Lavande by Guerlain c1833

Launched in 1833 by Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain, Lavande epitomized the elegance and refinement of early 19th-century perfumery. The name "Lavande," derived from the French word for lavender, evokes a sense of tranquility and purity. Lavender, with its deep roots in both traditional medicine and personal care, was a symbol of freshness and cleanliness. The choice of this name would have immediately suggested a fragrance that was both soothing and invigorating, reflecting the calming properties of the lavender flower.

The scent of Lavande would have been interpreted as an aromatic, herbaceous blend, with lavender at its core, offering a crisp and refreshing top note. This fragrance would likely have featured the clean, floral aroma of lavender, complemented by subtle green and slightly woody undertones that would evoke images of serene lavender fields in full bloom.

In the 19th century, lavender was a popular choice for perfumes, and many perfumeries carried their own variations. The choice to name a perfume Lavande thus aligned with contemporary trends, while also reflecting Guerlain’s commitment to capturing the essence of this well-loved floral note. For women of that era, a perfume named Lavande would have been both fashionable and reassuring, offering a blend of sophistication and natural elegance. It would have appealed to their desire for a fragrance that embodied freshness and refinement, mirroring the broader trends in perfumery that celebrated both natural beauty and innovative scent compositions.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a classic fougere or chypre fragrance with a strong lavender note.

• Top notes: lemon, bergamot
• Middle notes: lavender, galbanum
• Base notes: labdanum, amber, sandalwood, oakmoss and vetiver

Scent Profile:

Imagine opening a bottle of Lavande, where the initial burst of fresh, citrusy brightness from lemon and bergamot instantly invigorates the senses. The zesty lemon introduces a crisp, clean sharpness that dances with the sweet, tangy brightness of bergamot, setting a vibrant, energetic tone.

As the top notes gently fade, the heart of the fragrance reveals itself. Lavender, the centerpiece of Lavande, unfolds with its distinctive, calming aroma. You can almost picture a sunlit field of lavender, its floral essence wrapped in a soothing green undertone. This is beautifully complemented by galbanum, which adds a resinous, slightly earthy quality, creating a harmonious blend that feels both fresh and grounding.

As the fragrance settles, the base notes start to emerge, weaving a rich tapestry of deeper scents. Labdanum introduces a warm, resinous richness, mingling with amber to offer a golden, balsamic sweetness that deepens the scent. The creamy, smooth notes of sandalwood add a touch of elegance and depth, while oakmoss imparts a classic, earthy undertone that evokes the essence of a forest floor. Finally, vetiver adds a subtle, smoky, woody nuance, rounding off the composition with a sophisticated, grounded finish.

In Lavande, the strong lavender note is both central and harmoniously integrated with its supporting ingredients, creating a fragrance that is both timeless and sophisticated. This classic fougère or chypre composition reflects a balance of vibrant freshness, floral serenity, and enduring warmth, capturing the essence of early 19th-century elegance.

Bottles:

Originally sold in the white bee flacon and carre flacon. It was also sold in the Empire flacon (parfum) in the early 1900s, the quadrilobe flacon (parfum), and was then presented in the Louis XVI flacon (parfum) and in 1923, the Goutte flacon (eau de toilettes), then in the cobalt blue glass Lanterne flacon (parfum) from 1935 to 1943.

photo from museu del perfum

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown. Still being sold in 1953.