Shalimar Oiseau de Paradis by Guerlain was launched in 2009 as a limited-edition collector’s bottle, offering a fresh visual interpretation of the classic Shalimar fragrance while leaving the scent itself unchanged. The name, pronounced roughly “shwa-lee-mar wah-zoh deh pah-rah-dee”, translates from French to “Shalimar Bird of Paradise.” The phrase Oiseau de Paradis evokes images of exotic elegance, vibrant plumage, and ethereal flight, conjuring a sense of freedom, wonder, and whimsy. It suggests a perfume experience that is both luxurious and fantastical, where imagination soars alongside the familiar sensuality of Shalimar.
The launch came at a time when the fragrance industry was embracing artistic reinterpretation and collectible editions. In 2009, the market was characterized by a fascination with heritage fragrances reimagined for modern sensibilities: brands were highlighting craftsmanship, exclusivity, and storytelling in their designs. Fashion during this period leaned toward sophisticated glamour balanced with playful creativity—soft draped fabrics, deep jewel tones, and intricate detailing—mirroring the visual narrative that Guerlain created for this collector’s edition. Women of this period, drawn to the allure of both tradition and novelty, would have found the Oiseau de Paradis bottle a charming, imaginative companion to the beloved fragrance, embodying elegance, sophistication, and a touch of dreamlike fantasy.
Guerlain’s design for Shalimar Oiseau de Paradis transforms the bottle into a work of art. The slender silhouette of the perfume’s two guardian angels casts a subtle matte shadow against a night-blue backdrop, highlighted by the gentle shimmer of the golden logo. The feminine shoulders of the bottle appear bathed in moonlight, adorned with a sophisticated silk feather draping around the neck and secured with a blue satin ribbon. The Oiseau de Paradis signature is inscribed in delicate golden handwriting, evoking the elegant, airy movements of the exotic birds that inspired it. This visual presentation acts as an invitation to a mirage: a dreamlike ascent into the evening, where imagination and elegance take flight.
While the fragrance itself remains the classic Shalimar eau de parfum, the collector’s edition transforms the experience into a multi-sensory journey. The name Oiseau de Paradis, paired with the opulent, poetic packaging, enhances the aura of Shalimar, making it not only a scent but also a symbol of artistry, imagination, and timeless luxury. In this way, Guerlain demonstrates how presentation, storytelling, and historical legacy can elevate a familiar fragrance into a moment of wonder and aspiration for collectors and admirers alike.
From Guerlain:
"Guerlain has imagined a legendary décor to accompany the new opus of Shalimar eau de parfum. The slender silhouette of the perfume’s two guardian angels throws a matte shadow outline against the night-blue backdrop of the box, illuminated by the gentle shimmer of the golden logo.
The bottle’s feminine shoulders appear bathed in glossy moonlight, wearing a sophisticated silk feather draping around the neck, held in place by a blue satin ribbon. The Oiseau de Paradis signature is inscribed in golden ink with light, slender handwriting, resembling the creatures that have inspired it.
A sort of invitation to a mirage, in which dreams could take flight into the evening light, rising towards other tales that Shalimar may soon whisper to us in our sleep…"
Shalimar Oiseau de Paradis was available as 50 ml Shalimar Eau de Parfum.
