Guerlain’s Shalimar: 100 years of a legendary fragrance celebrated in Paris

Shalimar, Guerlain’s iconic fragrance celebrates its centenary this year. An opportunity to rediscover this olfactory masterpiece, whose destiny is closely linked to the history of perfumery in Paris.

In 1925, at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, Maison Guerlain officially presented Shalimar. A fragrance that was to make history. Four years after its creation by Jacques Guerlain, this oriental juice imposed a new style, at once sensual, opulent and resolutely modern. Shalimar is also the story of inspiration from elsewhere. It’s the story of the legendary love between Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, for whom the gardens of Shalimar in India, and later the Taj Mahal, were created.

Paris is at the heart of this modern legend. It was in the capital that the perfume took shape, and its bottle – designed by Raymond Guerlain and blown by Baccarat – was unveiled to the public. Its elegantly curved silhouette and blue fan-shaped stopper recall the basins and fountains of oriental gardens. The House’s first stemmed bottle, it was a precursor in that it featured a touch of color, rare at the time.

A revolutionary composition in the world of perfume

With Shalimar, Guerlain inaugurates the great tradition of oriental fragrances. The fragrance opens with notes of bergamot before revealing a floral heart with accents ofiris, jasmine and rose. The base, dominated by tonka bean and gourmand vanilla (thanks to ethylvanillin), inaugurates what would later be known as Guerlinade, the house’s olfactory signature. This bold construction has influenced generations of perfumers.

A rare longevity and constant topicality

To this day, Shalimar remains one of the world’s best-selling fragrances. Shalimar is available in various concentrations – eau de toilette, eau de parfum, souffle de parfum, extrait – as well as a line of scented skincare products. Limited editions are regularly offered, proof of the brand’s attachment to this heritage.

In Paris, a number of emblematic locations, such as the Guerlain boutique on the Champs-Élysées, offer a unique opportunity to discover Shalimar.

Also read: 10 things you need to know not to stand out in a chic Parisian venue