Article: Interview with Alberto Morillas: Seville scented tower
Question : You were born in Seville in the 1950s. Does the city smell the same today as it did back then?
AM Seville has evolved over time. In the 1950s, the city's scent, marked by orange blossoms, markets, and spices, was more raw and authentic, steeped in Andalusian traditions. Today, despite the persistence of certain smells like horse dung from carriages, modernity has added additional layers: cars, cafes, and new urban spaces. Seville retains the soul of its past while enriching itself with the nuances of the present, forming a complex olfactory mosaic that reflects its evolution.
Question : What is your most precious olfactory memory linked to this city?
AM : My most precious olfactory memory of Seville is undoubtedly the scent of orange trees in bloom. This sweet and intoxicating, slightly bitter scent filled the alleyways in spring. But what touches me most is the memory of the patio of the family home. This patio was the heart of our home, a living space where light and the scent of climbing jasmine mingled. For me, this scent is inseparable from the freshness of Andalusian evenings, the sound of water in the fountain, and the conviviality of moments shared with family.
Question : One of the city's iconic landmarks is the Alcázar Palace, with its garden. What scent does it evoke in you?
AM : The Alcazar Palace evokes for me an olfactory symphony where the freshness of citrus fruits – orange and lemon trees – blends with the sensuality of jasmine and rose, enriched by the herbaceous notes of myrtle and the depth of cypress trees. The aquatic touch of the fountains brings a soothing and refreshing dimension to the whole. It is this atmosphere that I wanted to capture in Solar Blossom. The creation perfectly translates the essence of this garden, with the orange blossom, neroli, jasmine, and all the light that bathes it.
Question : Which park do you recommend a walk in and what scent do you associate with it?
AM I recommend a stroll through Maria Luisa Park, a true haven of peace in the heart of Seville. It's a place where nature unfolds in all its richness. Shaded walks beneath giant magnolias, palm trees, and orange trees, combined with the gentle flow of fountains and small ponds, create a serene and romantic atmosphere.
The Alma de Rosario fragrance perfectly matches this atmosphere with its notes of orange blossom, jasmine, and, above all, its aquatic touch reminiscent of the freshness of fountains. It captures the luminous and floral essence of this enchanting place.
Question The Giralda Tower is a minaret that became the cathedral's bell tower, now surrounded by orange trees. What candle does it remind you of?
AM The Giralda Tower is an iconic symbol of Seville, where history and nature meet. Today, surrounded by orange trees, it might remind me of the sweetness of orange blossom. Yet, paradoxically, this place reminds me more of the powerful and mystical scent of incense. It's a memory of the censers swung during the ferias, imbued with spirituality and tradition.For this, I immediately think of the Tuscan Cypress candle, which wonderfully captures the magic of white incense, both profoundly sacred and symbolic.
Question : Which place in the city has the most surprising smell?
AM One of the most surprising places in Seville in terms of smells is the Triana Market. Here, aromas intermingle in unexpected ways: the scent of spices, the salt of fresh fish, the sweetness of ripe fruit, and the liveliness of aromatic herbs blend with the unmistakable smell of fried food and tapas sizzling on hot griddles. It's a place where every step reveals a new scent.
Question : If the city had to be described in a single note, what would it be?
AM : If I had to describe Seville with a single note, it would be that of the Guadalquivir River, with its iconic fresh water. This river has always been the beating heart of the city, bringing both life and movement. Its fresh and invigorating aquatic note captures the essence of Seville: a city where water soothes the heat and the breeze on the banks offers respite. This freshness recalls walks along the quays, the shimmering reflections under the Andalusian sun, and the city's history, marked by its inseparable connection with the river. It is a subtle but essential note.
Question : How did you manage to bring a part of Seville with you to Switzerland, your current place of residence?
AM : I took a part of Seville with me by recreating fragments of this atmosphere that is so dear to me. In my garden in Switzerland, I planted orange trees and jasmine to rediscover these typical scents of Andalusia. But above all, Seville lives constantly within me: through my roots, my imagination, and in all my creations. It is an indelible presence that manifests itself in each perfume I compose, where we find the warmth of orange blossom, vibrant spices, or the aquatic freshness of the Guadalquivir. These elements allow me to keep this deep connection with my hometown alive, wherever I am.
The Mizensir perfume buying guide | By Rose Juice
JOSEPHINE Originally from Switzerland, she spent much of her childhood in tropical Singapore only to find herself studying biology in snowy Canada. She decided to pursue her passion for perfumes in...
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