Naples by Gallivant Review (Luca Maffei) 2021 + Salt and Gold Draw

 

Naples By Gallivant review

Naples by Gallivant collage by Michelyn

 

Naples is the latest destination for Nick Steward’s award-winning Gallivant line of wanderlust city-inspired perfumes. It is also his first visit to Italy, and he has chosen one of the country’s most rambunctious and electrifying cities. Naples is a city lit by God’s luminescence; its sins washed clean by the sea. A vital working port, the city is watched over by Vesuvius, the slumbering volcano that destroyed nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum. The last major eruption was in 1944 but active volcanoes only sleep; all those that live near them are aware of their dormant power.

 

Nick Steward - GALLIVANT founder & creator

Nick Steward  of Gallivant

Naples is Nick’s first post-covid perfume. Perfumery, like everything else was seriously dented by the pandemic, one of the main symptoms of the coronavirus was the loss of taste and smell. Even in recovery some people have struggled to recover their senses, questioning whether what they are smelling is reality or in fact their inbuilt memory of reality. Is this genuinely tuberose I am inhaling or am I just imposing my memories of it to fill in any olfactory gaps? Mask wearing has also affected us; we have all become acutely more aware of our exhalations and the very act of breathing itself. How many of find ecstasy in the peeling and tearing off masks when we are no longer around others or don’t need to wear them?

Alley in Naples

Perfumery is back cautiously; people will always want to smell good. Post covid retail is undeniably different and navigation for consumers and brands alike seems tinged with delicacy and difficulty. But real stories and concise elegant perfumery welcoming customers with precision materials, these things win out. Nick and his beautiful Gallivant line have done this from the start. His years of experience in the business, most notably at L’Artisan Parfumeur have created in him an innate understanding not only of beautiful scent storytelling, but also of niche reach, knowing how to make a perfume, a bottle, a concept that will simply click with us. He has always been a jet setter in his own fabulous way, one of those people who genuinely adore travel. He has been all over the globe and this is exquisitely reflected in the Gallivant collection. So far, we have visited Amsterdam, Tokyo, Brooklyn, Bukhara, London, Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Berlin and Los Angeles.  

Luca Maffei - perfumer in his lab Italy, Naples by GALLIVANT

Luca Maffei – perfumer in his lab, Italy

Now we go to Naples. After the spectacular iris work by Ralf Schweiger on Bukhara, Nick has turned to Italian perfume superstar Luca Maffei to create Naples. It seems I have been writing on Luca’s work for years. He is quite simply a phenomenon. I knew it when I wrote about the extraordinary Ragù he made for Gabriella Chieffo, a savoury musing on lazy family Mediterranean Sundays, slow cooking tomatoes with anisic herbs in whitewashed kitchens. Then Architepo for Mendittoroso, his gorgeous work for Jul et Mad, my beloved L’Attesa by Masque Milano and MyLo for Laboratorio Olfattivo. Luca’s work at its best is bright, sophisticated and brimming with vitality, encapsulating the uniquely Italian sprezzatura take on life. Sprezzatura is one of those words that other languages have that are tricky to fully translate as they are about mood and a certain attitude to life. I guess it’s about nonchalance, a feigned insouciance whilst really being aware of one’s presence and effect.

Naples by Gallivant

New flacon

Nick Steward is a stylish man, always impeccably turned out in a very understated way. He has transferred this neatness and pared down style to Gallivant. Every detail of the line is immaculate, from the matchbook style samples, monogrammed tissued paper, embossed cards to the beautifully updated packaging with copper printed sleeves and sexy new bottle caps that suggest marble and polished stone. In a scented world of shouting bravado, sometimes it helps to be the restrained graceful one. Naples is a sublime love letter to a magical city. The historic centre of Naples has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, such is its cultural importance, but Naples is a working-class city, its history tied to its port and the multifarious, multicultural threads of life that ports weave through cities. Religion and the many Neapolitan churches have played a huge part in the evolution of the city. In September there is the extraordinary spectacle of the St Januarius ceremony where relics of the saint are bought together, including a vial of his solidified blood. If it liquifies during the fervid rites, all will be well. If not. Well, who knows?

Naples by Gallivant

God and the sea, salt and smoke. These things mingle in Naples by Gallivant, Luca’s beautiful composition with swirling dolce vita, sensual cool shadows and irresistible charm. The collision of salted air laced with algae-stained stone with the woosh of church doors opening on interiors woody with shimmering light and snuffed out candles makes Naples quite the experience. It settles into something insistently bright and flirtatious and by that I mean a perfume that woos the senses, paying scented compliments in this case a delightful mix of juicy ginger, pink pepper and ozonic notes. Generic on paper perhaps, but in Luca’s experienced hands and wrapped in sea salt and a dynamic piquant bridge of (appropriately enough) Calabrian bergamot these notes smell surprisingly textured and big. The bergamot connects the sea-washed opening to the more studied and elusive fumy interior of Naples. The effusive oceanics don’t exactly vanish, but they are absorbed into the smoky heart of Naples and with touches of cardamom, nutmeg and the resinous echo of labdanum the salted air and scent of harbour becomes a strange briny prayer, rising gently up in cool empty rooms. The ending of Naples by Gallivant is one of calm. Luca has used Clearwood, increasingly used by perfumers to infuse a glassy green patchouli note to compositions. I always think it smells wet, not damp but glittering, clean wet.  It is patchouli without the mulch and dank. Some birch, vetiver and amber all add a delicate woodsy verdancy to the base after the amazing sea top notes and the burnt incense of the central section.

Naples by GALLIVANT by Luca Maffei

Working with these themes and materials and creating something so elegant and wearable, mixing mainstream accessible beauty with niche storytelling eccentricity is something both Nick and Luca are familiar with and do so well. It is a testament to Nick that each of his olfactory destinations has been beautifully captured in subtle polaroid ways, as opposed to overt obvious influencer ways. We all visit cities and leave with different impressions. Naples by Gallivant perfume will be the same. Sea, God, salt, citrus, noise, contemplation, shadow, light and life. Such a beautiful scent. Ben fatto ragazzi.

The Silver Fox, Guest Contributor and Fragrance Foundation Awardee

Disclosure The Silver Fox received a sample for this review and his opinions are his won

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebon @everdandysilverfox @gallivantstories

All photos from Nick unless otherwise specified

Thanks to the generosity of Gallivant Perfumes we have a sample draw for one registered reader in the U.S. or UK & EU only. You must be registered or your comment will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment on The Silver Fox’s Review and where you live. Do you have a favorite Gallivant perfume? Draw closes October 20, 2021

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44 comments

  • It’s an amazing review with lots of interesting information. I live in Poland, EU. My favorite Gallivant perfume is Brooklyn.

  • Brad Woolslayer says:

    It’s always interesting to hear how a city inspires a perfumer to create a new fragrance, and Naples is no exception. Salted air, church doors, and algae covered stone seem like the makings of an interesting fragrance. I’d love to experience this one for myself. I live in Maryland USA.

  • This summarizing line by The Silver Fox captured the essence of Naples by Gallivant for me – “Sea, God, salt, citrus, noise, contemplation, shadow, light and life.” The idea of capturing the flavor of a city in a perfume is very interesting indeed. One can visit olfactorilly different cities, and rediscover them in an aromatherapeutic sort of way. I haven’t tried anything by Gallivant, yet, but would love to, the entire line. Thanks for the review and draw. I am from USA.

  • I love Gallivant’s concept of exploring the “less traveled” parts of a city. Of the ones I’ve smelled, London is my favorite so far. Naples is on my list of places to visit. Hello from northeastern USA!

  • Francesca Brice says:

    Sadly I don’t qualify for a shot at winning here but I was suitably wooed by this wonderful account for all things touched by Nick and Luca and by the sound of it, a partnership that will take us mere mortals to a discovery of elements that touch our hearts, minds and cerebral territories. Silver Fox, thank you for the sunshine of Naples that spread through me whilst reading your review and I hope one day to encounter what appears an extraordinary creation.

  • The Silver Fox! ❤️❤️❤️ Huge fan of your writing! Thank you for a wonderful review! The scents of sea, salt & stone alone are enough to draw me to this fragrance, but the additional notes also sound fascinating & lovely. While I do not have a favorite Gallivant perfume yet, I definitely want to experience this house and so I’m sure I will in the future! Thank you for this wonderful opportunity! ❤️ USA

  • Of course Luca in the articles title caught my attention immediately. I hadn’t heard of the note Clearwood before, I do like patchouli. Now I want to go to Naples. As a perfume lover I was fortunate that I only lost my sense of smell for a few days when I had Covid. I cannot imagine that sense staying gone for a long time. My favorite from the line is London. USA. Thanks for the chance to smell this.

  • Istanbul is a current favorite of mine, but I love the idea of this salt, smoke and gold fragrance reflecting the excitement of Naples – would love to try it!
    Boston area

  • I certainly have heard of this fragrance house, but I’ve never tried any of their releases. I’m very interested in trying their releases, especially because I’ve heard a lot of good things about their releases. I’m interested to see if this fragrance could cause me to think of Naples, Italy. The ingredients in this sound good to me, and this fragrance might cause me to have a better understanding of the ingredient Clearwood. I live in MD., U.S.A.

  • “God and the sea, salt and smoke” – wow.. sounds amazing. Love reading interesting, knowledgeable reviews as this, thank you The Silver Fox. Always nice to know where the inspiration for perfume came from, for me – it always gives more depth to the scent, I tend to appreciate the creation a bit more. Unfortunately I don’t own any Gallivant Perfumes but would love to try it.
    UK

  • Working with these themes and materials and creating something so elegant and wearable, mixing mainstream accessible beauty with niche storytelling eccentricity is something both Nick and Luca are familiar with and do so well. It is a testament to Nick that each of his olfactory destinations has been beautifully captured in subtle polaroid ways, as opposed to overt obvious influencer ways. We all visit cities and leave with different impressions. Naples by Gallivant perfume will be the same. Sea, God, salt, citrus, noise, contemplation, shadow, light and life. Such a beautiful scent. Ben fatto ragazz I am really excited by this new release I love Luca maffei and his perfumes. A house that I have got experience no experience with. Thanks a million from the United Kingdom

  • Naples and with touches of cardamom, nutmeg and the resinous echo of labdanum the salted air and scent of harbour becomes a strange briny prayer, rising gently up in cool empty rooms. The ending of Naples by Gallivant is one of calm. Luca has used Clearwood, increasingly used by perfumers to infuse a glassy green patchouli note to compositions. I always think it smells wet, not damp but glittering, clean wet. It is patchouli without the mulch and dank. Some birch, vetiver and amber all add a delicate woodsy verdancy to the base after the amazing sea top notes and the burnt incense of the central section. A beautiful piece I am intrigued by the notes especially Patchouli and Incense mostly. A house that I have not tried anything by thus far. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • I never tested any Gallivant perfume but i am curious about this olfactory destinations and the storytelling essence of those pelegrinations, thanks for the opportunity, from Romania with love!

  • I have loved all of Gallivant’s other perfumes so I’m so excited that they are coming out with this one about beautiful Naples. I love a ginger note and the combining of bergamot with the spices and that clear wet patchouli sounds gorgeous! I live in the US.

  • I found the last couple paragraphs of the review quite informative in how it describes the way that the Naples comes across to The Silver Fox. The breakdown was written in such a way that is very relatable for even average joes such as myself.

    As for the fragrance itself…a fresh, yet spicy, opening with incense and woods in the base all made with quality ingredients sounds great.
    I’m in the USA.

  • I have no tried any gallivant yet but reading the Silver Fox’s review I really want to try Naples. Reading the comments I can almost Breathe the Naples ambiente…The sea, the spices… Art, culture, cítrics, mediterranean Soul… I really would like to smell like this!!
    My name is Edgar and I am writing from Tenerife, Spain (EU).

  • wandering_nose says:

    This spiritual review from the Silver Fox has brought about a less known aspect of Naples, the church and spicy incense one. I like his admiration for Nick Steward’s attention to detail and ultra professional approach to perfume making. I am not familiar with Gallivant fragrances as of yet. Based in the Republic of Ireland, EU

  • Naples, fine Aglianico , Casavecchia , Piedirosso, Pallagrello Nero grapes and lovely wine from the region , rich culture, heritage, beautiful area, coffee,I love it.
    Patchouli, sea , woods , salt, ginger and juicy Calabrian bergamot , vacation in Naples came to mind
    Gallivant fragrances I know , Brooklyn I share with my husband, he also has Tokyo , I much prefer to smell on him .
    For the third time today cheers with Feudi di San Gregorio Taurasi , wine from the Naples region
    Back and forth between USA and Scotland , two weeks in US -> two weeks in Scotland, and so on. Basically both USA and UK at the same time

  • Dear me, that bottle is gorgeous. The notes in Naples sound equally beautiful. Thank you for mentioning Covid in this review. When I caught the illness I lost my taste and smell. Eating became a chore and I could not enjoy the simple fragrances I previously took for granted: baked goods, the smell of dinner on the stove, soap, shampoo, etc. That was last November. Thank goodness my taste and smell returned. It was after that event that I started to develop a love of perfume and eventually gravitated to niche perfumery. Thank you to houses like Gallivant who use scent to tell stories about far away cities. I plan on getting the discovery set shortly to form a well rounded opinion of their offerings. I am in Indiana, USA.

  • It sounds as if the ingredients chosen really capture what it feels like to be in Naples. I also like the description of it as there but in an understated way- sounds like something you could wear daily. I would love to try and haven’t tried any Gallivant perfumes but love the concept of scent and place. In Texas.

  • I was sold when I read that its by Maffei which made Ragu – a scent i dearly love (at the right time and circumstances). And patchouli thats not out of a cellar is always something I am looking for.

    Favorite Gallivant so far: London

    Living in Germany, EU

  • This perfume sounds very nice. I currently stay in Italy for a couple months, and I feel that this perfume is about Italy. Usually, Italy themed perfumes are very light, fresh and all about citruses. But this country is so much more than that! And it seems that Naples tells more of a story of how this country actually smells. So I am very curious to try this creation.
    I never tried anything from Gallivant, but would honestly love to.
    I live in the EU.

  • I love Naples, was there several times and always have good time! Great conclusion from Silver Fox’s review:”Sea, God, salt, citrus, noise, contemplation, shadow, light and life. Such a beautiful scent. Ben fatto ragazzi.” I enjoy my “Bukhara” from Gallivant perfume. I’m in Florida USA

  • patrick_348 says:

    I have been reading Luca Maffei’s name for years, but this review is the first time I’ve seen directly articulated why he is so important, so The Silver Fox has my thanks for informing me in this way. I found super-engaging the author’s take on how the fragrance embodies aspects of the city, and he bumped Naples up on my places-I-want-to-travel-to list. And how can I not love a review that teaches me the word “sprezzatura”? I really want to smell Gallivant’s Naples, if only to experience how these varied notes unfold. I have tried no Gallivant scents but have put experiencing them on my bucket list. I live in the US, in North Carolina.

  • Such a beautiful description: “God and the sea, salt and smoke. (..) The collision of salted air laced with algae-stained stone with the woosh of church doors opening on interiors woody with shimmering light and snuffed out candles makes Naples quite the experience.”
    Of course, I am attracted by name of Luca Maffei, I am a big fan of his gourmand compositions: Terra Mia Carthusia and Nea Jul et Mad, but recently I falled in love also with his salty mineral A’mmare Carthusia and Daymon Mendittorosa. I hope Naples by Gallivant is as beautiful as other Luca’s creations.
    Haven’t tryed any of the gallivant fragrances yet.
    I live in Latvia, EU, thank you for the draw.

  • Reading this description, my mind drifted to another Italian (though mainstream) staple, which is Aqva Divina by Bvlgari. There is something about sea and salt, ginger and citrus which triggers my senses instantly, making me dream of summer, sun and just sweet dolce far niente.
    This perfume sounds like it does Napoli justice: a city full of life, love and passion, with hardworking and often misunderstood people, a universe of its own.
    I have unfortunately never tried Gallivant perfume.
    I am in the EU.

  • Well, I smelled Istanbul from this house, and it smelled incredible! This interests me very much, since I love Naples and Italy altogether, and Silver Fox made this connection very clearly and artistically in his review. Great review, btw! I live in Croatia, EU.

  • “Sea, God, salt, citrus” WOW! I love this description. Though I’ve never been to Naples, I understand what it means. I’d love to try this. I am in the US.

  • I really like how this review tied the fragrance with the landscape of Naples. I have never been, but I would love to go some day. Even though things are opening up, it is not the easiest to travel abroad, so I really like how this fragrance can be a temporary alternative to some of the smells of Naples. Kind regards from IN, USA.

  • Claumarchini says:

    Thank you very much for this review, I am soooooo excited since I have seen on Nick’s IG stories that Naples had been released! I had been waiting for the next city for quite some time and I really didn’t think it would be Naples (or an Italian city but the way), so I am even more pleased! Being Italian, I am very happy about this choice, and I understand why Nick has chosen Naples: it’s a city I really love, it’s full of history and of beauty, art and style, it has amazing food and then you turn the corner and your are in a crazy noisy neighbourhood…so full of contrasts, I bet it was really a challenge but also fun and rewarding to create a perfume dedicated to this special city. I am especially fond of Gallivant and of Nick, this house being one of my first niche perfumery discovery, and Bukhara an amazing scent, one of the scents I know I will buy every time I finished it!!! I bought it in a very difficult moment of my life, when my father passed away because of Covid and Nick’s concern and kindness when I told him so I will never forget…<3 Greetings from Italy

  • WeAreScentient says:

    I’m super excited for the salt and incense creation, I’m a big fan of Gallivant and love Tokyo, Istanbul and Bukhara, theres a beautiful elegant nonchalance about them. Loving the new flacon design too 🙂
    I’m In Dublin and still waiting for a Gallivant based on it 😉

  • Through Gallivant Naples people outside of Italy can learn about the city , and its rich urban culture , historical sightseeings , and the importance of the Napolitan churches for the local community.
    After reading The Silver Fox take on Naples , I imagined eating Cardamom Ginger Cake with Lemon Curd, while sitting right next to the ocean somewhere in Naples.
    Istanbul is my favorite Gallivant . Smells like a standard German Stollen Cake and it’s loud , love it.
    Appreciate The Silver Fox review, and the giveaway campaign
    USA

  • I love the concept behind Gallivant. I like the notes and inspiration pf Naples. Incense and sea salt. Clearwood is also an interesting material. I recently got a sample of it and would like to see if I can recognize it here.
    I live in Denmark, EU.

  • Napoli , oh Napoli … land of piazzas, castles , museums, cathedrals, spires and kind of wild , and passionate people. Napolitano are built differently you know, they are louder, more expressive, going there Is like going to a country, within the country. Good friend of mine, Napolitano living in Texas once said “People in Napoli for Italy, are what Texans are for USA” .
    To me up until now at least … top 3 Gallivant fragrances are:
    1.Istanbul – by far the best one.
    2.Berlin . On my 2nd bottle.
    3.Brooklyn
    Naples is fun , welcoming and it’s composed by Luca Maffei , no doubt I’ll enjoy it.
    Thanks a lot
    USA only , for now

  • I’ve been enjoying a lot recently the other salty fragragrances of Luca Maffei: A’mmare Carthusia and Daymon Mendittorosa, so I am looking forward to try this one! Even better if it comes in discovery set, because I haven’t tryed Gallivant yet. I am interested also in Tokyo and Bukhara – those ones i got to know from the cafleurebon reviews.
    I live in the EU, thanks many times for this article and for the draw!

  • I’m not a Napolitano, but I’m related to the city, i
    even understand the local Neapolitan language ( I speak Italian).
    I’ve spent close to two years in Naples, and i can say it’s one of the most colorful, lively, loud and also chaotic cities I’ve been to.
    I wonder how Gallivant , with the help of perfumer like Luca Maffei think Napoli smells .
    Birch, vetiver and amber , with incense, juicy ginger and sea breeze, well done indeed
    Istanbul , Brooklyn, and Tokyo are my favorite Gallivant fragrances, first two i own.
    Nice giveaway, USA
    Regards

  • The concept behind Gallivant i like a lot. Simplistic approach , city inspired fragrances, decent prices, the new presentation is on point too.
    I’ve been to Naples a couple of times, unique place I’ll never forget.
    I’m curious what Nick did this time. Gallivant fragrances are appealing to me, especially Amsterdam , Tel Aviv ,Bukhara and Istanbul .
    Naples i think is posh woody , ginger and incense combination, with lots of Italian passion in it.
    Favorite Gallivant? Bukhara and Istanbul are both amazing
    Thanks for the draw
    USA, and Germany from time to time

  • Salt air, the weight of oak doors, the haunting coolness of stone permeated with incense…
    No crowds or noise, just peace and memory.
    Interestingly enough, I wear Istanbul. I’m in the US.

  • The Silver Fox took us to a journey to Naples, its history, places to visit , and way of life.
    The fragrance with the same name sounds awesome, just like the inspiration behind it. Clean patchouli , some birch, vetiver and amber and the sun shining on the Naples coastal zone.
    Don’t have a Gallivant bottle, but the sample set I do . I do believe Istanbul is the best fragrance they have, but I have to say I do not know the loved by many Bukhara. It was not yet available , at the time I bought the sample set.
    Thanks The Silver Fox , Gallivant
    USA

  • “God and the sea, salt and smoke. These things mingle in Naples by Gallivant, Luca’s beautiful composition with swirling dolce vita, sensual cool shadows and irresistible charm. The collision of salted air laced with algae-stained stone with the woosh of church doors opening on interiors woody with shimmering light and snuffed out candles makes Naples quite the experience.”

    Naples sounds really good, well-rounded blend of woody , aromatic, spicy, earthy and smoky parts. It’s versatile fragrance , with certain level of sophistication. I’d wear Naples with a suit, while working with clients at the shop.
    Never had a chance to smell Gallivant fragrances.
    Thank you all
    USA

  • sephrenia300 says:

    Lovely review! I really enjoyed learning about the vibrant city of Naples and how it translates into a perfume combining the scents ot the sea, salt, smoke, and holy places. I also enjoyed learning that the Gallivant line is all based on travels and jaunts to different cities.

    I live in the US. I haven’t’ tried any Gallivant perfumes yet, but based on the notes, I’m guessing favorite would be London, a woody leather rose.