In 1999, Guerlain released a limited edition of Shalimar that reimagined the house’s most iconic bottle in an unexpected and luxurious play of color and material. For this edition, the traditional design was given a striking twist: the flacon itself was crafted from deep sapphire blue crystal, while the stopper was rendered in clear crystal—a complete inversion of the classic presentation, where the base is clear and the fan-shaped stopper is tinted blue. The effect was both bold and elegant, the sapphire glass catching light like a precious gem and giving the perfume a regal, almost nocturnal aura.
Unlike earlier crystal editions, this particular bottle was not manufactured by Baccarat, though the craftsmanship remains of remarkable quality. The lines of the flacon retain the graceful proportions and sensual curves originally designed by Raymond Guerlain in 1925, yet the color inversion transforms its mood entirely—where the traditional Shalimar speaks of golden opulence and Oriental warmth, this blue crystal version feels cool, contemplative, and mysterious, as though it were a tribute to the moonlit side of the legendary fragrance.
The presentation box was equally striking. Covered in a flocked midnight blue velvet-like finish, it departed from the lavender hue that had long been associated with Shalimar’s packaging. This deeper tone enhanced the jewel-like presence of the bottle within, creating a unified composition of shadow and brilliance. The contrast of textures—velvet box and crystalline glass—mirrored the sensual contrasts of Shalimar itself: soft yet strong, radiant yet intimate.
Standing 4 inches tall, the bottle bore a clear base label reading “Guerlain Bottle Made in France”, accompanied by a secondary label providing contents and volume details. Two versions were available for purchase: the 30 ml Eau de Parfum splash, which retailed for 350 francs, and the 125 ml Eau de Toilette splash, priced at 500 francs.
This 1999 edition stands as a quiet collector’s treasure—a reinterpretation that honors the house’s tradition of craftsmanship and innovation while casting Shalimar’s timeless allure in a new, sapphire-blue light.
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In 2000, the 30ml Eau de Parfum was relaunched and called the Shalimar "Gardens of Shalimar" Edition.
