Gagliardi, the distinguished menswear house owned by Bortex Fine Tailoring, recently announced the launch of Caelestis, its inaugural fragrance for men – a ‘heavenly’ 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 is desiged to encapsulate the ease and elegance of Mediterranean life.
Developed in collaboration with esteemed perfumer Marina Fabic, founder of The Perfume Studio at The Perfume Studio’s ateliers in Ta’Dbiegi Crafts Village on Gozo and at Villa Bologna in Attard, Caelestis opens with a vibrant burst of Sicilian lemon, bergamot, and bitter orange.
“This project has been a true meeting of minds,” says Marina. “We set out to craft something rooted in tradition but with a modern spirit—refined, fresh, and distinctive.”
Made entirely by hand using traditional artisanal methods, the fragrance captures the essence of Mediterranean sophistication: 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,” adds 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 produced 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,” adds Borg. “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 at www.bortex.com.mt
About Gagliardi
Founded in Malta, and proudly part of Bortex Fine Tailoring, Gagliardi blends generations of sartorial expertise with the relaxed sophistication of Mediterranean living. Renowned for its precision craftsmanship and modern classics, the brand creates garments – and now fragrances – for men who value authenticity, quality, and enduring style.
You can visit The Perfume Studios at Ta’ Dbieġi Craft Village on Gozo to discover their range of frangrances.
