Hello and welcome! Please understand that this website is not affiliated with Guerlain in any way, it is only a reference site for collectors and those who have enjoyed the classic fragrances of days gone by. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. The main objective of this website is to chronicle the 200+ year old history of the Guerlain fragrances and showcase the bottles and advertising used throughout the years. Let this site be your source for information on antique and vintage Guerlain perfumes. Another goal of this website is to show the present owners of the Guerlain company how much we miss many of the discontinued classics and hopefully, if they see that there is enough interest and demand, they will bring back these fragrances! I invite you to leave a comment below (for example: of why you liked the fragrance, describe the scent, time period or age you wore it, who gave it to you or on what occasion, what it smelled like to you, how it made you feel, any specific memories, what it reminded you of, maybe a relative wore it, or you remembered seeing the bottle on their vanity table), who knows, perhaps someone from the current Guerlain brand might see it. If you have any questions, please send all images of your bottle and pertinent information directly to me at cleopatrasboudoir@gmail.com. I will try to assist you the best I can.

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Thursday, October 23, 2014

La Ruche Imperiale - 160 Year Anniversary of the Bee Bottle c2013

La Ruche Impériale- 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.

Laurent Nogues, Maître d’art – Class of 2011. This founder of the Creanog studio is the preeminent artist in the sector of embossing, hot-stamping and insets on paper. He fabricates labels for affluent brands and highly respected institutions.

From Guerlain:

“La Ruche Impériale” (“The Imperial Hive”) 
A graphic art version of the honeycombs that make up the hive. This precious honeycomb-shaped case is just waiting to be opened and unfolded to reveal the innovation and splendour of paper transformed through embossing. It is composed of six panels lined with white paper embossed with a tone-on-tone honeycomb motif. On closer view, one notices an optical illusion on the central stamp that represents the legendary bottle. The development of specific tools and a very singular embossing technique allow for a complex, tailor-made geometry for endless effects of light with striking definition.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

La Cage aux Oiseaux et aux Abeilles - 160 Year Anniversary of the Bee Bottle c2013

La Cage aux Oiseaux et aux Abeilles - 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.

 Nelly Saunier, Maître d’art – Class of 2008. This distinguished plumassier, takes her experience of preparing and working with ornamental plumes and feathers to new highs, with a masterful sense of color and volume. 

From Guerlain:

“La Cage aux Oiseaux et aux Abeilles” (“The Bird and Bee Cage”) 
Taking up the form of the iconic bottle, a golden structure reveals delicate feather marquetry that embraces the chiselled metal. The feather decoration fitted into the extremely precise cut-outs is stunning. With an effect of colours and contrasts, matt and iridescent variations between light and dark areas, the effect is mesmerising. Through the openwork dome, one can glimpse a silky, feathery nest on which the Bee bottle is perched, like a bird ready to take flight into lyricism.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Bouquet du la Sierra Morena by Guerlain c1834

Bouquet du la Sierra Morena by Guerlain: launched in 1834. Its name derives from the Sierra Morena mountain range in Spain. I believe that this fragrance was created for the Spanish market.

Monday, October 6, 2014

Le Trouble d’Eugénie - 160 Year Anniversary of the Bee Bottle c2013

Le Trouble d’Eugénie- 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.

Emmanuel Barrois, Maître d’art – Class of 2010. This talented glass architect works on varied projects, from the monumental to the smaller-scaled creations, always trying to exceed the most limited of possibilities. These adept glassmaking concepts, backed by an extreme technical, prospective and futuristic vision, range from the Beijing Opera to the next canopy of the future Forum des Halles in Paris, measuring almost 30,000 square metres.

“Le Trouble d’Eugénie” (“Eugénie’s Confusion”) 
“Eugénie will be crowned Empress in just a matter of hours. As she is getting ready, the bottle drops. The fragrance spills out in absolute shapes. She loses herself in the dark reflections of this sparkling pool. Blood pounds through her temples. She sees something. It’s time. She is caught in a breath…” The transparent bottle has been knocked over on an opaque black glass tray. Splashes of fragrance in singular and crystal-clear shapes stand out against the unfathomable base. This enigmatic mise en abîme is both illusion and realism. Through this piece, a drama takes form, echoing the destiny of the Empress Eugénie. Movement comes face to face with suspended time."

Thursday, October 2, 2014

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'Impératrice Eugénie by Guerlain c1843

Bouquet de L'Impératrice Eugénie  by Guerlain: launched in 1843. Named in honor of Empress Eugenie.

So what does it smell like? I believe it was a perfume based on the cologne.


It was available in the carre flacon.


Discontinued, date unknown. It was still being sold in 1903.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

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).


Friday, September 19, 2014

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.




Sunday, September 14, 2014

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.




Saturday, September 13, 2014

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.

Monday, September 1, 2014

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



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


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.


Wednesday, August 27, 2014

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.




Tuesday, August 26, 2014

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).

Sunday, August 24, 2014

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.  

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.






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.