Depicting a tangible form of happiness and capturing vibrant colour, Henri Matisse was one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. Guerlain has announced a collaboration with Maison Matisse – founded by Jean-Matthieu Matisse, one of Henri Matisse’s great-grandsons – to celebrate the art of happiness with an exceptional piece and precious limited-edition series inspired by the great painter’s palette.
Perfume becomes art
Ever since its founding in 1828, Guerlain has displayed a strong bond with the art world. For centuries its perfumers have been inspired by the most exciting and innovative artists of their times, to elevate their creations. Guerlain Haute Parfumerie, launched in 2005, took this to another level. Its Exceptional Creations series fosters support for contemporary artists and artisans by commissioning precious numbered limited-edition designs. While the inception of the L’Art & La Matière collection, a fragrance laboratory, enabled Guerlain perfumers to find a muse in the emotions sparked by works of art; their talent and expertise transcending the olfactory signatures. Now, as its perfume becomes art, Guerlain has partnered with Maison Matisse.
“We are extremely fortunate to have Maison Matisse show its trust in us for these new creations. Our partnership is anchored by shared values of excellence, exacting standards and elegance, joined by a mutual love of beauty, nature and art,” says Ann-Caroline Prazan, Guerlain Director of Art, Culture and Heritage.
The Exceptional Piece – The Bee Bottle Maison Matisse Edition
Maison Matisse’s interpretation of the iconic 170 year-old Bee Bottle is covered with emblematic motifs informed by La Musique, a work painted by Matisse in 1939. Just fourteen unique hand-painted signed and numbered bottles contain the Couleur Bonheur extrait de parfum. And the aroma is as sunny as the artist’s palette; a fruity chypre composition vibrant with color. The Exceptional Piece is an ode to painting, music and perfumery.
Jasmin Bonheur – a new fragrance inspired by Matisse’s colours
Jasmine, bright orange apricot, sophisticated purple iris and soft rose pink are contained within this limited-edition fragrance, paying homage to Matisse’s masterpiece Les Mille et Une Nuits, A decorative plate sits on top of the cap, with hearts, jasmine flowers and leaves (interpreted in a vibrant palette of fuchsia pink, lemon yellow, sunny orange, emerald green, Mediterranean blue and joyful red) providing a cheerful covering of the bottle. Only 1,000 pieces have been created worldwide, part of a collection that also includes the Figue Azure scented candle (evocative of a stroll in the shade of Mediterranean fig trees), in a limited edition of 500 pieces worldwide.
Jean-Matthieu Matisse, founder of Maison Matisse, notes: “My great-grandfather’s works are very multi-sensory, his was a world full of plants and flowers and they became recurring motifs in his work. There are thus myriad compelling connections between his work and the artistry of Guerlain perfume. That’s why we were delighted to embark on this collaboration, especially since we share values, exacting standards, a respect for precision and a love of color. This celebration of happiness is a beautiful initiative and a first for Maison Matisse.”
