We all know and love the Walt Disney World Resort as a magical destination to escape into the imaginative world of Walt Disney. The resort is also home to some of the world’s most luxurious indulgences as well. Why at Epcot alone, you can find one of only a smattering of official boutiques from one of the world’s oldest perfumeries.
The House of Guerlain
The House of Guerlain was founded in 1828, when Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain opened his perfume store on 42, rue de Rivoli in Paris. As both the founder and first perfumer of the house, Pierre-François composed and manufactured custom fragrances with the help of his two sons, Aimé and Gabriel. Through continued success and the patronage of members in high society, Guerlain opened its flagship store at 15, rue de la Paix in 1840, and put its mark on the Parisian fashion scene.
The House of Guerlain was owned and managed by members of the Guerlain family from 1828 to 1994. It was acquired in 1994 by the LVMH group, a multinational investment corporation specializing in luxury brands.
Guerlain’s creations have long influenced the trends of perfumery with fragrances such as Jicky, Shalimar, and Vétiver. Guerlain is among the few older houses that exist solely to produce and market perfumes. Since its foundation in 1828 Guerlain has created over 300 fragrances.
Making Scents
In the world of perfumery, few Houses can pride themselves on such exceptional longevity. Entering the Guerlain universe means crossing the threshold into an exceptional world where respect for tradition and a feel for innovation weave the most beautiful creations. This dynasty of perfumers, boasting five generations of creators, has endured through 180 years of history. It has cultivated the spirit of Guerlain with unwavering principles: the use of nothing but precious ingredients, refinement in every detail, the application of time-tested, artisanal knowledge and the unique talent for satisfying the demands of its clients.
Make good products, never compromise on quality. Always stick to simple ideas and apply them scrupulously.
This was the creed of the brand’s founder, Pierre-François-Pascal Guerlain. A creed and passion which, since 1828, have been transmitted at Guerlain from generation to generation.
The entire Guerlain adventure could be summed up in a few words: making the art of beauty a true art de vivre and responding to modernity with creativity. Guerlain perfumes are unique because their autographs is inimitable. This stamp is a unique olfactory harmony, called “Guerlinade”. It is unique to Guerlain perfumers and jealously guarded by them.
From some 760 fragrant creations, there are those that have transcended time and continue to perfume the air with their exceptional scent. Among them, Eau de Cologne Impériale, Jicky, L’Heure Bleue, Mitsouko, Shalimar, Vol de Nuit, Vega, Djedi, Samsara, Vetiver and, more recently, creations that promise to be the icons of tomorrow – Insolence and L’Instant de Guerlain.
To create prefumes that defy time and fashion, you have to invest in high quality raw materials. Jean-Paul Guerlain, like his ancestors, gives preference to natural essences (like bergamot, tonka beans and vanilla) only considering synthetic products as a complement.
Baccarat Crystal
Guerlain perfume bottles are timeless and innovative works of art that are ideal to give someone as a present or to collect. The majority of the older bottlers were created by Raymond Guerlain and Baccarat. Currently, they are designed by the sculptor Robert Granai who has been creating exclusively for Guerlain since Parure in 1975
In the eyes of the world, Guerlain symbolises Perfume. The House is also famous for its skincare products, Super Aqua-Serum, Success Future and Orchidée Impériale ranges; and its make-up products, such as Terracotta, Meteorites, and KissKiss lipstick.
The Guerlain Institutes, place of prestige where the know-how has reached an international renown, completes the activity of this brand totally dedicated to beauty.
A New Limited Edition
In a continuing tradition of Guerlain, this week marks the debut of a new fragrance which happens to coincide with the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival – La Petite Robe Noire (The Little Black Dress). This new fragrance is absolutely wonderful and will be released to only a few select boutiques; the boutique at Epcot will only be receiving 20 bottles for sale.
A pure exercise in style, La Petite Robe Noire by Guerlain is both timeless and audaciously innovative, revealing an enchantingly fresh composition. This fruity-floral fragrance subtly melds the tart energy of Sicilian lemon with tender almond notes, elegantly segueing into roses and powerful licorice. The juice adds character with a few pinches of smoky tea and patchouli leaves, lingering on with a caress of musk and vanilla.
The bottle, in chic shades of black, is topped by an inverted heart top, an update of the House’s mythic model. Adding an extra touch of charm is a little black dress on the bottle, designed and signed by artist Serge Mansau.
Wrapping it up
Guerlain is only one example of a larger trend at the Walt Disney World Resort that focuses on providing the best destination travel for all its guests. With special events peppered throughout the year it is easy to expand your horizons for luxurious indulgences on your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort.
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