Behind the Bottle: D:SOL ISLETA (Dennis Werner and Michael Ælfric Nordstrand)+ Nuanced Fig Giveaway

D: Sol Isleta

D:SOL MMXVI ISLETA

For the launch of D:SOL ISLETA, creative director, and founder Dennis Werner teamed up with Art & Olfaction Award winning independent perfumer Michael Ælfric Nordstrand of Mythologist Studio™ who have never met in real life. This Q & A is a deep dive into many aspects of their creative process; no marketing, no hype. It is a fascinating exchange between two independents, who together, created a perfume that is unique and memorable.-Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

Dennis Werner of D:Sol MMXVI

Dennis Werner of D:Sol MMXVI

ISLETA is built around the idea of the “little island”—not as a place, but as a state of being. A retreat within, where presence is effortless and stillness feels like home. Perfumer Michael Ælfric Nordstrand has distilled this inner sanctum into a fragrance marked by contrast and clarity: the crisp lightness of citrus and herbs, the quiet brightness of tea and fig, and the warm, grounding depth of woods and soft earth. ISLETA is a scent for those who don’t seek attention—but find presence. A whisper on the skin. A memory in bloom. –Dennis Werner

Michael Nordstrand and Dennis Werner D Sol ISLETA

Michael and Dennis Zoom: D:Sol MMXVI©

Michelyn Camen: How difficult is it to work with someone remotely?

Michael Ælfric Nordstrand: In perfumery it’s always a privilege and a great experience to smell together in person with a client and share impressions and ideas. I think both for me and for Dennis this exchange is a very important component of the work. After the onset of the pandemic, we had to be inventive even with local clients; for a lot of international clients of the studio we found a workable process of mailing materials, samples, and modification rounds and arranging digital smell sessions that we adapted. Judging by the results of our collaborations, Dennis and I have a system that works well even if I wish I could be in Berlin each time we chat!

Dennis Werner: For this, you need a perfumer who can truly communicate. I believe this is the key to a good collaboration. Michael has this quality — he’s open-minded and able to interpret my feelings, and even my sometimes-clumsy words, about a scent or a direction.

Mods for perfume

Mods arrived in Berlin D:Sol MMXVI©

How many mods until it was the final?

Dennis Werner: The process took about eight months, with four development rounds in total. Each round brought several adjustments — three to four variations per direction. It was an active, evolving collaboration, shaped by constant refinement.

Michael Ælfric Nordstrand: After our initial discussions and review of the brief, I provided Dennis with what we call soft concepts: explorations of the brief through some written interpretation and through an expression of notes and ideas for compositional style and feeling. Mythologist Studio™ does a version of this process for every project and it’s something that differentiates our work from bigger houses; it allows me to express myself artistically in numerous modalities to find alignment with the vision of the client. Dennis responded well to a couple of our concepts, and then we began formulation.

how to create a fig perfume

Michael Ælfric Nordstrand writing the formula

Is there an ingredient or ingredients that anchor the composition?

Dennis Werner: Yes, fig was the central note, the heart of the composition. But I wanted it to carry a sense of quiet melancholy — something serene, almost introspective. The white tea brought this softness, a calm transparency. The base of blonde woods that Michael composed added depth and warmth, grounding the fragrance. He could certainly elaborate further on his own creative perspective.

White Tea

Copyright Mythologist Studio™©

Michael Ælfric Nordstrand: There is a beautiful heart chord of White Tea and Jasmine inspired by a really stunning real-life tea I drink frequently; it provides a great deal of contrast to the bracing, fresh green notes of the fig and Clary Sage. Contrast is quite important to perfumery but also to the DNA of D:SOL, and Dennis is quick to point out when something moves him to notice that kind of equilibrium. As we have collaborated, I’ve aimed to submit more things like that and find novel ways to achieve it.

Creative process of perfume making

D:Sol MMXVI©

How much freedom did Michael have?

Dennis Werner: I wrote a creative brief outlining the desired feeling and direction. From this, Michael developed several olfactive paths and presented them beautifully. Together we refined the concept, narrowing it down to three or four directions. The theme and the fig as a central note were clear — not a literal, fruity fig, but something more nuanced. Within these guidelines, Michael had the freedom to create with intuition and precision.

D Sol Isleta by Michael Nordstrand

D:Sol MMXVI©

Michael Ælfric Nostrand: Dennis introduced a really inspiring thematic component he was interested to explore first: the idea of an endless summer without the feeling of obligations and the beauty and effortlessness of that kind of time. He then asked me to consider fig as a primary or prominent note, but without a lot of extra parameters except that he did not want to recreate any of the standard treatments of fig. With beautiful benchmarks out there like Diptyque Philosykos, this is a big task for a perfumer. Just what I like.

FIG TREE

Fig Tree Copyright Mythologist Studio™

Since fig is a fantasy note -what was used to create the accord?

Michael Ælfric Nordstrand: I used some synthetic greens and coniferous materials with fruity undertones like Juniper Leaf to evoke the leaves of fig trees, and a number of woody materials to give an impression of the bark; some of the Jasmine materials impart the milky, sappy tones typical to fig accords but with a white floral shading that feels modern. A super refined extract of Patchouli is also present, underlying some of the softer woody notes. It gives just enough depth to the Tea as it dries down.

Ingredients in D Sol ISLETA

D:Sol MMXVI©

Top Notes: Bergamot, Bee Balm, Green Mandarin, Juniper Leaf; Heart Notes: Fig, White Tea, Jasmine Sambac, Clary Sage; Base Note: Amyris, Cabreuva Wood, Sandalwood, Patchouli

Isleta by D: Sol

Thanks to the generosity of D SOL Perfumes we have a 100 ml  bottle of  ISLETA, for one registered reader from the EU, Canada or US. You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment with what you found fascinating about Michelyn’s Behind the Bottle of ISLETA with Dennis Werner and Michael Ælfric Nordstrand, what you learned from it, a quote that resonated with you and where you live. Draw closes 11/19/2025

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48 comments

  • Brad Woolslayer says:

    I like the mention of the contrast of the white tea and jasmine against the fig. I love the use of fig in fragrances, and this one sounds like it could be an easy reach for next spring and summer. I live in Maryland USA.

  • Cindy says:

    “ISLETA is a scent for those who don’t seek attention—but find presence.”
    This might be one of the most interesting German houses ever and I would love to add it to my collection!
    Good luck, from Germany.

  • Ramses Perez says:

    Fig fragrances are just gorgeous. They can be creamy, fruity or like this one, more on the green side. There are quite a few fig fragrances out there but I can tell this one is very unique and exotic. Indie houses are really pushing the boundaries and creativity of what a fragrance could be and I really appreciate it. The collaboration between Dennis and Michael proved to be successful after a few mods and modifications to really encapsulate fig the Isleta way. I want to be in this island wherever it may be. I’m located in the USA.

  • Agent47 says:

    I really enjoyed Michelyn Camen’s Behind the Bottle: D:SOL ISLETA. What stood out was the way she explained the inspiration behind the fragrance, showing how Dennis Werner’s connection to Mallorca shaped the vision and how Michael Ælfric Nordstrand translated that into scent. I also liked the Q&A format because it made the story feel more personal and gave insight into the creative process in a way that was easy to follow. The article made the perfume feel more than just a list of notes, it became about place, memory, and artistry, which made it engaging and relatable.

    As someone who owns Terram, I appreciated seeing how Isleta offers a different side of D:SOL with fig, jasmine sambac, and citrus. Since patchouli is one of my favorite notes, I love that the brand often works with earthy, grounding materials that give their perfumes depth. Reading this piece made me even more curious to experience Isleta for myself. Scented regards from NY, USA.

  • samozain1 says:

    Fig is a difficult note and I am curious to see what they did with it here. I am a fan of white tea in fragrances and The mix if patchouli with above! Michelyn nailed it. Thanks!

    USA

  • Sybelle16 says:

    At the heart of D:SOL ISLETA is contrast: the difference in notes to give a dynamic, unique take and elements to the overall prolife of a perfume. The inspiration of D:Sol is an endless
    summer with an emphasis on a fig accord that deviates from the more traditional takes, instead creating something different with the accord. of fig: greens and coniferous materials convey the essence of fig with a modern twist.
    USA

  • bglezerson says:

    What I found most fascinating about this Behind The Bottle conversation was Michael’s description of how he used Jasmine materials to evoke the lactonic elements of a fig note while introducing something unique to the composition that elevates the fig in a special, floral way.

  • xoe says:

    What an amazing creative endeavour. The idea of collaborating on a scent this way is fascinting. I love the way they were able to communicate with one another. The quote that really resonated with me was “a sense of quiet melancholy — something serene, almost introspective.” I am in the US

  • Lisa Kless says:

    It is so interesting that two individuals who have never mer created a fragrance remotely! I love fig fragrances and own a number of them. Tea and jasmine are also favorite notes and having all three in one fragrance is a dream come true! This quote spoke to me: “…did not want to recreate any of the standard treatments of fig. With beautiful benchmarks out there like Diptyque Philosykos, this is a big task for a perfumer.” I am so excited about an innovative, elegant fig fragrance!!

  • Jona says:

    The “little island” idea “not as a place, but as a state of being” makes sense to me; a pocket of quiet you carry. The fig/white tea heart reads calm and clear. It’s interesting how the fig accord is built: synthetic greens and coniferous tones (juniper leaf) for the leaves, woods for the bark, jasmine materials for the milky, sappy facet with a modern white-floral shade, and a refined patchouli under the tea to add depth as it dries down. That construction makes complete sense; happy to learn that. “ISLETA is a scent for those who don’t seek attention but find presence” ties it together: presence over display. Liked Behind the Bottle on Facebook; but couldn’t comment there it doesnt allow me. I am in France EU.

  • sunnlitt says:

    Gosh, this sounds beautiful!
    I love the idea of an Isleta, “where presence is effortless and stillness feels like home.” Both the idea and the reality is something that I would like to spend some time focusing on.
    Fig fragrances are some of my favorite. I also love fragrances with a defined contrast: sweet and sharp, soft and green, cool and warm.
    Thank you. I live in the US.

  • Ensorceler says:

    What I found most fascinating about Michelyn’s Behind the Bottle with Dennis Werner and Michael Ælfric Nordstrand was how seamlessly creativity and connection flourished despite the physical distance between them. Their collaboration shows that when vision and trust align, artistry can transcend geography.

    I learned how much intention and emotional nuance go into building a fragrance like ISLETA — how a single note such as fig can be reinterpreted not as something literal, but as a mood, a state of being. The process behind ISLETA revealed how depth, lightness, and contrast can reflect the human desire for inner calm and presence.

    A quote that resonated deeply with me was Dennis Werner’s reflection on ISLETA being “built around the idea of the little island—not as a place, but as a state of being.” It beautifully captures the idea that scent can become a quiet refuge, a reminder to return to stillness within.

    – USA –

  • GPGod says:

    This was a great deep dive because it stripped away the usual marketing fluff and really showed how two independents actually work together. I loved learning about the “soft concepts” stage and how Dennis and Michael aligned on mood and contrast before locking into formulas, especially around fig as a non-literal, introspective note instead of the usual sweet fig treatment.

    The fig accord itself was fascinating.. using greens, coniferous facets like Juniper Leaf, jasmine materials for that milky sap, and a refined patchouli to support the white tea and woods gave me a whole new appreciation for how “fantasy notes” are built. The idea of contrast as part of D:SOL’s DNA, with white tea and jasmine playing against the fresh green fig and clary sage, really stuck with me.

    The line that resonated most was: “ISLETA is built around the idea of the ‘little island’xD.. not as a place, but as a state of being.” That perfectly captures the kind of quiet, inner-space fragrance I reach for in real life.

    I live in the USA.

  • Kassie Tocko says:

    i learned more of the creative process of developing a fragrance & especially together, w/another person. it was very interesting to read their answer’s & see how in flow they were with one another, even with distance between them! the fragrance sounds absolutely beautiful & they both did such a brilliant job creating it. a quote that stuck out the most to me was, ‘the idea of an endless summer without the feeling of obligations and the beauty and effortlessness of that kind of time….’ just reading that sentence brought such a sense of peace & my mind went off to beautiful summer & the beginning & the feelings of happiness & joy it brings. this fragrance sounds utterly stunning & anyone would be so lucky to be able to win this fragrance & get to experience it for themselves. thank you for the amazing review.

  • Kensolfactoryodyssey says:

    What fascinated me most in Michelyn’s Behind the Bottle was how Dennis and Michael created ISLETA entirely through remote collaboration—yet the fragrance feels so intentional and intimate. The line that stayed with me was Dennis saying ISLETA is about “a retreat within, where presence is effortless and stillness feels like home.” I also loved learning how the fig accord was built through contrast rather than cliché, especially the white tea–jasmine heart inspired by Michael’s real-life tea. It made the whole process feel personal, thoughtful, and quietly revelatory.
    I live in the Bay Area, USA.

  • Laurentiu says:

    It was interesting to read about the concept of a fragrance being developed under the remote modus operandi with back and forth exchange of ideas during the stages of creation. I am more curious now about the final product as it is something unique. Definitely not something you come across everyday. Thanks! I am based in EU.

  • wonderscent.mari says:

    What a fascinating conversation! This fragrance and the description of it ,creating a scent that is more a memorable and spiritual, a thoughtful state of mind bottled. Everything about this sparks my interest, especially what Dennis said “ISLETA is a scent for those who don’t seek attention—but find presence. A whisper on the skin. A memory in bloom”. There is an emotional complexity, an awaking memorial theme in this house and that’s totally fascinate me, its not just a perfume house.
    What really fascinates me is how the perfume carries this sense of quiet melancholy. As a fig lover i am curious to try the calmness of the white tea in this one, in contrast of the green notes of fig & clary sage. Very beautiful sounding scent, hope to try it soon.
    Thanks for the review and also for the draw!
    Best regards from the EU

  • Nuvare Aenra says:

    What a fascinating look behind the scenes. I was particularly captivated by the creative trust in this remote collaboration. The fact that Dennis and Michael never met in person yet created something so cohesive speaks volumes about their communication. What I learned most was the power of a well-defined vision with artistic freedom. Dennis’s brief for a “quiet melancholy” and a non-literal fig gave Michael the framework to innovate. The quote that truly resonated with me was from Michael: “Contrast is quite important to perfumery but also to the DNA of D:SOL, and Dennis is quick to point out when something moves him to notice that kind of equilibrium.”
    It perfectly captures the essence of a true collaboration, where the perfumer’s artistry and the creative director’s vision meet to find that perfect balance. Thank you for this insightful piece.

    Greetings from Germany, EU

  • Jos says:

    What fascinated me most about this Behind the Bottle was how Dennis and Michael created such a cohesive vision entirely through remote collaboration. I loved learning about the “soft concepts” stage and how they built the fig accord to be introspective rather than literal—using greens, coniferous materials, jasmine, and patchouli to create something completely fresh.
    The quote that resonated with me was: “ISLETA is a scent for those who don’t seek attention—but find presence.” That really captures what draws me to fragrances—that quiet, personal connection rather than projection.
    I’m particularly intrigued by the white tea and jasmine heart contrasting with the green fig and clary sage. It sounds like exactly the kind of thoughtful, nuanced fragrance I’m always searching for.
    I live in the EU

  • freyja says:

    I really liked the approach of capturing „the idea of an endless summer without the feeling of obligations and the beauty and effortlessness of that kind of time“.

    A breath of fresh air from green fig leaves and a hint of floral white tea is a lovely way to translate that point of view into the scent world.

    I’m from the eu

  • LindenNoir says:

    This “Behind the Bottle” was utterly captivating. As someone who works in a creative field, I found the logistical aspect of their process incredibly inspiring. The image of mods being mailed back and forth, with digital smell sessions bridging an ocean, proves that a shared vision can transcend physical distance. What truly stuck with me was Michael’s approach to the fig note. The line where he says his task was to avoid standard treatments because there are “beautiful benchmarks out there… Just what I like” revealed so much about a perfumer’s challenge and pride. It reframed the entire creative process for me not as avoiding influence, but as acknowledging greatness and choosing to innovate alongside it. The idea of using Juniper Leaf and Jasmine to build a “modern” fig accord from the ground up is what I find most compelling about wanting to experience ISLETA. I also liked this wonderful article on CaFleureBon Behind the Bottle on Facebook.
    I am from EU (Germany)

  • Doni says:

    As an introspective person myself, I certainly resonate with the brand concept. Especially the quote about finding presence without seeking attention. Quite remarkable what you can find when you still your mind every day. Quite intrigued by the process of exploring ‘soft concepts’ as well. I’ll have to look more into that. Creative writing can be so nuanced that I would imagine it potentially becoming simultaneously cumbersome and informative. But also fun. Fortunately, I definitely agree with the need for contrast in perfumery, and the extra coniferous additions sound wonderful. Despite the summer time theme, I can imagine it being an excellent all year-round scent. A great interview! From Canada.

  • SandiL says:

    I find it fascinating how these two worked together over the time it took to create Isleta! Michelyn asked some superb questions that brought to life for me their cocreative process. I learned that after a concept and clear open-minded communication that intuition and precision led to the memorable fragrance of Isleta. This quote by Dennis Werner spoke to me deeply. “ ISLETA is built around the idea of the “little island”—not as a place, but as a state of being. A retreat within, where presence is effortless and stillness feels like home.”

  • Bran J says:

    I found the creative prompt of endless summer and the lack of obligation most interesting. The idea of an island within that is eternal and a place of retreat. The fig and tea elements without being a rendition of philosykos. I love this fragrance concept and fig is my jam. (Pun intended)

  • crownroyale47 says:

    What really drew me into Michelyn’s Behind the Bottle feature on ISLETA was how personal the exchange between Dennis and Michael felt. It did not read like a marketing piece at all. It felt like two artists sharing a creative space together even though they have never met in person. I was surprised by how connected and intentional their process was.
    What I learned and really appreciated is how deeply emotional their approach to scent is. The idea of the little island as an inner sanctuary made me reflect on my own moments of calm. Hearing Michael explain how he built the fig accord from greens, woods, jasmine tones, and soft patchouli helped me understand fragrance as something that is built from feeling as much as technique.
    The quote that resonates with me most is this:
    “ISLETA is a scent for those who do not seek attention but find presence.”
    That line stayed with me. It made me think about showing up in the world quietly but confidently and how a scent can remind you of that grounded version of yourself. I’m from the United States – New Jersey.

  • zibbyz says:

    I’m intrigued by the idea to create a fantasy note for an existing note, but given that fig is used so much, creating a note around an impression of fig sounds interesting. I love jasmine tea, so the thought of a scent that feels like, or reminds me of, jasmine tea sounds yummy. And I’m always interested by how others collaborate and resolve or work around challenges like different locations or how to communicate smells using words. A lovely article and generous give away. I’m in the US. Thank you

  • alleycat says:

    I’m quite intrigued by the “bee balm” note as I have never come across that. I particularly resonated with the line “what we call soft concepts: explorations of the brief through some written interpretation and through an expression of notes and ideas for compositional style and feeling.” As someone who’s a hobbyist writer and concept designer myself, I utilize a similar concept. I enjoy starting with a “vibe” and working from there. So interesting that the two partners have never met in person! I have made a lot of internet friends myself and while I have never undertaken such a project with them, I can relate with the going back and forth, and still establishing a strong connection, despite a lack of proximity. USA

  • MoSho says:

    This short reveal of what’s going on before one scent emerges from the minds and noses of the people involved is amazing, at least to me. I particularly enjoyed reading about Dennis requirement about the fig theme – to be something different from what’s been served so far in the fragrance market – now I’m extremely curious how Michael responded to that challenge.
    Thanks for the review & the draw, from EU.

  • acg233 says:

    I think that’s fascinating that the perfume was created as a collaboration but remotely. I didn’t know that could be done and I’m fascinated by that. I don’t own very many fig perfumes but I’m so intrigued, especially by the combination of fig+jasmine+white tea in this one. I didn’t know the jasmine could lend a milky/lactonic note, so that was something new I learned! I particularly loved the idea behind this one: “the idea of an endless summer without the feeling of obligations and the beauty and effortlessness of that kind of time”. Oof, I need that in my life right now.

    I also liked the Behind the Bottle Facebook page! USA

  • BerlinNose says:

    “[…] the idea of an endless summer without the feeling of obligations and the beauty and effortlessness of that kind of time.”

    That Idea completely resonates with me. As a born and raised Berliner the summers in this city are extremely special. Each one is totally different and beautiful on it’s own. And what could be more beautiful to experience an endless summer without obligations in your home town with a fragrance that wants you to feel just that. I smelled it and was immediately in the middle of August on a lake called “Schlachtensee”.

    It’s fascinating how Dennis just wants to do HIS thing and don’t really cares about hype and what everybody expects from a parfum Brand. I’ve never smelled a more beautiful and nuanced fig oriented fragrance like Isleta. Chapeau.

    I didn’t know that fig is an accord! It’s crazy to think about the knowledge and empathy one has to have (Michael Nordstrand) over all these ingredients to build the feeling and smell of an accord or a whole fragrance. Especially with an idea of a creative director he never met.

    I’ve met Dennis in my favourite parfum boutique in Berlin, 15West. Awesome guy! Had a great time talking to him about our shared love for this abstract thing called parfum. Awesome brand, awesome fragrance! Only love.

    Greetings from Berlin

  • BerlinNose says:

    I totally forgot to mention that I also liked the Facebook post and followed you guys on Facebook & Instagram.

  • reyessence89 says:

    “ISLETA is a scent for those who don’t seek attention—but find presence.” This is my vibe.
    I learned that there a many paths to achieving the right formula for a perfume project. The creative director can have an idea that is either firmly set or more nebulous, with ISLETA starting off as the latter. The solution – the “soft concept” approach.
    I live in the US.

  • sillage4ever says:

    Every note listed here and how they contrast with each other sounds perfectly tuned:

    “a beautiful heart chord of White Tea and Jasmine inspired by a really stunning real-life tea I drink frequently; it provides a great deal of contrast to the bracing, fresh green notes of the fig and Clary Sage”.

    In the USA, thanks for the generous drawing.

    So hard to find a balanced fig-heart ‘fume, best of luck to ISLETA’S attempt.

  • olgAPOISON says:

    Fig is like my favourite note ever!! This sounds like such a cool and unique take on it, i am curious. I also adore the tea note and curious to see how it’s mixed with lovely jasmine (and Patchouli). Sounds like something completely new on the market. I learned how perfumers discuss their ideas, create brief and create something new. “The theme and the fig as a central note were clear — not a literal, fruity fig, but something more nuanced.” I am from eu.

  • nixa says:

    I find it fascinating that the process took about eight months, with four development rounds in total. That’s a lot of work!
    I’ve learnt that contrast is quite important to perfumery but also to the DNA of D:SOL
    Love this quote: ” ISLETA is a scent for those who don’t seek attention—but find presence. A whisper on the skin. A memory in bloom. ”
    I also liked the FB post.
    EU

  • Patricia R. says:

    I like the quality of the fragrance to be calm, soft, transparent and green. I live in the EU.

  • Spoma says:

    What I found fascinating is how ISLETA is built around the idea of the “little island” – not as a place, but as a state of being.
    I also learned that Mythologist Studio does a version of a process called soft concepts for every project and it’s something that differentiates their work from bigger houses.
    As a fig lover, Dennis Werner resonated with me by saying “Yes, fig was the central note, the heart of the composition. But I wanted it to carry a sense of quiet melancholy — something serene, almost introspective. The white tea brought this softness, a calm transparency.
    EU

  • fxngr says:

    What truly sparks my interest in Darren Alan’s review of Into The Wild is his emphasis on the fragrance as a sensory return rather than an escape constructed from raw, natural clarity: pine, smoke, ozone—and experienced as “being very small in a vast, living world.” The idea of stillness made wearable, guided by atmosphere and memory, makes me eager to stand “in that place” myself. I’m from Romania, EU.

  • Maestro says:

    At the heart of D:SOL ISLETA lies the power of contrast, distinct notes working together to create a dynamic, unmistakably unique olfactory profile. Inspired by the idea of an endless summer, D:Sol reimagines the classic fig accord, shifting away from traditional interpretations. Instead, it builds a modern expression of fig through vibrant green facets and coniferous elements, capturing freshness, warmth, and a contemporary edge. Paris

  • Sorohan Adriana says:

    The Jasmine materials impart the milky, sappy tones typical to fig accords but with a white floral shading that feels modern. I am from EU

  • Annika says:

    This was a really interesting discussion on the evolution of a fragrance from concept and design through production. It’s also illustrative of the intense collaborative process. ISLETA sounds dreamy with its white tea, fig and jasmine notes combined to evoke the platonic idea of a Nordic summer. MD, USA

  • mmerline says:

    Great interview! As someone who does a lot of remote work, I appreciated Michelyn’s question about remote collaboration, and was struck by all the logistics required to pull off D:SOL ISLETA. The core white tea and jasmine accord sounds wonderful and like an ideal balance for the fig. And this take on fig is unusual: less sweet and fruity than most, green with bark and leaves, and painted with white florals. “I used some synthetic greens and coniferous materials with fruity undertones like Juniper Leaf to evoke the leaves of fig trees, and a number of woody materials to give an impression of the bark; some of the Jasmine materials impart the milky, sappy tones typical to fig accords but with a white floral shading that feels modern. A super refined extract of Patchouli is also present, underlying some of the softer woody notes.” I love a fig note in the right context and would love to try D:SOL ISLETA. Thanks for the giveaway! I like CaFleureBon Behind the Bottle on Facebook.

    I’m in the USA.

  • helenlam says:

    I wasn’t sure if I would like this until I finished reading the review. It’s always fascinating to read about the collaboration process and how a perfume goes from brief to finished product. It’s always interesting to see how these fantasy notes are interpreted and I think what was created sounds absolutely wonderful! Thanks for taking us on the journey to learn about this house and fragrance.

    I live in the USA.

  • foreverscents says:

    This interview was an eye-opening view into the creation of a fragrance. Isleta sounds fascinating with its fantasy-note of fig and with the white tea not adding a bit of melancholy. The patchouli note is a perfect way to add depth to the softer notes. It is wonderful that Michale was given the freedom to create with intuition and precision.
    I live in the USA.

  • David F says:

    “A retreat within, where presence is effortless and stillness feels like home.”. Not sure how the fig plays out in this but I gather that overall this is a fresh and lively spring and summer scent. Having many green and floral tones makes me thing of outdoors and enjoying a bright and chill day on a patio. Eight months in the making shows the craft and thoughtfulness you present here. Not sure what bee balm and cabrueva wood smell like but it differs from many other scents by incorporating them. A great read and a new direction for a niche fragrance for all to enjoy. From USA.

  • opalbear says:

    I love fig and this sounds phenomenal. I live in California. Quite I liked “There is a beautiful heart chord of White Tea and Jasmine inspired by a really stunning real-life tea I drink frequentl” it makes me curious to know what tea it is? I love tea note!!

  • wallygator88 says:

    This fragrance feels like a desert fig orchard at twilight—lush fig leaves and sweet pulp opening into mahogany, soffritto, and golden benzoin, then soft suede and vetiver wrap it all in calm dusk. I love how the fig remains vibrant and green without tipping into tunnel-vision sweetness, and how the woods and resin give it serious presence. I’d love to try Isleta!