The sense of smell is tied to memory and a new line of unisex fragrances takes that concept into history.
Created by Carlos Huber, an architect specializing in historic preservation, the Arquiste collection was designed to reflect a particular time and place in history. Huber, who was born in Mexico City, has been to Minnesota to visit the family of Nate Berkus, Huber's partner. Huber will be back in town for an event on Friday.
Q Why did you study architecture?
A My fascination with historic architecture has always been connected to its experience, and if you are sensitive to scent, then what you smell and feel is just as important as what you see. Also, architecture and perfumery are both fields that involve long and complex processes. The research to create a perfume and actually base it on a real story is as thorough as the research behind the restoration of an old building. You need to find clues to justify the structure that you are building.
Q How did you get involved with making fragrances?
A I've always been very connected to my nose, and every time I would do research on a building or city for work, I would come across an anecdote, a part of the story, where I would think "What did it smell like?" I realized that my passion for scent and the culture around it was just as strong as my love of architectural history.
Q What inspires your fragrances?
A I love to travel and take inspiration from various historical landmarks and sites that I visit while abroad. I also love reading about history. I take a moment in time that interests me and really investigate it to consider all aspects: What clothing were the characters wearing and what foods were they eating? Was there any scent, flower or plant nearby that would affect the experience? The answers to all of these questions help me identify the authentic scents and notes of the time that we can then use in the perfume formula.
Q What's the proper way to wear fragrance?
A Well, to begin with, wear it for others to enjoy, but also for yourself, which is why I like spraying the top of my forearm. We also know that pulse points are important because they help diffuse the scent more. I think everyone benefits from a spray at the point where the neck meets the chest.
Q What is the best thing you have ever smelled?
A Fresh tuberose. It immediately takes me back to Mexico City, to my family.
Q The worst?
A The worst would be exhaust fumes from traffic ... this awful gray smell of pollution.
MEET CARLOS HUBER OF ARQUISTE
Where: La Petite Parfumerie, 287 Water St., Excelsior, 952-475-2212.
When: 4 to 6 p.m., Fri.
MEN OF STYLE
Men will take to the runways at the second annual fashion show and shopping event by Angel Yang of Secrets Fashion Agency. "It's a Man's World" will combine styles from local stores -- b. (a resale shop), Familia Skateshop, Freedom From Doubt, Studiiyo 23 and William Park -- with national labels, including Madgods, Nih-kai, Ninh Nguyen and Sweet 1985.
Yang, a University of Minnesota graduate who recently moved to New York, said she hopes the event will "really give great exposure to the menswear in Minneapolis." She also wants to bring national attention to the fashion industry in the Midwest.
"Many people believe it's the clothes that make the man," she said. "I believe it's how the man wears the clothes."
8 to 11 p.m. Sat., with VIP guests invited for appetizers from local restaurants at 7 p.m., Loring Park Forum, 1625 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., $20 general admission in advance and $30 at the door, $40 and up VIP, www.secretsfashonagency.com. Proceeds benefit Beacons, an after-school program.
PICK OF THE WEEK: The Webster at Target Target has added some Miami heat to its spring collections. As part of its new "The Shops at Target," the bull's-eye has collaborated on a collection with trendy Miami boutique the Webster. Highlights include a banana-leaf print from the shop's wallpaper and punchy coral and mint accents on everything from cardigans to color-blocked shoes. The line also includes sporty offerings for men and pint-sized clothing and accessories for kids. The boutique-in-a-megastore concept will launch on Sunday, along with cosmetics from CosBar, pet products from Polka Dog Bakery, sweets from the Candy Store and home goods from Privet House.
Cardigan ($33), tank ($20), jacquard skirt ($30), ballet flats ($25) and earrings ($15).
EVENTS: THURSDAY
Wild Ruffle's spring boutique crawl: Blogger and crafter Cate Mezyk has brought together local artists and shops from downtown Prior Lake for an evening of shopping. Look for handbags, jewelry and home goods along with hors d'oeuvres, discounts and giveaways.
5:30 to 9 p.m., downtown Prior Lake, Hwy. 13 and County Rd. 21, wildruffle.com, 612-805-5138.
SATURDAY
Walker Art Center's Jewelry Artist Mart: Shop local designers, including Yen Chee, Chris Chookiatsirichai, Bridget Clark, Brittany Foster, Gia Gifford, Karin Jacobson, Tia Keobounpheng, Penny Larsen and more.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m., member preview at 10 a.m., Gallery 8, 1750 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 612-375-7633.
Lonnie Lovness sample sale: Thousands of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and pins will be 50 to 75 percent off retail prices. In addition to costume pieces, look for one-of-a-kind vintage designs and semi-precious gems along with artisan handcrafted scarves, purses and jewelry from Guatemala and Morocco.
9 to 3 p.m., 321 S. Main St., Stillwater.
SUNDAY
Sol Inspirations fashion show: Eco-responsible looks from Tim and Thom Navarro, Katy Vereide and Deborah Block of You and Me; Design Collective; Susan Crow; Jenny Carle, CounterCouture; Autumn Mary Kirchman; Jenn Bratvold; Kora Gleason; Kari Kachelmacher; Ariel Bock; Khamphian Vang; Hilary Hubanks; Carla Cohen; Erika Backberg; Kristi Relopez and Venessa Zahid.
3 to 5 p.m., Bespoke Hair Artisans, 3918 W. 49 1/2 St., Edina, 952-224-4062. $25 tickets available at Bespoke or online www.brownpapertickets.com/event/235427.
Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177 sglassman@startribune.com
In heated western Minn. GOP congressional primary, outsiders challenging incumbent
Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame: A class-by-class list of all members
This retired journalist changed professional wrestling from Mankato
