A scent is a time capsule. It can invoke our most intimate memories and dreams, and open doors to distant worlds. Perfume defines the persona, creates your mood and appeals to your beloved. People choose their perfume according to their age, event and season — of course, I being no exception. I have a keen nose for selecting my fragrance — matching my mood, dress and weather. So, I was delighted to receive the Arquiste fragrance line. Curated by an architect specializing in historic preservation, Arquiste is a fragrance collection that transports the wearer to evocative moments in history. As the aroma lingers, you visualize and relive the those moments of success, celebration, rhythm and joy in different ages and different countries.
Carlos Huber‘s beautiful and complex creations honor history and embrace modernity. As he says, “They transport us to another place in time.” Born in Mexico and being brought up with Spanish culture, he studied in Paris and worked in New York. There, Huber embraced different cultures which enabled him to recreate historical moments through fragrance and prove his longtime love of perfumery.
Arquiste is an elegant fragrance collection. Meticulously researched using authentic sources and crafted with only the rarest of ingredients, each fragrance restores the olfactive experience of a particular time and place, allowing both women and men to unlock personal revelations and experience history in a most intimate way. The six distinct fine fragrances are available at Barney’s New York, Liberty London, Harrods, Saks Fifth Avenue and other exclusive retailers.
The citrusy fragrance, L’Etrog, includes a sweet, herbal, earthy scent. Visualize the Medieval Calabria of Italy, where a family gathers to celebrate a good harvest within a cabin built of palm leaves and other woody branches — an aromatic bounty is presented. The citrusy scent of the etrog citron, a regional specialty, brightens the air while embracing myrtle and lush date fruit envelope the sweet warmth of the Mediterranean night. Notes include calabrese cedrat, myrtle, date fruit and vetivert. This feminine scent is ideal for wearing as you take a ride in your midsummer night dreams. SKU:55 ml; Price: $165.00
Flor y Canto features a floral bouquet with Mexican tuberose, magnolia, frangipani and marigold. On the most fragrant festival in the Aztec calendar we reach to Tenochtitlan, Mexico: the rhythm of drums palpitates as a wealth of flowers is offered on temple altars. Billowing clouds of copal act as a backdrop to the intoxicating breath of tuberose, magnolia, plumeria and the intensely yellow aroma of the sacred marigold, cempoalxochitl. The opulent, white, floral feminine fragrance includes prominent notes of Mexican tuberose, magnolia, plumeria and marigold. Perfect for a summer day full of activities. SKU: 55 ml; Price: $165.00
As we travel to the Isle of Pheasants — Basque region on the French-Spanish border — we are enchanted by the woody floral scent of Fleur de Louis with a citrus splash on top. To ensure peace between them, two royal courts converge at a richly-appointed pavilion built of freshly cut pine and cedar wood. From the French side, in a golden aura of iris, rose and jasmine, emerges a young Louis XIV, all starched and composed, eager to catch a glimpse of his new bride, the Infanta Maria Teresa. The provoking male fragrance include orange blossum, florentine orris, jasmine and cedar wood. The citrusy hint in the floral note instantly rejuvenates your mood on a gloomy day. SKU: 55 ml; Price: $175.oo
The floral, musky amber fragrance of Infanta en Flor encompasses a herbal note with a subtle floral touch. Down the lane as you walk you can see Maria Teresa, the Infanta of Spain, is offered to Louis XIV in exchange for peace between the two nations. Innocently perfumed with orange flower water, her wonderful powdery complexion blushes as the gallant king lays his eyes on her for the first time. She opens her scented fan and steals a look back. This is just the strong compatible perfume of Fleur de Louis. The main notes of this feminine fragrance are the following: orange flower water, Spanish leather, cistus resin and immortelle. This fragrance boosts your persona on a passionate winter getaway with you beloved. SKU: 55 ml; Price: $175.00
The baroque gourmand scent of Anima Dulcis pauses time and takes you to lively Mexico City. The scent of exotic spices floats throughout the halls of the royal convent of Jesus Maria, where a group of nuns prepares a baroque recipe of cocoa infused with an assortment of chilies. After centuries of obscurity, the convent’s secrets are exposed in a rich experience for the senses. The warm spicy chili note and edible aroma delicacy make this fragrance perfect for unisex wear. On an intense winter evening, indulge the romance. SKU: 55 ml; Price: $165.00
Aleksandr is an wonderful mix of traditional amber, leather notes with a modern, ozonic green note. Imagine the scene: On a frosty winter afternoon in St. Petersburg, Russia , a fiery gentleman finishes his toilette by dabbing on neroli and violet. He draws down his cuffs, dons a heavy fur and strides out in polished leather boots. As he rides off on his sleigh, the woody scent of fir fills the air. Beyond the snow laden trees, on a clearing bathed in amber light, the fateful duel awaits. The intoxicating male perfume features the notes of neroli, violet leaf, fir balsam and Russian leather. “Dobri vecher” says the man as he embraces his lady love for a cozy dance. SKU: 55 ml; Price: $165.00
In my course of reviewing the fragrance line I must say they come in small, luxurious glass bottles with golden caps — very much aesthetically pleasing. I loved the variety of aromas in the collection suiting every season, event and mood. The subtle aroma lingers along you as you wear it. It’s not overpowering, but rather pleasant. However, the scent does not sustain more than 3-4 hours and are a little pricey. But, you can give it a shot as long as you are willing to become the center of attraction at any party, thanks to your perfume. For more information visit www.arquiste.com.
-Rinki Pramanik, biotechnologist & cosmetic researcher
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