Vol de Nuit 80th Anniversary Limited Edition Parfum 2013

In 2013, Guerlain celebrated the 80th anniversary of one of its most enigmatic and poetic creations—Vol de Nuit, originally composed by Jacques Guerlain in 1933. To honor eight decades of this legendary fragrance, Guerlain unveiled an extraordinarily limited edition, conceived as both a tribute to its history and a work of art in its own right.

From the depths of the Guerlain archives, 46 original vintage flacons were carefully selected and restored—each an authentic relic from the house’s golden era. These bottles, with their 56ml capacity, were refilled with a new formulation of Vol de Nuit parfum, crafted to evoke the original’s mysterious balance of green, woody, and oriental notes. The flacons themselves retain their timeless Art Deco allure, their solid glass forms symbolizing both luxury and endurance.

Each bottle was lavishly adorned for the occasion: the metal label and stopper cover were meticulously gilded with genuine gold leaf, applied by hand to ensure a luminous, warm radiance that would catch the light like the gleam of an aircraft wing at dusk—an allusion to the fragrance’s name, “Flight by Night.” The gilding brought renewed life to the elegant geometry of the design, emphasizing the interplay of reflection and shadow that has long been part of Vol de Nuit’s mystique.

Released in an edition of only 46 numbered pieces worldwide, each bottle was priced at 6,500 euros, underscoring its rarity and the extraordinary craftsmanship involved. This commemorative edition was not merely a perfume, but a piece of Guerlain heritage, connecting past and present through artistry, memory, and scent—a testament to the enduring magic of Vol de Nuit and the house’s reverence for its own luminous history.

Vol de Nuit, whose name translates to Night Flight, draws its inspiration from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s 1931 novel, a poetic and haunting tale of courage, love, and sacrifice set during the dawn of aviation. The story captures the perilous romance of flight in its earliest days, when pilots braved uncertain skies guided only by starlight, radio signals, and faith. In the novel, a newly married pilot loses control of his aircraft during a storm, while his young wife waits anxiously in the control tower, her heart suspended between hope and despair. It is a narrative steeped in emotion—one that speaks to the human desire to transcend limits, even at great personal risk.

Jacques Guerlain, ever attuned to the poetry of life and art, transformed this story into fragrance in 1933, crafting Vol de Nuit as a vibrant olfactory homage to both the heroism of flight and the emotional strength of the women who loved these daring men. The perfume mirrors the tension between darkness and light, evoking the gleam of propellers slicing through a stormy night sky, and the warmth of the human spirit that endures beneath it.

To Guerlain, Vol de Nuit symbolized not only the romance of aviation but also a new vision of femininity—a woman who dares, who possesses both tenderness and fortitude, who moves gracefully through uncertainty without fear. She is mysterious and luminous, like the scent itself: complex, quietly powerful, and unforgettable. In this way, Vol de Nuit became far more than a fragrance; it became a metaphor for courage and emotional depth, a timeless tribute to those who live—and love—with the thrilling awareness that life’s beauty often resides in its risks.

Fragrance Composition:

• Top notes: bergamot, galbanum, and petitgrain.
• Middle notes: jasmine, daffodil, and spices.
• Base notes: wood, iris, vanilla, amber notes, and an earthy forest note.

Scent Profile:

Vol de Nuit opens with a bright, electrifying burst of bergamot from Calabria, Italy. Its zest is luminous and tangy, carrying a naturally sparkling citrus oil rich in linalyl acetate and limonene, which infuse the fragrance with a radiant, almost luminous top note. Alongside it, galbanum emerges—a green, resinous note sourced traditionally from Iran, offering a sharp, bitter green aroma that immediately evokes the smell of sun-drenched forests and crushed leaves. Its naturally occurring pinene and terpenes lend a vibrant, slightly resinous crispness. Intertwined with these is petitgrain, distilled from the tender leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree, often from Paraguay or Haiti, which contributes a delicate floral-woody freshness; the linalool and geraniol content brings a soft, slightly sweet, verdant brightness that perfectly balances the sharpness of galbanum.

The heart unfurls with a luminous floral accord. Jasmine—likely sourced from the fields of Grasse—is rich and opulent, its indole compounds lending a deep, sensual warmth that is at once intoxicating and comforting. It is accompanied by daffodil, an unusual addition that gives the bouquet a subtly powdery, green-floral delicacy, almost ethereal, with lactones imparting a creamy, soft nuance. Woven through the florals is a trace of exotic spices, adding warmth and intrigue—a subtle, slightly peppery hum that enlivens the bouquet without overpowering the floral clarity. This middle stage evokes the drama of flight itself: a swirl of sunlight, wind, and motion.

The base is where Vol de Nuit reveals its depth and gravity. Iris, with its buttery, powdery orris root, adds a refined softness that grounds the fragrance, complementing the warm, sensual vanilla—possibly Bourbon vanilla—which imparts a creamy sweetness enriched by vanillin and related aroma compounds. Amber notes and a woody foundation, likely a blend of cedar and sandalwood, provide a resonant warmth and depth, their sesquiterpenes and aromatic alcohols lending longevity and a sense of grounded elegance. Beneath it all, an earthy forest note reminiscent of damp leaves and moss evokes the flight through a nocturnal woodland, creating a smoky, mysterious trail that lingers on the skin. Together, the base blends with the florals and citruses to form a bold, complex composition: luminous yet grounded, adventurous yet intimate—much like the daring, romantic spirit of Saint-Exupéry’s tale itself.

Bottle:

The Vol de Nuit flacon itself is a striking visual echo of the fragrance’s adventurous spirit. Crafted from smoked glass, the bottle is embossed in relief with the graceful, swirling shape of an aircraft propeller in motion, capturing a sense of movement and the thrill of early aviation. The circular cutout of the perfume’s name, framed by a band of gold metal, mirrors the propeller belt, elegantly reinforcing the theme of flight. In the limited edition, these details are further elevated with the luxurious application of real gold leaf, adding a radiant shimmer that catches the light with every turn, evoking both the glamour and daring energy of Saint-Exupéry’s skies. The design is at once sophisticated and dynamic, a perfect visual counterpart to the fragrance’s luminous, bold character.

Le Parfum du 68 2013

Le Parfum du 68 stands as both a tribute to Guerlain’s illustrious history and a fragrant emblem of renewal. The name, “Le Parfum du Soixante-Huit” (pronounced luh par-FAHN dew swah-sahnt wheat), literally means “The Perfume of 68.” It refers to Guerlain’s legendary flagship address—68, Avenue des Champs-Élysées—a site that has long been synonymous with Parisian luxury and artistry. When the store reopened in November 2013 after an extensive renovation, Guerlain sought to capture that moment of rebirth and continuity in scent form. The fragrance, composed by in-house perfumer Thierry Wasser, reimagines the earlier Cologne du 68 with richer textures and deeper tonalities, translating architectural grandeur and heritage into olfactory art.

The number 68 evokes not only a physical address but also an identity—an enduring symbol of Guerlain’s Parisian soul. It conjures images of golden light filtering through crystal chandeliers, mirrored salons reflecting Art Deco elegance, and the hum of the Champs-Élysées outside. The name itself suggests sophistication and exclusivity, as though one were stepping into a world where perfumery, design, and memory intertwine. “Le Parfum du 68” feels both modern and timeless, much like the house that inspired it—a blend of contemporary refinement and century-old savoir-faire.

When it was launched in 2013, the world of perfumery was experiencing a resurgence of heritage storytelling. Consumers sought authenticity, craftsmanship, and connection to legacy brands. Fashion, too, reflected this duality—minimalist silhouettes paired with opulent materials, a nod to both restraint and indulgence. Guerlain’s reinterpretation of its own history aligned perfectly with this moment. While niche perfumery leaned toward experimental compositions, Le Parfum du 68 celebrated tradition with a modern signature, reaffirming Guerlain’s place as the arbiter of French luxury.

Women (and men) of this period, accustomed to sleek designer fragrances and celebrity scents, would have found Le Parfum du 68 a rare expression of depth and dignity. Its name alone—rooted in a historic address—implied exclusivity and belonging to an elite circle of connoisseurs. To wear it was to carry the aura of Guerlain’s Parisian heritage: a perfume that was not merely a cosmetic accessory but a statement of culture and refinement.

Interpreted in scent, Le Parfum du 68 translates the warmth of Guerlain’s Maison into fragrant form. Classified as a woody spicy floral, it opens with the luminous freshness of mandarin and petitgrain, a nod to the citrus tradition of classic Colognes. The heart blossoms with immortelle, rose, and ylang-ylang, weaving a tapestry of sun-drenched florals over a gentle spice of cardamom and pink pepper. Beneath it all, a luxurious base of cedarwood, benzoin, tonka bean, and incense glows softly, like polished wood warmed by candlelight. The immortelle note—rich with maple and honeyed tones—echoes Guerlain’s signature ambery-gourmand warmth, binding the composition with comfort and familiarity.

In context, Le Parfum du 68 was both nostalgic and innovative. It did not chase the fleeting trends of the 2010s—those dominated by gourmand excess or minimalist transparency—but rather offered a sophisticated synthesis of both worlds: the craftsmanship of the past rendered through modern precision. Its structure and refinement placed it firmly within Guerlain’s lineage, echoing the sensuality of Shalimar and the powdery elegance of L’Heure Bleue, yet with the clarity and luminosity suited to the contemporary palate.

To honor this exquisite formula, Guerlain turned once again to Baccarat, who crafted the bottle as a reinterpretation of the legendary Turtle Flacon—first introduced in 1914 to commemorate Guerlain’s original move to 68, Champs-Élysées. This connection across a century underscores the brand’s philosophy: true luxury lies in continuity. The turtle, symbolizing longevity and wisdom, becomes the perfect emblem for a house that continues to evolve while remaining steadfastly true to its origins.

In essence, Le Parfum du 68 is not just a perfume—it is Guerlain distilled into scent. A fragrant homage to history, artistry, and place, it captures the spirit of a Parisian landmark reborn, whispering softly of the past while welcoming the future with grace.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Le Parfum du 68 is classified as a woody spicy floral fragrance for women.

• Top notes: immortelle, rose 
• Middle notes: incense, heliotrope, benzoin, spices 
• Base notes: Guerlinade accord, woods, leather, tonka bean

Scent Profile:

Le Parfum du 68 opens with a golden light — a radiant fusion of immortelle and rose, two ingredients that immediately express contrast: warmth and freshness, earth and air, tradition and sensuality. Immortelle, also known as Helichrysum italicum, hails primarily from the sun-soaked hills of Corsica and the Mediterranean basin. Its blossoms never fade, even after picking — hence the name “everlasting flower.” Its scent, however, is far from delicate: it is warm and spicy, with a distinctive maple syrup richness underpinned by hints of curry, honey, and tobacco. Naturally containing neryl acetate and β-diketones, immortelle contributes an almost glowing, ambered tone that lingers. Here, it lends the perfume its burnished gold heart — a solar warmth that radiates softly through every layer of the composition.

Against this, the rose rises in gentle contrast. The variety that Guerlain favored in such creations was typically Rosa damascena from Bulgaria or Turkey — prized for its velvety texture and complex profile. The Bulgarian rose, rich in citronellol, geraniol, and phenylethyl alcohol, offers brightness and depth at once: a multifaceted balance of lemony freshness and honeyed warmth. In Le Parfum du 68, the rose acts as a bridge — tempering the resinous sweetness of immortelle with tender petal notes. Together, they unfold like a tapestry of sun and silk, embodying Guerlain’s signature contrast of comfort and refinement.

As the perfume deepens, the heart reveals its complexity — a union of incense, heliotrope, benzoin, and a symphony of spices. The incense, likely frankincense from Oman or Somalia, provides a mineral brightness and dry, smoky resinousness that balances the gourmand sweetness below. Its aroma molecules — alpha-pinene, limonene, and incensole acetate — give that recognizable “church air” purity, evoking meditative calm. In contrast, benzoin from Siam or Laos brings warmth and smoothness. A balsamic resin derived from the Styrax tonkinensis tree, benzoin smells of vanilla, caramel, and amber. It contains vanillin and cinnamic acid, which contribute its creamy sweetness and fixative strength. In Guerlain’s hands, benzoin has always been a beloved note, part of the brand’s iconic “Guerlinade” accord — lending its signature caress to the skin.

Heliotrope softens this heart with its powdery almond sweetness. Its scent, reminiscent of marzipan and sugared violets, comes from heliotropin (piperonal), a naturally occurring aromatic chemical that became one of perfumery’s earliest synthetics. Heliotropin provides that nostalgic, almost tactile softness — as if one could smell velvet. In Le Parfum du 68, it wraps the incense and benzoin in a creamy cocoon, turning the sharpness of resin into a tender whisper. The spices — likely a subtle blend of cardamom, pink pepper, and perhaps a touch of cinnamon — animate the composition, bringing a gentle vibrancy that keeps the perfume from becoming too languid.

In the base, Guerlain’s craftsmanship truly shines. The Guerlinade accord — that secret signature shared across so many of the house’s masterpieces — emerges, woven from vanilla, tonka bean, iris, and musk. Here, it anchors Le Parfum du 68 in familiarity, the olfactory equivalent of silk lining in a couture gown. Tonka bean, sourced from Venezuela or Brazil, imparts its characteristic warm, almond-like scent thanks to coumarin, the molecule responsible for its sweet, hay-like aroma. This coumarin-rich note harmonizes beautifully with benzoin and immortelle, deepening their gourmand tendencies while maintaining sophistication.

The woods and leather complete the drydown with elegance and restraint. Cedarwood, with its pencil-shaving dryness and aromatic clarity, grounds the sweetness, while a refined leather accord — likely constructed through isobutyl quinoline and other synthetic modifiers — lends a supple, animalic undertone. These modern synthetics enhance the natural resins, ensuring the composition feels timeless rather than nostalgic. Subtle musk molecules provide the final texture: clean yet sensual, like warm skin after hours of wear.

Smelling Le Parfum du 68 is like walking through Guerlain’s newly restored flagship at dusk — sunlight fading through beveled glass, the air perfumed with polished wood, gilded mirrors, and the faint echo of history. It is an olfactory architecture, built of resins, florals, and spices, each ingredient chosen not just for beauty, but for the story it tells. Immortelle’s eternal glow, rose’s soft elegance, benzoin’s gentle sweetness, and leather’s quiet strength — all merge into a fragrance that feels both modern and eternal, an aromatic embodiment of Guerlain itself: heritage renewed, luxury reimagined.

Bottle:

For the 2013 Christmas limited edition, Guerlain unveiled one of its most breathtaking collector’s creations — Le Parfum du 68 housed in a monumental one-liter bottle of black crystal, an object that transcends mere perfumery to become a true work of art. This masterpiece was born from the resurrection of a century-old Baccarat mold, originally created for the legendary Tortue (turtle) bottle of 1914, which had been commissioned to celebrate the opening of Guerlain’s boutique at 68, Champs-Élysées. For this modern reinterpretation, the mold was refined and subtly reworked, allowing Baccarat’s artisans to capture the original spirit of the design while bringing new precision and depth to its form. The result is a bottle of hypnotic beauty — black crystal that absorbs light rather than reflecting it, embodying mystery, refinement, and quiet opulence.

Each of the thirty bottles produced — only thirty pieces worldwide — was meticulously gilded by hand by the Ateliers Gohard, renowned Parisian artisans celebrated for their mastery of gold leaf and restoration of French heritage monuments. Their golden touch frames the deep black crystal with subtle glimmers, as though Paris itself — elegant, eternal, and radiant — had been captured in molten gold. The bottle rests beneath a glass dome, a presentation that recalls 19th-century displays of rare art objects, emphasizing its dual nature as both perfume and sculpture. This luxurious presentation was exclusively available at Guerlain’s flagship location, making it not merely a fragrance but a tangible expression of the maison’s devotion to craftsmanship and history.

The composition inside this extraordinary vessel was created by Thierry Wasser as a tribute to Guerlain’s mythical address at 68, Champs-Élysées. It is described as a woody and spicy fragrance, playing upon the contrast between hot and cold spices — a dialogue of warmth and freshness that symbolizes the dynamic rhythm of Paris itself. The immortelle note forms the golden heart of the perfume, lending its honeyed, sunlit depth and unmistakable character, while floral nuances soften the composition with elegance. The base — a classic Guerlain signature — envelops the senses with tonka bean, benzoin, incense, and leathered resins, creating a sensual trail that is unmistakably “Guerlain”: rich, enveloping, and infinitely sophisticated.

This edition stands as a testament to Guerlain’s philosophy of perpetual reinvention, linking past and present through art, craftsmanship, and fragrance. The 1914 turtle bottle had once symbolized patience and endurance — a playful nod by Jacques Guerlain to the time it took to complete the original Champs-Élysées boutique. A century later, in 2013, the turtle returned in black crystal, now representing longevity, heritage, and renewal — the same enduring spirit that has carried the house of Guerlain through generations. In every detail, from its sculpted shell to its molten gold finish, Le Parfum du 68 in its black crystal form embodies not just luxury, but legacy — an object meant not merely to be worn, but to be admired, treasured, and remembered.

From Guerlain:

"To mark the reopening of the historic boutique of 68, Champs Elysees, Guerlain reinterprets the mythical turtle bottle of 1914 Revisited Baccarat black crystal in his monumental version of 1l. This technical feat is made possible by the restoration of an old mold 100 years. This treasure of Guerlain Heritage is the witness of the traditional know-how of Guerlain and expertise of Baccarat. Turtle comes to life at the center of its majestic setting, under a glass bell, a magical setting of Paris, gilded with fine gold. A meticulous work of a Master of Art Workshops Gohard. 

The fragrance is a unique work, an extract of perfume composed by Thierry Wasser, in homage to the mythical address of 68, Champs Elysées. A woody and spicy fragrance, which plays the contrast between the cold and hot spices spices. The immortelle majesty layout, gives its character to floral heart, while tonka, benzoin and incense, colored notes leather wrap the fragrance in a wildly Guerlain wake. 

1913 Guerlain settles on the Champs-Elysees. To celebrate the event, Jacques Guerlain offers the Parisian "Champs Elysees Parfum" in its stunning crystal Baccarat turtle bottle, ironic reference to the length that had taken the work.  

A century later, Guerlain continues to reinvent and reinterpret the mythical turtle bottle of 1914, thanks to the restoration of an old mold Baccarat 100 years."

The eau de parfum edition of Le Parfum du 68 was created to offer a wider audience the opportunity to experience this distinguished fragrance, though still within the refined exclusivity of the house. Unlike the opulent black crystal flacon crafted by Baccarat for the limited edition parfum, the eau de parfum was presented in Guerlain’s iconic square bottle, a design long associated with the brand’s most elegant creations. The glass was etched with an intricate rendering of the façade of the Guerlain flagship boutique at 68, Champs-Élysées, a subtle yet meaningful tribute to the very heart and heritage of the house.

This architectural engraving transforms the bottle into more than a vessel for scent—it becomes a keepsake of Guerlain’s Parisian legacy, a miniature homage to the building that has symbolized French luxury and savoir-faire for more than a century. The clean geometric lines of the bottle reflect the maison’s balance between modernity and tradition, while the detailed etching captures the artistry that defines Guerlain’s craftsmanship.

Although this edition made the fragrance more accessible than the rare black crystal version, it remained available exclusively at Maison Guerlain, preserving its sense of privilege and intimacy. To own Le Parfum du 68 in this form was to hold a piece of the Champs-Élysées itself—an emblem of timeless elegance, refined taste, and Parisian artistry, bottled for those who appreciate both the scent and the story behind it.

Eau de Cologne Imperiale 160th Anniversary Limited Edition c2013

For the 160th anniversary of the iconic bee bottle and the legendary Eau de Cologne Impériale, Guerlain released a truly monumental deluxe edition that celebrates its enduring heritage. The centerpiece is a one-litre golden bee bottle, elevated to a work of art by French artist Lison de Caunes, who adorned it with intricate straw marquetry, a painstakingly precise technique reminiscent of Art Deco craftsmanship. The straw inlay creates delicate, shimmering patterns across the surface, imbuing the bottle with both warmth and elegance, while the gilded golden hue emphasizes its regal presence.

The accompanying presentation box continues this artistry, entirely covered in matching straw marquetry and emblazoned with Guerlain’s revived Sun King logo, evoking the opulence of France’s royal perfume heritage. Each detail of this edition reflects the skill and care of artisanal French craftsmanship, transforming the bottle into a collector’s treasure rather than just a container for fragrance. Limited to thirty-two numbered pieces worldwide, this edition serves as both a tribute to Guerlain’s historical mastery and a tangible celebration of its 160-year legacy in perfumery.

Shalimar - Indes & Merveilles Deluxe Flacon 2013

The 2013 deluxe edition of Shalimar, titled “Indes & Merveilles”—which translates to “India and Wonders”—is a breathtaking tribute to the perfume’s legendary inspiration: the splendor and romance of India. This exceptional creation was unveiled to coincide with the launch of Guerlain’s short film La Légende de Shalimar, a cinematic retelling of the love story between Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved Mumtaz Mahal, the muse behind the fragrance itself.

For this occasion, Guerlain collaborated with renowned Parisian jewelry designer Sylvia Toledano, who envisioned the flacon as a true objet d’art. She designed a sumptuous 24-karat matte-finished gold mounting that traces and accentuates the elegant curves of the iconic Shalimar bottle. Every inch of the metalwork is lavishly encrusted with a constellation of semi-precious stones, sourced from Jaipur, India’s “Pink City,” long celebrated for its gemstone artistry. The rich blue of lapis lazuli, the regal violet of amethyst, the deep orange glow of carnelian, the verdant tones of malachite, the amber warmth of tiger’s eye, and the luminous transparency of yellow and pink quartz combine to form a jewel-like mosaic—an homage to the opulent Mughal aesthetic that first inspired Shalimar.

The bottle itself holds 1.5 litres of Shalimar parfum, the most luxurious and concentrated form of the fragrance, radiating the lush sensuality of bergamot, vanilla, iris, and tonka. Only 48 numbered pieces were produced, making it a true collector’s treasure. Priced at 9,500 euros (approximately $13,052 USD), Indes & Merveilles is more than a perfume—it is an art piece, shimmering with the poetry of India and the timeless grandeur of Guerlain’s legacy.

La Petite Robe Noire Giant Factice 2012

In the spring of 2012, the esteemed French glassmaker Waltersperger once again partnered with Guerlain, this time to craft a giant factice bottle for the grand launch of La Petite Robe Noire—one of the house’s most anticipated modern releases. The factice was designed after Guerlain’s legendary “Bouchon Cœur” flacon, a bottle whose heart-shaped stopper has become an enduring symbol of feminine allure and Parisian elegance.

Reimagined on a monumental scale, the Waltersperger creation retained all the delicate proportions and signature curves of the original bottle first conceived by Raymond Guerlain in 1912 for L’Heure Bleue. The heart-shaped stopper, emblematic of romance and sophistication, was meticulously reproduced in glass, while the bottle’s voluptuous shoulders and graceful contours shimmered with light, celebrating the harmony of transparency and reflection.

The giant factice served as the centerpiece of Guerlain’s boutique windows and event displays, embodying the spirit of La Petite Robe Noire—the “little black dress” of fragrance. Just as a perfectly cut dress transforms its wearer with effortless chic, the perfume was conceived as a modern classic, combining playful charm with timeless style. Waltersperger’s artistry captured that essence, transforming glass into a sculptural icon of Parisian glamour—youthful, coquettish, and irresistibly elegant.

Standing as a symbol of Guerlain’s heritage and creative continuity, the Waltersperger Bouchon Cœur factice not only celebrated the debut of La Petite Robe Noire but also paid homage to a century of craftsmanship and the enduring love affair between Guerlain and the art of French glassmaking.

Shalimar Parfum Initial Giant Factice 2011

In the spring of 2011, the historic French glassmaker Waltersperger was commissioned by Guerlain to create a monumental giant factice bottle to celebrate the launch of Shalimar Parfum Initial. This striking display piece paid tribute not only to Guerlain’s most iconic fragrance heritage but also to the artistry of traditional French glass craftsmanship.

Waltersperger, based in the glassmaking region of Normandy, has long been renowned for its expertise in producing luxury perfume flacons and crystal objets d’art. For this special commission, the challenge lay in scaling up the legendary Shalimar bottle—originally designed by Raymond Guerlain in 1925—to an impressive display size, while preserving every sensual curve and architectural detail of the original. The result was a magnificent oversized flacon, perfectly proportioned, its glass walls gleaming with clarity and strength, and its form capturing the timeless elegance of the original design.

The giant factice bottle mirrored the spirit of Shalimar Parfum Initial, a fragrance composed by Thierry Wasser as a modern reimagining of the classic Shalimar—softer, luminous, and more youthful, yet still imbued with the romantic sensuality of the original. Waltersperger’s craftsmanship lent physical form to that same concept: a breathtakingly modern reinterpretation of a historic masterpiece.

Displayed in Guerlain boutiques and at press events, the Waltersperger factice served as both a technical marvel and a visual symbol—an emblem of Guerlain’s enduring legacy and its seamless dialogue between tradition and innovation.

Shalimar 7.5ml Bottle by Waltersperger 2010

In 2010, Guerlain reaffirmed its dedication to traditional French craftsmanship by entrusting the historic glassworks Waltersperger with the creation of the bottles for its two Shalimar perfume extracts, available in 7.5 ml and 15 ml sizes. Waltersperger, a century-old glass manufacturer located in the heart of the glassmaking region of Normandy, is renowned for its mastery of fine, small-scale production—particularly the crafting of luxury flacons and crystal objets d’art.

Each Shalimar bottle produced by Waltersperger exemplifies a blend of precision and artistry. True to Guerlain’s heritage, the design captures the sensual curves of the original Shalimar flacon, first conceived by Raymond Guerlain and inspired by the fountains of the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore. Waltersperger’s skilled artisans employ traditional hand-blowing and molding techniques, ensuring that each piece possesses a subtle individuality—the delicate variations of glass thickness, the clarity, and the play of light on its surface—all of which lend a sense of authenticity and refinement.

The smaller 7.5 ml and 15 ml extrait bottles preserve the intimate, jewel-like proportions of vintage perfume presentations, meant to hold the most concentrated and precious form of Shalimar’s essence. Their creation by Waltersperger not only reflects Guerlain’s ongoing commitment to excellence in craftsmanship but also serves as a celebration of France’s enduring artisanal traditions. Through this collaboration, Shalimar—a perfume synonymous with luxury, romance, and history—continues to be encased in glass as exquisite as the fragrance it protects.