Image of Etat Libre D’Orange Sous Le Pont Mirabeau by Karl©
“I picked this sprig of heather
The autumn is dead remember it
We will not see each other again on earth
And remember that I am waiting for you.”- Guillaume Apollinaire
Etat Libre D’Orange Sous Le Pont Mirabeau is a perfume that perfectly captures the essence of the iconic Parisian bridge, as immortalized in the poem of the same name by Guillaume Apollinaire. With its unique blend of mineral and ozonic notes, combined with a subtly sweet base, this fragrance is an absolutely stunning take on the emotionality of perfumery.
The poem “Sous le Pont Mirabeau” speaks of the fleeting nature of time and love, as symbolised by the river flowing beneath the bridge. Etat Libre D’Orange Sous Le Pont Mirabeau embodies this same sense of transience and impermanence, with its cool and refreshing blend of mineral and ozonic notes. From the first spritz, you are transported to the banks of the Seine, with the scent of the river and the city mingling together in a heady mix.
Image of Etienne De Swardt and Mathieu Nardin (Mane), collage by Karl
Sous Le Pont Mirabeau is a collaboration between Etat Libre D’Orange creative director and founder Etienne de Swardt and perfumer Mathieu Nardin of Mane. It opens with a burst of fresh, bracing ozone, reminiscent of the crisp air that one might encounter on a stroll along the river via bergamot, Italy HE, Sustainable pink pepper pure JE and a fig accord. This is followed by a mineral note that evokes the stony banks of the Seine, where the river meets the city and is created with a water accord, ozonic accord and violet. The mineral note is not overpowering, but rather provides a subtle foundation upon which the rest of the fragrance is built.
As the fragrance settles on the skin, a delicate sweetness emerges, reminiscent of the sugared almonds and other treats that one might find for sale along the banks of the river. The combination of cedarwood – Virginia Upcycled, sandalwood HE and Orcanox Upcycled adds a subtle touch. This sweetness is not cloying or overwhelming, but rather provides a gentle counterpoint to the mineral and ozonic notes that dominate the scent.
image courtesy of UnSplash.
Throughout its development, Sous Le Pont Mirabeau remains true to its inspiration, evoking the ebb and flow of the river and the passage of time. Like the poem that inspired it, this fragrance speaks to the fleeting nature of love and the impermanence of all things.
Etat Libre D’Orange Sous Le Pont Mirabeau is a truly exceptional fragrance, one that captures the essence of Paris in all its beauty and complexity. With its mineral and ozonic facets, combined with a slightly sugared base, this fragrance is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the art of scent.
Notes: bergamot Italy HE, Sustainable pink pepper pure JE and a fig accord, water accord, ozonic accord, violet, cedarwood, Virginia Upcycled, sandalwood HE and Orcanox© Upcycled.
Disclosure, Bottle of Etat Libre D’Orange Sous Le Pont Mirabeau sent to Karl, opinions are my own.
image courtesy of Etat Libre D’Orange
Thanks to the generosity of Etat Libre D’Orange we have a 100ml bottle for one registered reader in the USA, EU or UK. You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what sparks your interest based on Karl’s review and where you live. What is your favourite Etat Libre D’Orange fragrance? Draw closes 5/7/23. If you quote from Etienne’s Creative Director essay, your comment will count twice.
Please note since Etienne wrote his essay, in 2012 Europerfumes is the US distributor
Etat Libre D’Orange Sous Le Pont Mirabeau was chosen as a best of Esxence show by Karl and Emmanuelle.
Read Mathieu Nardin’s Young Perfumer path to perfumery here
Frustration was a top ten 2022 by Nicoleta and Olya
Etienne’s choice (as of 2017) of the three you should be wearing
Secretions Magnifique was inducted into our ÇaFleureBon Modern Masterpieces Hall of Fame in 2013
Also, check out Nicoleta’s reviews of Ghost in the Shell & Rien
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