The Brief

When Turkish niche house Nishane launched Ani in 2019, it wasn’t just another vanilla fragrance, it was a statement. Named after the ancient city of Ani, a once-thriving Armenian metropolis now in ruins on the Turkish-Armenian border, this scent tells a story of resilience, romance, and nostalgia. Ani’s concept is about contrasts: past and present, warmth and freshness, sweetness and spice.

Nishane, known for its bold extrait de parfum concentrations, sought to create a vanilla scent that felt modern yet timeless, rich but not cloying. The result? A fragrance that bridges Eastern opulence with Western minimalism, offering one of the most talked-about vanilla compositions in niche perfumery.

The Artist

The mastermind behind Ani is Cécile Zarokian, a Parisian perfumer renowned for her complex, textured creations. She’s the nose behind Amouage Epic Woman, Jovoy Remember Me, and Masque Milano Tango, and she has a signature ability to weave depth into fragrances while keeping them wearable. Given her Armenian heritage, she brings a personal connection to this scent’s inspiration, making Ani not just a perfume but a piece of olfactory storytelling.

Zarokian’s approach to vanilla is anything but predictable. Instead of the usual gourmand overload, she structures Ani with a fresh, almost green opening, a spicy, woody heart, and a creamy, balsamic dry-down. It’s a vanilla that feels alive, shifting with your skin and the air around you.

The Scent

• Top Notes: Bergamot, Green Notes, Blue Ginger, Pink Pepper

• Heart Notes: Blackcurrant, Turkish Rose, Cardamom, Nutmeg

• Base Notes: Vanilla, Benzoin, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Musk, Patchouli

First Impression: Bright and Fresh

The first spray is unexpectedly green and citrusy, like standing in a lush garden just after the rain. The bergamot and green notes give it a crisp, almost aromatic lift, while the ginger adds a slightly sharp, fizzy spice. The pink pepper is subtly tingling, just enough to intrigue without overpowering.

Heart: Spiced Fruits and Florals

As Ani develops, the blackcurrant and Turkish rose emerge, creating a velvety fruitiness. The rose here isn’t the usual powdery, vintage kind, it’s fresher, more natural, with a slightly honeyed quality. The cardamom and nutmeg keep things warm and slightly exotic, adding a Middle Eastern flair. At this stage, Ani feels like a cup of spiced tea sipped in a candlelit room, cozy yet refined.

Dry-down: The Magic of Vanilla

And then, the star of the show the vanilla steps in. This isn’t the sugar-laden, cupcake variety; it’s deep, slightly boozy, and seamlessly blended with benzoin, sandalwood, and cedarwood. The patchouli and musk give it a subtle earthiness, preventing it from becoming too sweet. It’s buttery, smoky, and comforting, like wrapping yourself in the softest cashmere blanket on a crisp evening.

Performance and Versatility

Ani is an extrait de parfum, so longevity is incredible, we’re talking 8–12 hours with strong projection in the first few hours before settling into an intimate but noticeable aura.

• Season: Perfect for fall and winter but surprisingly versatile year-round due to its fresh opening.

• Occasions: Works for romantic evenings, special events, and even daytime wear if applied lightly. It has a refined, confident presence that makes it great for signature scent territory.

Ani is not just a vanilla fragrance, it’s an experience. It evolves beautifully on the skin, shifting from fresh and spicy to creamy and sensual. It’s luxurious without being overbearing, sweet but not juvenile, and seductive yet comforting.

If you love dynamic vanillas with depth and sophistication, Ani is a must-try. It’s the kind of scent that makes you feel put-together, alluring, and effortlessly elegant, the perfect balance between modern niche artistry and timeless indulgence.