Djedi by Guerlain, launched in 1926, was a creation that encapsulated the mystical allure of ancient Egypt while commemorating the 100th anniversary of Guerlain’s founding. Created by Jacques Guerlain, this fragrance was housed in an exquisite Baccarat flacon, reflecting the grandeur of the occasion. Guerlain, like many in the 1920s, was captivated by the era's fascination with ancient Egypt—a trend sparked by the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922. Egypt became a symbol of mystery, allure, and timelessness, and Guerlain's Djedi perfectly embodied these sentiments.
The name "Djedi" itself is a direct nod to Egyptian mythology. In ancient Egyptian, "Djedi" means "he who endures," evoking images of longevity, resilience, and ancient wisdom. Pronounced "djed-ee," it conjures visions of a distant, enigmatic past—golden sands, towering pyramids, and the eternal Nile. The name is also tied to the legend of the magician Djedi, a 100-year-old sage believed to have lived during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu, who was said to possess powers of resurrection and divination. This mythical figure, who advised on the construction of the Great Pyramid, embodied the mysticism and spiritual power that resonated with the era’s fascination with Egyptology.
In scent, Djedi is interpreted as a leathery chypre fragrance, a composition deeply reflective of ancient materials and rituals. The leathery notes give the fragrance a sense of antiquity and durability, while the chypre base—traditionally earthy and mossy—brings to mind the ancient temples and tombs, infused with the richness of incense and balms. There is an undeniable gravitas to this fragrance, a weight that speaks to history and endurance. Women of the time, immersed in the glamour and exoticism of the 1920s, would have related to Djedi as a perfume that exuded strength, mystery, and an air of the forbidden. To wear Djedi was to wrap oneself in a tale of ancient power and enduring beauty.
