Byzance

Ethereal, refined, sublime! Rich, burnt spices, velvety amber, and pungent incense mingle with luscious vanilla, seductive carnation, all enveloped by a strong musky presence and subtly infused with rosewater. Although the chypre accord is present, it dissipates relatively quickly on my skin. This fragrance exudes an air of allure while maintaining a sense of restraint, befitting a majestic queen who reigns from her throne. A luxurious blend that masterfully combines East and West, reminiscent of the Byzantine era's grandeur.

Wow! I purchased this perfume in a lot on eBay and was captivated by the bottle's unique design. It resembles an ancient magical elixir that would adorn an altar, anointing statues of ancient deities. I completely agree with someone who described it as making them feel like a High Priestess consecrating herself whenever they wear it. My vintage bottle features a delicate pink string and, although I bought the lot for Opium and Magie Noire, I was intrigued by Byzance since I had never heard of it before. It starts off with a feminine tone that dries down to a masculine white musk, making it a unisex fragrance suitable for men who can pull off the initial florals and wait for the dry down. When I first apply it, I'm struck by the word "White," perhaps due to its fresh and airy quality. Some people liken it to a marble statue, but I find it more reminiscent of white incense or a white sand desert with a dry, airy feel. The ingredients list seems to feature an array of flowers, yet the spices quickly emerge, subtly undercutting the floral notes as if they were secondary to the scent's overall character. The name Byzance and its comparison to pristine white churches from the Byzantine era are intriguing, but I'm reminded more of ancient Babylon, particularly its iconic blue and gold Ishtar gate. The supposed presence of cedar is subtle for me, yet it would certainly evoke the Middle East. The Byzantine empire's influence also spanned that region, making the connection relevant. When I smell it, I imagine myself passing through the Ishtar gate. This vintage perfume has surprisingly held up well over the years, with even the most fragile notes remaining wearable today. It's not heavy or opulent like some ambers; instead, it's light, bright, and features a uplifting finish, which may be attributed to the mandarin orange note. Byzance is undoubtedly someone's signature scent, although it's not mine. Some people find it cold, but I perceive it as warm and fiery, reminiscent of white opulence.

I'm quite underwhelmed by this one. It has a peculiar scent reminiscent of toilet cleaner, although it's surprisingly fresh, summery, and salty. As time passes, the floral notes emerge and Byzance becomes more tolerable, but it still doesn't resonate with me.

This perfume emerged in 1987, shortly after the debut of KL, which was my go-to fragrance for years. I'm guessing this period marked a pivotal time for new scents, as Byzance itself is something truly exceptional and I adore almost every facet from top to bottom. While others portray it as an "out on the town" scent, in my eyes, Byzance is gentle, cozy, welcoming – the kind of fragrance that begs for snuggling.

Despite the powdery feeling I usually adore in scents, it's not doing it for me. I can somewhat understand why some people might enjoy it, but to me, it feels like a slap in the face. 😐