Guerlain Honours A Century Of Its Signature Fragrance, Shalimar
The world’s most revered scent, Shalimar celebrates its 100th Anniversary in Dubai
Iconic may be the beauty industry’s favourite adjective, but it rarely fits as flawlessly as it does here. Shalimar by Guerlain embodies the very essence of iconic: a global benchmark, timelessly revered and praised as one of perfumery’s most luminous masterpieces. A century after its creation, Shalimar remains a living legend.
Created by Jacques Guerlain in 1925, Shalimar quickly became an emblem of the Maison, its olfactory signature inspired by the legendary romance between Emperor Shâh Jahân and Princess Mumtaz Mahal in 17th-century India. Shalimar, meaning ‘temple of love’ in Sanskrit, was the name of the royal gardens the Shah created in Lahore as a testament to his devotion to the princess. After her tragic death, the inconsolable Shah commissioned the Taj Mahal, now one of the Seven Wonders of the World, as an eternal monument to her memory.
Revolutionary in its composition, Shalimar was the first fragrance to feature amber as a central note. It is also built upon the famed Guerlinade, the Maison’s signature of six iconic ingredients: vanilla, bergamot, tonka bean, iris, rose, and jasmine. Together, they create a scent that has transcended time, solidifying Shalimar’s place as a true legend in perfumery.
On November 25th, 2025, Guerlain Middle East hosted the 100 Years of Love anniversary with a star-studded celebration in Dubai, held at the MiMi Mei Fair in the Dubai Opera District. The evening was hosted by Master Perfumer Thierry Wasser alongside Regional Brand Ambassador and Yemeni-Emirati singer, Balqees Fathi, who welcomed an illustrious gathering that included Friends of the Maison and Guerlain Ambassadors Karen Wazen and Mohammed Hindash, as well as designer Nadine Kanso. The event also unveiled Shalimar L’Essence, a modern reinterpretation of the legendary scent and a declaration of love.
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