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Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Guerlain Silver Fountain Labels

The Silver Fountain labels represent the fountains at the 1925 Art Deco Expo in Paris, they were used in 1928 to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of Guerlain. The perfumes were boxed in a blue and silver box and the perfumes were presented in a clear glass bottle called the "petit beurre" or little butter pat..




Aqua Allegoria Jasminora c2011

Aqua Allegoria Jasminora: created in 2011 by Thierry Wasser.




Aqua Allegoria Herba Fresca c1999

Aqua Allegoria Herba Fresca: created in 1999 by Jean-Paul Guerlain

Herba Fresca is like a barefoot summer's walk in the early morning, in a dew-damped garden where the first fragrances of grass rise from the soil, blending with the scent of mint, fruit trees and wild flowers.




Aqua Allegoria Grosellina c2005

Aqua Allegoria Grosellina: created in 2005 by Sylvaine Delacourte.


Aqua Allegoria Foliflora c2003

Aqua Allegoria Foliflora: created in 2003 by Jean-Paul Guerlain.



Aqua Allegoria Flora Nymphea c2010

Aqua Allegoria Flora Nymphea: launched in 2010. Created by Thierry Wasser.




Aqua Allegoria Flora Nerolia c2000

Aqua Allegoria Flora Nerolia: created by Jean Paul Guerlain in 2000.





Aqua Allegoria Figue Iris c2008

Aqua Allegoria Figue Iris: created in 2008, by three renowned noses Jean-Paul Guerlain, Sylvaine Delacourte and Marie Salamagne.



Aqua Allegoria Cherry Blossom c2009

Aqua Allegoria Cherry Blossom: launched in 2009. Created by Thierry Wasser.





Aqua Allegoria Bouquet Numero 2 c2011

Aqua Allegoria Bouquet Numero 2: launched in 2011. Created by Thierry Wasser.

Aqua Allegoria Bouquet Numero 1 c2010

Aqua Allegoria Bouquet Numero 1: a fragrance inspired by spring floral-green garden in early morning, created in 2010 by Thierry Wasser.


 

Aqua Allegoria Bouquet de Mai c2012

Aqua Allegoria Bouquet de Mai by Guerlain: launched in 2012. Created by Thierry Wasser.





Aqua Allegoria Anisia Bella c2004

Aqua Allegoria Anisia Bella: launched in 2004 and created by Jean-Paul Guerlain.




Aqua Allegoria Angelique Lilas c2007

Aqua Allegoria Angelique Lilas: created by Jean Paul Guerlain in 2007.




Angelique Noire 2005

Angelique Noire: launched in 2005. Created by Daniela Andrièr.


L'Heure Bleue by Guerlain c1912

L'Heure Bleue: (the blue hour) was created by Jacques Guerlain in 1912. Pronounced "LERR-BLUH." It was inspired by the most romantic time of the day, twilight, before the first stars appear in the sky, bluish dusk and anticipation of night.

c1937 ad

Muguet by Guerlain c1833

Muguet by Guerlain, introduced in 1833,takes its name from the French term for “Lily of the Valley.” The word "Muguet," pronounced "mew-geh," evokes a sense of delicate elegance and purity, as Lily of the Valley is a small, bell-shaped flower known for its sweet, fresh fragrance and its association with springtime renewal. The choice of this name underscores the perfume’s intention to capture the essence of these pristine, fleeting blooms.

In scent, “Muguet” conjures a vision of a lush, verdant garden where the air is filled with the light, airy aroma of Lily of the Valley. The fragrance opens with a fresh, green note that evokes the crispness of morning dew on delicate white petals. This is complemented by a subtle sweetness that lingers, reminiscent of a soft, floral breeze wafting through a sunlit meadow. The scent is both uplifting and soothing, capturing the ethereal beauty and transient nature of the flower.

During the 19th century, the perfume industry was deeply invested in creating scents that mirrored the natural world, and Muguet was no exception. At the time, many fragrances were centered around complex floral bouquets, often enriched with animalic undertones to add depth and sophistication. Guerlain’s Muguet distinguished itself by focusing on the pure, unadulterated scent of Lily of the Valley, presenting a fragrance that was both simple and refined. This choice reflected the period’s fascination with capturing nature’s most delicate scents while still adhering to the prevalent trend of incorporating rich, layered compositions.


Apres L'Ondee by Guerlain c1906

Après L'Ondée by Guerlain, launched in 1906 and created by Jacques Guerlain, is a poetic and evocative name that perfectly reflects the inspiration behind the fragrance. In French, "Après L'Ondée" translates to "After the Shower" or "After the Rain," capturing the delicate and fleeting moment when the rain has passed, and nature begins to stir again under the warmth of the sun. Pronounced "AHPRAY-LUNDAY," the name itself conjures a sense of tranquility and renewal, a moment of peace after the storm. Jacques Guerlain, known for his love of nature and the emotional landscapes it evokes, likely chose this name to encapsulate the gentle beauty of a spring garden refreshed by rain—a theme of renewal, rebirth, and the fleeting beauty of life.

The phrase "Après L'Ondée" brings to mind soft images of a misty garden, where drops of rain still cling to flower petals and leaves, and the air is filled with the scent of wet earth, damp grass, and blooming flowers. It evokes a calm, reflective mood—perhaps a sense of nostalgia or longing—creating an atmosphere that is both serene and wistful. The perfume was inspired by the smell of nature after a spring rain, known as petrichor, and blends this natural scent with the warmth of flowers that have been gently kissed by the sun. The name itself stirs up emotions of freshness, purity, and a delicate sense of melancholy, capturing the beauty of transitory moments in nature and life.

In scent, Après L'Ondée is interpreted as soft, powdery, and floral, reflecting the freshness of a garden after a rain shower. Based on the formula for Voilette de Madame, it combines violet, iris, and heliotrope with hints of warm spice and subtle earthiness, representing the interplay between rain-drenched flowers and the return of sunshine. The fragrance evokes the clean, crisp smell of the air, touched with a light sweetness from the blooming flowers and a gentle warmth from the earth beneath. It captures both the freshness of rain and the comforting warmth that follows, creating a fragrance that feels ethereal yet grounded.

For women in the early 1900s, a perfume called Après L'Ondée would have likely evoked a romantic and poetic sentiment. This was a period of optimism and refinement, at the height of the Belle Époque, where art, culture, and beauty flourished. Women of the time were becoming more engaged with the emerging modern world, but they also held onto ideals of grace, nature, and beauty. A fragrance that drew from the imagery of nature and the beauty of a post-rain garden would have resonated with their desire for elegance, refinement, and emotional expression. The softness and naturalistic inspiration behind the fragrance would appeal to their appreciation for art, poetry, and the symbolic beauty of fleeting moments in life.