Francesca Bianchi The Black Knight Review (2019) + De Profundis Draw

Francesca Bianchi The Black Knight review

Francesca Bianchi Black Knight The Black Knight, photo: Elena Cvjetkovic

November 25th Anno Domini 1526, Governolo, province of Mantua, Lombardy, Italy

Best winter fragrances vetiver

 November Snow, photo: Pexells

The late afternoon air is damp and chilly, colored gray, gloomy with snowflakes swirling in cold November wind blowing above moist, cold and barren earth. Scattered bushes of wet grass are scarred by imprints of horseshoes and footprints of armored men facing each other across the white field, prepared to engage in an inevitable battle before them.

Francesca Bianchi Perfumes The Black Knight review

Horse Tacks, photo: Pexells

It’s the hour marked by silence of men and rattling of weapons, horses neighs, snorts and roars, their ears stiff and prickled forwards. Wind gusts carry bits and pieces of scents, traces of life – distant smoke of recently extinguished campfires and much nearer, of leather tacks and saddles.  This is the eve of the battle predestined to be lost, the hour near which the fates had prescribed as the last time a sword was unsheathed by one of the most skilled generals of his time – born as Lodovico de’Medici, son of Caterina Sforza and Giovanni (Popolano) de’Medici, husband of Maria Salvati (daughter of Lucrezia de’Medici), father of Cosimo de’Medici, known as Giovanni dalle Bande Nere – John of the Black Bands. The Black Knight.

Giovanni delle Bande Nere The Black Knight inspired The Balck Knight by Francesca Bianchi

 Giovanni delle Bande Nere, Uffici Gallery, Florence

A nobleman of turbulent history, whose virtues were a part of his nature and his vices the fault of his youth, praised for the grandeur of his thoughts and the fierceness of his valor, a beloved captain who shared everything with his army, even to his cloak: his aim was everlasting fame, not profit or political glory.

Franchesca Bianchi The Black Knight review

 Il Mestiere delle armi, movie, detail

This very battle marked the dawn of the Age of Chivalry: a single stray artillery ball fired from falconet inflicted a wound that caused Giovanni’s painful death five days later in Mantua at the age of 28. Guns? He never expected them, he knew not how to fight them.  It was an end of an era and to some scholars the end of the Italian Renaissance.

Francesca Bianchi and Elena Cvjetovic of CaFleureBon

Francesca Bianchi and Elena Cvjetkovic at Pitti Fragranze 2019

On 13th September Anno Domini 2019, Francesca Bianchi presented two new perfumes during Pitti Fragranze: Francesca Bianchi The Black Knight and Lost in Heaven. The inspiration behind The Black Knight is life and death of Giovanni dalle Bande Nere, as portrayed in the Italian film The Profession of Arms/Il Mestiere delle armi (2001). Francesca told me that the images and story of the last five days in the life of this spartan, committed, wild and yet so human character impressed her so much, and that I have to watch it – which I did.

Once again, as with Etruscan Water, Francesca dives into places and characters marking the rich history of Tuscany.

If you are familiar with her Classic Collection, The Black Knight could easily be placed somewhere between my beloved The Lover’s Tale and  Francesca Bianchi’s The Dark Side. Certain stages of the new fragrance might seem like familiar pieces of a puzzle already used in these two perfumes, with distinctive Bianchi accords, but the composition, rhythm, and structure are paced differently, thus rendering a completely new creation.  The story about Giovanni is important in order to better understand the mood of this creation: it’s serene and meditative, dark, medieval and gothic, yet there’s a strong pulse of life and passion beating deep inside of it.

The Balck Knioght Francesca Bianchi perfume review

 Giovanni de’Medici Sword, detail, Uffizi Gallery Florence

Wearing it reminded me of Mantua after sundown: this time I didn’t have to undertake a journey to the spot, I got it already covered. In the past three years I have stopped often in Mantua to rest there on route to other destinations, always returning to its ancient cobble paved squares shining softly in dimmed street lights, a little bit out of regular touristic routes, sleepy and dreamy in its quiet nights with remarkable inner courts and wide gardens inside the Ducal Palace, where Giovanni was a dear guest.

Francesca Bianchi The Black Knight review 2019

 Mantua, photo by Elena Cvjetkovic

Francesca Bianchi The Black Knight greets you with the power of a fully equipped, light and swift battle horse in full gallop through a fresh and green field of vetiver: its muscles are moving in a tense way, hoofs picking up and throwing pieces of dry earth in the air behind it. As the rider slows down into a moderate trot, you can feel the warm breath of the animal. It’s gentle and calming though, mixing with the scent of almost bitter, sweaty brown saddle leather and smoky remains of a campfire somewhere in the distance. Beneath every armor there’s it’s opposite: sensitivity, just as every strength hides in its folds the other side of a coin – a weakness.

The Black Knight perfume by Francesca Bianchi

 The Black Knight’s Rose, photo by Freeart

A soft light of tenderness shines through a crack in the armor of the dark, protective Knight – roses wrapped up in powdery, silky layers of orris soft as your lovers skin emerge as the secret mistress, noble Camilla de’Rossi, caresses the The Black Knights skin, disarming him with her thin, hungry fingers, applying this buttery, seductive accord in slow and deliberate movement. Her lips taste like honey, and braided hair smells of sweet, delicate patchouli. Scents of passion are replacing scents of war, rare and precious moments of naked humanness.

De Profundis, out of the depths resinous drydown notes and accords rise slowly, progressing with smoke, styrax-tainted leather, and soft layers of moss in the background covered with mineral, almost medicinal smelling dust of centuries gone by in the final phase. When colder weather rolls in the Northern Hemisphere, when it may be hard to face whatever is happening in your life or you just need a strong, protective force around you – spray Francesca Bianchi’s The Black Knight on your skin, let it be your fragrant armor, allowing you to connect with yourself deeper and regain your authentic strengths, never forgetting the power – of love.

Francesca Bianchi The Black Knight, 30 ml Extrait du Parfum shall be available at on her website from mid-October 2019.

Notes: Artemisia, Caraway, Honey, Bulgarian Rose, Narcissus, Iris Butter, Beeswax, Cedarwood, Vetiver, Patchouli, Oakmoss, Leather accord.

The Black Knight By Francesca Bianchi

 The Black Knight Sample, photo by Elena Cvjetkovic

Disclosure: I received my sample of Francesca Bianchi The Black Knight at Pitti Fragranze, opinions are my own

Elena Cvjetkovic, Contributor

Francesca Bianchi Lost in Heaven review

Sample set of all 9 Francesca Bianchi Perfumes via Francesca

Thanks to Francesca Bianchi we have draw for a registered CaFleureBon reader for the EU, AUSTRALIA, USA and Canada for a sample set of all  9 of Francesca Bianchi Perfumes including The Black Knight and Lost in Heaven. where you live and if you have a favorite Francesca Bianchi perfume. Draw closes 10/9/2019

Photos: Elena Cvjetkovic, Francesca Bianchi, Pexels, Freeart

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

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74 comments

  • Elena has a beautiful way of suggesting sensations and vibes. I almost hear the sounds of the battle and feel the smell of the horse. Unfortunately, I never smelled any of Francesca Bianchi’s fragrances. I live in EU.

  • Edward St. Grey says:

    I love the historical element to this and all the vivid imagery of the review. I’ve not been able to try any of the line before and they all sound spectacular. The Black Knight really resonates with me note wise as does The Dark Side. I’d love to experience the Sample set. I live in the USA.

  • Edward St. Grey says:

    I love the historical element to this and all the vivid imagery of the review. I’ve not been able to try any of the line before and they all sound spectacular. The Black Knight really resonates with me note wise as does The Dark Side. I’d love to experience the Sample set. I live in the USA.

  • Gorgeously written review! I almost forgot breathing! The medieval history of Europe fascinated me since i was a kid, I never imagined myself as a knight though 🙂 If watching the movie is a must, that that’s what i’ll do. I haven’t had the chance to test any of Francesca’s perfumes although they are on my “test them asap!” list. Maybe this discovery set is fate’s way of making me do the right move forward in this direction :)) Once again, in love with this review:) Many thanks to Francesca for the numerous giveaways and also many thanks to the Cafleurebon team for the complicity! Hugs from Romania 🙂

  • Oh my goodness I have not been able to try any of her perfumes and I would LOVE a chance to! I love how her perfumes are made to tell a story of specific areas, Tuscany is on my bucket list of places to travel for sure! Especially as we prepare for a long cold winter ahead.
    I am a registered reader in Saskatchewan Canada.

  • mohamedtarek89 says:

    Elena usually provide an interesting take on historical accounts. I would like to smell it.

  • I am thrilled to see a draw for Francesca’s samples, especially because it includes her two new creations. The Northern Italian inspiration for the Dark Night seems compelling. My favorite creation is Under My Skin, a scent forever linked to wonderful memories in London. I live in the USA.

  • Sebastian featured Francesca Bianchi’s fragrances in many videos and they’ve been on my radar for a while. This sample set is ideal for getting to know her brand. USA.

  • Smoke, leather and rose….say no more. Thanks for another great history lesson and a fabulous draw! USA

  • wallygator88 says:

    Elena’s paints a very poignant picture in her review. I really what she says about using fragrance as armor in colder weather (I often do it).

    I’ve never smelt a Fransesca Bianchi perfume before and hence do not have a favorite.

    Love from Madison, WI

  • The story was quite fascinating. A noble man deserves a noble fragrance formulated in his honor. I have never smelled a Francesca Bianchi fragrance and love the idea of a sample set introduction. Commenting from USA.

  • fazalcheema says:

    Francesca Bianchi is one of the better indie perfumers out there. She puts out daring releases. My favorite is Sex and the Sea. I am in US.

  • I was impressed by the analogy with the the Italian Knight and his sensibility covered by the heavy armour. Love to try them all. Ana, Romania, EU

  • Monica Beaton says:

    I haven’t tried any of the Francesca Bianchi collection but would love to. I so enjoy fragrances that are wrapped around wonderful stories. I live in Australia

  • Michael Lynady says:

    Haven’t tried any, but the descriptions are incredible.
    Cross my fingers to win lol
    Pennsylvania USA

  • Emmalafleur says:

    I’d love to try all of them based on just this descriptive review! I’m in Australia.

  • I have only tried Sex and the Sea, but I am curious about the other fragrances from Francesca Bianchi, which are hard to find where I live (Romania). Thank you!

  • The review so vividly painted pictures of a knight on horseback riding into war and juxtaposing that with the florals and honey the picture painted of the black knight with his lover was beautiful. I have not tried any Francesca Bianchi perfumes but certainly would like to. In the U.S. Thanks for the generous draw.

  • I very much enjoyed the historical references and the great shots. The Medicis have an ample and tempestuous history and part of it was nicely captured in this review. I liked the sound of the two-sided coin: masculine and brave on one side, silky and sweet on the other. I never tried any Francesca Bianchi perfumes. I am from the Eu. Thanks for the draw!

  • Thank you for beautifully written review, I enjoyed reading about historical background and how it is reflected in The Black Night.
    I live in Croatia EU and haven’t experienced any of Francesca Bianchi perfumes jet.

  • bigscoundrel says:

    I’ve been interested in Francesca Bianchi perfumes for a while now. I have not tried any yet. Sex and the Sea Neroli is at the top of my to-try list. I’m in the USA.

  • This sounds wonderful! I have only tested the first 3 of her perfumes and surprisingly, the one I thought I would like the least turned out I loved the most: The Dark Side. What I like about Francesca Bianchi is the fact that she seems she isn’t afraid to take risks and she likes to experiment with the ingredients, giving us bold and unconventional perfumes. So… I would love to try Black Night and Lost in Heaven. I`m in EU.

  • Sounds really good the new Black Knight, nice article. I would love to try it, or any other Francesca’s creations. Thanks for the chance, i’m in the EU.

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    Thanks for this lovely review! The imagery (both actual pictures and words) was all very evocative, and makes me want to try this, plus the herbal, floral, leather notes sound completely lovely! Thanks for this draw. I’m in the US.

  • doveskylark says:

    Now this is the kind of fragrance I live for. I like vetiver, seduction, and unbridled sexual force. I know I can pull this off.
    I haven’t tried any fragrances from Francesca Bianchi, but from what I have been reading, she understands passion and sex on the skin.
    I live in the USA.

  • Billiestimpson says:

    Ooooh I always get so enticed by the worlds evoked by Francesca Bianchi perfumes! I love Under My Skin so much but haven’t had a chance to try anything else. The Black Knight sounds like such a fully developed place based on this review, I’d love to go there and retest my relationship to leather 🙂

  • I haven’t smelled Francesca’s Bianchi perfume yet, but from the description they smell like Heaven. And who wouldn’t want to smell a little like Heaven? I live in Romania and I don’t know where I can smell her perfumes, maybe just blind buy them online.

  • OH yes please! First, a fragrant armor is how I often see perfume. I have never tried any of Francesca Bianchi Perfumes, but would love to! I am in the USA.

  • maria mihalache says:

    The only perfume from Francesca I had and I loved for pineapple, coconut, sandalwood, myrtle was =sex and the sea=. I like the combination of perfume history, it feels like the sweat of the horse and the fighter. Romania, E U

  • Very romantic review. Slightly dark, grand and extremely enjoyable. Thanks Elena. Notes sounds appealing also. I never tried anything from Francesca Bianchi, though I read only wonderful stuff. From EU.

  • redwheelbarrow says:

    Beautiful review. I still have this discovery set on my wish list. The Black Night sounds perfect for a New England winter. I’d love to try this one! Thank you for the draw. I’m in the US.

  • My favourite from Francescha Bianchi is Sex and the Sea. Sounds like a dark vetiver with patchouli and rose sounds great. From UK

  • I loved the history of Giovanni. I hope it is dark and sexy like my favourite The Dark Side. My favourite notes are rose and leather. Cheers from UK

  • Great review. Sounds like a really interesting release. I’ve never put my nose on any of her fragrances, but would love to. I’d love to win the sampler to try them all. I live in the US.

  • I had a peek at her website, and the samples all sound amazing. I have not yet had the opportunity to choose a favorite. USA

  • Thank you, I would love to try these, I’ve heard great things about this house. Black Knight sounds great! Canada.

  • What an epic review! I love the historical context which frames the notes in Black Knight very well. I’ve never tried any Francesca Bianchi fragrance but would love to. I’m in the USA

  • This fragrance sounds like it takes you on a journey! I’ve never tried FB’s fragrances but really interested in getting my nose on these! USA

  • Charles Montgomery says:

    I’ve always been intrigued and curious about the perfumes offerings from this house. Also the name of each perfume are interesting. I’ve had the pleassure of putting my nose on Dark Side and so far my favorite of the 2 Under my Skin. Would love to try the most recent offerings. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in this draw

    I’m located in USA

  • m.r.everything says:

    I was intrigued by the backstory of Lodovico de’Medici, aka Giovanni dalle Bande Nere, so much so, that I had to do a little research myself! I will be coming back to the couple of articles I pulled up on him. The Black Knight reads as if it is something you must have! The notes alone make me want to get a sample (which I am going to wind up doing, along with Lost in Heaven), but you add in there that this is from Francesca Bianchi?!?! I’m sold! I have sampled all of her line with the exception of Sex and the Sea Neroli. I have Under My Skin and wow, is it beautiful. I have given myself a spray or 2 here and there when I am at home more than I have actually worn the fragrance out and about. I love it that much! I have to pick up the bottle and smell it every so often, just to smell it… Francesca Bianchi has a way about her fragrances, that just captivates you. She has her own signature, which most of us know by now, and this is one of those brands, where I want every single scent she has come out with (I’m working on that, haha!) The write-up was beautiful and informative, and as usual, a great article by Elena! I live in Delaware, US. Thank you to all of you for the generosity, the read, and all of the hard work you put in to keep CaFleureBon alive!

  • WOW !! So beautiful article..So nice, especially telling about cold winter afternoon..like begining of beautiful story. Unfortunately, I am not familiar with Francesca’ s perfumes. US

  • This is not a house that I have tried before. This particular fragrance sounds intriguing from this review. I’m looking forward to trying it. Thank you so much for this review which included much history. Thank you for the draw. I’m in the USA

  • patrick_348 says:

    What a review! I hope it doesn’t set up unreasonable expectations for a fragrance to be so evocative of history and atmosphere. I am in the US and although I have never experienced a Francesca Bianchi perfume, this certainly piques my interest. I live in the US. Thanks for this chance to win the discovery set.

  • I’m not entering, but this was one of my favorites from Pitti as well. Elena, this review is glorious and does it great justice.

  • The set sounds wonderful; especially The Black Night. I hope there’s lots of Caraway and iris butter! I live in the USA.

  • Enjoyed this detailed article. Fragrance sounds great. I’ve heard of Medici family before. Haven’t got the chance to try Francesca’s fragrances yet and would love to sample all and hopefully own some of her collections. Thank You for this draw. Ca

  • I would love to try the samples. I’ve never come across this one before. I live in USA. Thanks

  • What a great prize! This is a house I’ve never had a chance to sample. I could use a fragrant armor right now…
    Thanks for the draw, I’m in the US. (Great pics by the way!)

  • Elena’s reviews help my travel destination list grow and grow and grow! I love her aesthetics and I’d be forever grateful to be given the chance of smelling all of Francesca Bianchi’s creations. So far, my favorite is Sex and the Sea.

    I live in The Netherlands, EU

  • You had me at leather, vetiver and campfire! I’m in USA and have not tried this house but hear so much about it. Would love a sniff.

  • When Elena defines The Black Knight as ‘serene and meditative, dark, medieval and gothic’, it immediately makes me think of The Dark Side – my favourite from Francesca Bianchi. The connection between the ‘age of Chivalry’ and the demise of this knight is a nugget of information on medieval Europe that I was not aware of! Thank you. (UK)

  • My favorite Francesca Bianchi perfume is Angel’s Dust, and I’m anxious to try the new ones. I live in the USA.

  • I really like the image of the knight on horseback, the leather, the mossy scent. The review is so evocative. I would love to try this! I am in USA.

  • Call me superficial but I just love the perfume name “The Black Knight”. So cool. I am also into darker fragrances so this brand looks like a fit. Thank you CaFleureBon for introducing me to this brand. Regards from Boston, USA

  • A beautiful read on the romance of gothic perfumery, Francesca interprets history with the imagery of ingredients, a true alchemist. I am in Canada.

  • A beautifully read up on Francesca’s romantic gothic alchemy. I love how she uses ingredients to interpret moods and imagery of her ideas. Very well written Elena. I live in Canada

  • Gorgeous photos!! I’d love to try this sampler. Not familiar with this line at all. The notes in Black Knight sound amazing. I’ll go to her website and check out the notes of the others. Interesting names!! USA.

  • Michael Prince says:

    Great review of Francesca Bianchi Perfumes including The Black Knight and Lost in Heaven. I enjoyed reading the back story about Black Knight. I don’t have a favorite fragrance from Francesca Bianchi Perfumes because I haven’t tried anything from them, but I think I would enjoy Black Knight. I am from the USA.

  • I love the idea of wearing this fragrance as armor and also the vivid descriptions! Difficult to pick a favorite Bianchi – they’re all so packed with emotion. In the USA. Thanks for the opportunity

  • Under My Skin is my only experience with Francesca Bianchi Pefumes. It was uniquely calming and beautifully blended. I would love to try more of her fragrances. Thank you for the review and giveaway. In the USA.

  • I have not had the chance to smell Francesca Bianchi’s perfumes before. I live in the EU

  • These scents sound so good. I would love to try these fragrances especially The Black Knight and Lost in Heaven. Thanks for the draw. I live in USA.

  • Hendrix Wilson says:

    I have never smelled a fragrance from Francesca Bianchi but the description of the Black Knight intrigues me. USA.

  • Another Francesca Bianchi fragrance that promises to be amazing. I don’t know any of her perfumes, but they are always so beautifully described that I would like to get to know them all. An excellent opportunity arises. I live in the EU.

  • i love how Elena tells the story to us, so much so that i would love to try this scent (especially when it starts with vetiver, one of my favorite notes). i don’t know much about Mantua or its history, so perhaps this is an opportunity to learn more. I do not have a favorite Francesca Bianchi perfume, but with these samples i’m sure to find one. in the US.

  • Thank you Elena for this glowing tribute, for providing historical context and for the giveaway. The Black Knight sounds very intriguing. I’m in USA

  • Rose and patchouli always go really well together. Which sounds interesting since this is said to be powdery too, which some patchouli scents can be.
    I havent tried anything from the house. Im in the US. Thanks for the draw

  • Scentitar Fragrance says:

    I live in the USA and have never tried this brand, but really want to ! The Dark knight sounds so good with a dark, soft and orris. USA, ms resident

  • Excellent review, Elena! You certainly have me interested in trying The Black Night. I love the fact that it was inspired by Giovanni dalle Bande Nere‘s life and untimely death. I don’t have a favorite Francesca Bianchi fragrance, yet, but hopefully I can sample some of her line soon! I’m located in the USA.

  • ChanteusedesIles says:

    Francesca’s perfumes sound divine! I love the Italian references, although I couldn’t find the movie that was referenced! I remember learning about the Medici family by proxy in undergrad, as I’m a classical musician 🙂 I would love to get the chance to try her perfumes, the Sex and Sea Neroli sounds the most tempting to me, but they all sound very interesting! I live in Toronto, Canada. Thank you for the giveaway!

  • I love her fragrances. I have tried the Dark side and Angels Dust! Can’t decide which I would like to buy. Black night sounds fabulous! Count me in on a sample set! USA