Olivier Durbano and Prométhée Bottle

Olivier Durbano, perfumer, jeweler, and generally talented man, started his line of perfumes in 2004 with Rock Crystal, the first of eight perfumes inspired by natural gemstones. His ninth perfume, Lapis Philosophorum, was based on the mythical Philosopher’s Stone. Now, for his Tenth Anniversary as a perfumer, he is launching his Tenth perfume, again looking toward mythology. Prométhée is a fragrance inspired by Prometheus, who believed that without the knowledge of fire, mankind would not be able to grow, learn, and thrive (please see our press release for more detail on the mythology) The perfume is also symbolic of the Power of 10: 10 years,10 perfumes, the return to 1 to complete a cycle of renewal and unity.

"The Theft of Fire" by Christian Griepenkerl

Prometheus used a stalk of fennel to steal away some of the Olympic flame to give to humanity; Olivier uses fennel to enrobe the pulsing fire of Prométhée. This fragrance is blended so well, I can discern only a few individual notes. All I can do is close my eyes to see where this takes me, now that I have sprayed on a good amount. I do see that fennel-wrapped packet of fire, beating like a heart, but what does it want to show me? The visions I had, of a great burning hearth, myrrh burning on the mantle; to the white beaches of Greece and the sea smell and beautiful pebbles under my feet; to a walk through a colonnade of a temple, incense coming from inside, but flowers all around me, their aromas carried by a soft, warm breeze; and finally to my home. As I mentally digested what I saw, my first thought was to anoint my personal altar with this fragrance. I think Buddha and Guadalupe and Ganesha would like it. But then I was reminded that my spirituality is within my Self. Wearing Prométhée, to me, is not only wearing an astounding piece of perfumery, but a soul-searching and spiritualy uplifting piece of art.

Head notes: fennel, pink pepper, nutmeg, myrtle, olibanum, cistus

Heart notes: narcissus, Caucasian lily, lavender absolute, fenugreek, Russian sage, storax

Base notes: cedarwood, vetiver, myrrh, labdanum, ambergris, musk

Prométhée Promotional Artwork

Olivier’s perfumes are all interesting at least, and life-changing at best. They all have a commonality, a little of the same bloodline running through them. Prométhée shows a bit of a lineage expansion that was started with Lapis Philosophorum. For now, though, Prométhée will be sitting at the head of the family table.

Tama Blough, Managing Editor

My sample was graciously supplied by Olivier Durbano. Prométhée is being introduced at the perfume exposition Pitti Fragranze this weekend, and will be available at select stockists later in September. $205 for 100 ml.

You can read our reviews of Pink Quartz, Citrine, and Heliotrope by clicking on the names. Links to Lapis Philosophorum and Turquoise (life-changing) are embedded in the review.

We have a 2ml sample to give to any US reader. Please let us know if you have experienced Olivier Durbano’s perfumes and which you like, or what appealed to you about this review. Draw ends September 13, 2014. THE DRAW IS CLOSED

We announce the winners only on site and our Facebook page, so like CaFleureBon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will just be spilled perfume.