Art of Perfume: Discovering and Collecting Perfume Bottles

by Christie Mayer Lefkowith

Although bottles specially made to contain perfume have been used since antiquity, in modern times their designs have become as varied and original as the exotic scents they contain. Their history in the twentieth century has been marked by the development of elaborate boxes, labels, ribbons, and medallions. The product of modern marketing--an attempt to create a personality for each perfume with its own distinctive name--perfume bottles have been the work of some of the century's finest designers. This lavishly illustrated survey presents some of the most striking designs, outlines the historical and social background to their creation, and reflects the talents of leading designers such as Rene Lalique, Lucien Gaillard, and Julien Viard, as well as glassmakers including Baccarat, Depinoix, Brosse, and Lalique. Inspired creations resulting from close collaborations are also explored, such as between Paul Poiret--the first couturier to introduce his own perfumes--and his artist friends, among them Paul Iribe and Georges Lepape; or Elsa Schiaparelli and the Surrealist painter Salvador Dali. A passionate collector of perfume bottles, the author has made a detailed study of company records, trade journals, and other archival material. She has also interviewed leading figures in the perfume industry, their associates, or their surviving relatives. With its authoritative historical analysis, more than 200 illustrations in color, and a reference section listing over 500 major perfumers, designers, and glassmakers, this book provides an indispensable record for collectors and designers alike.

Genres: Art

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Mystic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am still wondering how this book gave me such a reverence for perfume and the bottles. They're just containers right? This is what I once thought my goodness was I wrong. This book showed me perfume bottles so luxurious I considered them art. Some I saw as something ancient royals would drink out off! This book is a must have for any fan of bottled up sweat scents!

[Skye Pham · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who love perfume, like me. The more I read about scent, fragrance and perfume, the more I am in love with it. There is always an art behind every bottle of perfume.
Someone said: Tell me what perfume she uses, I will tell you who she is.
It is totally true, trust me.
Marilyn Monroe said: the only thing she wore to bed is Channel no5.
Do you know why they call the most famous brand of Channel 'Channel No5'?

[Jo Lin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me appreciate that perfume bottles used to be an art form, and how sadly industrial/nondescript perfume bottles are today.