This week we're taking a fascinating journey into the world of vintage perfumes, where the allure lies not only in their timeless scents but also in the artistry of their bottles.

 THE ALLURE OF VINTAGE SCENTS:

Vintage perfumes are more than just fragrances; they are a portal to the past. By choosing a vintage scent, you're experiencing the fragrance in its original, unaltered glory. It's a journey back in time to when scents were created without the constraints of modern regulations.

 WHERE TO FIND THESE AROMATIC ANTIQUES

• French Flea Markets or Antique Fairs: A personal favorite for uncovering olfactory treasures. Each bottle found here has a story, a piece of history waiting to be rediscovered.

• Online Platforms like eBay or Etsy: Convenient for those who prefer to explore from home. Remember to check the authenticity and reputation of sellers when searching for these hidden gems.

• Online Auctions: Catawiki often has rare scented treasures and all items are authenticated before going on sale.

• Specialised Perfume Shops: Occasionally, you'll find shops dedicated to vintage and rare perfumes. They're worth the hunt for their curated collections.

• Brocantes or Vintage Shops: I've found a few treasures in the last few years hidden amongst the dining chairs and crockery, so dig deep!

THE ARTISTRY OF VINTAGE BOTTLES:

Vintage perfume bottles are a testament to an era where craftsmanship was paramount. Some of these bottles, designed by master artists like Lalique or Baccarat, are stunning pieces of glass art. They're not just containers; they're a piece of history, reflecting the elegance and intention of their time.

 BEYOND SCENT: A COLLECTOR’S DREAM

• Lalique and Baccarat Bottles: If you're lucky enough to come across a vintage perfume bottle from Lalique or Baccarat, you've found something truly special. These aren't just bottles; they're masterpieces of glasswork, highly collectible and often valuable.

• Investment Potential: While we cherish vintage perfumes for their original scents, let's not overlook the investment aspect. A well-preserved bottle from a renowned maker or a sought-after fragrance can be a wise addition to any collection, increasing in value over time.

• Thoughtful Craftsmanship: Back in the day, perfume bottles were created with as much thought and intention as the scents they contained. They weren't churned out in mass production but were designed to be meaningful and unique - a far cry from today's often cheap and meaningless perfume bottles.

THE PEOPLE I MEET IN FRANCE

Prepare to be amazed as I take you on a tour of one of the most extensive collections of perfume bottles I've ever encountered. Our story begins with a spontaneous trip to an antique fair in France, leading to a breathtaking discovery: André's extraordinary collection of 13,000 fragrance flacons. This video offers a rare glimpse into André's world, where decades of dedication to collecting have culminated in a truly remarkable assemblage of perfume bottles, each with its own history and allure

Meet the Man with 13,000 Perfume Bottles

I interviewed André for my book, “Fragrance is my Favourite F-Word”, where you can see images of some his rarer fragrance flacons…

A PERSONAL ANECDOTE: THE THRILL OF THE VINTAGE HUNT

This personal story encapsulates the thrill of vintage perfume hunting. On one of my excursions, I stumbled upon a Lalique 'L'Air du Temps' bottle, a true gem in the world of perfumery. What made this find extraordinary wasn't just the bottle's exquisite design but the price – a mere €1. Upon researching its value, I was astounded to discover it was worth over €150! This experience was a stark reminder of the hidden treasures lying in wait for those willing to explore. It's not just about the financial value, but the excitement of uncovering a piece of history, a fragment of artistry lost in time, for the price of a morning coffee.

So, as you embark on your own journey through the aromatic alleys of vintage perfumes, keep your eyes peeled. You never know when you might uncover your own Lalique for a euro! Happy hunting!

FYI: The above images of vintage bottles, are the TIP OF THE ICEBERG! I now have over 1200 bottles in my collection at the Scent Studio, so if you visit us one day, you can peruse at your leisure with glass or two of bubbles..!

Remember, vintage perfumes are not just scents; they're stories in a bottle, waiting to be rediscovered and cherished once again.

Until our next scented sojourn,

Fragrantly yours,