Serpent Bohème, a floral bouquet for a free and emancipated woman
Already reinterpreted on numerous occasions, it does not lack olfactory variations. However, Shalimar still offers itself a new variant of its scent. Guerlain decides to count us an unpublished chapter of his love story. Focus on Shalimar Philtre de Parfum, a 2020 creation by Thierry Wasser.
Shalimar Philtre de Parfum, a more powdery essence
Shalimar Philtre de Parfum takes up the main olfactory notes of its predecessors. However, it wants to be more sensual and plays more on the powdery notes of iris, while accompanying them with an overdose of vanilla. It all starts with the tangy and slightly bitter freshness of bergamot, now airy with lemon and lavender. Then, the iris, earthy and powdery, comes into play. This flower first blooms in a floral heart, woven of rose and jasmine. More discreet than before, jasmine gives texture to the whole while remaining fresh. Then, little by little, Guerlain dares a contrast and warms up its vanilla and coumarin recipe. Overdosed, vanilla reveals the creamy and syrupy glow of Shalimar Philtre de Parfum. The whole thing ends with a woody and balmy patchouli alliance,
A bottle echoing an Indian love story
On the bottle side, Shalimar Philtre de Parfum looks like its predecessors. Indeed, its bottle remains unchanged. It must be said that she draws her creative origins from exactly the same place as her elders: in India. As a reminder, the Shalimar perfume is inspired by an Indian legend. It all began in the 17th century, when Emperor Shah Jahan had a desperate love for his companion Mumtaz Mahal. Together, they liked to walk hand in hand in the gardens of Shalimar. Unfortunately, while giving birth to one of their children, Mumtaz Mahal died suddenly. Mad with grief, Shah Jahan decided to have him build the most beautiful mausoleum, in the gardens of Shalimar. Now world famous, it is the Taj Mahal.
The Shalimar Philtre de Parfum bottle was created with this love story in mind. Thus, it is a chiseled pedestal basin inspired by water from a fountain in the gardens of Shalimar. This is also where its midnight blue cap comes from. In addition, it also recalls the shape of the typical fans of the Roaring Twenties. If Shalimar Philtre de Parfum resumes the silhouette of its predecessors, it offers itself a new pale yellow juice. A small tassel bearing Guerlain's initials is also attached to its collar. As a reminder, this design owes its existence to Raymond Guerlain in collaboration with Baccarat, which also earned him the first prize at the International Decorative Arts Exhibition in Paris in 1925.