03 December 2021

A masterpiece of high cosmetics for Guerlain

Orchidée Impériale Black Symbioserum is an example of unsurpassed technical mastery, at the same time highly effective, sensorial and natural

Orchidée Impériale Black Symbioserum is an exclusive talisman of youth, a new skincare masterpiece that encompasses all the virtues of the invincible Black Orchid. Along the Andes mountain range, in a dense and wild jungle, lurks a flower with extraordinary powers: the Black Orchid, rare and powerful, a native species of this area of Peru.

L'orchidea nera per Orchidée Impériale Black Symbioserum di Guerlain

The Black Orchid blooms only in this region on the slopes of the Andes mountain range, at an altitude of between 500 and 1,500 meters. Its natural habitat is the hot and extremely humid rainforests that cover the tropical mountains. In these conditions, the plant is able to reproduce continuously and copiously. In this lush jungle populated by multitudes of plant species, the foliage of the trees is sometimes so dense that not a single ray of light filters towards the Black Orchid, which grows to a height of about 40-60cm.

Orchidée Impériale Black Symbioserum di Guerlain

This hostile environment prompted the plant to develop a particular survival mechanism, which also became the source of its extraordinary strength. Every day, this miracle of nature interacts with the ecosystem (soil, bark, microflora, etc.) and every part of it, from the roots to the stem and flowers, absorbs nutrients and other elements essential for development. By maintaining this perpetual symbiosis with the environment, the Black Orchid manages to survive despite the prohibitive conditions.

Another peculiarity of the Black Orchid is that it blooms only seven to fifteen days a year and the male and female flowers are produced from the same plant. This valuable feature allows it to adapt its metabolism according to the surrounding environment. The plant detects external changes and adapts accordingly. If, for example, it perceives a risk due to scarcity or excess of sunlight, it reacts by multiplying the production of male flowers, which optimize the fertilization of female flowers to bear more fruit.

Guerlain Research has closely examined this unique symbiosis between the Black Orchid and its territory (i.e., the key to its power) and has discovered the secret to creating Symbioserum. To produce the Black Orchid (scientific name Cycnochescooperi) Guerlain has created a special supply chain in Moyobamba, in a region in northern Peru, San Martín. Nicknamed "the city of Orchids", Moyobamba is known for its hot springs and unique biodiversity, as well as being a paradise for wild orchids. In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, on the banks of the Mayo River, the Guerlain greenhouse in Moyobamba maintains the optimal climatic conditions for the cultivation of the Black Orchid, replicating its natural habitat. Respect for the environment is a mission that Guerlain is committed to honoring at every stage of the process and each mother plant is marked with a unique number, ensuring perfect traceability.

Thanks to research conducted at the Orchidarium®, Guerlain experts have discovered the extraordinary power of the Black Orchid. The first innovation was BlackImmune™ technology, which acts on 95% of the cells involved in the skin's self-defense mechanisms (specifically, keratinocytes and Langerhans cells) to exert a protective, regenerating and prolonged anti-aging effect . In 2021, Guerlain Research went even further, drawing inspiration from the Black Orchid's symbiotic relationship with its habitat to formulate Symbioserum, a technological marvel that fights the signs of ageing.

By strengthening the skin's defensive system from the center to the surface barrier, the BlackImmune™ technology at the heart of Symbioserum helps the skin stay youthful and adapt quickly to external changes. A true talisman of youth, Symbioserum offers excellent protection against skin aging. In this way, the skin is free to concentrate all available resources on its own regeneration, resulting more beautiful and younger for a long time, immune to the effects of aging.

From the first application, the signs of aging are attenuated, as evidenced by the proven results of experts. The feat accomplished by Guerlain experts required years of research, over 1,000 hours for the development of the formula and over 120 tests, without which this jewel of high cosmetics would never have existed. This premium formula is enriched with a strand of precious 24-carat gold, which gives a soft pinkish hue when applied evenly to the skin. A pair of pearls reflects all the facets of silvery white and ivory, amplifying the diffusion of light, without shine, to achieve an incredibly radiant make-up effect. The heart of the formula is its sensoriality, without compromising on the ingredients of natural origin that compose it. The raw materials have been selected from the noblest and most natural, also winning the challenge of creating a product containing 96% ingredients of natural origin.

The exceptional treasure chest is signed Bernardaud, which is synonymous with French porcelain. Since 1863, this legendary Maison has demonstrated its savoir-faire to the whole world, knowing how to keep up with the latest creative trends. The history of this family-run French company is not very different from the amazing olfactory and cosmetic adventure undertaken by Guerlain. The Symbioserum encapsulates its powerful virtues and delicate nature in a shiny black enamel bottle engraved in 24-carat gold. Each container is handcrafted down to the smallest detail and designed to stand the test of time: Symbioserum, in fact, can be refilled, proving the Maison's ongoing commitment to sustainability. The dispenser that contains the serum, closed with the bottle cap, turns into a practical travel vial, so you can always carry this exclusive experience with you.

To contain the exclusive Orchidée Impériale Black treatments, Guerlain wanted and commissioned an object made entirely by hand with sustainable and eco-friendly materials, to be filled repeatedly. Limoges porcelain is an inert material that, if subjected to very high temperatures, can also be recycled in other sectors. Furthermore, the production does not generate waste (because the waste is put back into the cycle) and is local, 100% made in France.

Curated by Lisa Maria River

Avion Luxury Magazine

Text source and photos: Guerlain / LVMH Press Office

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