Champagne house Perrier-Jouët has unveiled the first redesign of its iconic Belle Epoque bottles in more than a century, commissioning Japanese artist Makoto Azuma to reinvent the signature floral motif first created by Emile Gallé in 1902.
The international launch, held in Tokyo last week, marked a historical event for the company and fortified its ties to one of the thirstiest markets in the world for luxury goods.
Formerly a guitarist in a rock band, Makoto is the owner of an 'haute couture' floral workshop in Tokyo, Jardin des Fleurs, where he has cemented his reputation as one of the world's eminent floral artists.
The limited edition bottles of Belle Epoque Florale Edition 2004 vintage, are described as a "reverential homage" to Gallé's original Art Nouveau design which was inspired by Japanese art. Like Gallé, Makoto's design springs white gold-lined anemones from a single arabesque.
"I wanted to make something extraordinary, taking inspiration from the sensation of champagne inside the mouth, and the delicate movement of the ivy and leaves with a special attention and tribute given to Emile Gallé's anemones," Makoto said in a statement.
It seems the French champagne world is particularly smitten with the aesthetic sensibilities of Japanese artists. Veuve Clicquot also commissioned Japanese duo Erotyka to create an origami-style, foldable champagne bucket for Valentine's Day earlier this year, designed by Belgian Mathias Van De Walle.
The pink, romantic version was the follow-up to their original foldable holder in the brand's signature yellow hue and logo released last year.
The limited edition Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Florale Edition will be available worldwide in September for €300.
