Reve de Lune c2012

Rêve de Lune by Guerlain was launched in 2012 as a sophisticated reimagining of Jean-Paul Guerlain’s earlier limited edition fragrance, Metallica (2000), later renamed Metalys. Thierry Wasser reworked the composition to create a concentrated parfum, elevating the intensity and richness of the original scent. The name Rêve de Lune, which translates from French as “Dream of the Moon” (pronounced "Rehv deh Loon"), evokes a sense of nocturnal mystery, romantic reverie, and ethereal elegance. The imagery conjured by the name is that of a moonlit night, silvered landscapes, and the quiet enchantment of twilight, encapsulating both wonder and intimacy.

The fragrance was launched during a period when perfumery trends were increasingly embracing deeper, more sensual compositions, with luxury consumers seeking perfumes that offered both uniqueness and narrative. 2012 was a time of refined minimalism in fashion and design, but with an appetite for luxury products that carried emotional and conceptual weight. Women of the period would likely have related to Rêve de Lune as a statement of sophistication and allure—an invitation to indulge in a fragrant fantasy, blending mystery and glamour.

Classified as a spicy oriental for women, Rêve de Lune aligns with Guerlain’s tradition of bold, sensual compositions. It distinguished itself through its balance of warmth and sparkle, offering a multi-layered experience that captured both the darkness and the luminescence suggested by its lunar-inspired name. Compared to other fragrances on the market at the time, it was unique in its reinterpretation of a past limited edition, preserving Guerlain’s signature olfactory identity while modernizing it with intensified depth and concentration, making it both a collector’s piece and a wearable work of art.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Reve de Lune is classified as a spicy oriental fragrance for women.

• Top notes: aldehydes, bergamot, lemon,bitter orange
• Middle notes: jasmine, ylang ylang, pepper, orange blossom, carnation
• Base notes: vanilla, tonka bean, balsma, resins

Scent Profile:

Rêve de Lune opens with a luminous, sparkling top accord where aldehydes immediately lend a crisp, effervescent lift, reminiscent of morning dew catching the first rays of moonlight. These synthetic aldehydes enhance the natural brightness of the citrus trio: Italian bergamot, Sicilian lemon, and bitter orange. The bergamot, known for its finely balanced sweet and tart nuances, brings a vibrant, slightly floral brightness, while the lemon adds a sparkling, zesty clarity. Bitter orange contributes a subtle depth and gentle bitterness that tempers the overt sweetness of the other two, giving the opening a nuanced, airy elegance. Together, this blend evokes the sensation of a soft, silvery glow across a moonlit horizon.

As the heart unfolds, the floral bouquet is rich, exotic, and intoxicating. Jasmine, harvested primarily from Grasse, France—the historic perfume capital—delivers its radiant, creamy, and slightly indolic character, heightened by naturally occurring benzyl acetate and jasmone, which impart a heady sweetness and sensual warmth. Ylang ylang adds a tropical, slightly fruity and floral opulence, contrasting the structured, almost green facets of pepper. The pepper note—vivid yet delicate—introduces a subtle spice, creating movement and intrigue in the heart. Orange blossom infuses a fresh, radiant sweetness with a hint of green freshness, while carnation, rich in eugenol, provides a warm, clove-like spiciness, echoing the fragrance’s oriental lineage. The heart feels vibrant and sensual, conjuring the quiet drama of a moonlit garden filled with exotic blooms.

The base of Rêve de Lune is anchored in warmth and depth, where resins and balsams provide a rich, enveloping softness. Vanilla, with its creamy, slightly sweet richness, is complemented by tonka bean, which adds a subtle almond-like warmth from its natural coumarin content. Together, they create a comforting, seductive foundation. Balsams and other resins contribute an earthy, resinous glow that balances the sweetness, while gently lifting the entire composition, lending a mystical, almost hypnotic aura. The result is a sensual, enveloping dry-down, reminiscent of a velvety nocturnal landscape touched by the soft luminescence of the moon—a perfect embodiment of the fragrance’s evocative name.

Every note is carefully orchestrated to harmonize the freshness of the top, the floral-spicy richness of the heart, and the warm, resinous depth of the base, creating a spicy oriental that is at once modern and timeless, luminous yet intensely intimate.

Bottle:

The 245ml Baccarat L’Abeille Aux Ailes Argent flacon is a striking testament to Guerlain’s dedication to artistry and exclusivity. This exquisite bottle features delicately sculpted wings, each painstakingly adorned with hand-applied silver leaf, creating a luminous, shimmering effect that captures light from every angle. The craftsmanship evokes the ethereal elegance of a winged bee in mid-flight, an enduring symbol of Guerlain’s heritage, refinement, and meticulous attention to detail.

Only 57 numbered pieces of this exceptional edition were produced worldwide, emphasizing its rarity and collectible value. The combination of Baccarat’s renowned crystal clarity and the silvery luster of the gilded wings elevates the flacon from a mere container to a work of art, blending luxury, precision, and imagination. Each piece is a tactile and visual delight, designed to appeal to collectors and connoisseurs who appreciate the intersection of fine perfumery and masterful crystal artistry. At $25,000 US dollars, the flacon embodies both an investment in craftsmanship and a celebration of Guerlain’s storied legacy.