Le Grand musee du Parfum, Nov Paris letter, Miss Dior

Last Sunday I finally went to the new Le Grand musee du Parfum at 73, rue faubourg St.-Honoré.

Definitely a don't-miss visit if you love French perfume.

A sensory immersion discovering how and why we love perfume

Displays of celebrities from the past who influenced perfume makers and trends.

My fav, the old graphics from past French brands and bottles.

Historic illustrations of 18th century miniature perfume flacons

Currently on a show of legendary perfume bottles by designer Pierre Dinard plus the stories/sketches behind each bottle. Who knew that the red inari bottle specially designed (and rejected by Kenzo) would become the adored and celebrated Opium perfume bottle of YSL? Many secrets of the perfume trade revealed.

On the main floor two glorious shops, one for perfume books

The other a splendid cornucopia of the best French perfumes

You can test out

As you wish.

For men too...try out Boucheron's famous and costly Jar scent.

Your ticket to Le Grand musee du Parfum includes a chance to partake of atelier classes. Book online.

Leaving the museum, I waltzed down rue Saint Homoré, a string of perfume shops looking for ideas for the November Paris letter.

Inside Galignani book store, inspiration and the solution. Why not focus on Miss Dior perfume, this year celebrating its 70th anniversary?

Just across rue de Rivoli and a few blocks down a quickish run back into the Dior exhibit at musee des arts Decoratifs, (still madly mobbed and free on the first Sunday of the month).

A look again at the 'Miss Dior' flowered dress.

More Paris letter inspiration from Dior's favorite illustrator, Rene Gruau...(and mine too) with his wonderfully fluid, black ink lines.

Miss Dior perfume first appeared in 1947, capturing othe essence of maison Dior and became the fragrance of haute couture. It was named after Dior's beloved sister, Catherine, a representative of cut flowers at les Halles (mandataire en fleurs coupée) flowers she grew in Provence. Legend has it when Catherine burst into the salon unexpectedly, Dior's muse called out,

"Ah, here's Miss Dior!"

Chrisitan replied,"Miss Dior, now there's a name for my perfume!" 

FYI Miss Dior is sprinkled daily in the 30 Avenue Montaigne salon.

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There's a new bonus watercolor - a Miss Dior bottle with your name on it!

Bonne week-end PBers.