Cover G-Dragon revives Guerlain’s iconic Eau de Cologne Impériale perfume
G-Dragon revives Guerlain’s iconic Eau de Cologne Impériale perfume
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G-Dragon was presented with a bottle of Eau de Cologne Impériale by Guerlain at a birthday party following a concert in Newark, New Jersey.
When the nearly two-century-old Guerlain Eau de Cologne Impériale appeared in G-Dragon’s hands, the moment immediately went viral across social media. On one side was the fragrance that once captivated Empress Eugénie, embodying the luxury and refinement of 19th-century France; on the other stood the ‘King of K-pop’, G-Dragon, who has consistently set new standards in global music and fashion. That encounter not only revived the Bee Bottle legend but also highlighted the power of the meeting point between heritage and modern spirit.
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Heritage of nearly two centuries
Created in 1853, Pierre François Pascal Guerlain composed this fragrance for Empress Eugénie, wife of Emperor Napoleon III. From the very first moment, she was enchanted by the elegance and freshness of bergamot, lemon and petitgrain, carrying the crystalline breath of a Mediterranean garden at dawn. The next layer reveals the softness of neroli and rose, before settling into a warm, sumptuous base of musk, tonka bean and cedarwood, a structure that perfectly balances freshness and depth.
Above In 1853, Eau de Cologne Impériale was created by perfumer Pierre François Pascal Guerlain for Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III (photo: Guerlain)
Above The first Eau de Cologne bottle label design (photo: Guerlain)
In 1853, Eau de Cologne Impériale was created by perfumer Pierre François Pascal Guerlain for Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III (photo: Guerlain)
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It was this harmony that earned Pierre François Pascal Guerlain the title of ‘Perfumer to the Emperor’, marking the turning point that established Guerlain as France’s most luxurious symbol. After nearly two centuries, Eau de Cologne Impériale continues to be produced, inspiring later creations such as Eau de Fleurs de Cédrat and Eau de Guerlain. Each drop of fragrance not only preserves the grandeur of the 19th century but also affirms the enduring value of Guerlain’s legacy.
Iconic design
The design of Eau de Cologne Impériale in the Bee Bottle is a masterpiece of artistry, symbolism and master glassmaking. The bottle is made from transparent glass, with a long, cylindrical body, a slender neck and soft rounded shoulders, creating an impression of both elegance and strength. The entire surface is embossed with 69 tiny bees arranged in symmetrical rows. Each bee is engraved with precise detail, with wings, body and antennae catching the light from every angle.
The neck and stopper are hand-gilded, enhancing the sense of luxury and nobility. The rounded, dome-shaped cap is inspired by the royal crown and associated with the sacred bee motif, linked to the power of Emperor Napoleon III. In its high-end editions, artisans even personalise the Bee Bottle with the owner’s initials, hand-gilded in gold, making each one a unique work of art.
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Above On high-end versions, artisans also personalise Bee Bottles with the owner’s initials (photo: Guerlain)
Above Design of Eau de Cologne Impériale in the Bee Bottle (photo: Guerlain)
On high-end versions, artisans also personalise Bee Bottles with the owner’s initials (photo: Guerlain)
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Hints about the collaboration between Guerlain and G-Dragon
G-Dragon’s appearance with a one-of-a-kind Guerlain Eau de Cologne Impériale, engraved with his stage name ‘GD’ and the number 88 on the Bee Bottle, connects the charisma of a K-pop icon with the almost two-hundred-year legacy of French perfumery. The image positions Eau de Cologne Impériale not merely as a fragrance but as a witness to history, embodying longevity and timeless aesthetics. With G-Dragon, Guerlain’s golden bee emblem is reimagined, retaining its nobility while bursting with fresh vitality. All signs point to a historic collaboration, with G-Dragon as the perfect figure to carry Eau de Cologne Impériale to new heights on the global luxury stage.
Above G-Dragon with the gift of Eau de Cologne Impériale presented by Guerlain during his tour in Newark, New Jersey, on his birthday
Above The Guerlain Eau de Cologne Impériale bottle engraved with the name ‘GD’ and G-Dragon’s signature number 88
G-Dragon with the gift of Eau de Cologne Impériale presented by Guerlain during his tour in Newark, New Jersey, on his birthday
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