THE SECRET of the BLACK ORCHID

An ode to science, sustainability and craftsmanship, Guerlain unveils its Orchidée Impériale Black cream in its most luxurious vessel yet: a gold-leaf embellished jar created in collaboration with French porcelain manufacturer Maison Bernardaud and Chinese artist Li Hongbo.

- MAYA MENON

Rare, resilient, extraordinary: such are the words used to describe the black orchid, otherwise known as the Cycnoches cooperi. Native to the Peruvian Andes, the 50cm plant’s flower boasts midnight petals and golden edges. Its most distinct feature, however, remains the curved shape—or ‘swan’s neck’—of its bloom, which comes to life for three weeks despite harsh conditions such as sparse sunlight, high altitudes and relentless heat. Embodying this very strength and self-preservation is the 194-year-old skincare, make-up and fragrance house, Guerlain.

A maison steeped in history and innovation Founded in 1828 by chemist and perfumer Pierre-François-Pascal Guerlain, the brand’s widespread acclaim is often attributed to its founder’s matrimonial gift to France’s first president Napoleon III and his wife, Empress Eugénie. Named Eau de Cologne Impériale, the complex fragrance—a fresh blend of lemon, bergamot, neroli and petitgrain—was housed in an equally remarkable bottle. Today, it is recognised by its constellation of 69 bees in tribute to the French empire.