Reliqvia
A close look at Filippo Sorcinelli's Reliqvia, covering the UNUM collection, its SUBJECT / BACK SUBJECT / TAIL structure, the Chiesa della Croce inspiration, and comparisons with LAVS and Avignon.
#349 · 2026-05-03
Reliqvia — Episode Notes
Reliqvia by Filippo Sorcinelli belongs to the UNUM collection. This episode first clarifies the naming: the current official brand is Filippo Sorcinelli, UNUM is one of its fragrance collections, and Reliqvia is the work. The fragrance is an extrait de parfum from 2021, inspired by relics, the Chiesa della Croce in Senigallia, gilded wooden walls, incense smoke, and the nails of the Passion.
Rather than a conventional top-heart-base pyramid, Reliqvia is presented through musical sections: SUBJECT, BACK SUBJECT, and TAIL. Patchouli, incense, cashmere wood, guaiac wood, and sandalwood form the main theme of old wood and sacred smoke. Orange blossom, Scots pine, clove, mastic, and amyris add resinous and coniferous light. Elemi, sweet orange, black currant, nutmeg, smoke, and tobacco leaf bring dark fruit, spice, and a smoky finish.
The episode compares Reliqvia with LAVS, Comme des Garçons Avignon, and Heeley Eau Sacrée, focusing on how Reliqvia differs from a simple church incense. It feels closer to opening a relic box: wood, smoke, metal, fruit, and time sealed together.
