Un Certain Été à Livadia by Baccarat c1999

"Un Certain Été à Livadia" by Baccarat, introduced in 1999, is a fragrance that captures the essence of a specific summer in Livadia. Created by the talented perfumer Christine Nagel, this scent is part of Baccarat's trilogy known as "Les Contes d'Ailleurs" (Tales from Elsewhere), which began with "Une Nuit Etoilée au Bengale" (A Starry Night in Bengal) in 1997 and continued with "Les Larmes sacrées de Thebes" (The Sacred Tears of Thebes) in 1998.

Each fragrance in this trilogy aims to transport wearers to exotic locales through olfactory storytelling. "Un Certain Été à Livadia" paints a picture of a particular summer in Livadia, evoking imagery of warmth, sunshine, and perhaps even hints of mystery or romance associated with this unique setting. With its blend of notes carefully crafted by Nagel, it offers wearers an olfactory journey that is both intriguing and memorable, adding to the allure of Baccarat's perfume offerings.

"Un Certain Été à Livadia" by Baccarat is not only a fragrance but a limited edition masterpiece, with only 1500 bottles ever produced. Its name, meaning "A Certain Summer in Livadia," draws from the historical significance of the 1945 Yalta Conference held in Livadia Palace, Crimea. This conference brought together the leaders of the Big Three - Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin - to negotiate the post-war reconstruction of Europe.

Livadia Palace, nestled on the shores of the Black Sea, holds a rich history. Once a residence of the Russian czars, it later fell into the hands of the Bolsheviks and now stands as a museum. The inspiration for the scent comes from the enchanting rose gardens that grace the palace grounds, offering a sensory journey into the lush beauty of Livadia.

Crafted by perfumer Christine Nagel, "Un Certain Été à Livadia" encapsulates the essence of that specific summer, combining notes that evoke warmth, romance, and perhaps even a touch of intrigue. With its limited edition status and historical inspiration, this fragrance becomes not just a perfume but a cherished collector's item, allowing wearers to experience a piece of history and the timeless allure of Livadia Palace's rose gardens.

Awarded Scent:

"Un Certain Été à Livadia" by Baccarat, crafted by perfumer Christine Nagel, achieved significant recognition in the fragrance world. In 1999, it was honored with the prestigious title of Best Perfume of the Year, a testament to Nagel's exceptional talent and artistry in perfumery. This accolade was bestowed upon her work by a distinguished jury of French journalists, according to archival information from her mentor, Jean-Claude Ellena.

The award not only highlights Nagel's mastery in creating captivating scents but also underscores the unique and captivating nature of "Un Certain Été à Livadia." Its blend of notes, inspired by the lush rose gardens of Livadia Palace and evoking the ambiance of the historic Yalta Conference, captured the hearts and imaginations of fragrance enthusiasts and critics alike. This recognition solidifies the perfume's place as a masterpiece in the world of perfumery, showcasing Nagel's talent and creativity at its finest.

 

 

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral woody musk fragrance for women. 

• Top notes: citrus notes, coriander, mandarin
• Middle notes: seringat, mock-orange, jasmine absolute, liatrix absolute, iris, rockrose absolute
• Base notes: musk, cedar, vanilla 

"Un Certain Été à Livadia" is a captivating floral woody musk fragrance designed for women, with a scent that intricately weaves together various notes to create a truly enchanting olfactory experience.

At its heart lies the essence of fresh blooming seringat, also known as Philadelphus or "jasmin des poètes." This delicate flower emits a fragrance reminiscent of a blend between orange blossom and jasmine, adding a floral depth that is both refreshing and alluring. Surrounding this central note are complementary hesperidic notes of citrus, which introduce a bright and invigorating freshness to the fragrance.

As the scent develops, the middle notes reveal a rich bouquet of jasmine absolute, mock-orange, liatrix absolute, iris, and rockrose absolute, further enhancing the floral complexity and adding layers of depth and sophistication.

The base notes anchor the fragrance with a soft, enveloping musk accord, providing a subtle yet sensual warmth that lingers on the skin. This base is enriched with hints of cedar and vanilla, adding a touch of earthiness and sweetness that beautifully complements the floral and citrusy facets of the perfume.

Notably, "Un Certain Été à Livadia" contains a proportion of pure musk that is reported to be unprecedented in its usage, contributing to its unique character and long-lasting appeal. The result is a fragrance that is elegant, feminine, and utterly captivating, evoking the essence of a certain summer in Livadia with every spritz.

Bottle:

The bottle of "Un Certain Été à Livadia" is not merely a vessel for the fragrance but a work of art in its own right, designed by Federico Restrepo and produced by the esteemed Baccarat. Resting on a clear crystal tripod stand, adorned with intricate star motifs, the bottle is a sight to behold. The name of the perfume, rendered in elegant Russian Cyrillic script ""ОДНАЖДЫ ЛЕТОМ В ЛИВАДИИ"" (meaning "Once Upon a Summer in Livadia"), is delicately printed in 24kt gold serigraphy across the arch of the stand, adding a touch of opulence and mystique.

The ruby red glass bottle, nestled within the tripod, is a true gem. Its vibrant hue evokes the richness of summer sunsets, while the swirled emerald green glass stopper, reminiscent of the onion-shaped domes of Russian Orthodox churches, adds a captivating contrast. Atop the stopper sits a striking 24kt gold plated metal monstrance cross, serving as a finial and infusing the design with an aura of divine elegance.

With a capacity of one ounce of parfum, the bottle is as precious as its contents. Its dimensions of 4.75 inches in height and 6.25 inches in diameter (12.1 x 15.9 cm) make it a statement piece worthy of display. This exquisite creation, with its meticulous craftsmanship and luxurious details, commands attention and admiration.

Originally retailing for $1,200 USD, the "Un Certain Été à Livadia" perfume bottle is not only a collector's item but a symbol of indulgence and sophistication, embodying the essence of luxury and allure.

Fate of the Fragrance:

As production of "Un Certain Été à Livadia" was limited to just 1500 bottles, once the last bottle was filled, the production ceased entirely. This discontinuation has rendered the perfume a highly sought-after and rare gem among collectors, who prize it not solely for its captivating scent but also for its exquisite flacon and presentation.

Each bottle of "Un Certain Été à Livadia" represents a unique piece of olfactory artistry, housed within a meticulously crafted vessel designed to evoke the opulence and allure of Livadia Palace and the historic Yalta Conference. The rarity of this fragrance, coupled with its limited availability and the artistry involved in its creation, elevates its status in the world of perfume collecting.

Collectors covet "Un Certain Été à Livadia" not only for its fragrance but also for its status as a coveted collector's item, symbolizing luxury, exclusivity, and refinement. Its scarcity ensures that each bottle becomes a cherished possession, a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that went into its creation.

For perfume enthusiasts and collectors alike, "Un Certain Été à Livadia" represents not only a fragrance but a piece of history and a symbol of indulgence and luxury. Its rarity and allure continue to captivate and fascinate, making it a prized addition to any perfume collection.