The Egyptians loved it! The Greeks simply adored it! But it was the Romans who gave it its real shape and finally, there were the French who reintroduced it to the whole world!
Made from resins, essential oils and unguents, perfumes formed a critical element in ancient Egyptian religious ceremonies. Then the Greeks started using perfumes in their daily lives besides using them in their religious ceremonies. But it was the Romans who started using glass bottles to store, transport and gift perfume. Since then, the perfume in a glass bottle has become inseparable. But it really took the French to convert the process of perfume-making into art and make it a global phenomenon.
However, instead of replacing the Roman idea of a glass bottle with something else, the French mastered it further and today has reached such a level that more than perfumes, it is the glass bottle on the outside that becomes the talk of the town. Also, over time creating exquisite glass bottles became the signature of exquisite perfumes. Today, you would find that some of the best known or rather the costliest perfumes, all come in unique shaped bottles. Aficionados love these bottles as much as they love what’s inside. Here are the 5 costliest perfumes in the world and their unique bottles:
Imperial Majesty
Named the costliest perfume ever made, the Clive Christians No. 1 Imperial Majesty perfume made its way to the Guinness Book of World Records in 2006. The Imperial Majesty perfume was introduced as an absolute limited edition (only 10 bottles were ever made) and it came with diamond-studded Baccarat crystal falcons. It was made using a complex and closely guarded secret formula that gives its unique smoky incense which also had flavours of pink peppers, sensual amber and fir balsam included in it. Apparently, all ten bottles were delivered to their respective buyers through a Bentley and in custom made cases, just like the way any royalty would travel! In 2006, it was priced at $2355 per ounce which qualified the Imperial Majesty perfume for the Guinness Records!
Louis Vuitton Symphony
The Symphony hits the right notes in your soul with the heady perfumes made out of Ginger, grapefruit and bergamot. It was created by master perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud and was housed in a Louis Vuitton bottle designed by Frank Gehry. This unisex perfume is not a limited edition like the Imperial Majesty but is sure meant for only a select few who can really appreciate its sensual light notes and obviously its steep price.
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Haute Couture
Just like the Imperial Majesty, the Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Haute Couture is a limited edition perfume with only 15 bottles made. Housed in a bottle that is 3D printed with rose gold and calligraphically numbered by hand, the Flowerbomb comes with a guarantee to elevate your senses. In the olfactory department, Flowerbomb is rich in Centifolia Rose, Sambac Jasmine, Cattleya Orchid and India Osmanthus. The Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Haute Couture is designed for the fairer sex.
Cultus Artem Tuberosa
This unisex perfume counts Indian Tuberose, Gardenia, Italian Bergamot, Indonesian Canaga and Indian sandalwood as its key ingredients. The Cultus Artem Tuberosa was made by experienced perfumer Holly Tupper who made sure that the fragrance becomes irresistible to both genders. The best thing about Tuberosa is that it smells delicate on some but smells very sensuous and bold on others.
House of Sillage Love is in the Air
The first thing you see in this perfume is its gemstone encrusted glass bottle with two silver love birds sitting on the top! This exclusive perfume for women was designed by Mark Buxton and has been attracting rave reviews from day one. Love is in the Air has a combination of sweet notes of Jasmine and plum mixed with the essence of white musk. The two lovebirds represent that true love must not be caged and should be left free!
Perfumes have long been a part of human life. Earlier they were restricted to special occasions but eventually made it to our wardrobe. Bottles may end and we may replace them with new ones, but perfumes like Imperial Majesty happen only once in a while, but leave you enchanted for a lifetime!