Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Fleurs de Serre c1878

Launched around 1878, Fleurs de Serre by Guerlain takes its name from the French words for “Flowers of the Greenhouse,” pronounced roughly as "flur duh sair". The name evokes images of glass-domed conservatories filled with rare and exotic blooms, where the air is heavy with the intoxicating scent of carefully nurtured flowers. It conjures a sense of refined luxury, private indulgence, and an intimate connection with nature, capturing the romanticized charm of the greenhouse—a symbol of status and taste during the Belle Époque. The title itself suggests a controlled, cultivated elegance: the delicate blooms of the greenhouse, nurtured by human hands, transformed into a fragrance to be worn and admired.

The fragrance emerged during the Belle Époque, a period of optimism, cultural flourish, and technological progress in Europe, particularly France. During this era, the upper classes indulged in horticultural hobbies, cultivating their own personal greenhouses or conservatories to grow exotic plants and flowers that would otherwise not survive in the local climate. These structures were not only practical but a status symbol, reflecting wealth, sophistication, and the mastery of nature. In fashion and perfumery, this translated into a fascination with exotic florals and carefully composed bouquets, where perfumers sought to capture the essence of cultivated luxury in their compositions.

Fleurs de Serre would have been immediately appealing to women of the period, particularly those in the upper echelons of society who were accustomed to the private pleasures of conservatories and floral displays. The scent was interpreted as a lush, elegant floral fragrance, evoking the freshness of morning dew on petals and the rich, layered aroma of greenhouse-kept flowers. Its classification as a floral fragrance allowed it to align with the period’s preference for natural yet cultivated scents, capturing the sophistication and refinement expected of a luxury perfume. In the market of the late 19th century, while floral fragrances were widely popular, Fleurs de Serre stood out for its thematic connection to the exoticism and controlled opulence of greenhouse horticulture, marrying the natural with the cultivated in a way that was both modern and emblematic of the Belle Époque’s indulgent tastes.

Fragrance Composition:


So what does it smell like? Fleurs de Serre would unfold like stepping into a sun-drenched conservatory, where rare and exotic flowers bloom in a carefully orchestrated symphony. The top notes would likely greet you with the bright, dewy freshness of freshly cut petals, mingling with the subtle citrusy brightness of bergamot or orange—if Guerlain included a citrus touch as a lift, common in floral compositions of the period. This initial impression would be airy, luminous, and almost sparkling, like morning sunlight hitting water droplets on delicate blooms.

In the heart of the fragrance, the lush florals would emerge fully. Imagine rich tuberose, ylang-ylang, violet, and jasmine intertwined, each contributing its unique aroma: tuberose with its creamy, slightly animalic sweetness; ylang-ylang with a tropical, custardy warmth; violet with soft powdery violet leaves; and jasmine offering its opulent, indolic depth. These middle notes would evoke the heady, intoxicating atmosphere of a greenhouse filled with exotic blooms, dense but never overwhelming—a cultivated bouquet meant to convey elegance and refinement.

The base would linger like the moist earth and wooden supports of the conservatory itself, grounding the scent with warm, subtle musks, soft orris, and perhaps a hint of sandalwood or amber to add depth and longevity. The overall effect would be a sophisticated, layered floral: simultaneously fresh and powdery, delicate yet luxurious, evoking the intimate pleasure of a private garden filled with extraordinary blossoms. Worn, it would feel like a statement of cultivated taste and understated opulence, a perfume that whispers refinement rather than shouts.


De wereldtentoonstelling van 1878 te Parijs, 1878:
"GUERLAIN DE PARIS 15 rue de la Paix - Highly recommended and vogue articles: Eau de Cologne Impériale, Sapoceti toilet soap, Crême saponin, Ambrosial cream for the beard, Crême de Fraises to soften the skin, Poudre de Cypris for the skin white, the luxurious Crystallized Stilboide for the beard and hair, Eau Athénienne and Eau Lustrale to perfume and wash the head. For the handkerchief: Shore's Caprice, Parfum de France, Fleurs Nouvelles, Pao Rosa, Fleurs de Serre, Bouquet Imperial Russe. For the toilette: Eau de Cédrat and Eau de Chypre."


Journal des demoiselles, 1878:
"After the chill of winter, the fatigue of balls and social gatherings, and the sudden fluctuations of March weather, many young women and girls find their complexions dulled and tired. To restore the natural radiance and freshness of the face, Guerlain offers a range of carefully crafted preparations: Strawberry Cream, which can also be used as a soothing hand cream; Velvet Paste; and La Ferté Balm for the lips. These luxurious products may be used with complete confidence, and those who try them are sure to praise their effectiveness.

Monsieur Guerlain also provides a piece of essential advice: never apply rice powder over a layer of cold cream. Instead, alternate the use of these two cosmetics. The rice powder should be finely milled so that it adheres directly to the skin, applied with a puff, and removed gently by hand when needed.

For those who enjoy perfuming their handkerchiefs, Guerlain recommends the newest fragrances: Fleurs de Serre and Pao-Rosa, the latter offering a slightly more pronounced bouquet. The timeless classics, Perfume of France and Russian Imperial Bouquet, remain ever in fashion, securing their place as enduring favorites of French perfumery."


Bottles:


Presented in the Carre flacon.



Fate of the Fragrance:


Discontinued, date unknown 

Monday, November 24, 2014

Shalimar - Nuit des Indes - Exceptional Flacon 2014

The Shalimar Exceptional Limited Edition Collector’s Flacon for Christmas 2014, christened Shalimar Indian Nights by Maison Gripoix, represents the pinnacle of perfume artistry and decorative mastery. At its heart lies Shalimar extrait, the purest and most voluptuous expression of Guerlain’s iconic oriental fragrance, contained within a monumental 1.5-litre cobalt blue crystal flacon masterfully crafted by Waltersperger. The deep midnight blue of the crystal, with its multiple meticulously faceted surfaces, captures and refracts light, producing a hypnotic interplay of shadow and shimmer that mirrors the allure and mystery of the fragrance itself.

Encircling the neck of this monumental bottle is a Gripoix necklace of extraordinary refinement: two rows of precious sapphire-colored glass beads, interwoven with glimmering iridescent pearls, set against rich 24-karat gold mounts. This exquisite adornment recalls the ceremonial garlands of flowers bestowed upon ancient Egyptian pharaohs and nobility, a symbol of both reverence and opulence. The jewel-like neck elevates the flacon from a vessel to a wearable objet d’art, a testimony to Maison Gripoix’s unmatched expertise in glass paste, enameling, and gilding—a craft the Parisian house has refined since 1828.

Limited to only 40 numbered copies worldwide and retailing at €9,500, this edition is as rare as it is breathtaking. The perfume within is the ultimate embodiment of oriental sophistication: a luminous burst of bergamot opens the senses with a sparkling freshness, quickly softened by an enveloping bouquet of iris, jasmine, and rose, each flower rendered in the densest, most sensual concentration. Beneath this floral heart, vanilla, opopanax, and tonka bean provide a rich, resonant base, exuding warmth and depth. In this colossal 1.5-litre format, Shalimar reaches the apex of its legendary sensuality—a provocative secret encased in a jewel of crystal and gold.

This edition is more than a perfume; it is a celebration of artistry, craftsmanship, and history. Waltersperger’s monumental glass, combined with Gripoix’s couture jewelry expertise, forms a dialogue between tradition and luxury, a perfect union of perfumer and artisan. The Shalimar Indian Nights flacon embodies a rare fusion of fragrance and finery, a tangible testament to Guerlain’s enduring devotion to both olfactory and visual beauty.





From Guerlain:
"For the first time ever, Guerlain is offering a special edition of the giant Shalimar glass bottle in a deep midnight blue. Thanks the tour de force of glass maker Waltersperger, the format and colour take the beauty of this exceptional bottle, whose multiple facets attain their full glory, to a new level. Guerlain commissioned Gripoix to put the sublime finishing touches on this amazing work of art. A perfect pairing between the perfumer, a devotee of craftsmanship since 1828, and the Paris couture jewellery maker. Jewels in hundreds deep blue glass and iridescent pearls mounted on fine 24 carats gold adorn he neck of the bottle. A finery fit for a prince and a symbol of the mystery and sensuality of the Shalimar legend. Only 40 numbered pieces are available worldwide.
In Extract form, the first ever oriental reaches the height of voluptuousness. Like a provocative secret, the dark bottle hides the warm amber tones of this decadent concentration. With a fresh opening burst of bergamot, followed by an enveloping armful of iris, jasmine and rose, over a vanilla, opopanax and tonka bean base. 1.5 litres of extreme sensuality…
 Founded in 1869, Gripoix has earned its reputation as the ultimate Parisian couture jewellery house and preserved the art of glass paste.These jewellery creations, steeped in precious emotions, are an encounter between the traditional art and know-how of adornment-makers, stone-setters, gilders and enamellers. True magicians whose skills bring these adornments to life."

 



 

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Le Bolshoi - Black Swan - Saison 2014

Le Bolshoi – Black Swan by Guerlain, launched in 2014, continues the House’s ongoing homage to the prestigious Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. This third edition for the theatre is presented in the familiar quadrilobe flacon, a shape long associated with Guerlain’s artistry, topped with a delicate atomizer that immediately evokes the elegance of classic perfume rituals. Unlike the two previous editions, which contained Les Secrets de Sophie, this iteration introduces a new olfactory journey—one described as woody, milky, fresh, and sparkling, centered around a prominent sandalwood note.


Fragrance Composition:


So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral woody musk fragrance for women.
  • Top notes: milky accord, mandarin, lemon and bergamot
  • Middle notes: lily of the valley, violet, rose and jasmine
  • Base notes: white musk, vanilla, sandalwood and cedar


Scent Profile:


Le Bolshoi – Black Swan unfolds as a masterful floral woody musk, immediately inviting with its luminous top notes. The first impression is the delicate milky accord, smooth and comforting, reminiscent of soft silk brushing against the skin. Layered atop this are zesty citrus bursts: mandarin, lemon, and bergamot. Each brings its own character—the mandarin exudes sweet, sunny warmth, the lemon adds a sparkling brightness, and the bergamot offers a slightly green, aromatic nuance with a subtle bitterness that balances the sweet and creamy facets of the milk accord. Together, these top notes create an effervescent, airy opening that feels fresh yet sensually enveloping.

The heart of the fragrance blossoms into a bouquet of delicate florals. Lily of the valley offers a crisp, dewy freshness, often described as the scent of spring air after rain. Its natural hydroxycitronellal molecules give it a sweet, clean aroma, evoking purity and innocence. Violet lends powdery and green nuances, with its aldehydic facets adding a soft sophistication. The rose, likely a French or Bulgarian variety prized for its deep, honeyed richness, introduces warmth and sensuality through its natural citronellol and geraniol, which are responsible for its velvety, slightly spicy aroma. Finally, jasmine—potentially Sambac or Grandiflorum—adds a luminous, intoxicating floral opulence. Its naturally occurring benzyl acetate, indole, and jasmone provide both the creamy and slightly animalic aspects that enrich the composition. Together, the middle notes are intensely feminine, radiating elegance and depth while bridging the sparkling top with the sensual base.

The base notes provide a lingering, irresistible trail. White musk imparts a soft, skin-like warmth that enhances the florals and woods, creating a modern, sensuous aura. Vanilla, sourced perhaps from Madagascar, offers a sweet, slightly smoky richness, its vanillin molecules amplifying the creamy aspects of the milky accord while adding gourmand depth. Sandalwood, likely from Mysore or a similar high-quality origin, contributes velvety, woody creaminess, rich in natural santalols, giving the perfume a long-lasting, warm foundation. Finally, cedar adds structure and subtle dry woodiness, balancing the sweetness and keeping the fragrance elegant and refined.

In its entirety, this fragrance is a harmonious interplay of airy freshness, lush floral complexity, and creamy, sensual woods and musk. Each ingredient works in concert: the top notes spark with vitality, the middle notes seduce with timeless floral sophistication, and the base provides an intimate, enveloping finish that lingers softly on the skin. The perfume captures the essence of refinement and theatrical elegance, paying homage to the grandeur of the Bolshoi while remaining approachable, wearable, and deeply feminine.


Bottles:


Le Bolshoi – Black Swan was released as an exclusive creation, available only in limited quantities in Moscow, a testament to its unique collaboration with the Bolshoi Theatre. Housed in the signature Guerlain quadrilobe flacon topped with a classic atomizer, the perfume carried a sense of both elegance and theatrical grandeur, reflecting the prestige of the historic stage it celebrated.

The limited distribution and carefully curated quantity emphasized the rarity of the fragrance, making it a coveted collector’s item for connoisseurs and admirers of Guerlain’s artistry. Its 60ml flacon, retailing at 375 €, positioned it as a luxurious yet attainable indulgence for those seeking an exceptional scent experience. This exclusivity also reinforced the perfume’s intimate connection to Moscow’s cultural heritage, allowing wearers to carry a piece of the city’s operatic and ballet legacy with them.

In essence, the fragrance was not merely a scent but a celebration of artistry, performance, and refined craftsmanship—a limited-edition jewel designed for the most discerning collectors and admirers of Guerlain’s timeless elegance.


Saturday, November 8, 2014

La Malle de Voyage - 160 Year Anniversary of the Bee Bottle c2013

La Malle de Voyage, created in 2013, stands as a striking celebration of Guerlain’s heritage, commemorating the 160th anniversary of the iconic bee bottle, or Abeille flacon. This extraordinary project brought together nine Maîtres d’art from the Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA) of France, granting each artisan complete creative freedom to design around a monumental one-litre bee bottle. The resulting pieces are not merely perfume containers but singular works of art—each a one-of-a-kind masterpiece embodying the finest craftsmanship of contemporary French artisans.

The artistic trunks were first displayed at the Maison Guerlain on the Champs-Élysées from December 2013 through February 2014 and later featured in Guerlain’s Exclusive Line Doors exhibitions in 2014, documented through both photographs and videos. These creations were destined not only as collector pieces but also to support the “Maîtres d’art – Students” initiative, ensuring that rare, exceptional skills are passed from master artists to apprentices under the supervision of the INMA.

 

Serge Amoruso, a Maître d’art specializing in rare leathers and trained at Hermès in traditional historical leather techniques, contributed a particularly striking trunk. His design, La Malle de Voyage (“The Travel Trunk”), is presented as two identical sections, split like a lightning bolt or a broken mold, evoking both movement and energy. The materials chosen are extraordinary: sumptuous red Morocco leather, delicately stamped parchment on the interior, midnight blue shagreen, and contrasting carbon fiber on the exterior. A fragment of meteorite crowns the trunk, symbolically opening the “doors of time” and infusing the work with a celestial, almost otherworldly allure.

Every element of La Malle de Voyage balances tradition and modernity, merging historical craftsmanship with contemporary artistic vision. The trunk exemplifies Guerlain’s dedication to artistic excellence and the preservation of rare artisanal skills, transforming the perfume bottle into a sculptural, narrative object that embodies both luxury and imagination.

Friday, October 31, 2014

Cananga Blanc 1879

Cananga Blanc by Guerlain, launched in 1879 and created by Aimé Guerlain, is a poetic homage to one of nature’s most opulent blossoms — Cananga odorata, better known as ylang-ylang. The name “Cananga Blanc” translates from French to “White Cananga,” pronounced kah-NAHN-gah blahnk. The choice of name evokes purity, elegance, and a sense of tropical luminosity softened by refinement. It suggests a flower bathed in morning light, its creamy petals glistening with dew — a vision that balances exotic warmth with the delicacy expected from a Parisian perfume house.

The ylang-ylang tree, native to the Philippines and Indonesia, thrives in humid tropical climates where its glossy leaves and star-shaped yellow blossoms release a heady perfume at dusk. The essential oil is extracted through fractional steam distillation, a process that separates the oil into several grades depending on when the volatile molecules are released. The first fraction — called ylang-ylang extra — captures the most ethereal, floral, and jasmine-like molecules such as linalool, benzyl acetate, and methyl benzoate, lending brightness and radiance. The deeper fractions yield heavier, more sensual notes rich in p-cresyl methyl ether and benzyl salicylate, which contribute creamy, slightly spicy, and animalic tones. It is this duality — airy and radiant above, sultry and narcotic below — that makes ylang-ylang an olfactory marvel.

The epithet “Blanc” (meaning “white”) was a deliberate contrast to the sensual richness of the raw material itself. In the 19th century, “white” symbolized purity, refinement, and modernity — qualities admired in the emerging urban sophisticate. Guerlain’s Cananga Blanc would have conjured an image of tropical exoticism tempered by Parisian grace, a fragrance that felt both foreign and familiar. Women of the late Victorian era, often bound by social restraint, were drawn to perfumes that suggested refinement with a whisper of sensuality beneath. Cananga Blanc provided exactly that balance: a floral bouquet that glowed with innocence yet carried the mysterious warmth of distant islands.

 

The late 1870s were part of the Belle Époque’s early stirrings, a time of industrial progress, artistic innovation, and heightened attention to luxury and beauty. Perfumery was entering a new age of sophistication, as scientific discovery and artistry began to intertwine. Natural materials such as ylang-ylang, jasmine, and rose were still dominant, but perfumers like Aimé Guerlain were beginning to explore the possibilities of synthetic aroma chemicals, allowing them to refine and elevate natural scents. Cananga Blanc reflected this shift — it maintained the authenticity of tropical flower essences while incorporating modern techniques to create a smoother, more enduring impression.

In the landscape of 19th-century perfumery, Cananga Blanc was both timeless and trend-aware. The popularity of ylang-ylang had already been established — nearly every major perfumery had a version — yet Guerlain’s interpretation stood apart for its elegance and restraint. Rather than drowning the composition in the flower’s narcotic sweetness, Aimé Guerlain allowed the luminous, creamy facets to shine, pairing them with subtle citrus or powdery undertones that gave the perfume a silken texture.

To a woman of the 1880s, Cananga Blanc would have represented the romance of the tropics filtered through the lens of French refinement — the scent of faraway shores captured in crystal, at once daring and decorous. In scent, the name “Cananga Blanc” translates to sunlight on white petals, a whisper of jasmine and custard, and the lingering caress of warm, polished skin — the embodiment of exotic beauty made elegant and eternal.




Fragrance Composition:



So what does it smell like? Cananga Blanc is classified as a floral musk fragrance — more specifically, a soft floral musk with powdery undertones.
  • Top notes: bergamot, lemon, neroli, cananga
  • Middle notes: bitter almond, jasmine, ylang ylang
  • Base notes: orris, musk

Scent Profile:


Cananga Blanc unfolds like a quiet sunrise over a tropical garden, its opening notes awakening the senses with a luminous freshness that softens gracefully into creamy florals and a tender, powdery base. It is a floral musk, delicate yet resonant — a harmony of citrus light, white blossoms, and silken musks that together form a portrait of restrained exoticism wrapped in Parisian refinement.

The perfume begins with the vivid sparkle of bergamot and lemon, two quintessential citrus oils sourced from southern Italy — Calabrian bergamot with its green, floral brightness, and Sicilian lemon prized for its effervescent zest. Bergamot’s complex composition includes linalyl acetate, limonene, and bergapten, which give the fragrance both sparkle and softness, its slightly floral nuance tempering the lemon’s sharp acidity. The combination evokes the impression of fresh linens warmed by sunlight, their brightness perfectly balanced to avoid harshness. Interwoven through this freshness is the sweet, honeyed whisper of neroli, the precious distillation of bitter orange blossoms from the orchards of Tunisia. Neroli’s high linalool and nerolidol content lends a soft, waxy luminosity, bridging citrus to flower, light to warmth.

Then comes cananga, the namesake of the perfume — Cananga odorata, the tropical tree native to the Philippines and Indonesia. Its fragrance is velvety and golden, recalling both jasmine and custard, but darker, more sensual, and slightly leathery. Steam-distilled directly from the tree’s yellow blossoms, cananga oil contains benzyl acetate, p-cresyl methyl ether, and methyl benzoate, which together create its unique creamy, floral-animalic tone. Compared to ylang-ylang “extra” — the highest grade obtained from the same tree — cananga’s scent is deeper and earthier, less refined but richer in character, as if the tropical sun itself had melted into the petals. Guerlain’s inclusion of this note gives Cananga Blanc its dual personality: purity touched by sensual warmth, exoticism tamed by elegance.

The heart of the fragrance unfolds with bitter almond, jasmine, and ylang-ylang. The almond accord is both gourmand and nostalgic — created using benzaldehyde, which imparts the familiar aroma of marzipan and cherry pits. Its slight bitterness counterbalances the lush sweetness of the florals. Jasmine, likely of the Grasse or Egyptian variety, adds narcotic depth, its indoles and benzyl alcohols bringing both radiance and animalic warmth. When combined with the creamy, banana-like sweetness of ylang-ylang — itself derived from the same Cananga tree, but from a different distillation — the perfume blossoms into a soft, buttery floral cloud. The natural indolic tones are refined by gentle synthetics, ensuring that the floral richness remains enveloping yet transparent, never cloying.

As the scent settles, the orris root emerges, lending a powdery sophistication that feels like the faint trace of face powder on silk gloves. Extracted from aged rhizomes of the iris pallida of Tuscany, orris butter contains ionones and irones, which give it its violet-like, suede texture. It anchors the perfume with elegance, transforming the earlier florals into something timeless and tactile. Finally, musk — originally of animal origin but now recreated synthetically — brings a clean, sensual finish. Modern musks such as galaxolide and muscone replicate the warmth of skin freshly bathed, their diffusive smoothness enhancing the natural materials without overpowering them.

Smelled as a whole, Cananga Blanc feels like a soft white veil scented by sunlight and blossoms — citrus brightness fading into the creamy heart of tropical flowers, then settling into a whisper of powder and skin. The interplay of natural absolutes and synthetics gives the perfume its dual magic: the authentic texture of real petals and the luminescent clarity of an idealized dream. It is both delicate and enduring, like the lingering fragrance of white blooms carried on a warm evening breeze.




Bottles:



It was a perfume that was available in the carre flacon.



Fate of the Fragrance:



Discontinued, date unknown. It was still being sold in 1903.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Guerlain's 2014 Holiday Beauty Collection

For the 2014 Holiday Beauty Collection, Guerlain returned to one of its most emblematic design motifs with the gilded bowtie flacon, now featured in a limited edition shimmer powder. Aptly themed A Night at the Opera, this collection evokes the grandeur and drama of the theater, drawing inspiration from the opulent décor, lighting, and elegance of classical opera houses. The bowtie motif, known as Coque D’Or, is rendered in a luminous gilded finish that catches the light like a finely polished stage prop, immediately conveying luxury, sophistication, and timeless artistry.

This limited edition shimmer powder sits at the center of the collection, its presentation reflecting the meticulous attention to detail that Guerlain has long been celebrated for. The gleaming bowtie on the flacon is not merely decorative—it signals the House’s historical mastery of design, connecting each product to Guerlain’s heritage of elegance and theatricality. The powder itself promises a delicate shimmer, a subtle interplay of light across the skin reminiscent of the glittering chandeliers and gilded balconies of a grand opera hall.

In addition to the shimmer powder, the A Night at the Opera line features several other exclusive creations, each bearing the iconic Coque D’Or bowtie. Collectively, the collection is both a tribute to Guerlain’s storied past and a celebration of the festive season, combining visual grandeur with luxurious formulas designed to enchant and delight. The gilded bowtie flacon, in particular, transforms an everyday beauty ritual into an experience steeped in theatrical elegance and refined artistry.





'Coque d'Or' Iridescent Perfumed Powder (Limited Edition)

Graceful and feather-light, Guerlain Coque d'Or Iridescent Perfumed Powder is a subtle glitter for body and hair. For the first time since its creation, Guerlain has reproduced the original bottle and reinterpreted it in gold-lacquered glass. With a mere press of the bulb, the twirling, airy powder covers the hair and décolleté in a delicate sparkling veil. It's subtly scented with Coque d'Or's legendary chypre notes, recomposed in an exclusive variation.


Notes: bergamot, lavender, iris, rose and patchouli.





'Meteorites' Perles d'Etoile (Limited Edition)

Guerlain Meteorites Perles d'Etoile are light-revealing pearls of powder. The legendary pearls are available in a blend of six light and radiant tones specially designed to enhance your complexion after nightfall under the lights of evening. Its fragrant note of violet adds a light scent while a shimmering finish illuminates your complexion. It comes in a goldtone container with the famous bow inspired by Coque d'Or sculpted on the lid.





'Rouge G de Guerlain - 820 Rouge Parade' Jewel Lipstick Compact (Limited Edition)


Rouge G de Guerlain 820 Rouge Parade is a pure, French-style satin-finish bright red shade for gala evenings—luminous and distinctively elegant. Ready to go out, the exceptional lip color is adorned in red lacquer set off with a golden charm and mechanism. It's the shade worn by Natalia Vodianova in the campaign visual, attracting every eye from her balcony.
















'A Night at the Opera' Eyeshadow Duo

Guerlain’s Duo Eyeshadow palettes feature two stunning colors that work off each other to give your eyes a gorgeous glow. One hue is a pure matte and the other is a luminous veil with a glittering or metallic finish. Simply glide on the matte then layer the veil on top, or wear one at a time to create a look that’s yours alone.













'Petrouchka' Eye & Blush Palette (Limited Edition)

Petrouchka Eye and Blush Palette by Guerlain is filled with makeup essentials for your eyes and cheeks cleverly combined in a golden case adorned with a flat bow in red fabric, which can easily be transformed into a bracelet or hair tie. The limited-edition palette is filled with sophisticated hues, including five finely iridescent eyeshadow shades and four matte or pearlescent blushes.

















'A Night at the Opera - Maxi Shine' Gloss d'Enfer Lip Gloss

Maxi Shine Gloss d'Enfer guarantees lips a shimmering, radiant and plumping finish. Maxi Shine's oil composition creates a moisturizing barrier to ensure an intense softness. Additionally, each shade presents varying degrees of coverage and pigment intensity. The perfect partner for a desirable, appealing smile, Maxi Shine offers tailor-made effects for beautifully enhanced lips















'A Night at the Opera' Nail Lacquer

Guerlain's newest nail lacquers are indispensable allies for accomplished femininity. The ultra-vibrant shades incorporate adhesive resins to offer a perfectly even sheen that lasts for days. Using each shade's extra-flat and widened brush, the easy-to-use formula imparts a shiny, daring and immaculate finish.

















'Shalimar' Eau de Parfum Set

To celebrate the season, Guerlain invites you into its fairy universe to discover an enchanted Christmas tree, where every decoration is a wink to the House symbols.

Inspired by the passionate love story between an emperor and an Indian princess, Shalimar, which means “temple of love” in Sanskrit, symbolizes the promise of eternal love forevermore. It’s a fragrance of desire. With its smoldering and slightly impertinent character, the star oriental fragrance in perfumery embodies skin-caressing sensuality with a hint of the forbidden.
Set includes:
- Eau de Parfum (1.7 oz.)
- Eau de Parfum Purse Spray (0.5 oz.)

Thursday, October 23, 2014

La Ruche Imperiale - 160 Year Bee Bottle Anniversary c2013

La Ruche Impériale stands as a luminous tribute to Guerlain’s legendary Abeille flacon, created in 2013 to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the bee bottle. As part of this extraordinary series, Guerlain invited nine Maîtres d’art from the Institut National des Métiers d’Art of France, granting them complete artistic freedom to create unique interpretations centered around a one-litre bee bottle. The results are not merely decorative objects but singular masterpieces, reflecting the highest level of craftsmanship and creativity in contemporary French artistry.

This particular creation, La Ruche Impériale (“The Imperial Hive”), was designed by Laurent Nogues, a Maître d’art and founder of the Creanog studio, widely recognized as a leading authority in embossing, hot-stamping, and paper insets. Nogues transformed paper into an artistic medium, crafting a honeycomb-shaped case that unfolds to reveal layers of intricate embossed detail. The six panels of the case are lined with pristine white paper, each panel etched with a tone-on-tone honeycomb motif, creating an almost architectural geometry. At the center, the optical illusion of the legendary bee bottle appears, a subtle yet striking nod to Guerlain’s iconic heritage.

The embossing technique employed is singular, developed specifically for this project to achieve complex geometry and an extraordinary interplay of light. Each fold and facet catches the light differently, producing endless variations in tone and shadow that emphasize both the precision and artistry of the design. Beyond its visual beauty, the piece embodies Guerlain’s celebration of innovation, tradition, and the passing of artisanal knowledge: the proceeds of these creations support the “Maîtres d’art – Students” initiative, which ensures the continuation of these rare skills through mentorship and apprenticeship overseen by the Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA). La Ruche Impériale is thus both a dazzling objet d’art and a living testament to the fusion of craft, history, and creativity that defines Guerlain.

 

Guerlain's Talc de Toilette

 Guerlain's Talc de Toilette was housed inside of a tin enameled in blue, off white and black.