In 1853, Pierre-François-Pascal Guerlain created the Eau de Cologne Impériale for the Empress Eugénie’s wedding to Emperor Napoleon. For the occasion, he adorned the bottle with the bees of the Empire and a scalloped motif inspired by the Vendôme Column. The Bee Bottle was born, and would go on to become a Guerlain icon, with the bee as its symbol.
In celebration of nearly two centuries of artistry, Guerlain decided to shine a light on its heritage and history. Once an imperial emblem under Napoleon III’s rule, the bee is now the Maison's symbol, and was reinterpreted by two of Guerlain’s historic partners: Place Vendôme jeweller Lorenz Bäumer, and legendary fine crystal manufacturer Baccarat.
Famous Place Vendôme jeweller Lorenz Bäumer has often collaborated with Guerlain, injecting his expertise and talent into forging masterpieces such as Rouge G, Exceptional Pieces, and Le Secret de la Reine… This pioneering artist draws inspiration from his two passions, art and nature, and never hesitates to break away from jewellery-making tradition with his customary flair.
Dimensions of the bottle (h x w x d) :
15,5 x 29,5 x 49 cm
L'Abeille Eternelle is nothing short of a feat, a beehive brought to life by the fine dust of this renowned jeweller’s imagination. Faceted like a diamond, a majestic bee hovers in a crystal honeycomb made of clean, crisp lines, born of the material itself thanks to fine crystal manufacturer Baccarat's unique expertise.
Several weeks of craft are required to shape this incredibly intricate work of art: from making the mould to the crystal glass-blowing, sculpted and polished with the most delicate of touches and the finest eye for detail, until the final stage, freehand faceting to perfect each and every last detail, down to the faintest of fleeting expressions.
Three glassmaker and cutter artisans with "Best Worker in France" status, as well as the manufacturer’s first ever woman to be knighted with Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres status, put their expertise to work in creating this sumptuous piece, drawing on rare expertise handed down from generation to generation for over 250 years.
This piece embodies the perfect balance between tradition and contemporary style. Thierry Wasser, the Maison's master perfumer, set out to capture Guerlain’s signature duality in a new fragrance composed especially for this exceptional anniversary. A scent that transcribes the full essence of a Maison steeped in unparalleled heritage and history.
A timeless, powerhouse signature scent that opens with a bouquet of contemporary notes of orange, orange blossom, and almond, unfurling out into a more traditional Guerlinade with benzoin, sandalwood, and ylang ylang hovering at the base, crafted in an unprecedented concentration – double absolu – for a once-in-a-lifetime masterpiece.