Fragrance News: Marie-Antoinette's Perfume To Be Released in June & July 2006
Following its success as well as repeated requests from the public, a recreation of Marie Antoinette's fragrance by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian from Quest International called M.A. Sillage de la Reine (Marie-Antoinette The Queen's Silage) will be more widely available in June and July 2006. It was first created in January 2005 and offered to a select group of people at a party at Versailles on the occasion of the publication of a book on the original 18th century author of the perfume. It was also sold to some patrons in 2005 but at a very high price, around $2500. This perfume was originally composed by one of the perfumers of Marie Antoinette (Houbigant was one of them) called Jean-Louis Fargeon. It was originally named Trianon.
Elisabeth de Feydeau, a French perfume historian, has written this book focusing on the details of the relationship developed between Marie-Antoinette and Jean-Louis Fargeon. Her book has recently been translated into English in Great-Britain under the title, A Scented Palace: The Secret History of Marie-Antoinette's Perfumer and is available here. It will also be available on Amazon, here in the US, starting June 22; you can place pre-orders now.
One day, Marie-Antoinette asked Fargeon to come meet her at Trianon and showing him around she requested from him a perfume that would capture the charm of her beloved retreat. Later, Fargeon was to see her just before she attempted to escape from France through Varenne. He tells us that on the day of his last visit to her and as a sort of premonitory sign of her impending demise, the queen seemed to smell more strongly and almost sickeningly so of the tuberose found in her perfume Trianon
Elisabeth de Feydeau says that the perfume unleashes unknown emotions in people, something qualitatively different from what you experience with contemporary perfumes.
Le Sillage de la Reine has been recreated using 18th century techniques and 100% natural essences. Its notes include orris, rose, jasmine, tuberose, orange blossom, cedar wood, sandalwood, Tonkin musc and ambergris. 10 prestige copies of it, bottled in Baccarat crystal bottles will be available in June; the price has not been divulged. In July, 1000 limited editions copies will be released in crystal bottles made at the crystal manufacturies of Portieux (founded by Marie-Antoinette's grand-father) and will be available for between 300-400 Euros for a bottle of 25 ml. You can reserve a bottle of M.A. Sillage de la Reine here. Proceeds will go towards the remodeling of parts of the palace that were historically linked with Marie-Antoinette.
Visitors to Versailles can currently smell the queen's perfume in Marie-Antoinette's bathroom through June 2006.
Photos are from the Château de Versailles and Osmoz.
Previous Posts in Fragrance News:
Fragrance News: A New Lanvin Perfume for Women & Other Fragrances
Fragrance News: Sous le Vent by Guerlain, Now Available.
Fragrance News: Montana 3 Moods, Boss, Cartier, Lacoste, Montblanc, Miyake
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Comments
Thanks for the tip on the book! I can't wait 'til it comes out here in the States. I think it will prove to be a very fun read (well, except presumably at the end, that is, given who the lady is.) It's also up on the US Amazon site, for anyone else who wants it, too? Its ISBN is 1845111893.
Wowza on that price. Even the smaller bottles are priced rather exclusively. I hope I do not somehow come to long for it after reading the book :(
Posted by: Katie | May 17, 2006
Thanks for the info. I'll add the link to my post. I missed it on the US site because I was looking for Fargeon and it doesn't come up under this name. You'll just have to wait until June 22:)
Posted by: Mimi Froufrou | May 17, 2006
I wonder who arranged for the installation of the scent in her bathroom? That's a wonderful idea. I shall have to control myself and not order this exorbitantly expensive scent no matter how I do love history.
Posted by: Cait | May 19, 2006
A conservationist with vision:)
She is now considered to be the other charismatic inhabitant of Versailles, other than the Sun King. She is very much back into favor with the French; it is an interesting evolution.
I am very tempted myself; for the moment being, I have *suggested* to my sister to go sniff it and report back, that is, if she finds the time.
Posted by: Mimi | May 19, 2006
Dar Mr. Fargeon,
where can one buy the Fragrance "Siyour anllage d la rein"?
Thanks for the answer.
Faithfully
Andreas Sachse from Germany
Posted by: ANDREAS SAHSE | September 4, 2006
I would like to know where I can purchase the Perfume of Marie?
Thank you
Suzy Hicks,
Posted by: Suzy Hicks | October 23, 2006