In 2007, Guerlain unveiled Shalimar 'Black Mystery', a limited edition collector’s release designed especially for the Christmas holiday season. This opulent presentation reimagined the iconic Shalimar in a striking new black-themed packaging, exuding an air of mystery, elegance, and timeless luxury. While the fragrance itself remained unchanged, the emphasis was placed on the exquisite flacons, which transformed the familiar perfume into a rare and covetable object of desire for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
For the parfum concentration, Guerlain chose to house Shalimar 'Black Mystery' in a sumptuous black Baccarat crystal flacon, a true masterpiece of craftsmanship. Baccarat, known for its exceptional crystal artistry, created a bottle that elevated Shalimar’s already legendary status. The sleek, inky black glass lent an aura of secrecy and sensuality, reflecting the deep and voluptuous character of the fragrance within. The rich gold lettering and accents against the jet-black surface further enhanced the bottle’s luxurious appeal, making it an extraordinary collector’s piece.
The Eau de Parfum was presented in a black glass spray bottle, maintaining the same darkly sophisticated aesthetic. This version provided a more modern and practical interpretation, allowing wearers to experience Shalimar’s timeless scent in a contemporary format while still enjoying the allure of its dramatic, noir-inspired flacon. Unlike the Baccarat parfum bottle, which emphasized artistry and exclusivity, the Eau de Parfum’s presentation was designed for both daily wear and display, ensuring that the beauty of Shalimar 'Black Mystery' could be appreciated in a more accessible form.
Despite these visually striking new designs, Guerlain made no changes to the legendary Shalimar formula. The fragrance retained its unmistakable blend of bergamot, opulent iris, warm vanilla, and smoky incense, remaining as sumptuous and evocative as ever. This ensured that while the bottle exuded a new mystique, the essence of Shalimar remained untouched—a testament to the enduring perfection of Jacques Guerlain’s masterpiece.
The launch of Shalimar 'Black Mystery' in 2007 was not just a celebration of the fragrance’s grandeur, but also a tribute to Guerlain’s heritage of craftsmanship and artistry. By presenting Shalimar in such sumptuously dark and elegant bottles, Guerlain reaffirmed its commitment to both innovation and tradition, creating a perfume presentation that remains an unforgettable part of the house’s legacy.
From Guerlain:
Among the most prominent and legendary fragrance in history, Shalimar was created as an ode to love. To recapture that magical feeling, Guerlain reinterpreted the Shalimar legend, with a nod to designer Philippe Starck. Much like his famed black crystal Baccarat chandelier, the latest offering from the Shalimar family is a modern rare jewel. Crafted of smoky black crystal with burnished gold accents, the beloved oriental scent of Bergamot, Iris, Vanilla and Amber finds a new home in this mysterious and striking flacon.
