L’Envolée - Bee Bottle 160 Year Anniversary c2013

L’Envolée—translated as “The Flight”—was one of the most poetic and sculptural interpretations created in 2013 to celebrate the 160th anniversary of Guerlain’s iconic bee bottle. For this ambitious project, Guerlain invited nine Maîtres d’art of the Institut National des Métiers d’Art to reinvent the legendary flacon, granting them complete freedom of expression. Among these, Etienne Rayssac, a master woodcarver renowned for his work on both historical monuments and contemporary design, created a piece that seems to defy gravity itself.

Rayssac, known for his precision in carving and his ability to marry decorative craftsmanship with architectural vision, began his work with sketches and plaster prototypes before shaping the final piece in pale sycamore wood. The result is a breathtaking dialogue between solidity and airiness: a sculpted sheath of wood partially envelops the one-litre bee bottle, cradling it yet allowing it to appear as though it is suspended mid-flight. The smooth curves and dips of the design create an impression of movement, like air currents lifting the bottle into motion.

 

Every line of L’Envolée reveals the artistry of handcraft—chisels and scrapers were used to alternate flowing volumes with sharply defined edges. This interplay of curves and angles allows light to dance across the surface, amplifying the sensation of energy and levitation. The natural warmth and delicacy of the sycamore wood adds an organic softness that contrasts beautifully with the bottle’s glass brilliance, enhancing its aura of refinement.

In its final form, L’Envolée becomes more than a case or sculpture—it is a metaphor for Guerlain’s spirit of elevation and timeless innovation. By enveloping the bee bottle in this delicate wooden drapery, Rayssac captures both the strength and fragility of flight, suggesting a moment of grace where perfume, craft, and imagination take wing together. It is a piece that not only celebrates Guerlain’s heritage but also embodies the eternal lightness of creation itself.

L’Oeuf Surprise - Bee Bottle 160 Year Anniversary c2013

L’Œuf Surprise stands as a masterful testament to Guerlain’s 160-year legacy of creativity and craftsmanship, conceived as part of the 2013 celebrations for the iconic Abeille flacon. The project brought together nine of France’s most esteemed Maîtres d’art from the Institut National des Métiers d’Art, granting them complete artistic freedom to create one-of-a-kind interpretations centered on a monumental one-litre Bee bottle. The result is an extraordinary series of objects that transcend perfume display to become collectible works of fine art.

Crafted by Fabrice Gohard, a Maître d’art of the 2010 class and a highly accomplished ornamental gilder, L’Œuf Surprise is a radiant homage to historical grandeur. Gohard’s expertise in water and oil gilding—evident on landmarks like the Château de Versailles, the Invalides dome, and even the flame of the Statue of Liberty—is here translated into a delicate blown-glass egg, its surface shimmering with gold-leaf accents that suggest the fragile brilliance of an eggshell just split open. This luxurious form evokes a sense of birth and transformation, echoing the imperial imagery of Empress Eugénie, whose elegance and sophistication inspired Guerlain for generations

 The egg opens to reveal the one-litre Bee bottle nestled within, illuminated by the reflective glow of gilded surfaces. Inside the shell, a painted floral design adds an intimate, hidden layer of beauty, rewarding the most inquisitive observer with delicate artistry that speaks to femininity, refinement, and secrecy. The effect is simultaneously majestic and intimate, a private treasure housed within a public symbol of craftsmanship.

L’Œuf Surprise was displayed at the Maison Guerlain on the Champs-Élysées from December 10, 2013, to February 14, 2014, and further celebrated through Guerlain’s Exclusive Line Doors via photo and video exhibitions. Each of the nine unique creations was offered for sale to benefit the Maîtres d’art – Students project, an initiative designed to preserve and pass down exceptional artisanal skills to apprentices under the supervision of the Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA). In every detail, from gilding to glasswork, this creation embodies both Guerlain’s dedication to artistic excellence and the timeless allure of perfume as an art form.

Delft Style Refillable Atomizers c1965-1982

Starting in 1965, Guerlain introduced a novel refillable atomizer system for its most popular fragrances, combining convenience with elegance. These atomizers consisted of a cylindrical metal case housing a glass spray vial, which could be easily replaced when the perfume was finished. The system was offered in two sizes: 0.25 oz for Extrait de Parfum and 3 fl. oz for Eau de Toilette, catering both to collectors and to those who preferred a more portable or travel-friendly option.

One of the most recognizable variations was the atomizer used for Shalimar, L’Heure Bleue, Jicky, Chamade, Vol de Nuit, and Mitsouko. Launched in 1968, the metal cases were enameled with blue-and-white Oriental designs inspired by Delft porcelain, a copyrighted motif that added a touch of artistry and luxury to everyday use. The combination of practical functionality with decorative beauty reflected Guerlain’s commitment to both presentation and craftsmanship.

By 1971, Guerlain expanded this concept to other fragrances, introducing atomizers that echoed the motifs found on their respective presentation boxes. For example, Parure featured a turquoise-inlaid effect, L’Heure Bleue displayed parquet hunting scenes, Nahema incorporated a red and orange tulip motif, Chant d’Arômes was elegantly white-enameled, and Eau de Cologne Impériale Extra Dry showcased a distinctive scale design. These variations allowed each atomizer to complement the character of its fragrance, turning the refillable container into both a functional accessory and a miniature work of art.

Scents:

• Chamade
• Chant d’Arômes
• Eau de Cologne Impériale Extra Dry
• Jicky
• L’Heure Bleue
• Mitsouko 
• Nahema
• Parure 
• Shalimar
• Vol de Nuit

 

• #1. Parure
• #2. Eau Imperiale
• #3. Chant D'Aromes
• #4. Shalimar, Jicky, L'Heure Bleue, Chamade and Mitsouko
• #5. Nahema

L'Habit de Fete - Bee Bottle 160 Year Anniversary 2013

L’Habit de Fête stands as a resplendent tribute to Guerlain’s 160-year legacy and the iconic Abeille flacon. Created in 2013 as part of a special series celebrating this milestone, the piece is a collaboration with nine of France’s most esteemed Maîtres d’art, each given full freedom to interpret the Bee bottle as a work of unparalleled artistry. Among them, Sylvie Deschamps, a master of luxurious gold thread embroidery, brought her meticulous craft to life by designing an exquisite haute couture “party dress” to envelop the one-litre bottle. The result is a breathtaking combination of couture, craftsmanship, and storytelling, where every stitch and embellishment conveys both history and celebration.

 

The bottle’s covering is fashioned as an imperial coronation robe, a symbolic gesture highlighting grandeur, ceremony, and festivity. Raised patterns of festoons and sixty-nine bees are rendered in 24-carat varnished gold cannetille thread on a sheer white organza sheath, their lustrous surfaces capturing and reflecting light in subtle, jewel-like flashes. The bees’ wings are gilded with gold leaf, and fine gold powder is delicately sprinkled between them to mimic the shimmering pollen of a flowering meadow, creating a sense of life and movement. The embroidered label follows heraldic tradition, featuring an imperial crown and bee atop a shield, crossed swords beneath, and twin dates marking the 160th anniversary—a meticulous interplay of history and artistry.

The stopper, dressed in the same ethereal organza, is embroidered with a majestic Queen Bee, a regal figure presiding over the composition with dignity and authority. Even the neck of the bottle is encased in gold thread, meticulously applied by the Guerlain “Dames de Tables” craftswomen, connecting centuries-old techniques with contemporary design sensibilities. On display at the Maison Guerlain on the Champs-Élysées from December 2013 to February 2014, L’Habit de Fête was also highlighted in Guerlain’s Exclusive Line Doors photo and video exhibitions, illustrating the House’s dedication to craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation.

This creation transforms the Bee bottle into a luxurious artifact, where the tactile richness of embroidery, the radiance of gold, and the symbolic iconography combine to evoke celebration, opulence, and the timeless beauty of Guerlain’s legacy. L’Habit de Fête is not merely a perfume vessel but a masterful union of haute couture and artisan skill, embodying both the spirit of festivity and the artistry of French craftsmanship.

 

 

Le Theatre - Bee Bottle 160 Year Anniversary c2013

Le Théâtre is a remarkable celebration of Guerlain’s 160-year heritage and the enduring elegance of the Abeille flacon. Created in 2013 as part of a series of exceptional presentations, it exemplifies the fusion of craftsmanship, artistry, and perfume culture that has long defined the House of Guerlain. For this project, nine of France’s most accomplished Maîtres d’art from the Institut National des Métiers d’Art were invited to create original works centered around a monumental one-litre Bee bottle, each artist given complete freedom to express their vision. The resulting pieces are extraordinary, one-of-a-kind masterpieces that elevate the perfume bottle to a sculptural and decorative work of art.

Crafted by Lison de Caunes, a Maître d’art of the 1998 class and granddaughter of renowned interior designer André Groult, Le Théâtre showcases her mastery of straw marquetry, a delicate and refined technique rarely seen in modern design. De Caunes has applied this centuries-old art form to a wooden shrine shaped in the silhouette of the iconic Bee bottle. In place of a traditional label, an opening suggests the proscenium of a classic theatre, inviting the eye into a stage of luxurious craftsmanship. The exterior is adorned in Empire blue straw, accented with stylized bees in embossed yellow straw, while a complementary version features yellow gold chiselled with blue festoons. Both finishes are carefully waxed, enhancing the natural shimmer of the materials and providing a luminous, tactile quality that seems to dance with the light.

Inside, the bottle is illuminated, highlighting the subtle, natural gleam of the straw marquetry and giving the piece an almost theatrical glow. The combination of light, color, and intricate patterning transforms the Bee bottle into a miniature stage, where artistry and scent meet in perfect harmony. Le Théâtre was displayed at the Maison Guerlain on the Champs-Élysées from December 10, 2013, to February 14, 2014, and further documented in Guerlain’s Exclusive Line Doors photo and video exhibitions. Each creation in this series was made available for sale to support the Maîtres d’art – Students project, an initiative aimed at preserving rare artisanal skills by enabling master artists to mentor apprentices under the guidance of the INMA.

Through its meticulous craftsmanship and inventive design, Le Théâtre is not just a tribute to perfume, but a celebration of the artistry, heritage, and technical skill that define Guerlain’s legacy. The marriage of straw marquetry, woodwork, and light captures both the elegance of 18th-century techniques and the imaginative spirit of contemporary artistry, making it a true theatrical experience for the eyes and the imagination.

 

 

La Petite Robe Noire - Exceptional Flacon 2014

La Petite Robe Noire – Exceptional Limited Edition Collector’s Bottle, Christmas 2014 is a true masterpiece of luxury and artistry, transforming Guerlain’s iconic Little Black Dress fragrance into an objet d’art. This monumental 250 ml black Baccarat crystal bottle commands attention with its bold presence, the deep obsidian hue of the crystal reflecting light with an almost hypnotic depth. The familiar curvaceous silhouette of La Petite Robe Noire is magnified to a monumental scale, yet retains the elegance and playfulness that have made this fragrance a modern classic.

The bottle is exquisitely adorned with Macon Lesquoy embroidered flower ornamentation, where delicate threads trace intricate floral motifs across the crystal surface, creating a tactile and visual interplay between light, shadow, and texture. Each embroidery detail enhances the bottle’s sophistication, making it not only a container but a statement piece worthy of display in any collector’s cabinet or luxury setting. The ornamentation evokes the refinement of couture embroidery, linking the artistry of haute parfumerie with that of fashion design, and providing a fitting visual metaphor for the elegance and allure of the perfume within.

Despite its spectacular presentation, the fragrance itself remains unchanged—a testament to the enduring brilliance of the original Little Black Dress extract. The scent, an intoxicating and sophisticated blend of cherry, almond, berries, and dark floral notes, radiates from the immense crystal vessel as if magnified by the monumental scale of the bottle, ensuring that the perfume’s charm and femininity are undiminished.

Retailing at €12,000, this edition was conceived as both a holiday celebration and a collector’s dream. It embodies a luxurious synthesis of perfume, crystal craftsmanship, and fine embroidery, creating a piece that is as much a work of art as it is a container for one of Guerlain’s most beloved fragrances. Every aspect—from the monumental Baccarat crystal to the embroidered flowers—exudes refinement, exclusivity, and the playful elegance that defines La Petite Robe Noire.

Chypre Fatal 2008

Chypre Fatal by Guerlain, launched in 2008 as part of the house’s Elixirs Charnels collection, carries a name carefully chosen for its elegance and intrigue. The title is French, pronounced as “shee-pruh fah-tal.” The word chypre refers to one of perfumery’s most iconic fragrance families—built on a triad of citrus, moss, and resin—while fatal adds an irresistible layer of danger and allure. Together, Chypre Fatal translates as “Fatal Chypre,” evoking a fragrance with a dual nature: timeless and refined, yet edged with seduction, mystery, and the inevitability of surrender. It immediately conjures the archetype of the femme fatale—elegant and polished on the surface, yet hiding a passionate, untamable fire beneath.

When it was introduced in 2008, the world was entering a period of striking contrasts. The global financial crisis brought turbulence and uncertainty, yet fashion and luxury sought to answer with defiance, indulging in bold femininity, glamour, and fantasy. The decade had already been marked by the rise of niche perfumery—exclusive, daring, and less about mass appeal than personal identity. While the mainstream leaned heavily toward sweet, fruity florals and clean musky blends, Guerlain’s Elixirs Charnels collection spoke to women who wanted something deeper, more sophisticated, and unapologetically sensual. Chypre Fatal offered exactly that: a fragrance that married the heritage of Guerlain’s great chypres, like Mitsouko, with modern fruity accents that resonated with contemporary tastes.

For women of the time, a perfume called Chypre Fatal would have carried both fantasy and empowerment. The name suggested more than beauty—it suggested danger, control, and allure. It invited its wearer to embody a role: a woman admired but never fully known, desired but always out of reach. In scent, this idea took form through contrasts. The fragrance opened with lush fruit, including a note of ripe white peach that immediately softened the sharp chypre structure. Rose introduced refinement, sensual but never overly sweet, while patchouli added depth with its earthy, spicy-woody tone. The chypre backbone lent elegance and restraint, but vanilla and musk wrapped it in warmth and seduction, leaving an indelible trail that lingered long after its wearer had passed.

Placed in the context of perfumery at the time, Chypre Fatal was both familiar and daring. Fruity chypres were rare in 2008, with most houses favoring easy-to-love fruity florals, gourmand compositions, or sheer musks. Guerlain’s interpretation gave the fruity theme gravitas, rooting it in a structure with history, sophistication, and sensual depth. It wasn’t a scent designed to blend in—it was designed to stand apart, offering a woman the invisible armor of a “fatal” aura.

Guerlain’s own words capture this duality perfectly: “Underneath the Chypre Fatal woman’s cool, refined exterior, a passionate fire burns. A woman to love but never truly know, she always has the upper hand with those who dare to try to own her.” The fragrance is at once caress and command, romance and danger—a fitting portrait of its name and its time.

 

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Chypre Fatal is classified as a fruity chypre fragrance for women.

• Top notes: white peach
• Middle notes: rose
• Base notes: patchouli, vanilla

Scent Profile:

The first impression of Chypre Fatal comes through the shimmering sweetness of white peach, a note that immediately softens the bold chypre structure. White peach has a gentler, more velvety aroma compared to yellow peach—less tart, more delicate, with nuances of honey and cream. The juiciness is rendered through lactones such as γ-decalactone, which naturally impart that lush, fuzzy skin effect and a mouthwatering ripeness. In perfumery, the natural character of peach is often enhanced with synthetics to capture its elusive, fleeting aroma; aldehydes and ionones extend its radiance, ensuring the fruit feels sunlit, smooth, and almost tactile. The effect is not merely fruity—it is romantic, skin-like, and subtly sensual, a perfect opening to a fragrance meant to embody mystery and allure.

From there, the composition draws you into the heart of rose, the eternal queen of flowers in perfumery. Here the rose is rich, satin-petaled, and luminous, its facets balanced between citrus brightness and honeyed depth. The rose note is built on key aroma molecules: citronellol and geraniol lend fresh, dewy sparkle, while phenylethyl alcohol provides that velvety, almost wine-like roundness. Depending on its origin, rose can lean toward spicy, fruity, or green; in Chypre Fatal, the effect is that of a refined rose, more Parisian than garden-bound, shaped to echo elegance rather than sheer opulence. It connects seamlessly with the peach note, as if the fruit’s nectar had crystallized into a bloom, carrying both sweetness and shadow. Synthetic isolates help amplify this natural complexity, ensuring the rose does not wilt but glows, modern and polished, at the center of the fragrance.

As the scent deepens, patchouli makes its entrance, grounding the composition with its woody, spicy, and earthy tones. True patchouli, often sourced from Indonesia, is distinguished by its depth: its essential oil contains patchoulol, which brings a cool, camphor-like clarity, while norpatchoulenol and guaiol provide the smoky, resinous warmth that makes patchouli so mesmerizing. In Chypre Fatal, patchouli is tamed, smoothed, and elegant, stripped of the harsher, earthy notes often found in raw patchouli. This is patchouli dressed in silk rather than velvet—structured but refined, supporting the rose and peach while adding an undercurrent of mystery. Synthetic enhancements such as Clearwood®—a biotech-derived patchouli fraction—likely amplify its transparency, keeping the note clean and modern while preserving its sensual gravity.

The fragrance’s trail is softened and sweetened by vanilla, which wraps the composition in warmth and subtle intoxication. True vanilla, often from Madagascar, carries a complexity that goes beyond sweetness: vanillin is its signature molecule, providing that comforting, gourmand familiarity, while coumarin and anisic facets contribute creamy, spicy, and almond-like nuances. In this context, vanilla serves not as a confection but as a seductive caress, its sweetness balancing the patchouli’s shadow. Here, natural vanilla is enhanced with synthetics to stretch its longevity, ensuring the drydown lingers with a golden, balsamic smoothness rather than collapsing into simple sugar.

Together, these elements—white peach, rose, patchouli, and vanilla—compose a fragrance that feels like contrasts entwined: bright yet mysterious, fruity yet earthy, refined yet undeniably sensual. The peach softens, the rose blooms, the patchouli commands, and the vanilla seduces, all merging into a chypre structure that is both timeless and modern. Chypre Fatal is less about innocence and more about allure; it is a perfume that wears like silk draped over the skin, hinting at both danger and desire.

Bottle:

Presented in an oblong 2.5 oz bottle with an informal cap and a metal nameplate adorned with rococo filigree. 

Fate of the Fragrance:

This fragrance carries with it a sense of mystery, as the exact date of its discontinuation is unknown. For years, it lingered in the memories of perfume lovers as a rare treasure, a creation that had quietly slipped away, leaving behind only whispers of its once-royal presence. Its disappearance only enhanced its allure, as collectors and enthusiasts alike sought after surviving bottles, cherishing them as fragments of olfactory history.

In 2025, the story took an unexpected turn. The fragrance was reintroduced under a new name, Royal Extract III, unveiled as a Harrods exclusive. This relaunch did more than revive a discontinued perfume—it elevated it into the realm of prestige, giving it a rebirth fit for royalty. By associating it with Harrods, one of the world’s most renowned luxury destinations, Guerlain underscored the fragrance’s exclusivity and sophistication. The new title, “Royal Extract III,” suggests lineage, continuity, and heritage, as though the perfume has matured through time, carrying forward its noble character while stepping into a modern, rarified light.

The relaunch was not merely about restoring a scent but about recontextualizing it for a contemporary audience who craves both tradition and exclusivity. In this way, Royal Extract III became more than a perfume—it became a statement piece, a bridge between the legacy of its past incarnation and the prestige of its present identity. The story of its disappearance and return only deepens its mystique, ensuring that wearing it feels like stepping into a circle of privilege reserved for those who appreciate both history and rarity.