Flacon Goutte (Teardrop) c1923-2001

Flacon Goutte (Teardrop) c1923-2001

Guerlilas by Guerlain c1930

Guerlilas, launched by Guerlain in 1930 and created by Jean-Jacques Guerlain, carries a name that elegantly blends the company's signature with a botanical reference. The name "Guerlilas" is a portmanteau of "Guerlain" and "lilas," the French word for lilac. Pronounced "Gwer-lee-lah," the name evokes an image of both the esteemed Guerlain house and the delicate, enchanting lilac flower.

The word "Guerlilas" conjures images of a lush garden in full bloom, where the air is perfumed with the sweet, powdery aroma of lilacs. The name suggests a fragrance that harmoniously integrates Guerlain’s refined artistry with the soft, floral beauty of lilacs. Lilacs are known for their delicate, yet intoxicating scent, often evoking feelings of romance and nostalgia. This sense of refined elegance and gentle charm would have appealed greatly to women of the time, offering a scent that was both sophisticated and evocative.

Guerlilas is classified as a floral fragrance for women, with its predominant lilac notes layered over the signature Guerlinade accord. The fragrance opens with a fresh and floral burst of lilac, an ingredient known for its light and airy aroma that immediately transports the wearer to a serene garden. The lilac notes are complemented by the Guerlinade accord, which provides a rich, warm foundation that enhances the delicate floral scent with a touch of sensuality and depth. This combination creates a perfume that is both uplifting and comforting, with the lilac notes capturing the essence of spring and renewal.

During the early 20th century, lilacs were cherished in perfumery for their enchanting and subtle fragrance, often used to evoke a sense of floral purity and elegance. Guerlain would have sourced lilacs from various regions known for their cultivation, such as France, where the flower was prized for its high-quality blooms. The inclusion of lilac in Guerlilas not only reflects the era's preference for light and airy floral scents but also highlights Guerlain’s commitment to capturing nature's beauty in their creations.

In the context of the 1930s, a decade marked by both artistic innovation and a longing for elegance amidst the backdrop of global economic challenges, Guerlilas would have provided women with a touch of sophistication and floral grace. The perfume's delicate lilac notes would have resonated with the desire for refinement and beauty, offering a fragrant escape into a world of floral splendor and timeless elegance.

Shalimar Presentation Box with Cosmetics c1925

"Shalimar" - (1925) Very rare and important rectangular poplar wood box wrapped in emerald green morocco leather, decorated with gilded arabesques, used to protect a Baccarat crystal sample vial of "Shalimar", a powder box of  "Poudre C'est Moi" and a Bakelite "Rouge d'Enfer" lipstick case with trimmings. Interior satin lined box. D: 18, 5 x 28, 5cm.

Ma Petite Robe Noire c2012

For Christmas 2012, Guerlain launched a pretty little trio of options for La Petite Robe Noire, which was freshly reworked that year. Three alternative “little black dresses” are featured on limited-edition bottles, named "Ma Petite Robe Noire."

You were able to choose which of the three dresses matched your or your gift recipient’s taste and have the bottle calligraphed with your name, initials or a secret message.

Agates Face Powder c1973

Before Guerlain released it's iconic Meteorites face powder pearls in 1987, they had introduced a precursor called Agates in 1973. The powder was so named for its beautiful box, which was inspired by Marie Antoinette's box covered in agates.

The box style was later used for the Meteorites packaging in 1987.

A very rare gold and pietra dura 'Steinkabinett', complete with secret compartment and explanatory booklet, Christian Gottlieb Stiehl, Dresden, circa 1770.  Of utmost rarity and 18th century scientific interest is the Steinkabinett by Christian Gottlieb Stiehl (1708-1792) – the lid of this ingeniously inlaid ‘Zellenmosaik’ hardstone box opens to reveal what resembles a stained glass window, and the original booklet contained in its secret compartment in the base lists all the stone specimens used for the carefully arranged hardstone surface of this precious masterpiece. 

ON EBAY!!! Candide Effluve 2007 Reissue in Brun Flume Flacon

ON EBAY!!! Candide Effluve 2007 Reissue in Brun Flume Flacon

Click here to see the auction

Candide Effluve was reissued in in 2007 as a limited edition in its historical bottle, the Brun Fume Baccarat crystal bottle. There are only 97 numbered bottles, which had a single production run in 1933, which were brought from the archives. The number engraved on each bottle is also rare and original. The bottle is housed inside of a velvet lined, lacquered presentation box. The reissue retailed for $2,600.

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

• Top notes: bergamot, lemon, ylang-ylang, lilac, angelica, thyme
• Middle notes: muguet, styrax, hyacinth, rose, jasmine, iris, heliotrope , myrrh
• Base notes: amber, sandalwood, leather, orris, patchouli, vetiver, benzoin, tonka bean and vanilla.

Mon Exclusif c2015

Mon Exclusif by Guerlain: launched in 2015. Created by Thierry Wasser.

To make a customized fragrance more accessible to those without unlimited purse strings, Guerlain has introduced Mon Exclusif, a fragrance that you can rename yourself.