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06
May
2018

The Top 3 Martial Arts Movies Of 2010 & Their Power On The Martial Arts Community

categories: Arts

Martial arts films have become a fairly popular theme recently. You might have noticed that there are already many martial art movies that have been created and released during 2010. A great way to share your love of martial arts films with others is to take some time to discuss the top 3 martial arts movies of 2010 and their impact on the martial arts community.

Ninja Assassin has been one of the main films that everyone has been interested in. The plot is based in Berlin and focuses on an orphan who lives with a clan of ninjas. The orphan experiences violent and rough training throughout his life so that he can become a ninja and assassin, though this is different from who he actually wants to be. In reflection of this, after all of the cruelty he experiences and the amount of freedom that he is denied, he betrays the clan one night and focuses on becoming independent.

After he has betrayed the clan, the group of ninjas begin to search for him in order to avenge his betrayal. In the process of avoiding them, he meets a government agent who is also interested in the case and they eventually become friends while working together. The film showcases many martial arts scenes that are very memorable, which is likely why it has become so popular.

Another popular film is known as Ninja. This film begins with some good historically based scenes about ninjas throughout the ages. Here, you are allowed to see some beautiful examples of martial arts. However, the storyline then progresses very quickly to situation where the main character and the villain of the film fight each other because they like the same girl. There is then a storyline about ninja heirlooms and a plot unfolds in the process. While this film is good for some martial arts scenes, it is possibly more bloody than it needs to be.

There is also a film that has not yet been released, which is already very popular. This film is the remake of The Karate Kid. Generally, it would seem that the reason this is so popular without a release even happening yet is because people want to know if this movie will be as impressive as the original. If you haven’t seen the original yet, then it is recommended you should see it first and then see the remake. This way, you can judge for yourself which film was better and which had better martial arts scenes.

However, the original film itself was a great example of martial arts. Additionally, it was safe for younger individuals to watch. This allowed for many younger people to become curious about martial arts and want to learn more about it. If the remake is any reflection of this, then there will again be younger generations that are curious about the practice and want to know more.

Most of these films were released in the earlier part of 2010. Because of the amount of films that have already been released, it isn’t unusual to wonder how many more films will approach as the year continues. More positively, the martial arts community can use this to interact with as many interested individuals as possible. But likewise, the films would be better if there was less of a focus on ninjas and pointless gore.

These are aspects you might want to consider and mention during your discussion of the top 3 martial arts films of 2010. There are still many films that need to be released in the period of a year and it’s undoubted that there will be more films to discuss. But in the meantime, you can use some of the above films as examples and conversation starters.

03
May
2018

Culinary Arts Schools Offer a End to Really Boring Jobs and Careers

categories: Arts

Day in and day out slaving at a job or working on a career a person really dislikes, can be very tiring. A lot of people who work at boring jobs think they do not have much of a choice, but nothing could be farther from reality. For those individuals in today’s job market who are willing to seek new and exciting careers, there are various interesting and creative jobs and careers available. One exciting career is in the culinary arts industry, which have many culinary arts jobs and careers available that would stimulate a persons natural enjoyment of the art of cooking. Even with no culinary arts work experience, there are many college and university culinary arts associate and bachelor’s degree programs available that will help people gain the experience necessary to obtain a culinary arts job or career of their dreams.

College and university culinary arts programs develop an extensive plan for their degrees to cover all aspects of the culinary arts for a job or a career. When students graduate with an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree and for a new exciting career, they will be fully prepared for the culinary arts industry. College and university culinary arts schools usually have an associate’s degree for students who pursue a basic career or a bachelor’s degree for the ambitious students who want more of a career in culinary arts. There are many college and university culinary arts schools that offer students recreational classes, who just love to cook and improve their skills. There are culinary arts schools who offer associate degrees in the confectionary arts, and bachelor degrees in culinary arts management, plus various recreational classes in the evening and on the weekends.

College and university culinary arts courses will offer a variety of skills and information to teach students. Food sanitation, food storage, and basic food production skills are well known topics in the culinary industry, and are very important parts of culinary arts programs. To prepare a student for various cooking jobs in their career, culinary arts schools will offer courses on basic nutrition, planning menus, and on different cultural, international cuisine. Special cooking skills and specific courses like in baking are thought in most culinary arts schools. Some culinary schools will teach classes on business management and hospitality law which are advanced programs in culinary arts management.

A college or university culinary arts education will prepare a student for a number of jobs or a career in the culinary industry. Food preparation positions, assembling ingredients for complex dishes, positions involving a lot of responsibility and making top level decisions, such as a sous-chef (under-chef of the kitchen) is the direct assistant of the executive chef or the head chef. An education from one of these culinary arts schools will ensure the culinary job or career of a student’s dream. James Murray is a successful writer and online SEO and SEM expert providing valuable tips and advice for those interested in seo and sem strategies. His numerous articles found on the Internet, provide useful and factual seo and sem information and insight. Some of his websites are : http://www.seo-worldwide.net , http://www.atclickbank.com , http://www.website-submissions-worldwide.com

29
Apr
2018

Martial Arts Moves To Disable An Aggressor

categories: Arts

Not everyone who studies martial arts moves does it because they’re interested in the discipline, philosophy, and grace of the arts themselves. Many people do it because they fear that one day, they will need to protect themselves from an attacker. Martial arts styles, histories, and traditions are irrelevant to this type of student, and it’s absolutely understandable. If you’re in that kind of situation, let me suggest a few martial arts moves that have saved lives in the past.

Oni Kudaki — Japanese for “Demon Crusher”, Oni Kudaki is a simple maneuver that will stop most drunken brawlers in their tracks. When the aggressor swings a fist in an even slightly circular fashion, perform a basic outer forearm block, but slide the back of your wrist up to the inside of your opponent’s elbow. Then rotate your hand palm-outward, and clasp your hands together around his elbow, with both of your wrists twisted. As you straighten out your wrists, his forearm will roll backwards and his elbow and shoulder will pull out-of-joint. He will either dislocate his shoulder or end up on the floor.

This technique is especially valuable because it can be done on any attacker that’s not two feet taller than you, and it works against a very common form of attack — a basic punch.

Nazad Pereryva — Russian for “Spine Breaker”, Nazan Pereryva is another nasty response to a basic punch, knife thrust, or other stabbing action to the face. When someone swings their fist or weapon at you, step past it to the outside, and sweep it further in the direction it’s already going with a basic outer forearm block. Step behind them with your outer foot, and slide your outer arm between their attacking arm and their head. Wrap it around their neck, bending them backward so that their head is in your armpit, and then drive your knee up into their spine until it breaks.

That trick of getting your arm around their neck can take some practice; it’s among the more difficult of Sambo’s martial arts moves. Still, if you can get it down in sparring, you can prove to any attacker that you are not to be trifled with.

Sahas-alis Sandata — Filipino for “snakebite disarm”, Sahas-alis Sandata is a technique that exists in several martial arts, but Escrima has its own beautiful variation. When someone attacks you with a club, knife, or other simple weapon, take a long step toward his chest but away from the path of the weapon — basically toward his opposite shoulder. At the same time, punch his bicep as hard as you can. Most martial arts stop here, but Escrima adds a graceful second step: a Batman-style backfist to the temple or nose, depending on which direction he’s facing. The weapon arm will be disabled for some time due to the bicep strike, and the blow to the skull will ring his bell for a few seconds as well — easily long enough for you to set up another of your close combat martial arts moves.

As you can see, martial arts styles from around the world have found very different and very effective responses to a pretty basic attack. Choose the one that fits best with your level of competence, aggression, and training. Part of the beauty of martial arts moves is that they come in such staggering variety.

25
Apr
2018

CaliforniaDanceArts Discipline-Its not a bad word

categories: Arts

Ms. Sarah Spina is a professional ballet dancer with numerous credits to her name who, during her career, performed the demanding role of the Princess in California Contemporary Ballets annual Snow Queen ballet. Now the mother of two beautiful young children, she has created a blog, writing about life with her family and about the joys and responsibilities of raising her daughters.

On the subject of discipline, she writes, “Discipline is not a bad word. One of the most important things you can instill in your child is discipline. When most people hear the word discipline, they think punishment. That form of discipline is only the 3rd definition in the dictionary. The first definition is, training to act in accordance with rules, and the second is, activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training.”

When enrolling a child in an activity such as dance or music, many parents forget that these “activities” are also considered “disciplines of the arts”. While dance, drama, music and painting should be fun, there should also be an expectation that the student will eventually make improvements in his or her skills and abilities. In ballet, for instance, there are specific exercises that dance students typically perform at the start of class, and class ends with yet a different set of exercises followed by an articulated “thank you” to the teacher. In addition, there are rules for dress and hair style, the proper stance at the ballet barre and while standing in a line with other students and there are other general but well-established rules of good behavior. Likewise, there are specific methods and techniques for holding a paint brush when executing a piece of artwork, or a musical instrument when attempting to achieve a clear sound.

Good habits are developed by going through the structured routine of each class where students progress from level to increasingly difficult level. In the field of dance, for example, a dancer learns that by diligently and repeatedly executing a particular series of exercises, he or she soon develops the skill necessary to perform more technically demanding moves. They also discover that there are techniques for jumping high into the air, turning gracefully and holding positions that require physical agility and strength. These students soon discover that by maintaining a disciplined approach to their chosen field of study and by practicing the methods and techniques of the art with dedication, improvements will naturally follow.

As a professional dancer, Ms. Spina knows how important discipline is in the field of the arts. She herself has been trained to understand that the rules matter. She has carried her dance discipline beyond the dance studio to create a successful life. She now builds discipline into the daily structure of her family.

“The word discipline is a positive one in our house. The girls are not scared of it. They dont associate it with punishment. Discipline to them is following a routine, getting their work done, practicing their disciplines, such as dance, cheer, reading, math, etc. Practice is a discipline. By teaching them at a young age that hard work is in fact good for them, that they will be smarter, or better at something with a little discipline each day, I am setting them up for success in every area of their lives.”

Creating discipline in life is a matter of developing good habits. If you simply establish specific times for waking up, doing homework, developing manners at the dinner table, while also initiating rituals such as the recitation of prayers before bed or preparing and getting organized for the next day, one can easily see that a well-organized, thoughtful daily regimen will go a long way in creating and developing good life skills.

Disciplines of the arts are really the building blocks of life. Art allows its participants to build self-esteem, self-discipline and goal-oriented behavior which is important for every aspect of life.

In an address to the Council of Elementary Principals meeting in Boston, MA, Public Schools Chairman Eric Oddleifson made a passionate plea for the arts in education saying, “Children with training in the arts do much better in school than other kids, in many different ways.”

Mr. Oddleifson announced that per the College Entrance Examination Board, students who studied arts and music scored significantly higher than the national average on the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Students who had participated in acting/play production, music performance and appreciation, dance, drama appreciation, and art history, scored an average of 31 to 50 points higher for the math and verbal sections. The Board also stated that students with long-term arts study (four years or more) tend to score significantly higher on the SAT than those with less coursework in the arts.

Mr. Oddleifson says, “Additionally, not only do children learn the 3 R’s better and faster, but they behave differently. I have been curious to find out why, because training in the arts is seen to be extra-curricular, not related to the serious business of educating our kids, and suitable only for those with talent. Our research indicates that many benefits are derived from study in the arts. The arts develop constructive habits of discipline, and mind.”

Mr. Oddleifson suggests “If we are ever to see the day when high standards in all academic subjects, including the arts, are not only met but exceeded by most, if not all, of our children, the wayand indeed perhaps the only wayto get there is through the arts. The adoption of this suggestion will require a radical shifta contextual changenot only in how we view children, and our teaching relationship with them, but also in how we learn, and even how we view the arts themselves. Viewing the arts not as finished product but as a search for high quality which is available to all regardless of talent; by recognizing that the arts provide necessary tools for thinking which are unavailable elsewhere; and in understanding that a quality education requires bringing heart and hand into balance with head, we quickly conclude that high educational standards simply cannot be met by most of our children without the arts.”

As public schools continue to cut funding for the arts, thereby providing little or no serious arts education, there are a limited number of private organizationsmusic, dance and art schoolsthat work tirelessly to fill the void created by public education. However, even these private enterprises are suffering economically and as a result, the focus of some of the programs offered by these establishments has shifted. Rather than being concerned with the idea of offering instruction in a disciplined art form, they are more inclined to promote programs that can provide recreational and social benefits to children.

Parents with a serious commitment to arts education should look for programs run by instructors who offer quality professional experience and who are prepared to instruct their students in the discipline of their chosen art. Does the arts program enforce a dress code? Are students allowed to talk or chew gum during class? Have the instructors instituted a structured curriculum that should be followed in each class? These are some things for which one should look.

While enrolled in a well-established, highly regarded school of art, children learn to understand how important it is to work diligently toward every goal they establish. Study in a good arts program develops a solid foundation, enabling the student to cope with the pressures that he or she faces throughout childhood, thereby imparting the skills necessary to make the successful transition to adulthood.

Parents like Ms. Spina are wise to provide their children with exposure to the disciplines of the arts while also reinforcing the value of discipline at home. Sarah states, “When my girls get older and school gets much harder, and dance (or whatever other discipline they choose to pursue) isnt so fun anymore because its so hard, or it hurts, they will hopefully be disciplined enough to weather the storm and come out on the other side without quitting. Discipline is setting a goal and reaching it, not giving up when something gets hard, learning the feeling of success and continuing to practice to get better, because while you can never be perfect, you can always get closer to it.”

Regardless of your religious views, this quote from the Bible certainly sums it up: Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The discipline and training you instill in your child now will determine the type of adult they will become.

20
Apr
2018

Collecting Vintage Perfume Bottles The History of Perfume Bottles

categories: Arts

Collecting Vintage Perfume Bottles: The History of Perfume Bottles

The History and Evolution of Perfume Bottles (courtesy of http://www.perfumes.com/eng/bottles.htm)

Perfume Bottles in Ancient Times

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The enticing scent of the perfect perfume and the eye-catching elegance of the bottle has been an important part of world culture since ancient times. The oldest known perfume bottles came from the Ancient Egyptians. They crafted containers made of stone and alabaster which kept the perfume cool, and prevented the liquid from leaking. The Ancient Egyptians also used clay pots that they sculpted into designs of people and animals.

Perfume was an important part of the Egyptians preparation of the dead. Many of these ancient perfume bottles have been found in tombs. Containers have been found made of wood with different compartments for each perfume.

Glass bottles were also a part of ancient perfume history. They date all the way back to the fifteenth century BC. Perfume bottles made of glass were lightweight, and also prevented the liquid from leaking. Eventually the glass bottles were created in a variety of colors.

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Perfume bottles discovered in Palestine were made of glass, and were designed to have a narrow long neck. These delicate bottles were primarily found in tombs. Larger perfume bottles were also found in tombs because it was believed to mask the smell of the dead bodies.

The Ancient Greeks also made beautiful containers to hold their perfume. They hand painted vases which were often shaped as animals. They used lidded bowls for holding less expensive perfumes.

The Roman’s cherished their perfumes. They used hollowed-out precious stones to carry their most valuable fragrances.

Early European Perfume Bottles

Europeans used many different materials to store their precious perfumes. The most common materials that were used were glass, gold, silver, porcelain, semi-precious stones and shells. Perfume was commonly used in the form of incense. Some incense burners consisted of a container held from chains that was swung like a pendulum during Mass in the Christian Church. Stationary incense burners were also commonly used in Churches.

Some European perfume containers were designed to be worn. Semi-precious stones held perfumes and were pinned to clothing. Silver earrings were worn that contained perfume soaked fabric inside of them. Many containers were designed to be hung around the neck, from a belt, or from a finger ring.

Perfume bottles were handcrafted and designed by artists, jewelers and goldsmiths. Each bottle was gently crafted and designed to be worn, or displayed on a table.

Small wooden boxes were created to hold a sponge soaked with perfume. These boxes would fit inside a pocket and could be taken out and inhaled at any time.

Porcelain was used in the Thirteenth Century. Many highly decorative bottles were created. Boxes were created that included perfume and other essentials. Some boxes contained several bottles of perfumes, a funnel and a mixing dish.

Most fragrances during this time were first sold in inexpensive, plain bottles. Then the perfume was transferred into a fancy bottle at home.

Perfume Bottles of the Early 1800s and 1900s

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The design of perfume bottles made a dramatic change in the late 1800’s. There was a great incline of the arts movement called Art Nouveau. Most Art Nouveau designs consisted of floral motifs, and were primarily used to design the perfume label and box, leaving the perfume bottles fairly traditional in styling.

Several famous pieces of this time were the Bouquet Nouveau, Royal Vaissier, and Cri du Coeur. The Bouquet Nouveau was a Roger & Gallet perfume. It had a square green-glass bottle with an unusual gilded brass casing. Royal Vaissier displayed magnificent Art Nouveau style paper motifs in the form of a fleur de lys designed by Baccarat. Cri du Coeur (Cry from the heart) was a Lorenzy-Palanca powder box. It had a woman-flower image which is a rare high-style Art Nouveau icon.

Belle Epoque was the preferred style for perfume presentations at this time. The style tended to be traditional, cluttered, very elegant and very French. Examples of perfume bottles of this style were Coronis by Monpelas and Roger & Gallet’s Gloire de Paris.

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A new trend in perfume bottles was to create a bottle that looked like a luxurious crystal with an elaborate brass cap. The bottles had classic designs, and the brass caps matched the ornate gold labels and boxes. A few examples of this style were Rose Ispahan and Prince Igor by Riguard, Rose de Chiraz by F. Wolff & Sohn, Stylis by Delettrez, Eros by Richard Hudnut, Le Lilas by Riguard, and Mavis by Vivaudou.

During the 1910’s, there was a noticeable shift in the design of the traditional perfume bottle. The emergence of psychology and new perfume creations led to much more complex perfume bottles and names. The power of suggestion and dreams was having a huge effect on cultures in general, and perfumes were also affected. Perfumes were being marketed for specific times of day, seasons, and people.

Guerlain introduced the perfume “Voila pourquoi j’aimais Rosine” (That is why I loved Rosine). The bottle resembled a vase, and the stopper was concealed under silk flowers. The bottle shape was again used in Guerlain’s “Muguet” (Lily of the Valley). It was later re-introduced in all white with a white ribbon replacing the silk flowers. This presentation was an immediate success. Guerlain later introduced “Le Mouchoir de Monsieur” (The Gentleman’s Handkerchief) which had an innovative bottle with the shape of a triangle and a spiral motif on each side.

Rene Lalique was approached in 1906 by the perfumer Francois Coty to design the bottles for his perfumes. Coty was well established in the perfume industry and desired both beautiful and affordable bottles to hold his perfumes. Lalique was successful in fulfilling Coty’s wishes, and continued to design bottles for his future creations. His most famous designs include Au Coeur des Calices, L’Entrainement and Ambre Antique. He also designed bottles for other perfumers. Some of his most famous creations were developed for Houbigant, Roger et Gallet, D’Orsay, Forvil, and Arys and Molinard.

Other creative perfume bottles of this time were “Rediviva” (Revived) by La Compagnie Francais du Lysogene. It was shaped like a porcelain coffeepot, and the perfume was dispensed through the end of the spout. Illusion was presented by Dralle in 1908. It had a silver case shaped like a lighthouse, and the perfume bottle was held inside of the case.

The Oriental Movement in Paris began in 1910 by Paul Poiret, a famous French fashion designer. Pioret introduced an Oriental style in clothing, furnishings and perfumes. Women, who longed to wear the gowns he designed, but could not afford them, could still wear his perfume. For women who did wear his collections, the perfume was the final touch. Poiret developed a new perfume “Chez Pioret” with beautiful and innovative packaging. The bottle was made of clear glass with a colored glass stopper. It was decorated with gold tassels, and had a new label with a classic “R”. Pioret used his boxes as a tool for expressing the style of the fragrance.

Bichara Malhame was a very successful perfumer in Paris. His famous label on his perfumes portrayed himself seizing a mythological figure of Fortune by the hair. He also appeared on a Baccarat stopper wearing a wig, and appearing as an English judge.

Perfume Bottles of the 1920s

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The 1920’s brought a new era to perfumes. After World War I, many American Soldiers brought perfumes back to the states from Paris. This greatly influenced the perfume market in the United States. The perfume industry expanded rapidly, and many new perfume companies emerged.

Many fashion designers expanded their merchandise by including perfume. Most of these designers knew very little about creating a good fragrance, but they did know about style. They understood the importance of the visual presentation, which became vital to the success of the perfume.

Mascarades were very popular at this time, and had a strong influence on perfume bottles. “Masque Rouge” was introduced in a very modern bottle, and the box had a red mask motif. “Mascarades” by Cherigan came in a black bottle with a golden face under a rain of gold dust. “Arlequinade” was a Rosine perfume which resembled a Harlequin costume. It had gilded and clear triangles on the bottle, and a dark-green Bakelite stopper in the form of Harlequin’s hat and an orange wood tassel.

“Bakanir” was introduced in 1927 by Honore Payan. The bottle was a simple geometric shape with a stopper resembling an exotic headdress. The box was covered with painted leather with a ceramic plaque. It was one of the most luxurious presentations for perfume.

Baccarat perfume bottles were designed using superior quality crystal. They designed bottles for most of the perfume companies during this time. Two of their famous perfume bottles were designed in 1927. “Silver Butterfly” by Delettrez was made of pink crystal with silver ornamentation. It was designed in the shape of a vertical hexagon with an abstract motif. “Astris” by L.T. Piver was shaped as a star, and featured a silver six-pointed motif.

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One of the most famous perfumes, Chanel No 5, was released by Chanel in 1921. The perfume was revolutionary in scent and presentation. The bottle was a very simple design. The perfume was intended to make the masculine world available to women.

Perfume Bottles of the 1930s

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With the stock market crash of 1929, and the depression that devastated the United States, the perfume market slowed down dramatically. There remained a more limited demand in Paris, and only the strongest companies such as Baccarat, Brosse and Lalique were able to continue. The bottles became less elaborate, tended to be conservative and were often machine made.

Perfume bottles during this time were less frequently inspired by nature, and more often reflected Hollywood movies and metropolitan cities. Lalique designed the presentation for “Je Reviens” by Worth. The bottle resembled New York skyscrapers. It was a tall ribbed bottle in dark-blue glass. The stopper was sky blue, and the box had a chrome surface. It was a very modern presentation.

Jean Patou released the perfume “Normandie” in 1935. It was inspired by the luxury ship the Normandie. All First Class Passengers on the ship’s maiden voyage were given a souvenir model of the Normandie. Inside the model of the ship was a crystal bottle of perfume.

Perfume Bottles of the 1940s

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World War II caused another decrease in new perfume creations, as well as a decline in the quality of perfume presentations. After the war, the perfume industry was re-established, and many new perfumers emerged.

Christian Dior and Nina Ricci both presented works of art that strongly influenced the perfume industry. “Miss Dior” by Christian Dior was offered in an elegant clear crystal Baccarat bottle. Dior used a classic look that was elegant and luxurious. Nina Ricci was known for feminine and romantic creations. L’Air du Temps was released in 1948 and sold in a sunburst shaped bottle. The stopper was decorated with a dove. The lid of the box was lined with white silk and depicted a woman and a flying dove. The 1951 box was in the shape of a birdcage covered in yellow silk, and was illuminated by a battery.

Perfume Bottles of the 1950s

http://www.zensoaps.com/perfumesale/C-danatabu.jpg Perfumes once again became inspired by romance in the 1950’s. Salvador Dali designed the bottle for “Monsieur Marquay” by Marquay. The bottle featured an elegant man with a top hat and bow tie. The box was simple white with Dali’s moustache and signature.

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Christian Dior introduced “Diorissimo” in 1956. The special edition bottle was designed by Baccarat. The crystal bottle was in the form of an amphora, and the stopper had a magnificent flower bouquet in gilded bronze designed by Chrystiane Charles.

“Magie” was released by Lancome in 1950. Every Christmas a special edition was released. It was presented in a Baccarat spherical bottle with stars, and a box covered in leather or satin.

Modern Day Perfume Bottles

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Pierre Dinand was the first perfume bottle designer to produce perfume bottles exclusively. Dinand designs bottles with a modern feel, and uses the bottle as an expression of the perfume. He has produced numerous bottles using state of the art plastics, and has transformed perfume bottles in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Serge Mansau is another modern day perfume bottle designer. He prefers to focus his designs on nature’s beauty. His prize winning bottle for “Montana” was inspired by a maple seed. He has used flowers, stones and waterfalls as ideas for his bottle designs.

Jewelers have also entered the perfume business. Van Cleef & Arpels were the first jewelers to release a fragrance. Cartier followed An Cleef & Arpels with the bottle for Panthere in 1986. Tiffany, Bvlgari, Chopard and Boucheron have also launched fragrances.

Baccarat and Lalique continue to design the highest quality perfume bottles. Perfume bottle collecting has also become very popular. Most collectable perfume bottles come from French perfumes and date from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Modern day perfume bottles are expected to give the feel of the fragrance. The perfume bottle makes the first impression, and often helps the buyer decide if they want to add the fragrance to their personal collection.

Tips for Collecting Vintage Perfume Bottles

Always Keep an Eye out for opportunities to add to your collection! You never know where or when you could stumble upon the perfect bottle to add to your growing collection. Check out estate sales, garage sales, flea markets, antique stores, and specialty vintage perfume bottle websites online. You may even be able to find one or two in your own family, so ask around! What could be more special than a family heirloom perfume bottle in your collection? Decide how you want to collect your vintage perfume bottles. Do you want to only collect a certain brand? Or maybe you want to collect only perfume bottles manufactured during a certain time period? Creating a theme for your collection will make your collection as a whole more valuable and interesting. Do your research. It is good to know a little bit about what you are collecting before you start shopping! This way you will know if you happen to stumble upon a rare, unique find! Knowing a lot about your new hobby will also help you stay engaged. Books such as the Antique Trader Perfume Bottles Price Guide and The Wonderful World of Collecting Perfume Bottles, by Jane Flanagan are great resources for perfume bottle collectors. Don’t discard the mini bottles! When you are shopping for perfume bottles, snatch up the mini sizes of your favorite brands. Sometimes, these are rarer and are worth more than their larger counterparts! Check local events and conventions. You never know when a vintage perfume bottle convention could be coming to a town near you. These are great opportunities to learn more about perfume bottles and find some really great deals and unique bottles. Become a member of the IPBA. The International Perfume Bottle Association. Being a member of this association gives you access to exclusive newsletters and information about vintage perfume bottles. They also hold events each year, including a convention, conference, and perfume bottle auction.