Perfumes

Fragrances have the power to incite raw human emotion and can captivate, even intoxicate. Designer perfumes have olfactory notes that evoke a sense of nature's landscapes, like a wildflower-strewn prairie or baskets of spices on display at an exotic public market. With a spritz or splash, one is transported through time, place, and even memory.

Among the world’s most notable fragrances is Chanel No. 5, originally created by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in 1921. The stock and custom creations of the House of Creed are also prized for their notoriety and beautiful fragrance. Notably, the House of Creed’s signature Fleurissimo scent was commissioned by Prince Rainier of Monaco for his bride, actress Grace Kelly, to wear on their wedding day.

Complex blends of ingredients such as musk, citrus peel, and ginger are crafted by the leading noses of the world’s most storied ateliers and have an undying appeal, always blooming at auction.

Quick Facts

• According to Guinness World Records, the world's most expensive perfume is designer Clive Christian's limited edition No. 1, which has a staggering $250,000 price tag
• Full, partially filled, and even empty early 20th century Art Deco perfume bottles by celebrated French glass designer René Lalique often sell in the five-figure range at auction
• At the International Perfume Perfume Bottle Association's 2013 convention auction, a 1920s miniature wood, silk-lined Victrola cabinet with 27 blown glass perfume bottles sold for $9,600