THE SECRET of the BLACK ORCHID
Vogue Singapore|November/December 2022
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
THE SECRET of the BLACK ORCHID

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.

This story is from the November/December 2022 edition of Vogue Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November/December 2022 edition of Vogue Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM VOGUE SINGAPOREView All
Mythic ROMANCE
Vogue Singapore

Mythic ROMANCE

Dior's Cruise 2025 collection transports us to the enchanting landscapes of Scotland, blending romantic narratives with modern allure.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
AN ASYLUM
Vogue Singapore

AN ASYLUM

Co-founders Jaren Neo and Becky Ng speak to Vogue Singapore on the driving force behind their label, its in-house residency programme and their hopes for a more supportive creative ecosystem.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Metropolis of IMAGINATION
Vogue Singapore

Metropolis of IMAGINATION

Moncler debuts The City of Genius in Shanghai, a bold celebration of creativity featuring an eclectic line-up of visionary co-creators.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
STANDING Tall
Vogue Singapore

STANDING Tall

The Louis Vuitton Cruise 2025 collection was an exploration of postmodern architecture and the future through sharp tailoring, romantic draping and ornamental detailing.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
WATERWORKS
Vogue Singapore

WATERWORKS

In an era of power showers, cold plunges and #Shower Tok, there's still merit to be found in slowing down for the age-old ritual of bathing.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Genetic MAKE-UP
Vogue Singapore

Genetic MAKE-UP

Digital filters, but with real-life consequences. Vogue Singapore considers the implications behind a new generation of parents choosing to edit pictures of their children.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
First CLASS
Vogue Singapore

First CLASS

Education is the most powerful weapon, a noble pursuit that these three watches and jewellery brands have embarked on with different approaches.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
A New FRONTIER
Vogue Singapore

A New FRONTIER

The nearly two-century-old watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre has crafted its first olfactive identity courtesy of perfumer Nicolas Bonneville.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
House PROUD
Vogue Singapore

House PROUD

Two symbolic homes come together in Louis Vuitton's latest haute horlogerie creation: a pocket watch that honours its historic trunk manufacture in Asnières and its cutting-edge watchmaking facility in Geneva.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Kindred SPIRITS
Vogue Singapore

Kindred SPIRITS

After years of living in the shadow of a traumatic family secret, Preeti and Sellam Nair have arrived at a new lease of life where hopes and dreams thrive alongside their mother-daughter bond.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024