Mismar — In Astra* — Juniper and ginger meet woody cypress and resinous incense in a composition inspired by the North Star.
- *Antares — In Astra* — Sparkling pink pepper leads into tuberose and frangipani, supported by a warm accord of amber and sandalwood.
