Written by Mariana Shalbaf New York is the undisputed capital of American chess, shaped by over a century of immigration, iconic institutions like the Marshall Chess Club, and...
Mariana Shalbaf
Co-Founder and Creative Director, MIND GAMES
Mariana Shalbaf is the visionary co-founder and creative force behind MIND GAMES, a luxury fragrance house known for blending the artistry of perfumery with the intellectual intrigue of strategy and play. Drawing on a background in visual arts and luxury branding, Mariana brings a multidisciplinary approach to fragrance creation, transforming abstract ideas into immersive sensory experiences.
As Creative Director, Mariana oversees the artistic direction of the MIND GAMES brand. Her influence shapes everything from fragrance storytelling and conceptual development to the distinctive visual identity of the collections. Each scent is designed to reflect the strategic themes that define the brand, with inspiration drawn from the complexity, elegance, and psychological depth of games and competition.
Mariana works closely with master perfumers and product development teams to ensure every fragrance reflects the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and narrative depth. Her approach to creative direction combines design, storytelling, and olfactory artistry, resulting in fragrances that resonate with both seasoned collectors and those discovering niche perfumery for the first time.
Under her leadership, MIND GAMES has emerged as a distinctive voice in the luxury fragrance landscape, recognised for its bold creative vision and thoughtful approach to scent design.
Beyond her work with MIND GAMES, Mariana is passionate about exploring new forms of creative expression and supporting the next generation of artists and designers. Her work continues to push the boundaries of how scent, storytelling, and visual design intersect.
Written by Mariana
Written by Mariana Shalbaf Fragrance is organised into olfactive families; floral, amber, woody, fresh, fougère, chypre, and gourmand. Each defined by its dominant characteristics and mood. Understanding these...
Written by Mariana Shalbaf Kannauj, a city in northern India, has been one of the world's most important centres of fragrance production for over 2,000 years, renowned for...
Paris has welcomed the famous chess players of the 18th and 19th centuries to its cafes, and continues to embrace players of all levels, holding tournaments at prestigious venues like...
For over two decades, perfumer Christelle Laprade has applied her masterful ability to create unforgettable scents. Recently she collaborated with MIND GAMES to compose fragrances that are beautifully layered and...
It's Valentine's Day, and the romance in the air brings to mind the story of The Living Chess Game. One town in Italy honors both the history and passion found in...