
SOPHISTICATED SHAPES OF PERFUMES
SOPHISTICATED SHAPES
OF PERFUMES
Interaction between design and perfumery
APRIL 2024 - SCENT

"Each bottle tells a story, reflecting the spirit of its time and the creativity of its designer."
Andrej Babicky
My passion for perfumes goes beyond the fragrances themselves: I am enchanted by the charm of the bottles. Between vintage markets and online auctions, I’m always looking for something truly unique. Bottles are not just containers but symbols of artistic expression and innovation in the perfume industry. Many have left an indelible mark on our memory, such as Lolita Lempicka’s whimsical apple-shaped design or Fendi’s signature Asja. Each bottle tells a story, reflecting the spirit of its time and the creativity of its designer. At the dawn of the twentieth century, as perfumery entered the era of industrialization, brands began to collaborate with artists to create bottles that were true works of art. Alphonse Mucha, Hector Guimard and René Lalique were among the artists enlisted to lend their talents to this undertaking. Renowned designers such as André Groult, Lucien Gaillard, Henri Hamm and Maurice Dépinoix also made significant contributions to the perfume industry, infusing their creations with the elegance and sophistication of the Art Deco and Art Nouveau movements.From intricate Art Nouveau designs to Viard’s innovative figured caps, each bottle is a testament to the marriage of art and perfume. And let’s not forget the role of glassmakers such as Baccarat and Brosse, who helped bring these designs to life with their mastery.
In the evolving landscape of perfume design, innovation and creativity continue to thrive, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity even with the pursuit of distinction. Just think of the bust-shaped bottle of Elsa Schiaparelli’s Shocking perfume, reminiscent of the curves of the provocative vamp Mae West. Moving forward in time, we encounter the bottles already known at the dressing tables of our mothers or grandmothers, many of which were made by Pierre Dinand. Whether it’s Calvin Klein’s Obsession, YSL’s Opium or Krizia’s Teatro alla Scala, these models are timeless classics.

And in today’s landscape?
Ciatu, a young Sicilian brand, blends tradition and modernity with handmade ceramic caps depicting Moor’s heads, evoking the island’s rich heritage and adding a touch of artisanal charm. Diletta Tonatto, of Turin-based Tonatto Profumi, captures the essence of Italian design in her fragrance EDI-Essenza Design Italiano. Created by Astrid Luglio, the bottle inspired by the shapes of the façade of the Palazzo dell’Arte, symbolizes craftsmanship and innovation, embodying the past and future of Italian design. EDI has been chosen by Chiara Alessi, curator of the contemporary section of the Triennale Design Museum 2018, to become an integral part of the eleventh edition of the Museum.
Xerjoff, known for its luxurious fragrances, embraces sophisticated elegance with clean-lined bottles and refined caps that reflect a charm that transcends trends. For Casamorati, the historic Bolognese brand, Xerjoff preserves the romantic aesthetics of Art Nouveau: a contemporary allure inspired by the past.


Filippo Sorcinelli, a multifaceted artist, elevates packaging to an art form. Its sculptural bottles for the “Memento” collection embody a spiritual journey, adorned with blessing hands that guide the wearer to an ethereal experience. The “Quando rapita in estasi” bottle from the “Unum” collection, on the other hand, tells the atmosphere of the opera stage of the 50s, evoking the essence of music and movement with the unforgettable figure of Callas. BORNTOSTANDOUT® revises the packaging with a minimalist and elegant design inspired by the Korean tradition. The white bottles, reminiscent of Okhochunbyeong porcelain, stand in stark contrast to their provocative fragrances, creating a captivating visual and olfactory experience.
Step Aboard redefines packaging with its innovative design inspired by spray paint cans, thus combining art, fashion and urban culture. Thanks to a continuous delivery system, the fragrance can be applied to the body and hair with a playful and dynamic approach.

Delving deeper into the evolution of perfume bottle design, it’s clear that brands like Ciatu, Tonatto Perfumes, Xerjoff, Casamorati, Filippo Sorcinelli, BORNTOSTANDOUT®, Step Aboard, and many others carry on this rich heritage with their unique and innovative approaches.
Fusing tradition and modernity, they continue to push the boundaries of design and market trends, creating bottles that transcend mere vessels and become works of art in their own right. They don’t just adapt to the Zeitgeist, they influence it. Their ability to capture the essence of our era, while pushing the boundaries of creativity, demonstrates their impact on the world of perfumery.
by Andrej Babicky
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