Shalimar by Guerlain

Listed as one of the best perfumes that exist in the world, Shalimar by Guerlain was composed by Jacques Guerlain in 1921 and officially launched in 1925.

Shalimar’s creation is rooted in the love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and Princess Mumtaz Mahal, famous for whom the Taj Mahal was built. The name comes from the gardens in Lahore, which was created in the princess’ honor. When Jacques Guerlain was experimenting, he added Ethylavanilin, a newly synthesized molecule at the time, into a bottle of Jicky, a well-known Guerlain scent. This was how Guerlain was created.

Shalimar contains a blend of fresh bergamot with powdery iris, warm vanilla, and balsamic notes of tonka bean. When sprayed, you smell the burst of bergamot, which transitions into iris and jasmine. The base is dominated by vanilla, tonka bean, and opoponax. It’s often credited with the establishment of the “oriental” category in perfumery. Roymond Guerlain created the fragrance bottle, inspired by the basins of the Shalimar gardens. It was the first to feature a colored stopper composed of sapphire-blue Baccarat crystal.

Shalimar continues to be one of the most loved fragrances, proved through the various reinterpretations and limited editions released throughout the years. It’s an icon in the world of high-end perfumery.

Photo credit: https://www.guerlain.com/us/en-us/p/shalimar-eau-de-parfum-P011355.html