PERFUME OF THE WEEK: Guerlain celebrates 100 years of its iconic fragrance. It's an olfactory tale of great love.

Shalimar, the first amber fragrance in the history of perfumery, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Guerlain is unveiling Shalimar L'Essence, a new, intense version of the legend.

Some fragrances come and go with seasonal trends, but there are others that endure despite the passage of time. Shalimar by Guerlain definitely falls into the latter category. Created in 1925 by Jacques Guerlain, it made history as the first amber fragrance, becoming a symbol of sensuality and boldness. This year, Shalimar celebrates its 100th anniversary, and to mark the occasion, Guerlain has decided to present a new interpretation of the icon: Shalimar L'Essence .

"Wearing Shalimar is like letting your senses take over," Jacques Guerlain himself used to say.

Guerlain, a new take on the brand's iconic 1925 fragrance, Shalimar L'Essence License: Press Kit / Guerlain

Legend has it that the fragrance was inspired by the love story of Emperor Shahjahan for Princess Mumtaz Mahal , for whom the Taj Mahal temple in Agra and the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore were created. These gardens inspired the name and exotic accords. From the outset, Shalimar was distinguished by its boldness. In the 1920s, when its oriental, amber accord debuted, it revolutionized the world of perfume.

Photo from the advertising campaign for Guerlain's new fragrance, Shalimar. License: Press materials / Guerlain

The enduring legend of Shalimar rests on Guerlain's unique formula, known as Guerlinade . It's the house's signature fragrance, built on six ingredients: iris , jasmine , bergamot , rose , vanilla , and tonka bean . Vanilla takes center stage.

Advertising campaign for the new fragrance from Guerlain, SHALIMAR L'ESSENCE License: Press materials / Guerlain

The new edition of Shalimar L'Essence is a reinterpretation of the icon created by Guerlain perfumer Delphine Jelk . This time, the vanilla resonates in its fullest voice. On one side, we have natural Madagascar vanilla , and on the other, ethyl vanillin , which in Jacques Guerlain's original formula gave the fragrance depth. It is accompanied by powdery iris , rose absolute , and the discreet freshness of bergamot .

Guerlain also revamped the bottle . Inspired by the aesthetics of Art Deco (the era in which Shalimar was born), the design features a fresh, gold logo , reminiscent of the color of the elixir itself.

Price? 50 ml costs 609 PLN.