Olivier Durbano Pierre Blanche Prophétie 19:1.0 Review (Olivier Durbano) 2023 + Pure in Heart Giveaway

Olivier Durbano Pierre Blanche Prophetie

Olivier Durbano Durbano Pierre Blanche Prophétie 19:1.0 photo collage by© Michelyn using images provide by the Perfumer

Blessed are the are pure in heart: for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)

Ida with Oliver at Pitti photo via Ida

Is there anyone more pure in heart than artisanal perfumer Olivier Durbano? I can think of very few among those I know and cherish. Olivier’s heart is legendary; his love is unconditional and arises from a wellspring of noble thought, right action, and upright intention. Read his face; it’s all there, written upon his visage. Interwoven with Olivier’s humanity lies artistry and talent. The jewelry he designs is extraordinary; his perfumes, likewise. This is my first opportunity to review a composition of his, and I feel honored to be able to do so. His 19th oeuvre, Pierre Blanche Prophétie 19:1.0 (White Stone Prophecy) debuted at this summer’s Pitti Fragranze, and was, for me – among the highlights of that event.

“To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” (Revelation 2:17): 19 –

Rider-Waite tarot deck The Sun, the Wheel of Fortune, The Magician (Le Bateleur)

 From the Rider-Waite tarot deck: The Sun, the Wheel of Fortune, The Magician (Le Bateleur) collage

Olivier Durbano Pierre Blanche Prophétie 19:1.0 addresses the second stage of alchemy – the whitening, also known as albedo. The albedo stage involves a process of purification and refinement, and heralds not only a stage from which to pass through, but also the creation of a vessel which will contain all of the alchemical elements. It symbolizes a form of rebirth of innocence. Some symbols for albedo include the Moon, light, a white swan, a white eagle, a white stone, the union of male and female, a fountain, the sun rising at midnight (midnight sun), baptism, and a white dove. Another interpretation describes albedo as the experience of awakening; this involves a shift in consciousness where the world becomes larger and more important than just an individual’s ego, his family, or country. As Olivier was creating Pierre Blanche Prophésie19.1.0, he was guided by the three tarot cards above: The Sun, representing success, fortune, and peace; the wheel of fortune, a symbol of providence and transformation; and the Magician (Bateleur in French), exemplifying energy and beginnings.

 

Olivier Durbano White Stone Prophecy 19.1.0

Photo by Olivier Durbano©

When we consider the holy, frankincense (olibanum) and myrrh are foremost in our imaginings, having been considered sacred throughout the centuries. The bright sharp wintergreen (sweet birch is ~ 98% methyl salicylate) nature of sweet birch contributes a sweet, camphorous note; both hyssop and mint are members of the same (mint) family – fresh, wholesome, and possessed of a singular purity. Hyssop displays a cool, woody lavender/eucalyptus tone and a contrasting warm, spicy aspect. Sage is diffusive, herbal and emits a clarity which plays synergistically with the other fragrant elements; white violet’s sweetness is said to foster self-acceptance and prove helpful to those who harbor a strong sense of spirituality in their lives. The tender silvery quality of ambrette and gentle white musks embellish an already angelic elixir. The employment of woods and tree moss ground us in their earthy reality – a perfect counterpoint to the perfume’s plethora of sanctified olfactory materials.

Photo by Ermano©

I would best describe Olivier Durbano Pierre Blanche Prophétie as an illuminated gossamer skein of scent, one that forms a protective talismanic veil impenetrable to ill feeling and intention. Beneficent in nature, one feels the presence of a loving, enlightened soul worn weightlessly. There is just enough earthiness present to balance its ethereal character and provide a little ballast to the perfume. In our world gone mad, sanity presents itself in the guise of Olivier Durbano’s most recent composition – and we are thankful for it.

Notes: olibanum, birch, white myrtle, hyssop, mint, white violet, sage, wood, myrrh, white musk, ambrette, tree moss

~ Ida Meister, Deputy and Natural Perfumery Editor

Sample kindly provided by the perfumer – I love it!  My nose is my own…

White Stone Prophecy 19. 01 Olivier Durbano

courtesy of Olivier Durbano

Thanks to the generosity of Olivier Durbano, we have a special 30 ml flacon of Pierre Blanche Prophétie 19:1.0 for one registered reader in the U.S., Canada, UK or the EU. YOU MUST REGISTER OR YOUR COMMENT WILL NOT COUNT. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what struck you about Olivier Durbano Pierre Blanche Prophétie 19:1.0 from Ida’s review, where you live and whether you have a favorite Olivier Durbano perfume. Draw closes 10/20/23

Olivier Durbano Black Tourmaline is a ÇaFleureBon Modern Masterpiece, written by Ermano. Olivier Durbano is the recipient of our Hall of Fame 2020

Please see the article announcing the debut of Olivier Durbano White Stone Prophecy 19:1.0, the 19th perfume in his Pierres Poèmes (Stone Poems) collection (which was co-written by Olivier Durbano and Michelyn Camen).

Follow us on INSTAGRAM @olivierdurbano @cafleurebonofficial @idameister

This is our Privacy and Draw Rules Policy.

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so please “like” ÇaFleureBon and use our blog feed, or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 

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45 comments

  • Sorohan Adriana says:

    White violet’s sweetnes, tender silvery quality of ambrette and gentle white musks embellish an already angelic elixir.
    I am from EU

  • castlemicro says:

    Hello from Florida, and thank you to Ida for the review!

    Hyssop and birch are notes we certainly don’t see enough, and I’d love to smell how they’re incorporated in this biblical perfume. Pierre Blanche Prophétie 19:1.0 sounds very unique!

  • olgAPOISON says:

    Really want to try! Can’t imagine how it smells but I really like this review, im from eu

  • Frank G says:

    What struck me about Olivier Durbano Pierre Blanche Prophétie 19:1.0 from Ida’s review is the mention of the ingredient hyssop which I’ve never heard. It puts forth a cool, woody lavender/eucalyptus tone and a contrasting warm, spicy aspect according to Ida’s review. I thought it sounded very interesting. I’ve never tried any Olivier Durbano perfume. From New York, USA.

  • Jeremi says:

    The forms a protective talismanic veil really struck me, this sounds like something magical and very unique for perfumery. I live in Trzebnica, Poland, EU. I don’t have a favorite from Olivier Durbano because I never tried the house but this scent would definitely captivate me.

  • Scentsational Exchange says:

    Unfortunately I haven’t tried any of Olivier’s creations, but what struck me about Ida’s review is her eloquent portrayal of the fragrance’s symbolism and the deep thought that has gone into its creation. She beautifully explains the connection between the alchemical process of albedo, the tarot cards, and the sacred ingredients used in the perfume. The description of the scent, as an “illuminated gossamer skein of scent” that forms a protective talismanic veil, is breathtaking.

    Ida’s review not only delves into the olfactory aspects of the fragrance but also brings out the spiritual and symbolic layers that make it more than just a scent – it becomes a meaningful and ethereal experience. Her words convey the essence of the perfume as a refuge in our chaotic world, and her gratitude for it resonates with me to be honest. Thank you for this!

    I am from the EU.

  • Brad Woolslayer says:

    I love the description of the different notes and how they contribute to form an angelic elixir. I live in Maryland USA.

  • LightOfJoy says:

    I’m so excited that you’re doing a giveaway for Olivier Durbano Pierre Blanche Prophétie 19:1.0. It struck me when it was presented previously in several other Fragrenze articles.

    A perfume which serves to be ethereal and yet grounding is extremely appealing to me. I’d love to enter the drawing. Thank you for hosting, and thank you for this review, Ida!

    I live in Texas, USA.

  • Teresa C says:

    The fragrance representation of white without powdery elements really draws me. It sounds clean and true and natural. Very appealing! I live in USA and am still sampling my way along the Durbano line.

  • Steve A says:

    I was most struck by the high praise the reviewer gave Mr. Durbano in the opening paragraph. I have no house favorite at this time. US

  • Shibuichi2000 says:

    Ida speaks so highly about Olivier Durbano as an individual, that reading her words alone is enough to spark interest about his creations.
    Pierre Blanche Prophétie 19:1.0 sounds more like a spiritual talisman, rather than a scent. Sounds intriguring, to say the least.
    (now I’m off to check out his jewelry )
    I’m in EU.

  • Jos says:

    Love this combination of myrrh, violet, wood, tree moss and white musk! Who doesn’t want to feel the presence of a loving, enlightened soul worn weightlessly? Living in the EU

  • psebi101 says:

    I like olibanum and all those resins, they’re magic ingredients! It seems it’s not a church like perfume (although I like them, but they can be repetitive) and it’s nice that there are warm and cool tones, minty and sweet, herbal and spicy.
    I’m in the EU.

  • Sonbahia says:

    Nice review Ida! I didn´t know Mr. Urbano was a jewelry designer but now I understand the reason he has a collection of perfumes named after a gemstone so his fragrances are kind of a jewel (not as a luxury item). Albedo in spanish has another meaning ( percentage of radiation that any surface reflects with respect to the radiation that falls on it) but I see the ethimology from the latin, albedo as whiteness and purity : The Pierre blanche from the name of the scent too. The amazing top notes: Frankincense, Birch, White Myrtle, Hyssop, Mint in a fresh, holy, pure opening to the spiritual base woody musky notes: myrrh, wood and tree moss. The hug of an angel in a scent. I live in Spain.EU.I’ve never tried any Olivier Durbano perfume.

  • Giorgia295 says:

    I really appreciate when the owner behind a fragrance brand is well mannered and pure. I think I really like this composition since I like violet, mint and ambrette.I like the fact that this fragrance is associated as a forma a talisman who can protect as and give us peace and calm.
    Greetings from Italy, Milano

  • zazazelle says:

    I like this kind of mystification – legend, Tarot cards, sacred resins. Yes, sure I want to participate in this draw where the prize is the stone with a new name written on it which no one knows except him who receives it.
    I already understand that olibanum and myrrh plays a great role here, but my guess is that also a birch is prominent – birch gives light, gives coolness, gives some special vibe of spirituality… looking forward!
    My favorite from Olivier Durbano is Cristal de Roche.
    Best regards from Riga, Latvia, EU.

  • Amaziz89 says:

    I would best describe Olivier Durbano Pierre Blanche Prophétie as an illuminated gossamer skein of scent, one that forms a protective talismanic veil impenetrable to ill feeling and intention. Beneficent in nature, one feels the presence of a loving, enlightened soul worn weightlessly. There is just enough earthiness present to balance its ethereal character and provide a little ballast to the perfume. In our world gone mad, sanity presents itself in the guise of Olivier Durbano’s most recent composition – and we are thankful for it.

    Notes: olibanum, birch, white myrtle, hyssop, mint, white violet, sage, wood, myrrh, white musk, ambrette, tree moss. A beautiful written piece by Ida I am intrigued by the notes especially olibanum, myrrh, ambrette and birch. This sounds like a spiritual meditative introsoextive kind of fragrance. I have tried fragrances from this house my favourite is probably Black Tourmaline. Thanks a million from the UK

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    said to foster self-acceptance and prove helpful to those who harbor a strong sense of spirituality in their lives. The tender silvery quality of ambrette and gentle white musks embellish an already angelic elixir. The employment of woods and tree moss ground us in their earthy reality – a perfect counterpoint to the perfume’s plethora of sanctified olfactory materials. I really intrigued by the ingredients and how this beauty smells like on skin. Olivier Durbano is a house that has been on my radar for a while but have not tried anything thusfar I hope to put that right sooner rather than later. This sounds like a magical concoction. Thanks a lot from the United Kingdom

  • Tveta says:

    I do not have much experience with this house, although I like the main idea behind it. The notes here seem right up my alley. I think I will like this one. Thank you!!

  • Danu Seith-Fyr says:

    I have been blessed to know Olivier, Ida’s sage words ring with his Truth, there is nothing of pretension or fake nature in the man and likewise with his creations. White Stone Prophecy 19: 1.0 is a revelation in itself, the blinding scented realisation of the blank page, the potential of humanity, in just that, our divine humanity. We are grateful for such beauty. Thank you I would love to participate in this giveaway. I live in SW France.

  • AromaDulce73 says:

    What struck me was the Bible verse at the beginning of this article. Blessed are the are pure in heart: for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8) This seems like a fragrance to have in my collection. Love the notes of olibanum, birch, sage, wood & myrrh. Never tried any of Olivier Durbano perfumes. This would be my first if I win.

    Los Angeles Ca. USA

  • Torax says:

    Amazing job here, Ida.
    Olivier Durbano always amazes me with his creations. Last one I tried was Black Tourmaline really blew my mind,
    Pierre Blanche Prophétie is something I really need in my collection. This angelic elixir is something that screams quality. The myrr, the olibanum, the hyssop and mint; everything just blends to make this holy perfections.
    USA here.

  • MatthewKeilwitz says:

    This composition sounds as fresh and purifying as a cool spring rain, as holy as growth itself.

    It’s interesting to me that scents are considered sacred in so many different cultures. The act of burning boswellia and myrrh were considered by many of the peoples from the middle east as a way to create a place where man and G_d could come together. So much so that Hazzan Shoshana Brown posits that the Hebrew words for reiach (odor) and ruach (spirit) share the same root. Yet on the other side of the world, burning sage is a method that was used and is still used in many of the first cultures of North America to purify places and people.

    Our sense of smell is truly one of our greatest and most interesting gifts.

    I’ve never sampled anything from the house of Mr. Durbano, and I’m beyond intrigued enough to make this my first.

    FL, USA

  • Salem says:

    Pierre Blanche sounds like a truly transcendental perfume. I have to confess I have a hard time imagining what it must smell like, because some of the notes are totally unknown to me, while the other seemingly “central” ones – perhaps sage, violet, myrrh, ambrette etc, they seem to me like they could blend either into a very grounding, meditative fragrance, or a thicker, more balsamic one. In either case, I’d be delighted to smell it!
    Commenting from EU.

  • Annika says:

    I appreciate the idea of a sacred scent that utilizes knowledge gleaned from centuries of seeking. Of course the holy resins; frankincense and myrrh are used by Olivier Durbano. The addition of mint, sage and the “white” ingredients; birch, violet, myrtle, musk and ambrette, take it into the angelic realm. I like hyssop adding a lavender scent. Favorite Durbano is Amethyst. I’m in the US.

  • perusegenesis says:

    Thank you, Ida, for this review! This fragrance was on my radar since the Pitti mention some weeks ago. I’ve been reading more on alchemy recently, this seems well fitted, it was such an interesting read, really curious about how it would play on my skin and to my nose now. Never had the occasion to try any of Oliver Durbano’s creations, but I’m looking forward to, it’s on my list for sure. I’m currently residing in Romania, Europe. 🙂

  • moisesst says:

    I had no idea that hyssop and mint are part of the same family. Big fan of incense fragrances. I’ve always loved olibanum, but now I am really starting to enjoy myrrh as well. Everything about this fragrance appeals to me. I like the idea of a sweet birch note going with the piney olibanum & dark myrrh. What myrrh & olibanum are to Abrahamic religions, sage is to indigenous religions in North America. I like the idea of earthy aspects grounding this fragrance. I live in the U.S.

  • helenlam says:

    What a fun concept! Purification but not innocence, and not just a clean white musk! I like the hints of a life well lived and seeking of absolution and lessons learned. I have not tried anything by the house before so this would be a first. I live in the USA. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • mmerline says:

    Terrific review Ida. I enjoyed the introduction to Olivier Durbano’s work and alchemy symbology. I’m always intrigued by fragrances that use sacred incense along with a broader, greener array of medicinal botanicals—such as the camphorous birch and cool herbs in White Stone Prophesy 19:1.0—and Olivier Durbano’s take on that style sounds particularly beautiful. I haven’t tried any of his perfumes yet and would love to try this one.

    I’m in the USA.

  • patrick_348 says:

    I love how this article creates a dialogue between the elements of the fragrance and the scriptures, tarot cards and other mythologies that inspired it. I am struck by the absence of anything that would seem animalic in this description. It sounds like a fragrance one might grab if one was in a particular spiritualist mood, or a scent that might help create that mood. Fascinating stuff! I am in the US, in North Carolina, and am unfamiliar with any of Mr. Durbano’s other work.

  • elocin says:

    The ethereal quality of the perfume as described by Ida draws me in. Sounds like peace in a bottle. I haven’t tried Olivier’s creations but I would like to. Based in the UK.

  • wandering_nose says:

    Oh my… I cannot express how grateful I am for this review, thank you Ida! And in the first place I am grateful that the earth carries people like Olivier – when I look at his visage, it is so inviting, so open in a humane way, so all-encompassing that I cannot find a way to look away; I crave the warmth and deepest understanding radiating from his presence and his persona. The concept of albedo – rebirth and innocence, would be of use to many of us in today’s world full of fakeness and pretending. To come up with a talisman which allows to get closer to the true self while at the same time gaining protection from ill feeling or intention – that takes pure genius. To have that blessing in the form of a perfume is the greatest gift. Many thanks from Dublin, Republic of Ireland, EU

  • jojosi3 says:

    I do not have a favorite Olivier Durbano perfume as I have not had the opportunity to smell any of their creations. From Ida’s review, what struck me about Pierre Blanche Prophétie 19:1.0 was the description of it being like a “protective talismanic veil” and the notes sound great – mint, violet, sage – how beautiful.
    Thank you for the giveaway, from Canada!

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thank you for the beautiful review Ida.

    I really enjoy reading about Olivier Durbano fragrances because of the manner in which the perfumer utilizes frankincense and myrrh in such beautiful and unorthodox ways.

    It’s crazy to imagine that this scent is being described as a gossamer skein, given the nature of the incense and hyssop and birch.

    I really look forward to trying it out.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • nenik says:

    from Ida’s review that what struck me about Olivier Durbano Pierre Blanche Prophétie 19:1.0 is the inspiration behind of this fragrance from the second stage of alchemy and the three tarot cards. I have never tried any perfume from Olivier Durbano, so I don’t have a favorite. I’m from Greece, EU

  • Michael Prince says:

    What struck me about Olivier Durbano Pierre Blanche Prophétie 19:1.0 from Ida’s review is reading through her in depth and comprehensive views. I am always learning new things from Ida. This is a house I never heard of before and Ida taught me about second stage of alchemy – the whitening, also known as albedo. The albedo stage involves a process of purification and refinement, and heralds not only a stage from which to pass through, but also the creation of a vessel which will contain all of the alchemical elements. It symbolizes a form of rebirth of innocence. I don’t have a favorite from Olivier Durbano because I haven’t tried this house. I am from the USA.

  • ioannaI12 says:

    What struck me about Olivier Durbano Pierre Blanche Prophétie 19:1.0 from Ida’s review is the albedo stage of alchemy and their symbology and how he was guided by the tarot cards. I’ve never tried any perfume from Olivier Durbano.I’m from EU

  • Januarililjan says:

    This sounds lovely. The ethereal nature is of the perfume sounds interesting. I have not tried anything from the brand before. Hopefully I can win. I live in the EU.

  • litsam says:

    Great review from Ida, what struck me is the point that Ida describes the feelings and the kind thought and love for the great creations of Olivier. I don’t have any favourite fragrance because I never tried one.Im from Europe.

  • TimoF says:

    The comment “There is just enough earthiness present to balance its ethereal character and provide a little ballast to the perfume” makes me really curious to this scent. I live in the Netherlands (EU).

  • Regis Monkton says:

    I’ve never tried an Olivier Durbano fragrance, but I’d love to. Pierre Blanche Prophétie 19:1.0 seems like a fragrance I’d think highly of. I like its list of notes. Botanically, it seems to be very well put together. I appreciate it that Ida lets us know which notes she perceives, and that there might be a meaning for each note in the fragrance. I live in the U.S.A. I hope to win this one.

  • rmsssss says:

    I love the sound of the contrasts of cool and warm in this fragrance! I haven’t had the chance to try anything from Olivier Durbano but I’d love to start with Pierre Blanche Prophétie 19:1.0. I’m in MN, USA.