Shalimar, one of the most iconic fragrances ever created, holds a name steeped in romance and history. Originally crafted by Jacques Guerlain in 1921, the perfume was re-released during the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, a world stage that celebrated the glamour and innovation of the Art Deco era. The name "Shalimar" (pronounced SHA-lee-mar) is derived from a Persian and Urdu word meaning "abode of love" or "temple of love." This evocative name pays homage to the famed Shalimar Gardens in Srinagar, Kashmir, built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the same muse who inspired the Taj Mahal.
The word "Shalimar" conjures visions of opulent Mughal gardens: fountains bubbling with crystalline water, pathways lined with fragrant blooms, and moonlit nights infused with mystery and romance. It evokes a timeless love story, passion, and exoticism—a sense of stepping into an enchanted world far removed from the mundane. The perfume's name and inspiration suggest luxury and intimacy, transporting the wearer to a sensual paradise.
When Shalimar launched in the 1920s, the world was recovering from the devastation of World War I and stepping into the Jazz Age—a period defined by liberation, optimism, and indulgence. Known as the Roaring Twenties, this era saw women embracing newfound freedoms, from shorter hemlines and bobbed haircuts to jazz clubs and cigarettes. The Art Deco movement influenced everything from architecture to fashion, emphasizing bold geometric designs, rich colors, and luxurious materials. For women of this time, a perfume named "Shalimar" would have embodied the allure of the exotic and the daring sophistication they aspired to.
