A preview of new Guerlain perfume, Shalimar Parfum Initial.

CONTEST ALERT : SEE BELOW

By Myriam ‘M♥’ Richard

Sensuality and voluptuousnes. The words that follow and wrap you around like an aura when its essence mingle with what nature already gave you. It may be a household name for our mothers or grandmothers may have worn its predecessor, Shalimar. I am however speaking of Shalimar Parfum Initial, the newest scent in the Guerlain long history of perfume artistry. After attending the press conference for the launch of this scent, I was amazingly surprised at how more subtle it was compared to the infamous one that launched in 1925. A perfume with a history inspired from the eponymous gardens of India’s architectural jewel, the Taj Mahal. That same jewel whose creation was sparked by a legendary love story.

Suggested by his niece, Thierry Wasser, head perfumer for Guerlain was asked the challenging task of relaunching Shalimar, but modernizing and refreshing it for today’s women. These women who know their worth and like to pamper themselves with fresh and top quality products in such modern-day spas and salons like Aveda or Pure Salon here in Montreal, Garren or John Barrett in NYC, without forgetting our ladies in the UK (we see you!) at Rush Hair and demand it, regardless of their purse-size. The task was thus undertaken and it became a new entity: Shalimar Parfum Initial. The strength of bergamot that made the first one popular among so many women, was replaced with a well orchestrated bouquet of jasmines and roses. Whispers of woody notes are later perceived, as well as the sweetness of vanilla and tonka beans, creating an ode to amber. I am definitely loving the oriental robe it carries. I can only imagine the sweet damage the shower gel, lotion and perfume threesome can cause. Yes… a sweet damage *wink*!

Conceived by Jade Jagger, Shalimar Parfum Initial’s bottle design keeps the classical vintage charm of Shalimar, but with a modern, more sinuous, softer silhouette that will appeal to a new generation of women. These women exude a nice blend of edginess, strength and delicacy, and are not afraid of showing their sensual side, always in a classy way. Think of it like the 2011 version of Mad Men’s Joan Holloway. Probably you see yourself in this description!

Joan Holloway from AMC TV show 'Mad Men' played by Christina Hendricks

The chosen muse for this new fragrance is model Natalia Vodianova. “She has the the purity and grace of a new Eve. Her fragrance attires her, defines her, wraps her with sensuality. Without it, the muse would be naked”, as read on the official website.

Watch the new ad here…

Shalimar Parfum Initial is one of my summer fragrances, as I love how it lingers behind, continuing a beautiful silent conversation seconds after walking away. And one of you will have the chance of making it hers too as we are giving away a bottle of Shalimar Parfum Initial Eau de Parfum to one lucky winner. The contest is open to residents of Canada only. Here’s what you need to do:

1 – Be a fan member of Paperplanes.ca on Facebook.

2 – Answer the questions in the comments below: What’s the name of the character in the TV show Mad Men that wears Shalimar? (hint: she is mentioned in the post)

3- You have until August 8th, 2011 (11:59PM ET) to participate. Winner will be notified on Facebook.

Good luck!

Live. Laugh. Love.

M

N.B.: Shalimar Parfum Initial will be exclusively available at Guerlain boutiques (Montreal and Toronto) and The Bay as of August 15 and in all Guerlain counters as of September 15.

I N F O

The web: www.shalimar-initial.com

NDLR: After the racist verbal fiasco of Jean-Paul Guerlain last year, it honestly took me a while to decide to post this. Obviously, that statement put the company and the LVMH group in complete jeopardy, tarnishing its name and reputation. The statement, according to LVMH and to everyone was completely inadmissible. Mr. Guerlain did later apologize, taming the collective generated outcry from the black community in France and everyone else concerned. As it is an unwise man statement and not the company (Mr. Guerlain is no longer a shareholder nor paid member), I am now confortable to publish the post.

What’s your take on it all though?

;

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