Few fragrances in historical past have captured the essence of everlasting love fairly like Shalimar by Guerlain. Created in 1925 by Jacques Guerlain, this iconic fragrance was impressed by the legendary romance between Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved spouse, Mumtaz Mahal.
Their love story, immortalised within the Taj Mahal, additionally left its imprint on the world of perfumery, leading to a scent that continues to be timeless and revered practically a century after its creation.
The love story behind Shalimar
Earlier than he turned Shah Jahan, he was Prince Khurram, a younger royal who fell deeply in love with Arjumand Banu Begum at a bustling bazaar. Her magnificence captivated him, and years later, he made her his spouse, giving her the title Mumtaz Mahal, which means the “Jewel of the Palace.” Their love was legendary—they have been inseparable in struggle and peace.
Mumtaz bore him 14 kids, however tragedy struck when she handed away at simply 39 years outdated throughout childbirth. Devastated, Shah Jahan honoured her reminiscence by constructing the Taj Mahal, a panoramic monument to their love.
In accordance with the Encyclopaedia of Perfumes, Guerlain created Shalimar by pouring a bottle of ethylvanillin right into a pattern of Jicky, an current Guerlain perfume from 1889 (Supply: Wikimedia Commons)
The delivery of a fragrance legend
Impressed by this epic romance, Jacques Guerlain sought to seize the spirit of devotion and keenness in a perfume, in line with the Encyclopaedia of Perfumes. He named his creation Shalimar, after the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore, which have been constructed by Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal and have been amongst her favuorite locations. In Sanskrit, “Shalimar” interprets to “abode of affection,” making it a becoming tribute.
In accordance with the Encyclopaedia of Perfumes, Guerlain created Shalimar by pouring a bottle of ethylvanillin right into a pattern of Jicky, an current Guerlain perfume from 1889. The end result was a heat, sensual, and unforgettable scent, one that might go on to change into one of many best-selling perfumes of all time.
Shalimar’s enchanting perfume notes
Shalimar is a masterful mix of citrus, florals, and deep oriental heat. The important thing notes embody:
Story continues beneath this advert
- High Notes: Lemon, Bergamot
- Coronary heart Notes: Jasmine, Could Rose, Opoponax
- Base Notes: Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Iris, Peru Balsam, Grey Amber
The zesty citrus opening melts into a fragile floral coronary heart, in the end settling right into a wealthy and splendid base—a scent designed to linger, very similar to the timeless love of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.
The Shalimar bottle, designed by Raymond Guerlain, was crafted to mirror the grandeur of Mughal artwork. Modeled after the basins of jap gardens and Mongolian stupa structure, the bottle was topped with a hanging blue fan-shaped stopper, impressed by an vintage silverware piece from the Guerlain household assortment. Manufactured by Baccarat Crystal, this beautiful design gained the Ornamental Arts Exhibition Award in 1925, additional cementing Shalimar’s standing as a murals.
Launched through the Roaring Twenties, Shalimar was an antidote to the post-war melancholy, providing girls a way of luxurious, ardour, and unique romance. Almost 100 years later, it continues to be a staple within the fragrance business, celebrated for its wealthy historical past and unparalleled sensuality.