Shalimar Parfum Initial
“Shalimar Parfum Initial by Guerlain is a Oriental Floral fragrance for women”
The Quick Read
Well loved by wearers — a vanilla, powdery composition with a citrus undertone. Voted best for fall and winter wear, leaning feminine.
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In 2011, Thierry Wasser set out to create a more accessible version of Shalimar for modern tastes. The result is Shalimar Parfum Initial — an Oriental Floral fragrance that retains the iconic core of bergamot, iris, and vanilla but with a lighter touch. This composition opens with bright citrus and green notes before leading into its heart of rose and jasmine, anchored by earthy vetiver and patchouli. The base layers in caramel and tonka bean for a sweet, powdery warmth that feels both familiar and fresh.
Thierry Wasser began this project after his niece expressed her love for Shalimar's scent while finding the original too heavy to wear daily. This new version is designed as a stepping stone — lighter and more transparent but still unmistakably Shalimar.
Composition & Character
How It Wears
Application Tips
This fragrance blooms best close to skin rather than in the air. One generous spray allows the citrus-green opening to mingle with the powdery base notes as they develop over time. Best worn during cooler hours when its warmth feels most inviting.
Thierry Wasser
Founding perfumer · 253 fragrances · French
Thierry Wasser is a contemporary perfumer who as of 2008 was appointed as the in-house perfumer of Guerlain. Prior to this he worked under the fragrance firms Firmenich and Givaudan.
Also created
Designer Guerlain
More from Guerlain
Edited by Scentsation Editorial
The story behind the bottle.
The transition from afternoon to early evening, when the sun's warmth is balanced by a gentle breeze and the air fills with subtle scents of vanilla and caramel.
Fig. 01 — Shalimar Parfum Initial, Guerlain
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