• About
  • Login to comment
    • Bluesky
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Now Smell This

a blog about perfume

Menu ▼
  • Perfume Reviews
  • New Perfumes
  • Archives

Holiday fragrance gifts 2015, part 8

Posted by Robin on 15 December 2015 31 Comments

As always, we have saved the luxury edition for last, and once again the items are listed in order from what-a-bargain to holy-cow-you’ve-got-to-be-kidding.

L'Artisan Parfumeur Mûre et Musc Extrême gold

L'Artisan Parfumeur's ever popular Mûre et Musc Extrême in a limited edition 100 ml bottle made in collaboration with Éric de Meyer of the Château de Versailles. 30 bottles were made, €195 (about $215) at Printemps Haussman in Paris.

 

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Le Beau Parfum limited edition

Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Le Beau Parfum fragrance in a limited edition bottle: "In celebration of the Holiday season, Le Beau Parfum is available in a limited edition bottle hand engraved in gold with a floral pattern designed by Yui Tanaguchi. For this exceptional edition, the external case is signed by Francis Kurkdjian." €300 (about $325) at Maison Francis Kurkdjian.

 

 Diptyque L’ombre dans L'Eau engraved edition

From Diptyque, L’ombre dans L'Eau in a limited edition 75 ml hand engraved bottle. 450 bottles were made, £280 (about $421) at Diptyque in the UK.

 

Lancôme La Vie est Belle Extrait

An absolute bargain compared to what they did in 2013: Lancôme's La Vie est Belle in Extrait, celebrating the brand's 80th anniversary. 80 bottles were made; 10 ml for $950 at Saks Fifth Avenue. 

 

Penhaligon Nutcracker flacons

Penhaligon's does Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker with four costumed bottles designed by Clément Robert from the Palais Garnier National Opera House in Paris. Shown are the Soldier (Blenheim Bouquet) and the Ballerina (Iris Prima). Also available: Clara (Empressa) and the Prince (Endymion). €950 each (about $1040) at the Penhaligon's boutique in Paris.

 

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb with lotsa crystals

Yet another collector bottle of Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb. Same Swarovski crystals, but this one will run you $2500: "Each crystal is placed on the bottle one by one in an intricate pattern." Reportedly there are nine bottles for sale in the US. It is already sold out at Neiman Marcus; you'll have to shop around.

 

By Kilian's Paige Novick earrings

By Kilian's scented earrings by Paige Novick, with 18k yellow gold chain, vermeil charms with white diamonds (1,5 carats) and white Akoya pearls. Available in any of the brand's fragrances, $4200 at By Kilian.

 

Armani Sì Murano Edition

Armani's Sì Eau de Parfum Intense in a Murano Edition, made by Atelier Salvati, with crystal stopper and a layer of 24-karat gold leaf on the bottom. 75 bottles were made, 30 ml for €3,900 (about $4250).

 

Nina Ricci L'Air du Temps Lalique

From Nina Ricci, an updated version of the brand's classic L'Air du Temps, in a hand carved bottle from Lalique and Lognon Workshop. 74 bottles were made, price unknown but it's probably not a bargain.

 

Guerlain Flacon Tortue

Guerlain's crystal turtle, the Flacon Tortue: "The turtle-shaped bottle – created by Jacques Guerlain in 1913 in honour of the opening of his “new temple of Beauty” at 68, avenue des Champs-Elysées in Paris – is a playful nod to the unhurried pace of the construction work that delayed its inauguration. Now, more than a century later, Guerlain is partnering with Baccarat to produce a new limited crystal edition of this iconic bottle in a 60 ml format. With more than 80 facets carved into the crystal, the turtle-shaped bottle is entirely handmade with painstaking attention to detail. This unparalleled treasure of craftsmanship is a testament to the unique ancestral expertise of Baccarat. Only 47 numbered pieces are available worldwide. This Exceptional Creation contains a woody spicy floral Extrait created by Thierry Wasser. Everlasting flower is at the centre of the warm, spicy base note, while osmanthus lends the fragrance a fruity heart note that is energized by a refreshing mandarin top note. Tonka bean, benzoin and vanilla give the scent a sweet and sensuous fragrant trail." Reportedly €9,500 (about $10,300).

 

Guerlain Shalimar Lovebirds

And Guerlain's Shalimar celebrates its 90th birthday with a pair of lovebirds: "The famous Guerlain Shalimar bottle has soared to even greater heights in a deep midnight blue edition crafted by French master glassmaker Waltersperger: a specialist in exceptional formats for almost a century. A genuine feat uniquely combining fine workmanship and state-of-the-art technology. Preciously wrapped around the neck and shoulder of the bottle is a delicate branch, gilded with 22.5-carat gold, on which two lovebirds sit. A poetic allegory of the eternal love between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, this masterpiece of craftsmanship displays the know-how and talent of Desrues the French costume jewellery maker which has been supplying couturiers since 1929. Only 17 numbered pieces are available worldwide." Reportedly €10,500 (about $11,500) for 1.5 liters.

Related...

Holiday fragrance gifts 2015, part 7
Holiday fragrance gifts 2015, part 5
Holiday fragrance gifts 2015, part 4
Holiday fragrance gifts 2015, part 3
Holiday fragrance gifts 2015, part 2
Holiday fragrance gifts 2015, part 1
Scented advent calendars 2015, part 2
Scented advent calendars 2015, part 1
Diptyque holiday candles 2015

Filed Under: fragrance shopping
Tagged With: armani, by kilian, collector bottles, diptyque, gifts, guerlain, holiday, lancome, lartisan parfumeur, limited edition, luxury, maison francis kurkdjian, nina ricci, penhaligons, viktor rolf

Advertisement


31 Comments

Leave a comment, or read more about commenting at Now Smell This. Here's our privacy policy, and a handy emoticon chart.

  1. meredifay says:
    15 December 2015 at 1:32 pm

    Love the Diptyque Swans and the L’Artisan Gold Bottle…..but these are all in Holy-Cow, you have got to be kidding territory for me!

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      15 December 2015 at 2:46 pm

      Yeah, I know what you mean!

      Log in to Reply
  2. Absolute Scentualist says:
    15 December 2015 at 1:48 pm

    Oh, that Shalimar bottle… I’m just imagining pouring a healthy shot of it straight into my tub. If I can afford a bottle like that, I’m sure pouring it in the bath would be a regular occurance. 😉 But still, want even if it is a ridiculous thing. It is nice to dream…

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      15 December 2015 at 2:47 pm

      LOL…it is sick that I immediately envisioned it dropping out of my hands while pouring in the tub, isn’t it?

      Log in to Reply
      • nozknoz says:
        15 December 2015 at 10:57 pm

        Not at all! I immediately imagined snapping the birds off the first time I tried to open it.

        Log in to Reply
  3. Celestia says:
    15 December 2015 at 1:48 pm

    This year I had the chance to see many of the very exclusive Guerlain bottles in my home town. I asked the rep how the actual juices are utilized by the purchaser and the answer was that they are not. What a waste of expensive juice!

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      15 December 2015 at 2:48 pm

      I am not at all surprised!

      Log in to Reply
    • Jonas says:
      15 December 2015 at 3:21 pm

      Just think of it as “saving for future generations”.

      Log in to Reply
  4. Doc Sinister says:
    15 December 2015 at 3:09 pm

    That turtle is really cute, so far out of my price range it might as well be Mars, but cute. And I love all the dark blue Shalimar bottles.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      15 December 2015 at 3:49 pm

      The turtle is gorgeous. But small! You “only” get 60 ml instead of the vat of Shalimar.

      Log in to Reply
      • Doc Sinister says:
        15 December 2015 at 4:03 pm

        I’m not even sure what would happen if I got my hands on 1.5 liters of Shalimar…*anoints the husband, anoints the dogs…*

        Log in to Reply
        • sweetgrass says:
          15 December 2015 at 5:08 pm

          You’d have the best smelling pups ever. 🙂

          Log in to Reply
  5. JadainGA says:
    15 December 2015 at 3:28 pm

    Anybody know if these special beauties will be deeply discounted on FragranceNet anytime soon? HA HA HA HA HA HA

    Beautiful….but not in my price range, alas! 🙂

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      15 December 2015 at 3:49 pm

      Yeah, when the turtle drops to $99.99 I’m in 🙂

      Log in to Reply
      • meredifay says:
        15 December 2015 at 4:39 pm

        Lol! Please put my name on the “Wants to be alerted when….” list! 🙂

        Log in to Reply
  6. monkeytoe says:
    15 December 2015 at 3:37 pm

    If only the Guerlain turtle were filled with Djedi. Still way out of my price range, but…

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      15 December 2015 at 3:50 pm

      It’s odd that they did not put one of the more historic fragrances in that bottle.

      Log in to Reply
    • meredifay says:
      15 December 2015 at 4:42 pm

      Actually, you’d think they would offer an option to put any of their fragrances in the turtle bottle, for a price. I know there would be a couple I would think long and hard about if that was available….

      Log in to Reply
  7. Lovestosmellgood says:
    15 December 2015 at 3:50 pm

    Oh that Shalimar bottle , please Santa please

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      15 December 2015 at 5:17 pm

      Good luck 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  8. solanace says:
    15 December 2015 at 4:46 pm

    1,5 l of Shalimar. That’s what I want.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      15 December 2015 at 5:17 pm

      🙂

      Log in to Reply
  9. sweetgrass says:
    15 December 2015 at 5:16 pm

    A lot of the time I don’t care much about special bottles, but I’m digging that Diptyque bottle.. and I really like L’Ombre dans L’Eau… so it’s almost tempting as long as I don’t think too hard about the price. Not happening, obviously.

    And even more ridiculous, I love that turtle. Really really not happening.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      15 December 2015 at 5:19 pm

      Same here…in some ways, that’s what I want most from this list. You might want to call a Diptyque boutique and see what they’re charging — it often does not turn out to be a direct conversion from pounds / euros to dollars, so maybe it will be less expensive here.

      I also really like the Armani Si bottle — I’m a big fan of Murano glass and that looks so lovely to me. But don’t adore Si.

      Log in to Reply
      • solanace says:
        15 December 2015 at 10:15 pm

        Same here. Would like some wonderful indie perfumer to have those bottles.

        Log in to Reply
  10. hajusuuri says:
    15 December 2015 at 6:53 pm

    That turtle bottle is gorgeous and I am very curious about the juice inside. And why only 47 bottles? I think there should 68 and I can just daydream about owning the last one!

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      15 December 2015 at 8:09 pm

      There should be 68!

      Log in to Reply
  11. mals86 says:
    15 December 2015 at 7:48 pm

    So far, I’m the only one digging on the Penhaligon’s bottles? OOH, that Soldier. Love it.

    Quite a number of these are really pretty. I don’t love L’Ombre dans l’Eau, but that bottle is gorgeous.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      15 December 2015 at 8:17 pm

      I like them too, although I do like the Soldier the best of the 4, and did not like the Clara bottle. It’s a great idea though…surprised we don’t see more bottle costumes.

      Log in to Reply
  12. nozknoz says:
    15 December 2015 at 10:55 pm

    I love L’Ombre dans l’Eau; I actually find the new bottle shape attractive (in person); and that engraved bottle is stunning. If I had money to burn, that’s the one I’d choose.

    Oddly, I don’t care so much about the Guerlain bottles with new juice in them. I’d rather spend those imaginary dollars on hunting down Djedi and other vintage treasures.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robin says:
      16 December 2015 at 10:33 am

      With that much imaginary money, Djedi should not be so hard to come by 🙂

      Log in to Reply

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Advertisement

Search

Recent reviews

Atelier Cologne Love Osmanthus
Moschino Toy Boy
Arquiste Misfit
Diptyque Eau Capitale
Zoologist Bee
Parfum d’Empire Immortelle Corse
Comme des Garcons Series 10 Clash
Frédéric Malle Rose & Cuir
L’Artisan Parfumeur Le Chant de Camargue
Yves Saint Laurent Grain de Poudre
Régime des Fleurs Chloë Sevigny Little Flower
Chanel 1957
Gallivant Los Angeles
Amouage Portrayal Woman

Blogroll

Bois de Jasmin
Grain de Musc
Perfume Posse
The Non-Blonde
More blogs...

Perfumista lists

100 fragrances every perfumista should try
And 25 more fragrances every perfumista should smell
50 masculine fragrances every perfumista should try
26 vintage fragrances every perfumista should try
25 rose fragrances every perfumista should try
11 Cheap Perfumes Beauty Outsiders Love

Favorite posts

The Great Perfume Reduction Plan
Why I Love Old School Chypres
New to perfume and want to learn more?
How to make fragrance last through the day
Fragrance concentrations: sorting it all out
On reformulations, or why your favorite perfume doesn’t smell like it used to
How to get fragrance samples
Perfume for Life: How Long Will Your Fragrance Collection Last?

Upcoming

List of upcoming Friday projects

15 March ~ swapmeet

3 April ~ damage poll
26 April ~ splitmeet

3 May ~ spring reading poll
17 May ~ Haiku challenge!

 

Back to Top

Home
Archives
About Now Smell This :: Privacy Policy
Perfume Reviews
New Perfumes
General Perfume Articles
The Monday Mail

Glossary of Perfume Terms
Perfume FAQ
Perfume Books

Noses ~ Perfumers A-E :: F-K :: L-S :: T-Z

Perfume Houses A-B :: C :: D-E :: F-G
H-J :: K-L :: M :: N-O :: P :: Q-R :: S
T :: U-Z

Copyright © 2005-2025 Now Smell This. All rights reserved.