Idylle Duet c2011

Idylle Duet by Guerlain: launched in 2011. Created by Thierry Wasser. The inspiration came from Les Nuits d'Ete, an 1841 work by Hector Berlioz .The duet in question is the marriage of rose and patchouli.

ON EBAY!! Vintage c1940s Pois de Senteur Parfum in Baccarat Quadrilobe Flacon

Vintage c1940s Pois de Senteur Parfum in Baccarat Quadrilobe Flacon

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ON EBAY!! Vintage 1920s Guerlinade Baccarat Flacon

On Ebay - Vintage 1920s Guerlinade Baccarat Flacon

Measure approx.5" inches *13 cm.bottle high,5,1/2" inches *14 cm.box high.

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Marechale by Guerlain c1833

Maréchale by Guerlain, launched in 1833, is a perfume that carries a name steeped in historical and cultural significance. The word "Maréchale" is French for "Marshal," a high-ranking military officer. The choice of this name evokes images of authority, honor, and sophistication, reflecting a sense of grandeur and distinction. In the context of fragrance, "Maréchale" suggests a scent that is both commanding and refined, embodying the elegance and prestige associated with military rank.

The name "Maréchale" conjures up visions of regal military uniforms, elaborate ceremonies, and a world of formality and decorum. It resonates with the romanticized image of a distinguished officer whose presence is marked by an air of sophistication and strength. For women of the period, a perfume named "Maréchale" would have been associated with these qualities, suggesting a fragrance that was both potent and sophisticated, perhaps reflecting the valor and refinement of a Marshal.

In the early 19th century, when "Maréchale" was launched, the perfume industry was in a state of transition. The period was marked by an increasing interest in complex and sophisticated scents, moving beyond the simpler, single-note fragrances of earlier decades. Guerlain's creation of "Maréchale" would have aligned with this trend, offering a fragrance that was both unique and reflective of the era's evolving tastes.

The origins of "Maréchal" trace back to 1669, when it was originally created as a sachet powder for Madame La Maréchal d'Aumont, wife of Antoine, Marshal of France. This powder was designed to complement her hair color and was used to powder her coiffure. Its composition included powdered elecampane root and vetiver, which were also featured in other fragrances of the time, such as Guerlain’s own Bouquet du Roi. The original formulation, known as Poudre à la Maréchal, combined rose, elecampane, vetiver, iris, cloves, violet, orange, lavender, and marjoram, creating a scent that was as layered and complex as the Marshal’s own esteemed position.

By launching "Maréchale" in 1833, Guerlain not only paid homage to this historical fragrance but also tapped into the era's growing appreciation for nuanced and elaborate scents. The fragrance likely embodied the rich and varied notes of its predecessor, delivering a perfume that was both sophisticated and evocative of the distinguished character implied by its name.

Bouquet du Jardin du Roi c1890

Bouquet du Jardin du Roi by Guerlain: launched around 1828. The name means Bouquet of the King's Garden in French.

Unter den Linden c1850s

Unter den Linden by Guerlain, introduced in the 1850s, carries a name steeped in evocative imagery and historical significance. The name Unter den Linden translates from German to "Under the Linden Trees," referencing a famous boulevard in Berlin’s Mitte district. This tree-lined avenue, known for its serene, grassy mall and the grand linden trees that shade its pathways, evokes a sense of elegant tranquility and refined urban beauty.

The choice of this name for Guerlain’s fragrance suggests a deliberate effort to capture the essence of this iconic location. The imagery conjured by Unter den Linden is one of leisurely strolls beneath the dappled light of lush linden trees, a setting that blends natural splendor with sophisticated city life. In scent, Unter den Linden would likely be interpreted as an attempt to encapsulate the delicate, fresh aroma of linden blossoms. Linden flowers are known for their soft, sweet fragrance with subtle honeyed undertones, which would have appealed to those seeking a refined and soothing floral experience.

Women of the 19th century encountering Unter den Linden would have been drawn to its elegant and evocative name, associating it with the cultured and leisurely pursuits of high society. The fragrance would resonate with a sense of sophistication and grace, reflecting the period’s growing appreciation for nuanced and complex scents.

During the 1850s, the fragrance market was evolving rapidly, with increasing experimentation in scent formulation. Unter den Linden fits within this context as part of a broader trend of creating floral compositions that highlighted both natural and newly synthesized elements. Early formulas for Unter den Linden would have utilized natural extracts, infusions, and tinctures to achieve the fresh, floral aroma of linden blossoms. As the century progressed, the introduction of synthetic compounds such as coumarin and heliotropin began to influence perfume creation, enabling more consistent and enduring representations of delicate floral notes.

In summary, Unter den Linden was more than just a fragrance; it was a sensory homage to a beloved Berlin boulevard, designed to evoke the timeless beauty and sophistication associated with its namesake.

Myrrhe & Delires c2012

Myrrhe & Delires by Guerlain: launched in 2012. Created by Thierry Wasser as part of the  L'Art et la Matiére Collection.

L'Instant d'Un Ete c2006

L'Instant d'Un Ete by Guerlain: launched in 2006.

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

• Top notes: grapefruit, bitter orange
• Middle notes: magnolia, jasmine, ylang-ylang
• Base notes: vanilla, benzoin and musk

It is available as eau de toilette.

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Le Présentoir à Secrets c2013

Le Présentoir à Secrets - was one of several special presentations created in 2013 to mark the 160th anniversary of the creation of the bee bottle, known as the Abeille flacon.

Guerlain commissioned nine “Maîtres d’art” of the Institut National des Métiers d’Art of France. Giving them full artistic freedom to create whatever they could envision to centre around a one litre bee bottle. The resulting incarnations are truly the epitome of one of a kind masterpieces.

The unique bottles were on display at the Maison Guerlain, 68, Champs-Élysées, from the 10th of December 2013 to the 14th of February 2014 and were showcased in photo and video exhibitions in Guerlain’s Exclusive Line Doors in 2014. They will be sold to help fund the “Maîtres d’art – Students” project, in which master artists pass down rare and exceptional skills to apprentices, overseen by the Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA). You can read more about the INMA online.

Ludwig Vogelgesang, Maître d’art – Class of 2010. A cabinet maker  who specialised in the discerning restoration of luxurious antique Art Deco furniture, originally designed by such notables as Ruhlman, Groult, Franck. His exquisite taste and astute style is sought after not only by renowned interior designers, galleries and museums, but by discriminating private collectors as well.

From Guerlain:

“Le Présentoir à Secrets” (“The Display Case with Secrets”) 

This precious cylindrical sculpture unites two luxurious materials: ivory shagreen and brown rosewood. On its façade, the rare wood traces and outlines the honeycombs. A few small and painstakingly sculpted bees act as clever handles for hidden drawers that can be used to hide one’s treasures. Like crowns, two carved friezes adorn the base and top of this delicate piece. The imperial bottle reigns from the top of the case on a radiant shagreen tray.