What came first – the Guerlain or the Keiko?
by jrd4t on Apr.13, 2010, under Everything Else Fragranced, Fragrance Bottle Photos, Fragrance Industry News
One of these is not like the other. Wait, yes it is. As I was arranging things and moving things about this evening, I noticed that the older style bottle for Keiko Mecheri (Oliban in this case) was very similar to the bottle used by Guerlain for a number of their scents. Wait, not similar… the same. Exactly the same. So I get that a lot of smaller perfumers use pre-made bottles, but I would hardly consider Guerlain a “small perfumer.” I wouldn’t think Keiko is either. I can assume that it’s an off-the-shelf bottle that some glass company had and they both opted for, but I really would expect Guerlain to do something a bit more custom, especially considering the exorbitant price one must pay for their scents in those bottles.
What struck me as sad as I was formatting these pics was how much has been used of the bottles. Oh, bottles, why can’t you refill yourselves? 
April 16th, 2010 on 7:58 pm
I remember reading on NowSmellThis back in 2005 that Keiko Mecheri sold this bottle design to Guerlain. Keiko FTW !
Check the comments in these 2 posts:
http://www.nstperfume.com/2005/12/07/fragrance-review-osmanthus-by-keiko-mecheri/
http://www.nstperfume.com/2005/12/13/cuir-beluga-rose-barbare-angelique-noire-guerlain-lart-et-la-matiere/
April 17th, 2010 on 10:01 am
Wow! Thanks for clearing that up for me
I guess I should have done my research better!
April 18th, 2010 on 4:11 am
Interesting observation.
I wanted to add that I have noticed also that Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier’s new bottles look similar to those of some Crabtree & Evelyn fragrances.
Compare new Santal Noble with Sienna.
April 18th, 2010 on 10:25 am
You’re totally right. I just googled it and there’s no doubt – same bottle. I wonder if they sold some design rights when they were having some financial issues.
April 19th, 2010 on 3:53 am
I love these pictures! Beautifully done, especially the middle photo. The bottles are gorgeously (and romantically) lit. It makes me want all three, standing together on a shelf just like that.
You’re working magic with your new camera (you did mention that you got a new camera, right?).
April 19th, 2010 on 8:39 am
Thanks Nathan for the compliment!
I’m still wanting to start doing cool setups like you do rather than just in a light box and using some colored gels. I only have a normal lens for the camera now, so a replacement macro is definitely needed!