World's most extraordinary perfumes

If you’re the kind who looks for exclusivity down to the last detail, you’re probably not going to settle for just any airport duty free perfume. We present a list of luxe fragrances, which feature scents known for their distinctive blends and exquisitely crafted flacons -- the fancy French word for a small stoppered bottle, essentially.

 

Roja Diaghilev Pure Parfum

Both the scent and the bottle are heavily influenced by Russian ballet culture. It’s named after Serge Diaghilev, founder of the Ballets Russes. The blend of floral (rose de mai and jasmine), citrus (bergamot, orange and lemon) and earthy (vetiver and oak moss) notes in the perfume are inspired by the scent that Diaghilev sprayed on the curtains before a performance. This limited edition bottle also has a glittering Fabergé Oeuf Duchess Blanc that reflects the grandeur of the Russian royal court.

 

Lallique Sillage 2012 Flacon Collection Limited Edition Pure Parfum

A rich bouquet of Bulgarian sweet rose, jasmine, clove flower and powder iris serves as the welcoming party to a heavier fruity palate of leaves of blackcurrant, wild blackberries and pears. The unique bottle was crafted to celebrate 20 years of Lalique in perfume. The crystal flacon features a statement stopper, inspired by a tiara with the perfume’s floral bouquet carved into its centre.  

 

Clive Christian No1 Imperial Jubilee Concentrated Perfume Spray

With the No1 Imperial Jubile Clive Christian pays homage to sixty years of British sovereign Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. Self proclaimed as "the world's most expensive perfume", it is a highly concentrated blend with fruity citrus top, Middle Eastern centre and a rich woody base. A little of this goes a long way.

 

Guerlain, The Bee With Silver Wings or L’Abeille Pure Parfum

Guerlain’s L’Abeille bottle has been envisioned by jewellery designer Lorenz Bäume. A hand blown crystal sculpture forms the bee’s body and faceted wings envelop the sides. Not surprisingly, the fragrance formulated by the legendary nose of Thierry Wasser is built around honey. The intense blend stops just short of being too syrupy sweet.

 

Grossmith Baccarat Pure Parfum

Grossmith have re-launched their original Baccarat bottles from 1919, only this time they’re etched with pure gold. The flacons hold perfume extracts, the purest form of a fragrance, of their most popular blends Hasu-no-Hana (the scent of the Japanese lotus lily), Shem-el-Nessim (a soft, powdery, floral scent) and Phul-Nana (based on a herb and flower garden).

 

Robert Piguet Limited Edition Visa de Robert Liter Parfum

This perfume claims to be “mysterious and oriental” but there’s no clear indication of that in its notes. The top note is straightforward white peach with pear and bergamot followed by a floral heart that rest on an unusual base of vanilla, patchouli and leather. The bottle is no less than a jewel; it’s swathed from top to bottom in Swarovski crystals.