Philippine Danseurs Presentation (1953)

In 1953, Lancôme introduced a charming and whimsical limited edition presentation known as “Philippine,” also known as "Les Danseurs," created to showcase two of its celebrated perfumes: Magie and Trésor. This rare collectible was designed by Georges Delhomme, the house’s longtime artistic director, and exemplifies his talent for combining sculptural elegance with storytelling through form.

The “Philippine” presentation features two colorless frosted glass flacons, each one individually molded to resemble a stylized, draped dancer in motion. When joined together, the bottles appear to be caught mid-performance—two fluid silhouettes frozen in a graceful pose. Their gently pleated forms mimic flowing garments, giving the piece a sense of rhythm and lightness. Despite being made of pressed glass, the surface treatment softens the visual weight, creating a cloud-like effect reminiscent of chiffon or organza.

Each bottle is topped with a gilded brass cap, understated in form yet rich in finish, adding a subtle touch of luxury. Around their necks are tied silken ribbons—one in bright yellow, the other in soft violet—which not only distinguish the two perfumes but also contribute a festive, feminine flourish. The bottles are further embellished with gold metallic labels bearing the perfume names, completing the presentation with a classic Lancôme signature.

The two flacons are permanently affixed to each other, making the composition a single sculptural object. Measuring approximately 11.5 centimeters tall (about 4.5 inches), the piece is compact, yet strikingly expressive—a perfume presentation that doubles as decorative art.

The “Philippine” edition is notable not only for its craftsmanship and visual poetry but also for its rarity. It reflects the postwar emphasis on artistry in perfume presentation, when fragrance houses sought to enchant consumers not just with scent, but with visually arresting objects that spoke to fantasy, grace, and femininity. Today, this duet of dancers remains a prized treasure among collectors of vintage perfume bottles.