Coriolan, a 1998 fragrance release for men, has been reissued by Guerlain under the Les Parisiennes collection. Its new name: L’Ame d’un Héros.
Coriolan was originally named for the Roman general Coriolanus, and featured notes of lemon tree leaves, bergamot, juniper, coriander, nutmeg, ginger, oak moss, wood and everlasting flower. Although it was released as a men's fragrance, a Guerlain representative noted at the time that it was expected to do well with women as well ("Female buyers are asking us to put it on women's counters", Women's Wear Daily, 6/19/1998).
Guerlain L’Ame d’un Héros is available in 125 ml Eau de toilette in Guerlain's iconic bee bottle (€145). (via osmoz, cosmetiquemag.fr) Note that Coriolan can still be found online under its original name for around $25 for 100 ml.
Don't know the fragrance, as I don't do well with Guerlains, but I want the bottle. Beautiful.
The notes do sound very intriguing, which only goes to prove that they should indeed consider marketing this as unisex.
And the bottle, yes, please:)
It's unfortunate Coriolan had to be discontinued in the first place. I really liked it even though now that I think of it it wasn't very original – more of a sheer, modern interpretation of a classic herbaceous men's fragrance…
The original bottle had a very neat design, I think it was inspired by a gunpowder container (not sure about that though…). Somehow, it's hard for me to see it as a boutique fragrance… I will sure opt for the original bottle via eBay 😉
I always liked this one and could definitely see that some women would like to wear it. The original bottle was extraordinary and fashioned after a nineteenth century power horn. I agree with Ayala that it is hard to envision Coriolan as a boutique fragrance. Perhaps that's where all reissues are placed rather than investing in a splashy re-launch. The rationale might be that if you really liked Coriolan, you'll be willing to buy a large bottle at a higher price just to get it again.
All of the Les Parisiennes are being done in the bee bottle — just in case you decide you must have one 🙂
I've no idea if this was ever really popular w/ women or not. Of the men's Guerlain scents borrowed by women, would guess Vetiver ranks highest — but that's just a guess.
I like the original bottle too.
Check out the online discounters before eBay — the prices are so low it is hard to see how you could do any better!
No splashy relaunch, and if I remember correctly, all re-issued as limited editions, so no need for them to spend money promoting them.
Hello all,
I'm a bit shocked: they fill a fragrance, that needs no investment into development, into a precious looking bottle an sell it for that price?
I remember having flirted with it, thinking it was peppery and spicy but still quite transparent, that's years ago and I might have a different impression now. I liked it a lot but don't remember it being more expensive than other Guerlains. Even considering it's 120ml, or am I wrong?
Exactly — that is how the Les Parisiennes collection works. They bring back something discontinued and charge more for it than they used to. Presumably, long time fans who were missing their favorite will buy it, as will collectors. Everyone else can go on buying Coriolan at the discounters for $20 I guess.
I'm in no rush to buy this one.
I fell in love with Coriolan and for the past 3 years it's been one of my favorite. I'm a huge fan.
But now… Guerlain is bringing back basically the same old juice (give or take an ingredient or 10) for 3 times the price. How do you say “Money Grab” in French?
By the way… the Bee bottle was nice on their first 20 frags but for me it's getting a bit old.
Part of the charm of this whole frag collection/addiction is in the bottles…
Is that the case? I didn't know… How long can they afford to continue like this before being sold in drugstore chains? I mean, there will be enough people buying it but the glory is fading and fading. Reminds me of Luca Turin: “Its been falling in slow motion ever since”…
Agree, I'd rather see different bottles. Just stock up on the “old” Coriolan before it's gone!
Well, they already are sold in drugstore chains — you can buy Shalimar at WalMart 🙂
Haha, and Champs-Elysées… I meant the full range 😉
BTW, I recently bought AA Aisia Bella at TK Maxx (UK) for something like a tenner (£).
True enough! Still hoping to find Mandarine Basilic for a tenner, but no luck so far 🙂
Yes, absolutely : the original bottle was inspired by a gunpowder container…