Bridal Bouquet by Guerlain c1830

Launched during the 1830s, Bridal Bouquet by Guerlain is a fragrance whose name evokes both elegance and celebration. The term "Bridal Bouquet," derived from English, refers to the arrangement of flowers traditionally carried by a bride on her wedding day. This name was chosen to convey a sense of purity, romance, and festivity, aligning the fragrance with the joyous occasion of a wedding.

The imagery and emotions evoked by "Bridal Bouquet" are deeply rooted in the romanticism of the 19th century. The name conjures visions of delicate, lush floral arrangements, symbolizing new beginnings and the timeless beauty of a bride. It suggests a scent that is both fresh and refined, capturing the essence of the bouquet carried by brides—an emblem of purity and joy.

In terms of scent, "Bridal Bouquet" would likely have been interpreted as a rich floral composition, with an emphasis on orange blossoms. These blossoms were traditionally used in bridal bouquets and symbolize purity, fertility, and eternal love. The fragrance would have been crafted to reflect the traditional and cherished flowers used in these ceremonial arrangements, offering a scent that was both celebratory and sophisticated.

During the 19th century, the perfume market was burgeoning with floral fragrances, many of which were inspired by the beauty and symbolism of flowers. Bridal Bouquet by Guerlain, with its emphasis on orange blossoms, fit seamlessly into this trend but distinguished itself by specifically aligning with the bridal theme. This focus on a fragrance evocative of a bride’s bouquet offered a unique marketing angle, appealing to the romantic ideals and social customs of the time. It resonated with women seeking to capture the elegance and celebratory nature of weddings in their everyday lives, setting the fragrance apart from other floral offerings on the market.

Overall, Bridal Bouquet by Guerlain was both a reflection of its time and a unique entry into the floral fragrance market, embodying the charm and significance of the traditional bridal bouquet

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.

Bouquet du la Sierra Morena by Guerlain c1834

Bouquet du la Sierra Morena by Guerlain, launched in 1834, carries a name that is as evocative as the landscape that inspired it. The name "Bouquet du la Sierra Morena" is French, translating to "Bouquet of the Sierra Morena," a reference to the rugged and majestic mountain range in southern Spain. The name would have instantly conjured images of the untamed, dramatic beauty of the Sierra Morena, a place where the wild and the sublime meet. Guerlain, inspired by his journey through these mountains toward Almería, chose this name to capture the essence of the Spanish landscape and the spirit of adventure that it embodies. The fragrance was likely created with the Spanish market in mind, a nod to the cultural and natural richness of the region.

The phrase "Bouquet du la Sierra Morena" evokes powerful images of a wild, mountainous terrain, where the air is filled with the scent of aromatic herbs, wildflowers, and the earth itself. It suggests a fragrance that is both untamed and refined, a blend of natural elements that capture the raw beauty of the Sierra Morena. The name would have stirred emotions of wanderlust, romance, and the allure of the exotic, evoking a sense of adventure and discovery. In terms of scent, "Bouquet du la Sierra Morena" would likely be interpreted as a fragrance that blends earthy, herbaceous notes with the floral and woody essences found in the Spanish landscape, perhaps with hints of sun-warmed citrus or the resinous scent of the forest.

Women of the early 19th century would have been captivated by a perfume named "Bouquet du la Sierra Morena." During this period, Spain was seen as a land of passion, mystery, and exotic allure. A fragrance that drew its inspiration from such a place would have been perceived as both bold and romantic, appealing to women who wished to embody the fiery spirit and elegance associated with Spanish culture. The name would have resonated with the era's fascination with travel, exploration, and the distant, unknown corners of the world. Wearing "Bouquet du la Sierra Morena" would have allowed women to carry a piece of this exotic landscape with them, a fragrant reminder of a land filled with passion, beauty, and wild nature.

Bouquet de L'Imperatrice Eugenie by Guerlain c1843

Bouquet de L'Impératrice Eugénie by Guerlain, launched in 1853, was named in honor of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. The choice of name reflects both admiration and an association with imperial elegance, power, and prestige. By attaching the Empress's name to the fragrance, Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain aligned his creation with royalty, conveying the notion of a scent fit for nobility. In naming the perfume "Bouquet de L'Impératrice Eugénie", Guerlain was not only appealing to the fascination with the imperial court but also emphasizing the refined femininity and grace of Eugénie herself. This was a rebranding of an earlier perfume, Bouquet de L'Imperatrice from around 1844.

The phrase "Bouquet de L'Impératrice Eugénie" conjures images of lush floral arrangements befitting an empress’s royal presence—delicate yet opulent. The word "bouquet" evokes a gathering of the finest, most exquisite flowers, arranged with care and elegance. When paired with the name "L'Impératrice Eugénie," the perfume’s title suggests regal luxury, sophistication, and timeless beauty. This blend of words might stir emotions of admiration, awe, and reverence for the French court and its luxurious lifestyle. The fragrance, by its very name, promises to embody the grandeur of the Second Empire and the refinement of the Empress herself.

Interpreted in scent, "Bouquet de L'Impératrice Eugénie" would likely represent a harmonious blend of soft, elegant florals—perhaps rich with roses, jasmine, or orange blossom—interwoven with warmer, sensual animalic or amber notes. The fragrance would be designed to project both delicacy and strength, reflecting the Empress's grace and commanding presence. It would feel comforting yet stately, delicate but enduring, much like Eugénie’s public image. For both men and women of the era, a fragrance with such a prestigious name would not only be aspirational but also a way of connecting to the glamorous world of the imperial court.

The time period in which this perfume was launched, the mid-19th century, was marked by an immense interest in the French aristocracy, luxury, and the lavish lifestyle of the imperial family. Napoleon III and Eugénie reigned over the Second Empire, and their court was known for its extravagance, opulent fashion, and keen patronage of the arts. Perfume, already a mark of distinction, became an even greater symbol of refinement, and perfumers like Guerlain sought to capture this luxurious world in a bottle. During this era, royal-inspired scents were in demand, as the public looked to these fragrances as a means of embodying nobility’s elegance and securing their own place within a higher social echelon.

Jicky in Argentina

Here is a carre flacon for Jicky, the old foil label is marked "Extrait Jicky" and "Industria Argentina" at the top of the label, as you can see, the label is in very bad shape. The base of the bottle is embossed with Guerlain France Paris and the one side has the Woman with Flags logo. The bottle is 4.0" approx. tall.

This finished product was produced in Argentina with Guerlain's imported French concentrated extracts for the South American market.

photo by ebay seller other-time

Ebay Find! Vetiver in Carre Flacon c1900

Ebay find!!!! Extremely rare Vetiver in Carre flacon, weird silver foil label unlike others by Guerlain. I have seen this on one other Vetiver carre flacon.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171144959495?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Chypre de Paris by Guerlain c1909

Chypre de Paris by Guerlain, launched in 1909, carries a name rich in cultural and olfactory significance. The word "chypre" is French for Cyprus, evoking the island known for its natural beauty and the raw materials historically used in perfumes. Chypre perfumes are defined by a contrast between fresh citrus top notes and deeper, earthier base notes like oakmoss and labdanum. Guerlain's choice to pair "Chypre" with "Paris" in the fragrance's name reflects a fusion of the exotic and the cosmopolitan, situating the fragrance within the heart of Parisian sophistication and timeless elegance.

The name Chypre de Paris would evoke images of the Mediterranean's sun-soaked coasts, combined with the modern, fashionable atmosphere of Paris. The scent likely conjured feelings of luxury, adventure, and refinement, appealing to women who wanted a fragrance that felt worldly yet distinctly French. In interpreting the fragrance, one might imagine a blend of zesty citrus and warm, mossy undertones—an aroma that felt at once fresh and grounding, much like the balance between nature and urbanity that the name suggests.

 

Eau de Camélia et Vétiver c1834

Eau de Camélia et Vétiver: created by Pierre Francois Pascal Guerlain in 1834.