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.

Santal Royal by Guerlain c2014

Santal Royal by Guerlain: launched in 2014. According to the October issue of the Harrod's magazine, the fragrance was created to herald the opening of the newly finished Salon de Parfums at the upscale Harrod's department store in London on Oct 16, 2014.

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.

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).

Vintage 1968 Guerlain Enameled Perfume Atomizers

#1. Parure
#2. Eau Imperiale
#3. Chant D'Aromes
#4. Shalimar, Jicky, L'Heure Bleue, Chamade and Mitsouko
#5. Nahema

Idylle by Guerlain c2009

Idylle by Guerlain: launched in 2009 as an eau de parfum and an extrait de parfum, and created by Thierry Wasser. The eau de toilette was launched in 2010.

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.

La Petite Robe Noire - Exceptional Limited Edition Collector's Flacon 2014

La Petite Robe Noire - Exceptional Limited Edition Collector's Bottle for Christmas 2014.

Little Black Dress extract (perfume) is housed inside of a monumental black Baccarat crystal bottle 250 ml adorned with Macon Lesquoy and embroidered flower ornamentation. It retails for € 12,000. No change in the perfume formula.

Champs Elysees by Guerlain c1996

Champs Elysees by Guerlain: launched in 1996 ,created by Jacques Guerlain and Jean-Paul Guerlain. The name was inspired by the 1904 Guerlain scent Parfum des Champs-Elysées, which has been discontinued for many years.

Gourmand Coquin by Guerlain c2008

Gourmand Coquin by Guerlain: launched in 2008. Created by Christine Nagel and Sylvaine Delacourte.

From Guerlain:

An irresistible desire to dive into one's fantasies is born from a unique drop of perfume. Let your senses decide what kind of woman you wish to be tonight. The Carnal Elixirs highlight the pleasure of marvelously daring olfactory discoveries. Subtle, forbidden fragrances that delicately reveal the many facets of a woman. 

Gourmand Cocquin - no game is off limits for this little darling who enjoys tying her willing victims up in her love from their heads down to their toes. With a penchant for sweet treats, her insatiable appetite indulges in every pleasure and naughty fantasy. Gourmand Coquin teases with a sprinkling of black peppercorns binding luscious chocolate. A dash of rum, spice and cocoa bean intoxicates the senses and then delights even further with rose and voluptuous vanilla.

So what does it smell like? It is classified as an Oriental Vanilla fragrance for women.

• Top notes: black pepper
• Heart notes: rose, spices, cacao
• Base notes: rum, dark chocolate, vanilla

RSS Feed Widget

Floral Romantique by Guerlain c2011

Floral Romantique by Guerlain: launched in 2011. Created by Thierry Wasser.

From Guerlain:

An irresistible desire to dive into one's fantasies is born from a unique drop of perfume. Let your senses decide what kind of woman you wish to be tonight. The Carnal Elixirs highlight the pleasure of marvelously daring olfactory discoveries. Subtle, forbidden fragrances that delicately reveal the many facets of a woman. 

Floral Romantique, the sensual romantic, is a tender nectar for a delicate and romantic woman. Fresh top notes of Mandarin orange lead to the core of jasmine, ylang-ylang, tiare, lily and carnation. Woody nuances of cedar in the base are harmoniously combined with smoked tea and mate.

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral woody musk fragrance for women.

• Top notes: Mandarin orange
• Heart notes: jasmine, tiare, lily, ylang-ylang, carnation
• Base notes: cedar, smoked tea, chestnut, ambrette, mate

RSS Feed Widget

Boise Torride by Guerlain c2009

Boise Torride by Guerlain: launched in 2009, created by Christine Nagel.

Chypre Fatal by Guerlain c2008

Chypre Fatal by Guerlain: launched in 2008, created by Christine Nagel in cooperation with art director Sylvaine Delacourte.

Oriental Brulant by Guerlain c2008

Oriental Brulant by Guerlain: launched in 2008. Created by Christine Nagel and Sylvaine Delacourte.

Aqua Allegoria Pamplelune by Guerlain c1999

Aqua Allegoria Pamplelune by Guerlain: launched in 1999. Created by Jean-Paul Guerlain.

Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic by Guerlain c2007

Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic by Guerlain: launched in 2007. Created by Marie Salamagne.

Aqua Allegoria Lilia Bella by Guerlain c2001

Aqua Allegoria Lilia Bella by Guerlain: launched in 2001. Created by Jean-Paul Guerlain.

Aqua Allegoria Lemon Fresca c2003

Aqua Allegoria Lemon Fresca by Guerlain: launched in  2003. Created by Jean-Paul Guerlain.

Aqua Allegoria Lavande Velours

Aqua Allegoria Lavande Velours by Guerlain: launched in 1999. Created by Jean-Paul Guerlain.

Aqua Allegoria Lys Soleia c2012

Aqua Allegoria Lys Soleia by Guerlain: launched in 2012. Created by Thierry Wasser.

Cuir Beluga by Guerlain c2005

Cuir Beluga by Guerlain: launched in 2005 as part of the L’Art et la Matière collection. Created by Olivier Polge.

Angelique Noire by Guerlain c2005

Angelique Noire by Guerlain: launched in 2005 as part of the L’Art et la Matière collection. Created by Daniela (Roche) Andrier.

Cruel Gardenia by Guerlain c2008

Cruel Gardenia by Guerlain: launched in 2008 as part of the L’Art et la Matière collection. Created by Randa Hammami and Sylvaine Delacourte.

Rose Barbare by Guerlain c2005

Rose Barbare by Guerlain: launched in 2005 as part of the L’Art et la Matière collection. Rose Barbare was created by Francis Kurkdjian.

Bois D'Armenie by Guerlain c2006

Bois D'Armenie by Guerlain: launched in 2006 as part of the L’Art et la Matière collection. Created by Annick Menardo.

Tonka Imperiale by Guerlain c2010

Tonka Imperiale by Guerlain: launched in 2010 as part of the L’Art et la Matière collection. Created by Thierry Wasser.

Coque D'Or by Guerlain c2014 Limited Edition Collector's Flacon

Coque D'Or by Guerlain: available in September 2014 as a limited edition collector's flacon filled with a reformulated version of the Coque D'Or perfume originally launched in 1937. Thierry Wasser has successfully recreated this long forgotten fragrance using safer ingredients and perfume materials due to IFRA's regulations (read: without oakmoss, as in the original formula).

Shalimar by Guerlain c1925

Shalimar perfume was originally created in 1921 by Guerlain. It was re-released during the Art Deco Exhibition in Paris in 1925. I have separate blog posts on Shalimar bottles and its flanker scents.

Shalimar Eau Legere Parfumee c2003

Shalimar Eau Legere Parfumee by Guerlain: launched in 2003, also known as Shalimar Light Fragrance. It was created by Mathilde Laurent, a young in-house Guerlain perfumer.

Eau de Shalimar c2008

Eau de Shalimar by Guerlain: launched in 2008.  According to Guerlain's own information, it's only a repackaging of the successful Shalimar Eau Légère Parfumée, composed by Mathilde Laurent in 2003. Jean-Paul Guerlain reworked it slightly in 2004 and the fragrance was then attributed to him.

Shalimar Oiseau de Paradis c2009

Shalimar Oiseau de Paradis by Guerlain: launched in 2009. This is a limited edition collector's bottle, there is no change to the fragrance.

From Guerlain:

"Guerlain has imagined a legendary décor to accompany the new opus of Shalimar eau de parfum. The slender silhouette of the perfume’s two guardian angels throws a matte shadow outline against the night-blue backdrop of the box, illuminated by the gentle shimmer of the golden logo.  

The bottle’s feminine shoulders appear bathed in glossy moonlight, wearing a sophisticated silk feather draping around the neck, held in place by a blue satin ribbon.  The Oiseau de Paradis signature is inscribed in golden ink with light, slender handwriting, resembling the creatures that have inspired it.  

A sort of invitation to a mirage, in which dreams could take flight into the evening light, rising towards other tales that Shalimar may soon whisper to us in our sleep…"

Shalimar Oiseau de Paradis was available as 50 ml Shalimar Eau de Parfum.  

RSS Feed Widget

Shalimar Ode de la Vanille Sur la Route de Madagascar c2012

Shalimar Ode La Vanille Sur la Route de Madagascar by Guerlain: launched in 2012.

Created by Thierry Wasser, who traveled to the plantations on the Vanilla Coast of Madagascar to obtain the precious Sambava vanilla.

To ensure the high quality and enhance the exquisite scent profile, the local artisans must treat the varietal vanilla for 18 months. The vanilla was further processed in France, where the delicate orchid was prepared by technology and infused for a month's time in order to capture all of the essences that makes this varietal vanilla so prized above others. The final tincture has been retained solely for the usage by Guerlain.

Shalimar Fourreau du Soir c2011

Shalimar 'Fourreau du Soir' is a limited edition collector's bottle, made in honor of the legendary perfume in 2011.

Only the bottle is different, the fragrance remains the same. Available in 50 ml Shalimar Eau de Parfum.

The fragrance comes in the Jade Jagger designed Shalimar bottle covered in delicate black lace and finished with a glossy leather band wrapped around the top. The bottle retains its blue plastic cap.

RSS Feed Widget

Shalimar Parfum Initial A Fleur de Peau c2012

Shalimar Parfum Initial 'A Fleur de Peau' is the name given to a limited edition collector's bottle from 2012. Manufactured by Baccarat, the crystal bottle was adorned with a Gripoix necklace of flesh colored smalt set into gold filigree. The hand numbered bottle holds 2 ounces of luscious Shalimar Parfum Initial parfum extrait.

Shalimar Parfum Initial L'Eau c2012

Shalimar Initial L'Eau by Guerlain: launched in 2012, and created by Thierry Wasser.

Shalimar Parfum Initial c2011

Shalimar Parfum Initial by Guerlain: launched in 2011. Created by Thierry Wasser and meant to appeal to younger audiences who may find Shalimar to be too heavy and mature, but would still like to wear a form of Shalimar.

French Kiss c2014

French Kiss by Guerlain: launched in October 2014. Created by Thierry Wasser as an homage to the successful KissKiss lipstick range, which is celebrating it's 20th anniversary this year. French Kiss joins the Les Elixirs Charnels collection of haute fragrances. In keeping the with the feminine lipstick theme, the juice is colored a beautiful shade of pink, which contrasts beautifully against the silver trim of the bottle.

Tropical Chic by Guerlain c2014

Tropical Chic by Guerlain: launched in 2014. created exclusively for the LVMH owned lined of Cheval Blanc luxury hotels. These hotels will feature spas using Guerlain products.

So what does it smell like? There are no published notes on this composition, but it is said to be inspired by its surroundings on the tropical isle of Saint Barthelemy in the Antilles.


Here are some excerpts taken from Cheval Blanc's website and spa services brochure:

"Specially created by Thierry Wasser for Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France―Tropical Chic diffuses subtle aromas of tropical flowers and a light mountain breezes. 

This wellbeing and beauty sanctuary showcases an exclusive range of massages, facials and body treatments created by Guerlain for Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France. Designed to cater to your specific needs and wishes, these tailor-made rituals such as St-Barth Solar Escape or Sun Energy distil their invigorating or relaxing effects and make your senses travel."

"Tropical Chic Massage 50 min / 1h20
Combining freshness and vitality, this drainage massage leaves you energised for the remainder of the day. The delicate floral notes of the Tropical Chic balm created for Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France invite you to deep relaxation punctuated by a frosty experience.
Tropical Chic Massage 80 min 195€
Tropical Chic Massage 50 min 135€

A selection of Guerlain products is available for purchase at the Spa boutique. Indulge in the exceptional universe of Guerlain fragrances, discover the sensuality of luxurious textures and let yourself be seduced by an extraordinary make-up range.
The Exclusive Collections 

Guerlain's Exclusive Collections — l‘Art et la Matière, les Elixirs Charnels, les Voyages Olfactifs — an opportunity to take this unique range home with you. Lovers of beauty will truly appreciate these timeless and elegant fragrances, each with their individual character and exquisite bottle. With its exclusive use of precious materials and absolute refinement in every detail, the Exclusive Collections
encapsulate the entire Guerlain spirit.

In a welcoming atmosphere of serenity, perfumed with the subtle floral notes of Tropical Chic signature fragrance, the Cheval Blanc Spa invites guests to a unique well-being experience.

Tropical Chic Cheval Blanc bathroom amenities(fragrance created by Thierry Wasser, Guerlain’s nose)

Shalimar Souffle de Parfum c2014

Shalimar Souffle de Parfum by Guerlain: launched in October 2014. Created by Thierry Wasser as limited edition a flanker scent to Shalimar.