I first met Carlos Huber at his personal appearance at Babalu in Lincoln Road on a Saturday afternoon and the relationship that I thought I had with my own perfume, Patchouli from Reminiscence, is never been the same.
His genuine passion, presence, exquisite manners are contagious. Go ahead and read the interview and watch it: you will end up recognizing yourself in one of those characters that inspired his fragrances.
And this is totally fine: the Italian way.
Name
Carlos Huber
Occupation
Fragrance developer, architect and historic preservationist.
I live in
New York City
But I am from
Mexico City
FB - You were drawn into art and architecture and graduated with honors in Historic Preservation (congratulations!): do you think it’s never too early to be exposed to art and history?
CH - Absolutely- never too early and never enough (for me at least). I think learning about art and history makes us more appreciative of the world we live in, its beauty, its value and the hard work that people put into it make it better.
FB - Is a fragrance an olfactory reference that defines one’s style?
CH - Well said. Fragrance is THE olfactive reference that defines your style. It’s your conscious choice to define your style through scent.
FB - Is there an age when you become the owner of your own fragrance?
I don’t think it’s the same for everyone. But I think as you live and start accumulating memories, you start gathering scents that ‘belong’ to you. You can own a perfume bottle, but your heart owns what’s inside.
FB - What’s an absolute no in choosing a fragrance?
CH - Worrying too much if other people will like it. Fragrance is first and foremost for YOU. It’s NOT always about seducing others, it’s about pleasing you. Sometimes we can be our biggest critics- we look for validation in others and forget to be kind to ourselves.
FB - Does a fragrance define a woman?
I don’t think a woman is defined solely by one aspect of her style. Fragrance is part of it, but it would be simplistic to define every nuance and shade of your personality with one perfume, however complex it may be, you cannot compare a human life to that. I think that’s why a fragrance wardrobe sounds more inclusive. In any case…fragrance DOES help define that which is shapeless but essential in a person. It helps express who you are inside.
ON FASHION
FB - Fashion and trends are two opposite pulling forces: right or wrong? Which to follow?
CH -I prefer being loyal to style more than to fashion or trends…
FB - Do you think that the democratization of luxury has brought more elegance and chic in the streets?
CH - Yes, I think there are more ways for people to develop their own sense of style through what is available out there.
ON THE ITALIAN WAY
FB - I am compiling the first Dictionary of Italian Style and I am asking everyone for a one word definition. No pressure here, but you will be mentioned: what is that noun, adjective, mood, person or scent that says Italian to you?
CH - “THEATER”
FB - Finally, do you follow rules when it comes to dressing or you just go with the flow like a jazz ensemble?
CH - I follow certain rules, but I also like breaking them once in a while. I think it’s a little bit absurd to be that ‘religious’ about certain things in life.
FB - Where do you think Italian women are different, if so?
Italian women know how to be extremely stylish and sexy while being warm and down to earth.
PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL
FB - Morning coffee or run?
CH - Both!!!
FB - If you had the chance to live in another decade, which one would that be?
CH - I love ‘time traveling’ through books, movies and visiting historic sites or museums. I certainly do fetishize certain eras for their art, aesthetics or specific stories of interest…but the more I learn about history the more I am content to live in the present. That’s why I enjoy it so much – it grounds me and makes me excited for the future.
FB - When I grow up I want to be …
CH - Wise.
FB - I never travel without …
CH - My camera.