Belle-France c1892 and Belle Epoque c1999

Belle-France: created by Aime Guerlain in 1892, a feminine extrait.

Revue Illustree, 1893:

"...the exquisite fragrance disturbing emanations of Belle-France , the delicate and invigorating aroma...favorite scents such mundane as our first Guerlain..."

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Belle-France is classified as a floral amber fragrance for women.

• Top notes: rose and orange blossom
• Middle notes: rose, tuberose, vetiver, Tonkin musk
• Base notes: orris and vanilla

A John Wanamaker ad from the Delaware County Times, 1902:

The one man in the Old World bold enough to use nothing but the finest ingredients in his perfumes is M. Guerlain of Rue de la Paix, Paris. He employs only the purest suet to extract the essence of flowers, and the purest alcohol to release their fragrance. His extracts are true, offering a delicacy or intensity depending on your choice, for nothing in nature that breathes sweetness escapes the keen, discerning nose of Guerlain.

Take, for example, his extract Far West (which we exclusively offer in America), where the woods have gifted their damp, earthy, cedar-like aroma. It’s a rare experience to have the scent of the wet forest captured in a bottle. Far West is so original and delightful that people can't help but laugh with pleasure at its novelty, even as they claim they don’t like it. Yet, inevitably, they return to it—just as they say they won’t—because it clings irresistibly to the senses.

Another marvel of Guerlain’s craft is Aquarella, a sweet, firm, and enchanting fragrance. It is as delicate as almond blossoms, yet with an underlying substance that captivates. Whatever Guerlain touches is guaranteed to be of the highest purity and quality. Among his other extraordinary creations are Tume, Fragrance, Rup, Gazaki, Verveine, Paris Gem, Geranium de Serre, Floxinia, Aquarella, Full Scent, Far West, Violet du Embaume, Violet de Alger, Le Jardin de Mon Curé, Tsao-Ko, Dix Pétales de Roses, and Belle France. Each of these is a testament to his unmatched artistry.

Bottles:

Presented in the Flacon Plat (Flat) starting in 1892. The bottle was created by Pochet et du Courval. Housed various Guerlain fragrances such as Tsao Ko, Belle France, Dix Petales de Roses, Cyprisine, Le Jardin de Mon Cure, Gavotte, Paris Nouveau, Violette a Deux Sous, Bouquet Mademoiselle, Grande Marechale, Young Princess, and Rodomel.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown. Still sold in 1923.

Belle Epoque:

Relaunched in 1999, and renamed Belle Epoque, sub-titled 'édition limitée'. Created by Jean-Paul Guerlain especially to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Harrods department store of Knightsbridge, London.

Presented in the "Gratte Ciel" skyscraper (originally used for the perfume Atuana and Fleur de Feu) flacon by Baccarat, holding 35ml (1.2fl oz) eau de parfum. A limited edition of only 150 examples.


Interesting to note that Belle Epoque was first used as the limited edition Marie Claire fragrance made especially for Marie Claire magazine in 1998.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a white floral fragrance for women.

• Top notes: jasmine, orange and apricot
• Middle notes: ylang ylang and tuberose
• Base notes: vetiver, vanilla, musk, sandalwood and tonka bean

Photo by ellenaa

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