By Benedetta Babucci and Loren Cortes. All images are courtesy of Olivier Durbano’s website and Instagram page.
With the increasing desire for individuality, commercial perfumes are no longer satisfying people’s need for a sense of personal connection and uniqueness. This is where niche perfumery steps in, providing a world of discovery for those seeking a distinctive expression of themselves. Olivier Durbano, a master French perfumer, stands out in this industry by creating unique olfactory experiences inspired by the ancient spiritual power of semi-precious stones.
Why gemstones in perfumery are so precious?
Gemstone-inspired fragrances: unlocking personal identity
He calls his perfumes “Pierres Poèmes”, which translates to stone poems. The semi-precious stones that inspire each fragrance serve as a scented medium for expressing individuality. These aren’t just ordinary perfumes; they are bottled stories whispered by gems connected to an ancient imaginary world, waiting to be unlocked by the wearer.
Durbano has been a long-standing presence at Pitti Fragrance, the annual gathering for professionals and experts in Florence every year since 2002. His perfumes cater to Gen Z and anyone else looking to feel unique and stand out from the crowd. Brands such as Olivier Durbano, which releases only one niche fragrance per year, value quality, artistry and deeper meaning over the fast-paced, profit-driven industry that we are exposed to. This ensures that customers are truly investing in a piece of art, much like one’s fashion style as a means of expressing identity, personality or mood.
Crafting artistic perfumes from semi-precious stones
As Olivier Durbano eloquently puts it, a fragrance “is more than just scented water. It’s a tool you can use in your daily life. It has the power to influence your emotions, giving you that extra boost of courage to conquer a challenge or offering a sense of serenity during a turbulent day. It can be your security blanket or your confidence elixir”.
It is the spiritual properties of semi-precious stones that pave the way for Durbano to walk. For instance, his “Pink Quartz” fragrance is the magnificent living embodiment of the mineral Pink Quartz. The French perfumer aims to convert Pink Quartz, connected to the heart “chakra”, into a liquid form to symbolise dreams, inspiration and inner peace and offer it to whoever wears it. There is more to the perfume than just its aesthetic appeal. It is a charged-up procedure involving gems and capturing the poetic olfactory expressions.
Spiritual gems: the poetry of scent by Olivier Durbano
Furthermore, Durbano’s Lapis Lazuli-inspired fragrance, “Lapis Lazuli Sky Stone”, is a testament to the deep historical meaning of the blu gem. This fragrance takes the wearer on a journey through time, starting with the Sumerians over four thousand years ago. They called it “Sky Stone” and crafted talismans with it, believing in its divine magic and protective powers against misfortune. Two thousand years later, the Persians saw Lapis Lazuli as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. A spritz of this fragrance before an important job interview could be the final touch you need to attract good luck and project an aura of confidence. After all, who doesn’t need a little sprinkle of good luck?
Olivier Durbano’s gemstone niche perfumes
It is a courageous journey that Durbano leads us through, dotted with fragrances rich in precious raw materials and unique accords, such as his “Rock Crystal”, “White Stone Prophecy”, “Black Tourmaline”, “Amethyst”, “Pink Quartz”, “Jade”, “Turquoise”, “Citrine”, “Heliotrope”, “Philosopher’s Stone”, “Lapis Lazuli Sky Stone”, “Labradorite”, etc…
On another note, Olivier Durbano has an intriguing life story. Based in Grasse, France, one of the capital cities for perfumery, Olivier initially trained as an architect and interior designer, but he became fascinated by the charming, captivating and mystical properties of gemstones. His admiration ultimately evolved into a unique art from the transformation of semi-precious stone essentials into real olfactory masterpieces. His creative drive and deep respect for the timeless wisdom of these raw materials drive his innovative spirit. He translates this philosophy into reality by infusing the essence of the stones into his distinctive and captivating scented accessories.
Beyond fragrance: a spiritual journey with gemstones in perfumery
Olivier Durbano’s approach to perfumery is unlike any other. He designs empowering scents that resonate deeply with the wearer’s individuality by drawing upon the symbolic and spiritual power of stones. These meticulously crafted fragrances go beyond just smelling nice; they are bottled expressions of one’s self, offering emotional support in the form of courage, inner peace, and even a touch of good luck. If you happen to be in Florence during the next Pitti Fragranze, consider visiting his showcase. In a world filled with mass-produced perfumes, Durbano’s creations stand out as a captivating blend of art, science and ancient wisdom, inviting us to embrace the power of scent to elevate our daily lives.
