An olfactive reconstruction of 17th century Viceregal Mexico: the mineral notes of terra cotta tile floors and stucco walls, the wooden beams and gilded altars give way to a heart of of spiced cacao. In the background, the incense from the church mixes with the kitchen spices, creating an evocative Baroque concoction between heaven and earth. Notes include: Cocoa absolute, Mexican vanilla, cinnamon, and a smoked chili infusion.
All about this scent
Vibe Check
This is a fragrance for close, attentive settings where warmth and texture matter more than brightness. It suits a room with dim light, wood, stone and fabric around you, where the scent can unfold slowly and feel intimate rather than loud.
When and where to wear suggestions
Best in cool weather or evening air, when its cocoa, spice and vanilla can bloom without turning heavy. Apply lightly at first; the fragrance has strong presence and a textured trail, with the chili, clove and incense facets becoming more apparent as it settles on skin.
Who It’s For
For wearers who like spicy gourmands with depth, contrast and a slightly dark edge. It will appeal to those drawn to cacao, vanilla and incense, but who want them framed by leather, mineral and savory spice rather than sweetness alone.
Release Year
2011
The Nose
Rodrigo Flores-Roux and Yann Vasnier Flores-Roux is known for his vivid, textural compositions that balance clarity with richness, often moving easily between floral elegance, spice, woods and gourmand effects. Vasnier brings a similarly polished, modern sensibility, with a gift for structure and contrast. Together, they give Anima Dulcis its unusual tension: cocoa and vanilla are rendered plush, but never flat, while chili, sesame, clove and incense-like facets keep the composition architectural and alive. Their work here reflects the kind of precision both perfumers are known for at Givaudan: translating a highly specific historical brief into a fragrance that feels immersive rather than illustrative. The result is less a literal chocolate scent than a carefully built olfactory scene, with depth, restraint and a distinctly contemporary finish.
Collaborators
Carlos Huber shaped the concept and historical brief, using his architectural research into Viceregal Mexico and the convent recipe as the foundation for the fragrance. Flores-Roux and Vasnier then translated that vision into formula, turning Huber’s archival idea into a wearable baroque gourmand.
Arquiste’s Story
Arquiste treats perfumery as historical reconstruction: each scent is built from a specific place, date or cultural moment rather than a generic mood. The house’s identity is rooted in research, architecture and narrative detail, with an emphasis on authenticity, craftsmanship and the emotional force of memory.
Anima Dulcis 2023’s Concept
Anima Dulcis was conceived as an olfactive reconstruction of 17th-century Viceregal Mexico, inspired by a secret 1695 convent recipe for spiced chocolate. The fragrance evokes terra cotta floors, stucco walls, gilded altars and the meeting of church incense with kitchen spices, turning historical research into a dark, sensual gourmand scene.
Extra Info
The name means “sweet soul” in Latin. It is one of Arquiste’s best-known historical reconstructions, built around a 1695 convent chocolate recipe and presented as a baroque spicy gourmand with a distinctive smoked chili and sesame twist.
An olfactive reconstruction of 17th century Viceregal Mexico: the mineral notes of terra cotta tile floors and stucco walls, the wooden beams and gilded altars give way to a heart of of spiced cacao. In the background, the incense from the church mixes with the kitchen spices, creating an evocative Baroque concoction between heaven and earth. Notes include: Cocoa absolute, Mexican vanilla, cinnamon, and a smoked chili infusion.
All about this scent
Vibe Check
This is a fragrance for close, attentive settings where warmth and texture matter more than brightness. It suits a room with dim light, wood, stone and fabric around you, where the scent can unfold slowly and feel intimate rather than loud.
When and where to wear suggestions
Best in cool weather or evening air, when its cocoa, spice and vanilla can bloom without turning heavy. Apply lightly at first; the fragrance has strong presence and a textured trail, with the chili, clove and incense facets becoming more apparent as it settles on skin.
Who It’s For
For wearers who like spicy gourmands with depth, contrast and a slightly dark edge. It will appeal to those drawn to cacao, vanilla and incense, but who want them framed by leather, mineral and savory spice rather than sweetness alone.
Release Year
2011
The Nose
Rodrigo Flores-Roux and Yann Vasnier Flores-Roux is known for his vivid, textural compositions that balance clarity with richness, often moving easily between floral elegance, spice, woods and gourmand effects. Vasnier brings a similarly polished, modern sensibility, with a gift for structure and contrast. Together, they give Anima Dulcis its unusual tension: cocoa and vanilla are rendered plush, but never flat, while chili, sesame, clove and incense-like facets keep the composition architectural and alive. Their work here reflects the kind of precision both perfumers are known for at Givaudan: translating a highly specific historical brief into a fragrance that feels immersive rather than illustrative. The result is less a literal chocolate scent than a carefully built olfactory scene, with depth, restraint and a distinctly contemporary finish.
Collaborators
Carlos Huber shaped the concept and historical brief, using his architectural research into Viceregal Mexico and the convent recipe as the foundation for the fragrance. Flores-Roux and Vasnier then translated that vision into formula, turning Huber’s archival idea into a wearable baroque gourmand.
Arquiste’s Story
Arquiste treats perfumery as historical reconstruction: each scent is built from a specific place, date or cultural moment rather than a generic mood. The house’s identity is rooted in research, architecture and narrative detail, with an emphasis on authenticity, craftsmanship and the emotional force of memory.
Anima Dulcis 2023’s Concept
Anima Dulcis was conceived as an olfactive reconstruction of 17th-century Viceregal Mexico, inspired by a secret 1695 convent recipe for spiced chocolate. The fragrance evokes terra cotta floors, stucco walls, gilded altars and the meeting of church incense with kitchen spices, turning historical research into a dark, sensual gourmand scene.
Extra Info
The name means “sweet soul” in Latin. It is one of Arquiste’s best-known historical reconstructions, built around a 1695 convent chocolate recipe and presented as a baroque spicy gourmand with a distinctive smoked chili and sesame twist.