Filippo Sorcinelli collection: Sacred Scents

Perfume has the power to transport, to tell stories, to embody emotions. Few brands master this art as profoundly as Filippo Sorcinelli. More than just a perfumer, Sorcinelli is an artist—his creations transcend the ordinary and venture into the realms of sacredness, architecture, and mysticism. Each fragrance feels like an olfactory cathedral, built from incense, resins, and deep woods. Today, I’m diving into three of his most striking scents: Lavs, Opus 1144, and Reliqvia. Each one offers a unique journey, and I’m excited to share how they unfold on my skin.

Filippo Sorcinelli Lavs Perfume

Lavs Filippo Sorcinelli: A Whisper of Sacred Smoke

Lavs is an ethereal blend of incense and resins, subtle yet persistent. It carries the cool solemnity of an ancient church—hushed, meditative, and infused with sacred smoke. The opening greets me with a peppery spice, a contrast to the warmth that follows. As it settles, labdanum and clove intertwine, evoking ritualistic reverence. The base is my favorite part—opoponax and tonka bean merge with oak moss, leaving a lingering, contemplative softness. It lasts around eight hours on my skin, with a moderate sillage that feels like a personal sanctuary. Perfect for chilly days, when the air calls for something deep and meditative.

Opus 1144 Filippo Sorcinelli: Golden Light Through Stained Glass

If Lavs is quiet devotion, Opus 1144 is exaltation. This fragrance radiates like light beaming through a stained-glass window—vivid, prismatic, full of life. It opens with an effervescent burst of citrus, champagne-like in its brilliance. But soon, the glow deepens—amber and soft woods emerge, grounding the fragrance without dimming its shine. On my skin, Opus 1144 thrives in colder months, where its warmth and golden elegance feel especially luxurious. The longevity is remarkable—ten hours and beyond, with a potent, commanding sillage. It’s not an everyday scent; this is for moments of grandeur, celebrations, or when I want to carry an aura of quiet power.

Filippo Sorcinelli Opus 1144 Perfume

Reliqvia Filippo Sorcinelli: The Weight of Time in Scent

Reliqvia is an experience, not just a perfume. It’s like stepping into the echo of centuries past, where time is held within the walls of an ancient cathedral. From the first spray, I’m met with the raw, resinous scent of aged wood and incense. It carries a metallic coolness, almost like iron, before shifting into a smoky, almost ghostly drydown. This perfume lingers forever—hours upon hours, as if it refuses to be forgotten. It’s not a fragrance for the faint of heart; it’s a bold statement, a moment of solemn reflection captured in scent. Best worn in autumn or winter, when its depth can truly unfold.

Filippo Sorcinelli doesn’t create perfumes—he crafts experiences. Each scent in his collection tells a story, evoking the sacred, the artistic, the timeless. LAVS is meditative, Opus 1144 is radiant, and Reliqvia is hauntingly profound. If you’re seeking fragrances that go beyond the surface, that make you feel something deep, this collection is a journey worth taking.

Perfume Filippo Sorcinelli Reliqvia

Specialist commentary from Natalie

Filippo Sorcinelli’s perfumes are about texture, contrast, and presence. They don’t just develop on the skin, they expand, shift, and evolve like an abstract painting in motion. Lavs is all about refined smokiness—peppery, resinous, and slightly herbal, with a soft yet persistent warmth. It’s smooth but has an edge, like a perfectly tailored black suit with an unexpected detail. Opus 1144 is radiant and bold, opening with bright citrus that feels almost effervescent before settling into a rich, golden amber glow. It’s luxurious yet weightless, like silk catching the light. Reliqvia is deep and textural—imagine weathered wood, a touch of metal, and a smoky, resinous veil. It lingers with a raw, almost tactile intensity, making a quiet but powerful statement. Each of these scents has incredible longevity and presence, thriving in cooler weather when their complexity really shines.

FAQ

What is the inspiration behind Filippo Sorcinelli's Opus 1144 fragrance?

It is inspired by the Gothic architecture of the Basilica of Saint Denis, with its first stone laid in 1144 near Paris. The fragrance aims to capture the essence of Gothic artistry and sacred devotion.

How does Lavs Filippo Sorcinelli smell?

While specific note breakdowns for "LAVS" are limited, it is known to incorporate elements reminiscent of ecclesiastical settings, possibly featuring incense and other sacred aromas, reflecting Sorcinelli's background in creating religious vestments.

What is the story behind Reliqvia?

This perfume draws inspiration from the Church of the Cross in Senigallia, Italy, known for its rich history and art, including significant relics of Christ's Passion. The fragrance evokes the ambiance of this Baroque church, with its gilded wood, incense-filled air, and sacred artifacts.