Bora-Bora, created in 2010 by Thierry Wasser, stands as one of Guerlain’s rarest and most exclusive perfume creations — a singular work of olfactory and artistic craftsmanship conceived for Madame Figaro magazine in support of the Carla Bruni-Sarkozy Foundation. This was not a fragrance released to the public, but rather a unique edition designed as both an objet d’art and a philanthropic gesture, merging the traditions of haute parfumerie with the spirit of charity and refinement.
At the heart of this exceptional presentation was the Bora-Bora extrait de parfum, enclosed within a magnificent 500 ml Baccarat crystal flacon. The crystal vessel, handcrafted by Baccarat’s master artisans, reflected the timeless luxury and luminous precision for which both houses — Guerlain and Baccarat — are revered. The perfume itself, composed by Wasser, was said to evoke the idyllic sensuality and tropical serenity of its namesake island, though it remains a mystery never commercially released nor widely described. Its creation as a pure parfum extrait underscored the rarity and intensity of the composition, intended only for this one-of-a-kind presentation.
The central flacon was accompanied by an imposing black leather coffret, lined with elegance and precision, which held twenty-three additional perfumes — twenty bottles of 60 ml and three bottles of 30 ml — each housed in crystal flacons echoing Guerlain’s refined design language. Nestled within the case were also additional atomizer fittings, allowing select bottles to be fitted for personal use — a thoughtful, luxurious touch that merged practicality with sophistication. Every element of the ensemble reflected an unparalleled level of craftsmanship, conceived for display as much as for scent appreciation.
The entire creation, valued at 27,000 euros (approximately $35,720 USD), was custom-made for the Madame Figaro charity event, where it represented not merely a perfume but a symbol of French luxury artistry and humanitarian generosity. The French description captured its exclusivity succinctly: “Guerlain écrin laqué or contenant l’extrait de parfum ‘Bora-Bora’ créé par Thierry Wasser, une édition unique en flacon cristal Baccarat de 500 ml. Coffret de cuir noir contenant vingt flacons de 30 ml et trois de 60 ml.”
Today, Bora-Bora remains an elusive legend within Guerlain’s history — a perfume known more by its story and presentation than by its scent. It embodies the maison’s ability to blend art, luxury, and philanthropy, reaffirming Guerlain’s place not only as a perfumer but as a patron of French cultural excellence.
Photo from Octavian
Photos from artcurial
