La Cologne Du Parfumeur c2010

La Cologne Du Parfumeur: a citrus aromatic fragrance for women and men, introduced in 2010. The nose behind this fragrance is Thierry Wasser.

"Originally, I created this Cologne for myself. I composed it at the same time as Idylle, it was my downtime. I wanted a Cologne in the tradition of the great classics but with a modern twist."

L'Âme d'Un Héros c2008

L'Âme d'Un Héros: created in 2008, clearly inspired by the firm's previous release, Coriolan. Jean-Paul Guerlain's 1998 creation Coriolan, born of the legendary conquests of the great Roman warrior Coriolanus, gets a new deployment as L'ame d'un Heros. L'ame d'un Heros is the scent of valor.

Parure c1975

Parure by Guerlain: launched in 1975. Created by Jean-Paul Guerlain with his mother in mind. It is a luxurious fragrance that evoked the richness and brilliance of the most precious jewels. Parure means a matching set - earrings and necklace.

Secret Intention c2001

Secret Intention: a floral fragrance for women, launched in 2001, as a limited edition by Jean Paul Guerlain.

Spiritueuse Double Vanille c2007

Spiritueuse Double Vanille: launched in 2007 as a limited edition. Created by Jean-Paul Guerlain.

Syringa and Syringa du Japon by Guerlain c1870

Syringa du Japon: created in 1870 by Aime Guerlain.

Songe d'un Bois d'Ete c2012

Songe d'un Bois d'Ete: was launched in 2012. The nose behind this fragrance is Thierry Wasser. Created as part of the Les Deserts d'Orient collection, available only to the Middle Eastern market.

Encens Mythique d'Orient c2012

Encens Mythique d'Orient by Guerlain: was launched in 2012. The nose behind this fragrance is Thierry Wasser. Created as part of the Les Deserts d'Orient collection, available only to the Middle Eastern market.

Rose Nacree du Desert c2012

Rose Nacree du Desert: was launched in 2012. The nose behind this fragrance is Thierry Wasser. Created as part of the Les Deserts d'Orient collection, available only to the Middle Eastern market.

Purple Fantasy c2001

Purple Fantasy by Guerlain: launched in 2001. Created by Jean Paul Guerlain.

Prince Albert's Bouquet by Guerlain c1840

Launched in 1840 by Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain, Prince Albert's Bouquet was crafted to celebrate a momentous occasion: the marriage of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. This fragrance, also known as Bouquet de Albert, stands as a testament to the tradition of commemorating royal events through exquisite perfumery. The name “Prince Albert's Bouquet” evokes a sense of honor and celebration, reflecting the admiration and respect for the royal couple.

The term "Prince Albert's Bouquet" conjures images of regality and elegance, symbolizing the refined taste of Victorian nobility. It suggests a luxurious blend of florals, fitting for a prince whose union with Queen Victoria was celebrated with grandeur. The fragrance itself would have likely been designed to embody the sophistication and splendor associated with the royal court, offering a scent that was both opulent and memorable.

For men and women of the period, a fragrance like Prince Albert's Bouquet would have been a cherished token of royal celebrations. During the 19th century, perfumes commemorating significant events were highly sought after, and acquiring such a fragrance was a way to align oneself with the prestige of the monarchy. The popularity of “court” perfumes, such as Victoria Bouquet, Adelaide Bouquet, and Prince of Wales's Bouquet, underscores the era’s fascination with fragrances that celebrated nobility and significant occasions.

In this context, Guerlain’s choice to create Prince Albert's Bouquet not only capitalized on the fervor surrounding royal weddings but also positioned his brand prominently in the competitive perfume market. The fragrance would have been crafted to appeal to the tastes of the time, combining floral elements with subtle touches of animalics, reflecting both the natural and sophisticated sensibilities of the era. As the 19th century progressed, the formula for such fragrances evolved, incorporating newly discovered synthetic ingredients to enhance their complexity and longevity.

Pao Rosa c1877

Pao Rosa by Guerlain: created by Aimé Guerlain in 1877. Pao Rosa grows in the dense forests of Africa. Its narrow sapwood is a pinkish white color and its heartwood is a reddish brown color with red brown veins.

180 Ans de Creations c2008

180 Ans de Creations 1828-2008: launched in 2008. 

Guerlain's 180th anniversary was celebrated with a brand new limited edition perfume, composed by Jean-Paul Guerlain. A non-commercial perfume gift offered only to loyal customers and industry people.

"To celebrate an exceptional event, Maison Guerlain's 180-year anniversary, Jean-Paul Guerlain has composed a very contemporary fragrance which has been created in traditional Guerlain style. With sensual amber notes that stir the senses, and a bottle which has been hand-sealed by the "dames de table", this limited edition scent, which will NOT be available for sale, has all the rarity and uniqueness of a collector's item."

Esterhazy Mixture by Guerlain c1828

Esterhazy Mixture: created by Pierre Francois Pascal Guerlain in 1828. Renamed Eau d'Esterhazy in 1850. Bouquet d'Esterhazy was an old renowned perfume, a former rival of Cologne water, the name is derived from a noble Hungarian family. It later lended its name after a popular snuff blend of the period.

Eau Hegemonienne c1880

L'Eau Hegemonienne: Created in 1880 by Aime Guerlain, it was a personal favorite of Isabella II of Spain, the mother of Alfonso XII, King of Spain, for whom it was created, additionally, the succeeding generations of the Spanish royal family.  It appears to have been available to the general public by 1890 and was created to be a tribute to the hegemonic international alliances between the world's greatest powers.

Esprit de Réséda c1828

Esprit de Réséda: created by Pierre Francois Pascal Guerlain in 1828, 

Le Fleurs de Guildo by Guerlain c1885

Le Fleurs de Guildo, launched by Guerlain in 1885, carries a name evocative of its regional inspiration and cultural significance. "Le Fleurs de Guildo" translates to "The Flowers of Guildo," referencing the picturesque village of Guildo in Brittany, France. The choice of this name suggests a romanticized vision of the French countryside, where the lush flora and serene landscapes inspire a sense of elegance and tranquility.

The name conjures images of vibrant, blooming flowers set against a backdrop of Brittany’s rugged coastlines and quaint village charm. It evokes a romantic, almost pastoral aesthetic, reflecting the delicate and fresh nature of the fragrance. To interpret "Le Fleurs de Guildo" in terms of scent, one might imagine a bouquet of floral notes, reminiscent of the natural flora found in the region, with a subtle hint of the coastal breeze. This evokes an atmosphere of refinement and natural beauty, with a fragrance that captures the essence of a charming, rural escape.

Women of the late 19th century, particularly young women targeted by the marketing of the extrait according to Alice de Laincel's L'art de la toilette chez la femme: bréviaire de la vie élégante, would have been drawn to the fragrance’s association with freshness and natural beauty. The perfume’s name and scent would align with the era's aesthetic values, which celebrated refinement, elegance, and a connection to nature. The late 1800s was a period marked by a growing interest in natural and botanical themes in fashion and fragrance, reflecting a broader societal appreciation for the elegance of the natural world and its influence on personal style.

In this context, "Le Fleurs de Guildo" not only embodied the spirit of its namesake but also catered to the period's taste for sophisticated, nature-inspired fragrances, resonating with women seeking to express their elegance and embrace the beauty of the natural world.

Guerlain's Scented Flannel

The New Yorker, Volume 11, Part 2, 1935:

"At Guerlain's, they have a new way of perfuming your clothes, a scented flannel which you can buy by the roll and cut off in .."

A Parisian's guide to Paris, 1969:

"Thus the only places in Paris where you can buy the famous Guerlain products (perfume, toilet water, marvelous soap, talc, face cream, and even scented flannels which let you perfume your car windows as you wipe them off) are their own .."

Guerlain Parfums a Bruler

Parfums a Bruler, or burning perfumes, were another scented product that Guerlain was famous for in the nineteenth to early twentieth century.

Guerlain's brule a parfum, from an 1862 French publication.

Guerlain Silver Fountain Labels

The Silver Fountain labels represent the fountains at the 1925 Art Deco Expo in Paris, they were used in 1928 to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of Guerlain. The perfumes were boxed in a blue and silver box and the perfumes were presented in a clear glass bottle called the "petit beurre" or little butter pat..

Aqua Allegoria Jasminora c2011

Aqua Allegoria Jasminora: created in 2011 by Thierry Wasser.

Aqua Allegoria Herba Fresca c1999

Aqua Allegoria Herba Fresca: created in 1999 by Jean-Paul Guerlain

Herba Fresca is like a barefoot summer's walk in the early morning, in a dew-damped garden where the first fragrances of grass rise from the soil, blending with the scent of mint, fruit trees and wild flowers.

Aqua Allegoria Grosellina c2005

Aqua Allegoria Grosellina: created in 2005 by Sylvaine Delacourte.

Aqua Allegoria Gentiana c2001

Aqua Allegoria Gentiana: created in 2001.

Aqua Allegoria Foliflora c2003

Aqua Allegoria Foliflora: created in 2003 by Jean-Paul Guerlain.

Aqua Allegoria Flora Nymphea c2010

Aqua Allegoria Flora Nymphea: launched in 2010. Created by Thierry Wasser.

Aqua Allegoria Flora Nerolia c2000

Aqua Allegoria Flora Nerolia: created by Jean Paul Guerlain in 2000.

Aqua Allegoria Figue Iris c2008

Aqua Allegoria Figue Iris: created in 2008, by three renowned noses Jean-Paul Guerlain, Sylvaine Delacourte and Marie Salamagne.

Aqua Allegoria Cherry Blossom c2009

Aqua Allegoria Cherry Blossom: launched in 2009. Created by Thierry Wasser.

Aqua Allegoria Bouquet Numero 2 c2011

Aqua Allegoria Bouquet Numero 2: launched in 2011. Created by Thierry Wasser.

Aqua Allegoria Bouquet Numero 1 c2010

Aqua Allegoria Bouquet Numero 1: a fragrance inspired by spring floral-green garden in early morning, created in 2010 by Thierry Wasser.

 

Aqua Allegoria Bouquet de Mai c2012

Aqua Allegoria Bouquet de Mai by Guerlain: launched in 2012. Created by Thierry Wasser.

Aqua Allegoria Anisia Bella c2004

Aqua Allegoria Anisia Bella: launched in 2004 and created by Jean-Paul Guerlain.

Aqua Allegoria Angelique Lilas c2007

Aqua Allegoria Angelique Lilas: created by Jean Paul Guerlain in 2007.

Angelique Noire 2005

Angelique Noire: launched in 2005. Created by Daniela Andrièr.

L'Heure Bleue by Guerlain c1912

L'Heure Bleue: (the blue hour) was created by Jacques Guerlain in 1912. Pronounced "LERR-BLUH." It was inspired by the most romantic time of the day, twilight, before the first stars appear in the sky, bluish dusk and anticipation of night.

c1937 ad

Muguet by Guerlain c1833

Muguet by Guerlain, introduced in 1833,takes its name from the French term for “Lily of the Valley.” The word "Muguet," pronounced "mew-geh," evokes a sense of delicate elegance and purity, as Lily of the Valley is a small, bell-shaped flower known for its sweet, fresh fragrance and its association with springtime renewal. The choice of this name underscores the perfume’s intention to capture the essence of these pristine, fleeting blooms.

In scent, “Muguet” conjures a vision of a lush, verdant garden where the air is filled with the light, airy aroma of Lily of the Valley. The fragrance opens with a fresh, green note that evokes the crispness of morning dew on delicate white petals. This is complemented by a subtle sweetness that lingers, reminiscent of a soft, floral breeze wafting through a sunlit meadow. The scent is both uplifting and soothing, capturing the ethereal beauty and transient nature of the flower.

During the 19th century, the perfume industry was deeply invested in creating scents that mirrored the natural world, and Muguet was no exception. At the time, many fragrances were centered around complex floral bouquets, often enriched with animalic undertones to add depth and sophistication. Guerlain’s Muguet distinguished itself by focusing on the pure, unadulterated scent of Lily of the Valley, presenting a fragrance that was both simple and refined. This choice reflected the period’s fascination with capturing nature’s most delicate scents while still adhering to the prevalent trend of incorporating rich, layered compositions.

Apres L'Ondee by Guerlain c1906

Après L'Ondée by Guerlain, launched in 1906 and created by Jacques Guerlain, is a poetic and evocative name that perfectly reflects the inspiration behind the fragrance. In French, "Après L'Ondée" translates to "After the Shower" or "After the Rain," capturing the delicate and fleeting moment when the rain has passed, and nature begins to stir again under the warmth of the sun. Pronounced "AHPRAY-LUNDAY," the name itself conjures a sense of tranquility and renewal, a moment of peace after the storm. Jacques Guerlain, known for his love of nature and the emotional landscapes it evokes, likely chose this name to encapsulate the gentle beauty of a spring garden refreshed by rain—a theme of renewal, rebirth, and the fleeting beauty of life.

The phrase "Après L'Ondée" brings to mind soft images of a misty garden, where drops of rain still cling to flower petals and leaves, and the air is filled with the scent of wet earth, damp grass, and blooming flowers. It evokes a calm, reflective mood—perhaps a sense of nostalgia or longing—creating an atmosphere that is both serene and wistful. The perfume was inspired by the smell of nature after a spring rain, known as petrichor, and blends this natural scent with the warmth of flowers that have been gently kissed by the sun. The name itself stirs up emotions of freshness, purity, and a delicate sense of melancholy, capturing the beauty of transitory moments in nature and life.

In scent, Après L'Ondée is interpreted as soft, powdery, and floral, reflecting the freshness of a garden after a rain shower. Based on the formula for Voilette de Madame, it combines violet, iris, and heliotrope with hints of warm spice and subtle earthiness, representing the interplay between rain-drenched flowers and the return of sunshine. The fragrance evokes the clean, crisp smell of the air, touched with a light sweetness from the blooming flowers and a gentle warmth from the earth beneath. It captures both the freshness of rain and the comforting warmth that follows, creating a fragrance that feels ethereal yet grounded.

For women in the early 1900s, a perfume called Après L'Ondée would have likely evoked a romantic and poetic sentiment. This was a period of optimism and refinement, at the height of the Belle Époque, where art, culture, and beauty flourished. Women of the time were becoming more engaged with the emerging modern world, but they also held onto ideals of grace, nature, and beauty. A fragrance that drew from the imagery of nature and the beauty of a post-rain garden would have resonated with their desire for elegance, refinement, and emotional expression. The softness and naturalistic inspiration behind the fragrance would appeal to their appreciation for art, poetry, and the symbolic beauty of fleeting moments in life.

Guerlain Heritage Case #2 - 180 Anniversary Collector's Case c2009

For its 180th anniversary in 2008 Guerlain issued a luxurious leather coffret called the "Guerlain Heritage Case", containing a collection of 18 of the house's fragrances best representing its perfume history since 1828. Only 205 copies of this limited edition case were made.

The labels on the bottles are inspired by historic Guerlain labels from the Art Deco period. This set looks similar to the case made the previous year, but the stoppers of these bottles are different.

"A precious and elegant leather showcase that opens to reveal 18 iconic fragrances. From Eau de Cologne Impériale, composed for Empress Eugénie in 1853, to Guerlain's newest scent, Cruel Gardénia, created in 2008. This case is a vision of elegance, a symbol of rare and refined luxury and a prestigious gift to celebrate a unique fragrance heritage."

The leather case includes:

1. Angélique Noire (eau de parfum)
2. Bois d'Arménie (eau de parfum)
3. Cologne Impériale (eau de cologne)
4. Cruel Gardenia (eau de parfum)
5. Cuir Beluga (eau de parfum)
6. Habit Rouge (eau de parfum)
7. Insolence (eau de parfum)
8. Iris Ganache (eau de parfum)
9. Jicky (eau de parfum)
10. L'Heure Bleue (eau de parfum)
11. L'Instant (eau de parfum)
12. L'Instant pour Homme (eau de parfum)
13. Mitsouko (eau de parfum)
14. Nahema (eau de parfum)
15. Rose Barbare (eau de parfum)
16. Samsara (eau de parfum)
17. Shalimar (eau de parfum
18. Vetiver (eau de toilette)

The case retailed for $3,500.

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Guerlain Heritage Case #1 c2008

For its 180th anniversary in 2008 Guerlain issued a luxurious leather coffret called the "Guerlain Heritage Case", containing a collection of 18 of the house's fragrances best representing its perfume history since 1828.


Only 204 copies of this limited edition case were made. The labels on the bottles are inspired by historic Guerlain labels from the Art Deco period.

"A precious and elegant leather showcase that opens to reveal 18 iconic fragrances. From Eau de Cologne Impériale, composed for Empress Eugénie in 1853, to Guerlain's newest scent, Cruel Gardénia, created in 2008. This case is a vision of elegance, a symbol of rare and refined luxury and a prestigious gift to celebrate a unique fragrance heritage."

The leather case includes Angélique Noire (eau de parfum), Bois d'Arménie (eau de parfum), Cologne du 68, Cologne Impériale (eau de cologne), Cuir Beluga (eau de parfum), Habit Rouge, Insolence (eau de parfum) , Iris Ganache (eau de parfum) , Jicky (eau de parfum) , L'Heure Bleue (eau de parfum), L'Instant (eau de parfum), L'Instant pour Homme, Mitsouko (eau de parfum), Nahema (eau de parfum), Rose Barbare (eau de parfum), Samsara (eau de parfum), Shalimar (eau de parfum)and Vetiver (eau de toilette).

The case retailed for $3,500.


Our friend "Monsieur Guerlain" has posted that "In the collector's box for Guerlain's 180th anniversary in 2008, there was a labelling error: the Jicky bottle contained L'Heure Bleue, while the L'Heure Bleue bottle contained Jicky." Photos by Mr. Guerlain.

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