A Henri Matisse painting needs little to no introduction. The 20th-century master dabbled in a number of styles throughout his career, beginning with Realism before becoming known for his revolutionary work in Fauvism around 1900. He’s a leader in the style, opting for bright and expressive use of colours characterised by flat shapes and controlled lines.
After undergoing surgery in 1941 for abdominal cancer, Matisse was left with physical restrictions that resulted in him being unable to paint in the same manner. He turned to a new cut-out technique using gouache-stained paper in the same kind of vibrant colours as before, and in some cases, even more so.
It’s this particular series that’s the subject of Guerlain’s latest art-inspired creations. Together with Maison Matisse—a design house founded by the late artist’s great-grandson—Guerlain continues its heritage of experimental perfumes for the L’Art & La Matière collection with Jasmine Bonheur. It’s the first time that the jasmine is the central ingredient in a L’Art & La Matière creation, and is made even more special given that jasmine is one of six signature ingredients present in Guerlinade—an olfactory hallmark used throughout Guerlain fragrances.
Photo: Guerlain.
Jasmine may indeed be one of perfumery’s most emblematic of ingredients, yet its original form is delicate and requires added essences for its sensuality to truly come through. In Jasmine Bonheur, Guerlain opted to brighten up the overall scent with infusions of an orange apricot accord, rose as well as iris. It’s also set against an elegant chypre base with woody accents of moss and vetiver.
The result is a fragrance that’s evocative of the joy and happiness reflected in the Matisse reference of choice: 1950’s ‘The Thousand and One Nights’.
Maison Matisse created new artwork based on the colours and motifs used in ‘The Thousand and One Nights’ and they’re hand-painted on the 200ml bottle’s ceramic plates that adorn the top of each cap. They’re crafted in a limited-edition release of only 1,000 pieces with a further 200 available to personalise other L’Art & La Matière bottles. The collection also features a series of 500 candles in the form of the Maison Matisse Figue Azur (crafted around the fig) that are sold as individual white jars decorated with Matisse-inspired designs.
Photo: Guerlain.
What’s even more exclusive is the new rendition of Guerlain’s iconic Bee Bottle done in an entirely Matisse expression. Inspired by ‘La Musique’, the Maison Matisse Bee Bottle is hand-painted with six vibrant colours that correspond to the artwork. Each bottle takes more than 24 hours to be completely painted and houses an entirely new creation for Guerlain’s Exceptional Creations collection. Unlike Jasmine Bonheur, Couleur Bonheur is fruity with infusions of bergamot, apricot, rose, iris and a leather accord.
Photo: Guerlain.
The Maison Matisse Bee Bottle is only available in 14 numbered editions worldwide. Guerlain’s Bee Bottle celebrates its 170th anniversary this year, and this definitely marks the occasion in such a joyous manner.
