Gagliardi Unveils Caelestis: A Heavenly Fragrance That Captures The Soul Of The Mediterranean
Gagliardi, the distinguished menswear house owned by Bortex Fine Tailoring, proudly announces the launch of Caelestis, its inaugural fragrance for men. A scent that distils sun, sea and heritage into a sophisticated sensory experience.
Taking its name from the Latin word for heavenly, Caelestis is a fragrant tribute to the elemental beauty of Malta: the scent of citrus groves warmed by the sun, the freshness of sea air, the texture of ancient stone. Created for the modern gentleman, it encapsulates the ease and elegance of Mediterranean life.
A Scent Etched in Sun, Sea and Stone
Crafted in collaboration with esteemed perfumer Marina Fabic, Caelestis opens with a vibrant burst of Sicilian lemon, bergamot and bitter orange. At its heart lie aromatic Mediterranean herbs – rosemary and clary sage – mingled with a sea breeze accord. The base is warm and grounding, with cedarwood, golden amber and soft musk leaving a lasting, sophisticated trail.
“We envisioned that singular moment at golden hour – standing on a cliff above the sea, with salt in the air, citrus on the wind and the warmth of sun-baked stone beneath your feet,” explains Fabic. “Caelestis is that moment, bottled.”
A Masterpiece in Presentation
The 100ml glass flacon is elegantly fluted, inspired by the architectural motifs of Malta’s historic palaces. But it is the box that tells the deeper story: adorned with artwork inspired by an original 1885 oil painting by Girolamo Gianni, the packaging pays homage to a panoramic view of the Grand Harbour in Valletta. This masterpiece – rendered in rich detail by the Italian painter known for chronicling 19th-century Malta – imbues Caelestis with a sense of place, memory and cultural gravitas.
“We chose Gianni’s painting not just for its beauty, but because it captures the spirit of a Malta that is both timeless and evolving – just like our brand,” says Peter Borg, CEO at Bortex.
A Cinematic Tribute to the Mediterranean
To celebrate the launch, the brand went for a short cinematic film that brings Caelestis to life. Shot aboard a classic sailing yacht off Malta’s southern coast, the film captures the essence of maritime freedom, natural light and effortless elegance. The production’s lens adds a mythical quality to the Mediterranean landscape—mirroring the luminous, otherworldly feel of the fragrance.
A Natural Evolution in the Gagliardi Story
For Gagliardi, Caelestis is more than a fragrance – it is an expansion of the brand’s sensory universe. Known for blending craftsmanship, history and elegance, the house now introduces scent as a new form of self-expression.
“We have always told stories through tailoring,” says Peter Borg, CEO. “Now, with Caelestis, we tell a story through scent – an invitation to carry a piece of Malta’s light, strength and beauty with you, wherever you go.”
Caelestis is available at select Bortex Shops and online on their website.