This particular creation, La Ruche Impériale (“The Imperial Hive”), was designed by Laurent Nogues, a Maître d’art and founder of the Creanog studio, widely recognized as a leading authority in embossing, hot-stamping, and paper insets. Nogues transformed paper into an artistic medium, crafting a honeycomb-shaped case that unfolds to reveal layers of intricate embossed detail. The six panels of the case are lined with pristine white paper, each panel etched with a tone-on-tone honeycomb motif, creating an almost architectural geometry. At the center, the optical illusion of the legendary bee bottle appears, a subtle yet striking nod to Guerlain’s iconic heritage.
The embossing technique employed is singular, developed specifically for this project to achieve complex geometry and an extraordinary interplay of light. Each fold and facet catches the light differently, producing endless variations in tone and shadow that emphasize both the precision and artistry of the design. Beyond its visual beauty, the piece embodies Guerlain’s celebration of innovation, tradition, and the passing of artisanal knowledge: the proceeds of these creations support the “Maîtres d’art – Students” initiative, which ensures the continuation of these rare skills through mentorship and apprenticeship overseen by the Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA). La Ruche Impériale is thus both a dazzling objet d’art and a living testament to the fusion of craft, history, and creativity that defines Guerlain.
