On December 11, 1996, Sephora opened the largest perfumery in the world on the iconic Champs-Élysées in Paris. This grand event marked a significant milestone in the world of fragrance and retail. To celebrate this monumental occasion, Sephora organized a spectacular all-night event on December 21, 1996, called "La Nuit du Parfum," coinciding with the longest night of the year. From 4:55 PM until sunrise at 8:44 AM the following day, the event was a tribute to the artistry of perfume, featuring a gathering of industry experts, designers, and perfumers who shared insights into their craft.
A highlight of the event was the exclusive release of a special edition fragrance, "Un jour le Parfum…Il Etait une nuit." Created specifically for this celebration, the perfume was a limited edition, with only 300 bottles produced. Each bottle was housed in an exquisite crystal flacon designed by the renowned designer Serge Mansau, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to the fragrance. The miniature bottles were distributed at Sephora stores, making them highly sought after and rare collectibles today.
The fragrance name "Un jour le Parfum…Il Etait une nuit" translates to "One Day the Perfume…It Was a Night" in English. This evocative title suggests a narrative or thematic connection to a particular moment or experience related to the night, aligning with the perfume’s celebration of the nocturnal hours and the special event held to mark its launch.
The name captures a sense of storytelling and mystery, reflecting the essence of the event it commemorates—an all-night celebration dedicated to perfume, held on the longest night of the year. It alludes to the notion of a memorable, almost mythical night associated with the fragrance, enhancing the allure and exclusivity of the scent.
Women's Wear Daily reported that the event was not only a grand occasion for attendees but also a globally connected experience, with live satellite broadcasts and Internet interactions allowing perfume enthusiasts worldwide to partake in the festivities. This unique blend of in-person and digital engagement underscored Sephora's innovative approach to celebrating perfume and its rich cultural significance.
Women's Wear Daily, 1996:
So what does it smell like? Unfortunately, I have no notes on the perfume's scent.
"Finally, Sephora is throwing an all-night bash dedicated to perfume on Dec. 21, the longest night of the year. The party, christened “La Nuit du Parfum,” will be at the store, and guests will include manufacturers, designers, perfumers and others from the industry. Many will discuss their role in the perfume process.
The event will be transmitted live by satellite to all Sephora stores, which also will stay open all night. Meanwhile, home computer owners will be able to communicate via Internet with the party guests.
A special edition fragrance called “Un jour le Parfum…Il Etait une nuit” was created for the party. A total of 300 bottles of the fragrance, each packaged in a crystal bottle designed by Serge Mansau, will be distributed in the perfumeries the night of the party."
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? Unfortunately, I have no notes on the perfume's scent.
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Bottles:
Two bottles were produced for this rare perfume, both designed by Serge Mansau..Miniature Edition:
The bottle designed by Serge Mansau for the special edition fragrance "Un jour le Parfum…Il Etait une nuit" is a striking example of elegance and sophistication. Standing at 9.5 cm in height, the bottle's design is both functional and artistic, capturing the essence of the fragrance it holds.
The belly of the glass bottle features a decorative motif of gold-colored stars, which glimmer against the clear glass, evoking a sense of nocturnal splendor and celestial beauty. This starry embellishment not only enhances the bottle's visual appeal but also reflects the theme of the event and the night sky on which the fragrance was inspired.
The stopper of the bottle is uniquely designed as clock hands depicting the time of eleven fifty-five p.m., symbolizing the precise moment when the fragrance was unveiled during the all-night celebration. This detail adds a layer of narrative and significance to the bottle, linking it directly to the event's theme of celebrating the night.
The bottle holds 10 ml of parfum, a testament to the exclusivity and luxury of the fragrance. The compact size of the bottle makes it a cherished collectible, enhancing its desirability among perfume enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Grand Luxe Edition:
The Grand Luxe Edition of "Un jour le Parfum…Il Etait une nuit" is a truly rare and opulent creation, limited to only 300 copies, making it a coveted item for collectors and perfume aficionados. Each set is meticulously presented in a luxurious wooden box, designed to evoke the grandeur of a vintage shipping trunk. The box itself is adorned with elegant labels and serves as a fitting introduction to the treasures contained within.
Inside, the fragrance is housed in a striking estagnon flacon of 150 ml, crafted from aluminum. This robust and sophisticated container reflects the premium nature of the perfume, ensuring both protection and an added layer of exclusivity. Complementing this is the "prestige" bottle, a masterpiece of design that merges functionality with artistry.
The prestige bottle is crafted from colorless glass and night blue glass, creating a captivating visual contrast. The colorless glass provides a clear view of the perfume inside, while the night blue glass represents the cosmic theme, adorned with hot-stamped gold detailing. This gold decoration forms a sphere embellished with stars and a cosmic view, tying into the fragrance's nocturnal inspiration. The bottle's stopper is a distinct element, designed to resemble two watch hands, symbolizing the moment of eleven fifty-five p.m., thus connecting the bottle to the event's theme.
Standing 12 cm high, the prestige bottle itself is a striking statement piece, both in its aesthetic appeal and its symbolic representation of time and the night sky. Each bottle is individually numbered, with this particular edition marked as 52/300, underscoring its exclusivity and adding a personalized touch to its luxurious presentation.
I have one of the smaller bottles in the dark blue box.
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