Christian Dior Art De La Table Perfume Bottles 1988

In 1988, Christian Dior added a new line of home furnishings, known as the Art De La Table Collection. Included in the line were lovely crystal perfume bottles from Japan. These bottles were sold empty, and you would put your own perfume inside. The bottles were reminiscent of the 1920s and 1930s Art Deco style, and some have frosted glass stoppers, which someone might think they are by Lalique or Czechoslovakian in origin. These were made in homage to those elegant bottles. I am unsure which glassworks in Japan made these for Dior, though. I have noticed that some of the bottles and stoppers are interchanged.

• AC6617 Dior Bow Perfume Bottle.
• AC6618 Dior Rose
• AA6619 Elan
• Spring Violets
• Spring Rose
• AA6622 Spring Lilacs

Amphores Celestes Limited Edition Perfume Bottles c1997

In 1997, Christian Dior released a breathtaking limited edition collection known as Amphores Célestes — a true celebration of artistry and fragrance. This extraordinary set featured four of Dior’s most iconic perfumes, each encased in whimsical, amphora-shaped glass bottles designed by the renowned French designer Hervé Van der Straeten. His work brought a sculptural elegance to the bottles, evoking the grandeur of ancient vessels while maintaining a distinctly modern, playful spirit. Each bottle stood 18 cm tall, perched gracefully upon an elaborate, 36 cm high decorative display stand, creating an impressive, celestial-inspired presentation. Each bottle holds 45ml of Parfum.

The name Amphores Célestes, translating to Celestial Amphoras, captures the ethereal, otherworldly beauty of the set. Dior transformed four beloved fragrances into luminous, colorful works of art — each crowned with a stopper in a hue reflective of both the fragrance’s personality and the gemstone it embodies. Tendre Poison shimmered with a peridot green glass stopper, symbolizing freshness and vibrant allure. Dolce Vita, known for its sunny, joyful character, was crowned with a citrine yellow stopper, radiating warmth and happiness. The original Poison, bold and mysterious, was paired with a deep amethyst purple stopper, reflecting its dark, intoxicating charm. Lastly, Dune, Dior’s serene, sandy-rose fragrance, was adorned with a topaz pink stopper — a soft, sunset-like hue that echoed the fragrance’s calm, warm sophistication.

This limited-edition collection wasn’t merely about fragrance — it was a statement of luxury, creativity, and craftsmanship. The bottles, with their flowing curves and jewel-like stoppers, seemed to capture light within their delicate glass, embodying the essence of each scent in both form and color. The display stand further elevated the set, enhancing the visual impact and emphasizing the idea that these were no ordinary perfumes, but rather celestial treasures meant to be admired as much as worn.

Today, Amphores Célestes remains a highly sought-after collector’s piece — a testament to Dior’s ability to seamlessly blend perfumery with high art, making the invisible world of scent tangible, radiant, and unforgettable.

 

Hypnotic Poison Eau Secrete by Christian Dior c2013

Hypnotic Poison Eau Secrète by Christian Dior was introduced in January 2013 as a limited edition, continuing the legacy of the iconic Poison perfume line. This collection had already seen groundbreaking scents, from the intoxicating mystery of Poison (1985) to the fresh verdancy of Tendre Poison (1994) and the dark sensuality of Hypnotic Poison (1998). With Eau Secrète, Dior unveiled a new, lighter interpretation—one that retained the allure of its predecessors while revealing a more luminous and refined facet.

The name Hypnotic Poison Eau Secrète is of French origin, pronounced "oh sek-RET", translating to "Secret Water." This name suggests an air of mystery and intrigue, an elixir meant to be discovered, a whisper of seduction rather than a bold proclamation. The word Secrète conjures images of hidden desires, forbidden knowledge, and an enigmatic elegance—an invitation to experience something intimate and alluring, like a secret shared in hushed tones. It evokes emotions of curiosity, sophistication, and an irresistible pull toward the unknown, much like the scent itself.

Launched in the early 2010s, Eau Secrète emerged in a time of transition within the world of perfumery and fashion. The late 2000s and early 2010s were marked by a return to minimalism, following the opulence of the previous decades. In fashion, this was the era of sleek, modern silhouettes, with designers like Alexander Wang and Phoebe Philo at Celine championing effortless sophistication. Perfumery, too, saw a shift—while heavy gourmand and oriental fragrances remained popular, there was a growing demand for lighter, fresher interpretations of traditionally deep and intense compositions. Eau Secrète reflected this movement, offering a delicate yet captivating alternative to the richer, more enveloping Hypnotic Poison.

Miss Dior by Christian Dior c1947

Christian Dior launched "Miss Dior" in 1947, a pivotal period in post-World War II Europe and in the world of haute couture. Dior had just introduced his revolutionary "New Look" collection, which redefined fashion with its luxurious fabrics and feminine silhouettes, marking a return to elegance after the austerity of the war years. This era saw Paris reclaiming its status as the center of fashion innovation, with Dior at its forefront.

Dior chose "Miss Dior" as his debut fragrance for several compelling reasons. Firstly, the name itself reflected Dior's personal touch and his admiration for British culture, as it was a tribute to his younger sister, Catherine. This personal connection infused the fragrance with a sense of familial warmth and charm, appealing to consumers looking for sophistication and a hint of personal narrative in their perfume choices.

"Miss Dior" was also a strategic choice in line with Dior's branding strategy. By incorporating his name into the fragrance title, Dior aimed to create a cohesive brand identity across his fashion and perfume lines, reinforcing his vision of timeless elegance and luxury. The name evoked images of youthful sophistication and refinement, qualities that resonated deeply with the aspirations of post-war women eager to embrace beauty and grace amidst recovery.

Hypnotic Poison Eau Sensuelle by Christian Dior c2010

Launched in 2010, Hypnotic Poison Eau Sensuelle was a continuation of Christian Dior’s legendary Poison perfume line, following the groundbreaking Poison (1985), the fresh and green Tendre Poison (1994), and the darkly seductive Hypnotic Poison (1998). Each fragrance in the Poison collection evoked a different facet of temptation and allure, and Hypnotic Poison Eau Sensuelle introduced a new interpretation—one that was lighter, more luminous, and subtly sensual.

The name itself, Hypnotic Poison Eau Sensuelle, is rich with meaning. Hypnotic suggests an intoxicating, almost spellbinding effect—a fragrance that lures the senses into a dreamy, seductive haze. Poison reinforces the fragrance’s dangerous appeal, a scent so alluring that it feels almost forbidden. The addition of Eau Sensuelle softens the edge, evoking images of fluid femininity, warm skin, and delicate intimacy. It suggests something more tactile, warm, and intimately alluring, a fragrance meant to be experienced like a caress rather than an overpowering force.

The year 2010 marked the beginning of a shift in perfumery and fashion. The bold, gourmand-heavy scents of the early 2000s, dominated by intense vanilla, caramel, and synthetic sweetness, were gradually giving way to softer, more luminous florals with warm, skin-like undertones. The era saw a resurgence of sensual femininity, moving away from the overtly sweet and playful gourmand scents that had defined the previous decade. Delicate floral compositions, musky warmth, and luminous citrus accords became increasingly popular.

Midnight Poison by Christian Dior c2007

Launched in 2007, Midnight Poison was a continuation of Dior’s legendary Poison line, following the iconic Poison (1985), Tendre Poison (1994), Hypnotic Poison (1998), and Pure Poison (2004). Each fragrance in the Poison series was designed to evoke mystique, power, and sensuality, and Midnight Poison was no exception. The name itself—Midnight Poison—carries a sense of intrigue, danger, and transformation. The word midnight suggests the mystical hours between day and night, a time of secrets, seduction, and perhaps even magic. Poison, a signature element in Dior’s fragrance branding, conveys an intoxicating, almost forbidden allure. Together, Midnight Poison evokes the image of a dark, mysterious woman who moves through the night with confidence and an air of danger, leaving an unforgettable impression.

The early 2000s, particularly the mid-to-late decade, was a time of dramatic transformations in both fashion and perfumery. This period saw the rise of gothic glamour, neo-baroque opulence, and a fascination with fairy tales and dark romance, all of which aligned with the aesthetics of Midnight Poison. The late 2000s were also marked by a shift from the ultra-feminine, gourmand-heavy fragrances of the late 1990s and early 2000s—such as Thierry Mugler’s Angel, Britney Spears' Fantasy, and Lancome’s Hypnôse—toward darker, more mysterious compositions. The influence of films like Tim Burton’s gothic reimaginings, the Twilight phenomenon, and historical dramas with lavish costumes fed into a cultural moment that celebrated the darkly romantic and the enchantingly sinister.

Jules by Christian Dior c1980

Jules by Christian Dior: launched in 1980.