Hello and welcome! Please understand that this website is not affiliated with Guerlain in any way, it is only a reference site for collectors and those who have enjoyed the classic fragrances of days gone by. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. The main objective of this website is to chronicle the 200+ year old history of the Guerlain fragrances and showcase the bottles and advertising used throughout the years. Let this site be your source for information on antique and vintage Guerlain perfumes. Another goal of this website is to show the present owners of the Guerlain company how much we miss many of the discontinued classics and hopefully, if they see that there is enough interest and demand, they will bring back these fragrances! I invite you to leave a comment below (for example: of why you liked the fragrance, describe the scent, time period or age you wore it, who gave it to you or on what occasion, what it smelled like to you, how it made you feel, any specific memories, what it reminded you of, maybe a relative wore it, or you remembered seeing the bottle on their vanity table), who knows, perhaps someone from the current Guerlain brand might see it. If you have any questions, please send all images of your bottle and pertinent information directly to me at cleopatrasboudoir@gmail.com. I will try to assist you the best I can.

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Showing posts with label bee bottle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bee bottle. Show all posts

Saturday, November 8, 2014

La Malle de Voyage - 160 Year Anniversary of the Bee Bottle c2013

La Malle de Voyage - 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.

Serge Amoruso, Maître d’art – Class of 2010. This skilled leather craftsman and designer is a prominent specialist of rare and precious hides, who gained experience at Hermès in the training of the finest historical leather-making techniques. Using this traditional knowledge, he has since focused his talent on making pieces as whimsical as they are ostentatious, such as an alligator-lined scooter or genuinely exclusive tailor-made creations.

From Guerlain:

“La Malle de Voyage” (“The Travel Trunk”) 
An artistic trunk presented in two identical pieces, like a lightning-shaped split or a single-use broken mould. Its covering features the rarest and noblest materials: red Morocco leather and parchment stamped with the imprint of the bottle on the interior, midnight blue shagreen and, in contrast, carbon fibre on the exterior. An unusual combination that transforms this work into a surprising and contemporary sculpture, whose highlight is a piece of meteorite that opens the doors of time.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

La Ruche Imperiale - 160 Year Anniversary of the Bee Bottle c2013

La Ruche Impériale- 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.

Laurent Nogues, Maître d’art – Class of 2011. This founder of the Creanog studio is the preeminent artist in the sector of embossing, hot-stamping and insets on paper. He fabricates labels for affluent brands and highly respected institutions.

From Guerlain:

“La Ruche Impériale” (“The Imperial Hive”) 
A graphic art version of the honeycombs that make up the hive. This precious honeycomb-shaped case is just waiting to be opened and unfolded to reveal the innovation and splendour of paper transformed through embossing. It is composed of six panels lined with white paper embossed with a tone-on-tone honeycomb motif. On closer view, one notices an optical illusion on the central stamp that represents the legendary bottle. The development of specific tools and a very singular embossing technique allow for a complex, tailor-made geometry for endless effects of light with striking definition.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

La Cage aux Oiseaux et aux Abeilles - 160 Year Anniversary of the Bee Bottle c2013

La Cage aux Oiseaux et aux Abeilles - 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.

 Nelly Saunier, Maître d’art – Class of 2008. This distinguished plumassier, takes her experience of preparing and working with ornamental plumes and feathers to new highs, with a masterful sense of color and volume. 

From Guerlain:

“La Cage aux Oiseaux et aux Abeilles” (“The Bird and Bee Cage”) 
Taking up the form of the iconic bottle, a golden structure reveals delicate feather marquetry that embraces the chiselled metal. The feather decoration fitted into the extremely precise cut-outs is stunning. With an effect of colours and contrasts, matt and iridescent variations between light and dark areas, the effect is mesmerising. Through the openwork dome, one can glimpse a silky, feathery nest on which the Bee bottle is perched, like a bird ready to take flight into lyricism.

Monday, October 6, 2014

Le Trouble d’Eugénie - 160 Year Anniversary of the Bee Bottle c2013

Le Trouble d’Eugénie- 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.

Emmanuel Barrois, Maître d’art – Class of 2010. This talented glass architect works on varied projects, from the monumental to the smaller-scaled creations, always trying to exceed the most limited of possibilities. These adept glassmaking concepts, backed by an extreme technical, prospective and futuristic vision, range from the Beijing Opera to the next canopy of the future Forum des Halles in Paris, measuring almost 30,000 square metres.

“Le Trouble d’Eugénie” (“Eugénie’s Confusion”) 
“Eugénie will be crowned Empress in just a matter of hours. As she is getting ready, the bottle drops. The fragrance spills out in absolute shapes. She loses herself in the dark reflections of this sparkling pool. Blood pounds through her temples. She sees something. It’s time. She is caught in a breath…” The transparent bottle has been knocked over on an opaque black glass tray. Splashes of fragrance in singular and crystal-clear shapes stand out against the unfathomable base. This enigmatic mise en abîme is both illusion and realism. Through this piece, a drama takes form, echoing the destiny of the Empress Eugénie. Movement comes face to face with suspended time."

Thursday, October 2, 2014

L’Envolée - 160 Year Anniversary of the Bee Bottle c2013

L’Envolée - 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.

Etienne Rayssac, Maître d’art – Class of 2010. This accomplished woodcarver and ornamental craftsman, at first, sketches his inventive designs and then fabricates prototypes in plaster before carving the final sculpture. His proficiency in woodworking has made him well respected and sought after to create decorative elements, for use on buildings classified as historical monuments and contemporary pieces alike.

From Guerlain:

“L’Envolée” (“The Flight”) 
Draped pale sycamore wood partially envelops the levitating Bee bottle, making it evanescent. The work suggests incredible energy and the effect of curves and dips perfectly captures the light. Only hand craftsmanship with special chisels and scrapers makes it possible to alternate the flow of volumes and the sharpness of edges. The exterior design is delicately sculpted and echoes the intensity of the bottle and the richness of its intrinsic ornamentation.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

L’Œuf Surprise - 160 Year Anniversary of the Bee Bottle c2013

L’Œuf Surprise - 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

Fabrice Gohard, Maître d’art – Class of 2010. This highly skilled ornamental gilder learned the familial trade from his father. His lavish water and oil gilding adorn woodwork, balconies and gates. But his superb expertise is also featured on the opulent façades of the Château de Versailles, the magnificent dome of the Invalides and the respendent flame of the Statue of Liberty.

From Guerlain:
“L’Œuf Surprise” (“The Surprise Egg”)
Like a Fabergé, this is a majestic egg in blown glass whose gold-leaf gilding brings to mind an eggshell that has just been broken: an allegory of the imperial genesis, the bottle and its scent. Inside the object, the Bee bottle is enhanced and shimmers in the lustre of gold. The exquisite refinement of this egg shape is ensured by a floral design painted inside the shell, delivering its secrets to only the most curious of onlookers. Its grace and femininity pay a lovely tribute to the beauty of the Empress Eugénie.

The nine exclusive works of art will be on display at the Maison Guerlain, 68, Champs-Élysées, from the 10th of December 2013 to the 14th of February 2014 and will be 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).


Sunday, September 14, 2014

Le Theatre - 160 Year Anniversary of the Bee Bottle c2013

 Le Theatre - 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.


 Le Theatre - 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.


Lison de Caunes, Maître d’art – Class of 1998. Interior designer André Groult's talented granddaughter has rekindled the skillful art of straw marquetry, a decorative element which she particularly uses to create au courant furniture and wall coverings.

From Guerlain:

“Le Théâtre” (“The Theatre”) 
A wooden shrine in the shape of the Bee bottle. In the place of the label, an opening suggests the proscenium of a classic theatre. The interior and exterior feature straw marquetry: the first in an Empire blue sprinkled with stylised bees in embossed yellow straw, following the delicate 18th-century technique, and the second in yellow gold chiselled with blue festoons, all with a waxed finish. The interior is lit, accentuating the natural shimmer of the straw and giving a dazzling effect to the bottle, decorated with a straw marquetry label.

L'Habit de Fete - 160 Year Anniversary of the Bee Bottle c2013

L'Habit de Fete - was one of several special bottle designs 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.




A sought after specialist in luxurious gold thread embroidery, Sylvie Deschamps painstakingly hand created a sumptuous haute couture "party dress", the l'habit de fete,  of the highest quality, that encases the bottle.

From Guerlain:

“L’Habit de Fête” (“The Festive Attire”) 
A covering designed as an imperial coronation robe. The festoons of the dome and 69 bees are embroidered in a raised pattern with 24-carat varnished gold cannetille thread on a white organza sheath. The wings are made of gold leaf and gold powder was sprinkled between the bees to represent pollen. The label is embroidered following the principles of the art of heraldry: the imperial crown and bee on a shield over crossed swords, as well as two dates recalling the 160th anniversary. For the finishing details: the iconic bottle neck is wrapped in gold thread, using the technique of the Guerlain “Dames de Tables” craftswomen. In addition, the stopper, dressed in organza, is finely embroidered with a majestic Queen Bee, who reigns proudly over the piece.




Friday, April 25, 2014

Mademoiselle Guerlain c2014

Mademoiselle Guerlain by Guerlain: launched in 2014. Guerlain has a habit of reissuing fragrances under new names and in this case, Mademoiselle Guerlain is the rebranded fragrance La Petite Robe Noire 2 , created by Thierry Wasser and  launched in 2011. The name may be a direct reference to Guerlain's 1880s perfume, Bouquet Mademoiselle.


Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Muguet by Guerlain 2014 Limited Edition Flacon

Muguet by Guerlain: launched in the 2014 Limited Edition Collector's Flacon. This year's limited edition of the Muguet fragrance is housed in the white bee flacon and rests inside of an elegant bisque holder molded with lilies of the valley motifs. The bottle is adorned with an ivory label and matching ribbon tied around the neck.

Retails for €400.00 for 125ml Eau de Toilette.



From Guerlain's website:

"More than a tradition, it is a real appointment Guerlain proposes each year to celebrate the merry month of May: a new limited and numbered edition of Muguet.  
For this 2014 vintage Guerlain Paris, invites ceramic designer Brigitte Bazelaire, to express her talent, creativity and expertise around the iconic Bees bottle. Artist, poetic and refined creations, she revisits the delicate strands of Muguet in a lovely bisque bottle holder, drawing the contours and playing with a pure and pristine white reliefs. To achieve these pieces of incredible finesse, it is associated with the Porcelain Factory. In their workshops, porcelain of the highest quality is shaped and baked using traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation. The bisque bottle holder appears as the ceramist had imagined, fruit of the mysterious alchemy of earth, water and fire. 
Muguet is part of the Exclusive Collections, fragrances for enthusiasts of rare perfumes, sensitive to noble materials and refined details. It is a piece of Exception and available in France exclusively at Guerlain Boutiques Paris."

Royal Extract by Guerlain c2014

Royal Extract by Guerlain: launched in 2014 as a limited edition for the famous Harrod's department store in England. The name is a direct tribute to the 1828 perfume, Royal Extract of Flowers, created by Guerlain's founder Pierre-Francois-Pascal, the same year that he established the illustrious company.



Friday, April 4, 2014

Petit Guerlain c2014

Petit Guerlain by Guerlain: reformulated by Thierry Wasser due to restrictions placed on the original's ingredients and relaunched in 2014.




Monday, October 14, 2013

Ebay Find! No. 25 EDT in Bee Flacon

Ebay Find! Limited Edition No. 25 eau de toilette in Bee Flacon.

This is the perfume Terracotta Voile D'Ete. Created by Jean-Paul Guerlain and Mathilde Laurent. Discontinued by 2001.

Reissued as No.25 in 2002 as part of the Les Parisiennes line. Discontinued by 2004, then reissued as Quand Vient l'Été, an eau de parfum in 2005.

Notes:
  • Top notes: bergamot, mint, citrus, rose
  • Middle notes: ylang-ylang, heliotrope, jasmine, iris, white lily, carnation, pear
  • Base notes: vanilla, tonka bean, orris and straw.

Ebay Find! Metallica EDT in Bee Flacon

Ebay Find! Metallica eau de toilette in Bee Flacon.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Guerlain-Metalica-Eau-de-Toilette-Used-no-box-/111189553657?pt=fragrance&hash=item19e369f1f9

Note that the seller is not shipping this item internationally. If you need a US address to have items shipped to and then shipped to you, please let me know, as I would be willing to help. I live in New Jersey and can ship perfume to you in your country.


Monday, September 30, 2013

Eau de Cologne Imperiale 160th Anniversary Limited Edition c2013

Deluxe edition for the 160th anniversary of the bee bottle and Eau de Cologne Impériale, the creation that catapulted the success of Guerlain in 1853. For this edition, Guerlain has asked French artist Lison de Caunes to conceive a magnificent decoration for the monumental one-litre golden bee bottle using straw marquetry, a technique which was widely used in Art Deco. The box, entirely covered with straw marquetry, features Guerlain’s revived Sun King logo. Thirty-two numbered pieces have been produced.

Photos and info from Monsieur Guerlain

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Lavande by Guerlain c1833

Launched in 1833 by Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain, Lavande epitomized the elegance and refinement of early 19th-century perfumery. The name "Lavande," derived from the French word for lavender, evokes a sense of tranquility and purity. Lavender, with its deep roots in both traditional medicine and personal care, was a symbol of freshness and cleanliness. The choice of this name would have immediately suggested a fragrance that was both soothing and invigorating, reflecting the calming properties of the lavender flower.

The scent of Lavande would have been interpreted as an aromatic, herbaceous blend, with lavender at its core, offering a crisp and refreshing top note. This fragrance would likely have featured the clean, floral aroma of lavender, complemented by subtle green and slightly woody undertones that would evoke images of serene lavender fields in full bloom.

In the 19th century, lavender was a popular choice for perfumes, and many perfumeries carried their own variations. The choice to name a perfume Lavande thus aligned with contemporary trends, while also reflecting Guerlain’s commitment to capturing the essence of this well-loved floral note. For women of that era, a perfume named Lavande would have been both fashionable and reassuring, offering a blend of sophistication and natural elegance. It would have appealed to their desire for a fragrance that embodied freshness and refinement, mirroring the broader trends in perfumery that celebrated both natural beauty and innovative scent compositions.