IPBA Articles

Lanvin Perfumes Presentation on Zoom

Join us on March 2nd for a special presentation on Lanvin by the esteemed expert and author Jean-Marie Martin-Hattemberg.  He will delve into the world of Jeanne Lanvin, “the elegant magician” (1867 – 1946). Local times are: 7:00 […]

Details and registration

Roses, Roses, and More Roses!

One of the favorite gifts for Valentine’s Day is red roses … the more the better! And boy, does the Virtual Museum have a lot of roses for you! Roses are not only a favorite scent, their image […]

Get a look at these roses!

Register Now For IPBA’s 37th Annual Convention in Portland Oregon

The IPBA’s annual convention is a perfume and vanity item buying spree and educational event that is not to be missed!  See the schedule of events along with detailed descriptions of each event, and then Register!

Make your plans ...

Florida Flamingos Chapter Meeting 2/09/2025

Pretty Birds Flaunting Their Plumage! Sunday, February 9th, 2025 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Noon Open to All via Zoom   Join the flock as we catch up with one another and share items from our collection and […]

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Celebratory Toasts

We are ringing in the New Year with a celebratory toast with champagne or wine. Perfumeries use images of wine and champagne to remind us of special occasions and happy memories. Both are sometimes used for the names […]

Join the celebration ...

Just Monkeying Around

There is a lot of monkeying around going on in the IPBA Virtual Museum. Monkeys may not be the first subject that you’d think of for perfume bottles and vanity items. But you might just be surprised at […]

See what they are up to ...

Convention 2025 Keynote Speaker Announced!

Star Struck! Hollywood’s Golden Age of Glitter, Glamour, and Gowns Many of you may know Don as a longtime collector of Czech perfume bottles and former editor of the PBQ, but he also has an extensive collection of […]

You are going to want to see this ...

2025 IPBA Perfume Bottle Design Competition Opens December 1, 2024

COMPETITION RULES: 1. Eligibility This free to enter perfume bottle design competition is open to anyone who designs and creates an original perfume bottle*. This design may be of any medium (glass, metal, pottery, etc.). Only a tangible […]

Find out how to enter ...

UPDATED: Sneak Peek at the IPBA 2025 Convention in Portland, Oregon

Dates: Friday April 25th to Sunday April 27th There will be optional tours on Thursday, April 24th, 2025: Antiquing trip to Aurora: rated one of the top 10 best antiquing towns in the nation Two options: Columbia River […]

NEW UPDATES!

2024 Perfume Bottle Design Competition Winners

While ‘vintage’ may rule the days of Convention, the IPBA recognizes that every gorgeous bottle was at one time a sparkling new work of art. And from there the IPBA PERFUME BOTTLE DESIGN COMPETITION was born. The competition […]

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“Little People” in Your House?

Do you have “little people” hiding in your home? An amazing number of perfumes and vanity items and their presentations form three-dimensional little people. Not just heads or torsos, full-figured people. Our Virtual Museum contains over 330 of […]

Come visit our people ...

IPBA Virtual Museum Welcomes Its 10,000 Item!

The IPBA Virtual Museum continues to grow its collection of perfumes, compacts, powder boxes, purses, vanity items, and related ephemera.  But 10,000 items is just a drop in the bucket given what is out there across all these […]

Check it out ...

Do You Have A Relative’s Collection To Sell?

The IPBA Website is not a selling site, but we do believe in connecting sellers and buyers.  We are starting a new program where non-dealers* selling a family collection can place a paid notice on our website main […]

Let us help you connect with buyers ...

IPBA Day 2024 Celebrations

Celebrate IPBA Day with Us! There will be a global Zoom gathering and a Website Open House! Calling all IPBA Chapters! Let’s come together to celebrate our shared passion for perfume bottles, vanity items, and everything IPBA! Join […]

Global IPBA Chapter Meeting and Website Open House ...

2025 Perfume Bottle Auction Consignments Solicited

Do you have perfume bottles or vanity items that you are interested in selling? The PERFUME BOTTLES AUCTION, organized by renowned specialist Ken Leach, is the official annual auction of the International Perfume Bottle Association.  This auction is […]

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ASP Lecture “Rene Lalique and the Art of Perfume” with Nicholas Dawes

The board of the American Society of Perfumers is excited to invite you to attend our upcoming Fall Event. Don’t miss our Fall Lecture Series & Social Hour on “Rene Lalique and the Art of Perfume”, with Nicholas […]

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Touring Russia

Have you ever dreamt of touring Russia? Wanted to see Moscow’s Red Square? Or view the Winter Palace or Fabergé Museum in St. Petersburg? Or perhaps you are interested in collecting perfume or vanity items produced in Russia?  […]

Join our tour ...

IPBA Website Wins Award!

The IPBA website was entered into the 2024 Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors website competition – AND WE WON FIRST PLACE! The IPBA website’s Virtual Museum editors Virginia Merrill (IPBA Webmaster) and Helen Farnsworth (IPBA Archivist) want to thank […]

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The Art of Montral Powder Watch Compacts 1927-1931 by Howard W. Melton and Anne de Thoisy-Dallem

In the bustling streets of Paris during the late 1920’s and early 1930’s, a short-lived yet immensely creative company emerged whose designs captured the glamour and elegance of the Art Deco era. The French company, Société Montral (“Montral”), […]

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2024 Perfume Bottles Auction Recap

On Friday April 26, 2024 the Perfume Bottles Auction conducted its live and online auction in conjunction with the 36th annual IPBA convention, offering an exceptional variety of museum quality bottles and vanity items sourced from private collections […]

See the amazing prices ...

Convention 2024 Boston, MA Recap

The fun-filled and fast paced days of Steppin’ Out with the IPBA in Boston were jam-packed with ways to learn about beautiful perfume bottles and vintage vanity items; opportunities to buy, sell and bid; and time spent renewing […]

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Summer Sports

We are celebrating not just the 2024 Summer Olympics, but having fun with all manner of summer sports including: Baseball, Bicycling, Boxing, Bowling, Football, Fox Hunting, Golf, Horseback Riding, Horse Racing, Land Sailing, Mini Golf, Mountain Climbing, Ping […]

Join the fun ...

Czech and DeVilbiss Art Deco Vanity Virtual Program

Join us for a program on the Art Deco vanity between 1925 – 1938. Inspired by the style exhibited by Czechoslovakia and Lalique at the 1925 Paris Exhibition, Josef Schmidt and Heinrich Hoffman began producing ‘Artistic Crystalware’ perfume […]

Get the details ...

Dreaming of Latin America?

Have you ever dreamt of touring Latin America? Take a tour with us through Cuba, Mexico, Central and South America with the items in the IPBA Virtual Museum. We have a multitude of items depicting the people and […]

Join our tour ...

Has Your Email Address Changed?

Email is one of the most important ways that the IPBA communicates with its members.  We use it for: Monthly eNews newsletters Delivery of the digital Perfume Bottle Quarterlies (PBQs) Your IPBA website login username Membership renewal notices […]

Keep us updated!

IPBA Convention History

View the history of the IPBA conventions, their pins, and the tireless volunteers that pulled it all together.

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Portuguese Perfume Exhibition

Portuguese perfume and vanity items from the collection of Afonso Oliveira will be on exhibit at the Museu De Lisboa Palacio Pimenta now through December 2024

Get the details ...

Dreaming of Summer Fruit?

It won’t be long now before fresh summer fruits start appearing at farmer’s markets and roadside stands.  And you’d be surprised at the fresh summer fruits that we have in our Virtual Museum – we’re talking grapes, apples, […]

Check out our fruit basket ...

Our Virtual Museum is Amazingly International!

As befits an organization calling itself the International Perfume Bottle Association, our Virtual Museum of over 9,500 items is amazingly international – with representation from 36 countries!

See some examples ...

June Global Zoom Meeting

Welcome, Bonjour, Benvenuta, Bem-vindo, Bienvenida OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! To IPBA’s Global Zoom Gathering Theme: SWING INTO SUMMER WITH YOUR LATEST TREASURE June 22 9 am Pacific, 11 am Central, Noon Eastern US 5 pm UK & Portugal 6 […]

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Touring Germany

Come with us on a tour of Germany using the perfumes and vanity items in the IPBA’s Virtual Museum. We’ll view monuments, spas and cathedrals in cities like Berlin, Heidelberg, Wiesbaden, Bremen, Cologne, etc. If you travel to […]

Come join our tour ...

2024 HOUSTON NATIONAL ANTIQUE BOTTLE & GLASS CONVENTION & EXPO

The FOHBC 2024 Houston National Antique Bottle & Glass Exposition will be hosted by the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors. Brought to you by Peach Ridge Collections, LLC.

Find out more ...

A Light in the Dark

Stuck in the house without power due to a winter storm?  Or wanting to create a romantic setting? A candle is one of the things that you will want to have around.  The IPBA Virtual Museum has a […]

Candles set the mood ...

Get Connected With the IPBA

Are you new to the IPBA and looking to get connected with other members? We’re here to help!

Get connected with other collectors ...

IPBA Virtual Museum Welcomes Its 9,000th Item!

The IPBA Virtual Museum continues to grow its collection of perfumes, compacts, powder boxes, purses, vanity items, and related ephemera.  But 9,000 items is just a drop in the bucket given what is out there across all these […]

Check it out ...

Online Convention Registration is Open!

IPBA’s 37th Annual Convention will be held April 25-27, 2025 Benson Portland Hotel at 309 SW Broadway in Portland, Oregon Convention 2025 Registration Packets have been mailed! Can’t wait to register? Register for Convention Online See our Sneak […]

Register now!

Courting Couples

This February we’re looking at Courting Couples! Those romantic images of couples walking, talking, dancing, and even sharing passionate embraces. Since perfumes, powders, lipsticks and other vanity items are often used to attract someone, it’s no wonder that […]

View the romantic sightings ...

February Global Zoom Meeting

Welcome, Bonjour, Benvenuta, Bem-vindo, Bienvenida One and all To IPBA’s Global Zoom Gathering Theme: LOVE IS IN THE AIR February 10th 9 am Pacific, 11 am Central, Noon Eastern US 5 pm UK & Portugal 6 pm France, […]

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How Quickly The Years Pass By

Calendars were very popular advertising tools, especially in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. If a lady or gentleman found it handy to keep a calendar in his pocket or in her purse, it meant that the advertising […]

Looking back over the years ...

Parfum d’Eventail by Philippe Raymond

Fresh off the press, the book “Parfum d’Eventail” by Philippe RAYMOND with preface by Jean-Marie Martin-Hattemberg, perfumery expert. This work is dedicated to advertising through the fans of the 19th century to the present day. It traces, through […]

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Why Join IPBA?

Would you like to … Learn more about your collection?  Become a more discriminating buyer?  Meet others with your collecting passion?  Learn how to care for and display your collection?  If so, this is the place!

Check out our member benefits ...

IPBA Auctions 101

Have you ever thought it would be fun to participate in an auction? A chance to pick up a treasure for your collection? But, not too sure of the process, concerned about how to bid, or afraid to […]

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Announcing our 2024 Keynote Speaker

Meet our Keynote Speaker: Anne de Thoisy-Dallem:  Art Historian, Museum Curator, Museum Exhibitor, Author, and Collector of Powder Boxes and Compacts.

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Honors of the Association

Since 1994, the IPBA Board of Directors has awarded the Honors of the Association, our highest level of appreciation, to an individual for his or her outstanding commitment to the organization. OUR HATS ARE OFF TO THE FOLLOWING […]

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IPBA Shining Stars

In 2010, IPBA’s Board of Directors created the Shining Star Award to recognize those who have generously made a notably positive difference within the IPBA with steadfast dedication, shared knowledge and talents. Some individuals have distinguished themselves by taken a […]

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Liquidating a Collection

Are you looking to liquidate a perfume bottle and/or vanity item collection?  If so, please take a look at our suggested steps to follow.

Suggested steps ...

TOURING THE UNITED KINGDOM

Have you ever dreamt of touring the United Kingdom? There is so much history to see in England, Ireland, and Scotland! Not just the castles, countryside, monuments, and Big Ben … there is shopping at Harrod’s! And for […]

Come join our tour ...

Join the IPBA for a Holiday Global Zoom Meeting December 10th!

Welcome, Bonjour, Benvenuta, Bem-vindo, Bienvenida One and All to our Global Zoom Meeting Theme – Holiday or Winter Season December 10th 9 am Pacific, 11 am Central, 12 Eastern USA 5 pm UK & Portugal 6 pm France, […]

View the invite ...

Garden of Eden

Perfume is often used to create temptation regarding the seduction of another. So it is not surprising that fragrance houses use images such as apples and snakes to evoke our fantasies of the Garden of Eden.

Explore with us ...

Fairies and Nymphs

Who are those delightful little creatures that one can never quite get a glimpse of … fairies and nymphs! But in our Virtual Museum, you can examine a number of them!

Come join the hunt ...

Are You a Perfume or Vanity Item Vendor?

Do you sell perfumes, compacts, vintage purses or other vanity items?  If so, the IPBA is looking for you! We have multiple selling opportunities for you to reach your target audience! The IPBA annual convention brings together hundreds […]

IPBA needs you!

2024 Perfume Bottle Design Competition Rules

Previous Winners above (left to right): 2016 (tie) Domingo Navales for “Octopus” and Gregoris Komodromas for “Aphrodite”; 2017 Paul Mabe for “Trillium”; 2018 Elaine Hyde for “Black and Blue”; 2019 Gustavo Santana for “Blue Ice”; 2021 Anna Boothe […]

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Just Give Me A Little Time!

What is the one thing that we never have enough of? (Other than not enough perfumes, compacts, purses or vanity items …) TIME! So perhaps it’s not surprising that a number of perfume and vanity items have used […]

Explore Time With Us ...

2023 Perfume Bottle Auction Highlights

The Perfume Bottles Auction on April 28, offered 152 lots of curated items sourced from as far away as Norway and Brazil, representing several consignors and earning an impressive result. This annual spring event is a highlight of […]

Check out the amazing items ...

CONVENTION 2023 DALLAS TEXAS RECAP

From the first hello to the last goodbye, our senses were overloaded at the Deep in the Heart of Texas 2023 convention – our 35th annual convention!

Check out the fun we had!

Shoes, Boots or Slippers – What’s in Your Closet?

Shoes, boots or slippers? What’s in your closet? The IPBA Virtual Museum has a wide assortment of shoes of all types – perhaps enough to make Imelda Marcos jealous?

Come see what's in our closet ...

Compact Collection Estate Sale

Estate Sales by Vincie is proud to present a 600+ plus collection of compacts from a private collector spanning at least six decades at an upcoming sale.  Included are sterling silver and enamel, Art Deco, WWII, political and […]

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IPBA Virtual Museum Welcomes Its 8,000th Item!!

Tall, tapering bottle of clear crystal that features molded poppy blossoms at the top, with the stems running down the corners to leaves at the bottom. This decoration is frosted with warm grey staining. The stopper is molded […]

Check it out ...

2016 IPBA Perfume Bottle Design Competition Winners

While ‘vintage’ may rule the days of Convention, the IPBA recognizes that every gorgeous bottle was at one time a sparkling new work of art.  And from there the IPBA PERFUME BOTTLE DESIGN COMPETITION was born.  The competition […]

Read more

2017 IPBA Perfume Bottle Design Competition Winners

While ‘vintage’ may rule the days of Convention, the IPBA recognizes that every gorgeous bottle was at one time a sparkling new work of art.  And from there the IPBA PERFUME BOTTLE DESIGN COMPETITION was born.  The competition […]

Read more

2018 IPBA Perfume Bottle Design Competition Winners

While ‘vintage’ may rule the days of Convention, the IPBA recognizes that every gorgeous bottle was at one time a sparkling new work of art.  And from there the IPBA PERFUME BOTTLE DESIGN COMPETITION was born.  The competition […]

Read more

Save the Date for Convention 2024

Save the Date! IPBA’s 36th Annual Convention April 25-28, 2024 Newport Harbor Island Resort 1 Goat Island Road Newport, Rhode Island As usual, we have arranged for a very special discounted room rate at the Newport Harbor Island […]

Come join us ...

IDENTIFYING YOUR TREASURE FOUND: Be Your Own Expert

You have a newly purchased antique scent bottle. You bought it just because you like it, but you know little about it. At the very least you may want to know what it’s made of, where it was […]

Learn more ...

Tour the USA

In honor of the USA’s Independence Day on July 4th, we are taking a tour of the USA and its cities, souvenirs, history, climate, flora and fauna via the perfumes and vanity items in our Virtual Museum. The […]

Join our tour ...

Dreaming of Writing a Book?

Have you ever dreamt of writing a book? Several of our IPBA members have done just that! A surprising number of perfume and vanity items tout the literary world of books, and the implements used to write them […]

Explore ...

2023 Design Competition Winners

Our 2023 Perfume Bottle Design Competition welcomed an amazing selection of 27 designs submitted from 4 different countries, and ranging in styles from traditional to contemporary, sublime to whimsical, and in a variety of mediums, colors, techniques and […]

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Awards Presented at the 2024 Annual Meeting

The IPBA has a tradition of honoring our hard-working volunteers. The following awards were made at the Annual Meeting during our 2024 Annual Convention:

View our recipients

What’s in Your Hat Box?

Easter is fast approaching, and what ever happened to the tradition of ladies getting a new Easter Bonnet?  Since many of the perfume houses were started by fashion designers and milliners, it’s not surprising that hats feature prominently in […]

Check out our hat box!

Perfume Bottles Auction 2023 Preview

The 2023 Perfume Bottles Auction will be another spectacular event orchestrated by Ken Leach. This will be an online auction facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.com. Auction catalogs can be obtained by contacting Ken Leach via one of the following:  Phone: […]

Come see ...

Let’s Celebrate Mardi Gras!

It’s that time of year to put on a mask and costume, throw caution to the winds, and go out and celebrate Mardi Gras! Crowds prowl the streets of New Orleans, watching parades, and catching beads and tokens. […]

Come join us ...

Cupids On The Prowl

It’s February, and Cupid on the prowl with his bow and arrow – looking for likely targets. He has shown up in our perfume and vanity items with some regularity over the ages. Take a look at our many […]

View the sightings ...

Now Accepting Submissions For Treasures Found

One of our annual convention events is Treasures Found, where our panel of experts reviews items submitted either in advance or in person, and seeks to identify the item and answer the submitter’s questions. We are NOW accepting […]

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View a Perfume Bottle Quarterly Sample

One of the benefits of IPBA membership is the Perfume Bottle Quarterly (aka the PBQ).  While our archives of 35 years of PBQ issues is for members-only, we’re providing here a sample of our award-winning PBQ for non-members […]

Come see what you are missing ...

Welcome the 7,000th Item in the IPBA Virtual Museum!

Porcelain bottle depicts Cupid at his grinder in front of a fountain with a mask face.  At the bottom is a black spotted dog with his red collar.  The porcelain bottle and stopper with brass fittings has a […]

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Flutter of Cherub Wings

Remember cherubs? Those cute, chubby little winged fellows that used to be a ubiquitous theme in the decorative arts? Well, perfumes and vanity items have been decorated with their share of cherubs over the years, so come listen […]

View our cherubs ...

Announcing Our 2023 Convention Keynote Speaker

We are delighted and honored to welcome Erin Parsons As our Keynote Speaker for the 2023 Dallas convention

Learn more about her ...

Cat Parade

Have you ever attended a cat show? Yes, they really do have cat shows just like dog shows. But our cat show of perfume and vanity item cats is more like a cat parade of both domestic and […]

Watch the Parade ...

Looking For 2025 Raffle Donations

The IPBA is looking for 2025 Raffle and Collector’s Market Donations for our Portland Convention!   Please help with these wonderful annual convention fund raisers by providing perfume and vanity related items for these events. The funds generated […]

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Touring Italy

Have you ever dreamt of traveling to Italy?  Want to float in a gondola through the canals of Venice?  Hunt for a prized piece of Murano glass?  Or perhaps one of those fabulous Italian compacts?  Or maybe you’d like […]

Come join our tour ...

Bear Necessities

I don’t know about you, but one of the “bare necessities” of my life is hunting for that unique perfume or vanity item to add to my collection(s). Come see the results of a “bear hunt” through our […]

Join our bear hunt ...

IPBA 2022 Convention Recap

Our 2022 Convention was truly a fun and memorable event!! We were so excited to be able to meet in person again and enjoyed the camaraderie of our collecting friends and meet some new ones too.  It was […]

Check out the fun we had!

Tips & Tricks to Create Better Bottle and Vanity Item Photos

A FEW SET-UP BASICS: ISOLATE THE PRODUCT. The camera sees everything — so eliminate ALL background “clutter and confusion” by isolating the item on a plain, lint and dirt-free, pattern-free, seamless white or black background (depending on the […]

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IPBA Day is Coming Soon!

What is IPBA Day? IPBA Day was established by the IPBA Board in 2012 as a way to link members across the globe on the same day celebrating our passion for perfume bottles and vanity items. It has […]

It's time to celebrate!

Travel to Spain Via the IPBA

Have you ever dreamt of traveling to Spain? Want to visit the cities of Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, Avila, and Sevilla? To feel the breezes off the Ebro river? To check out the pottery in the Talavera region? To […]

Join our tour

Keep Our Virtual Museum Growing!

Welcome to “Djedi” by Baccarat for Guerlain, our 6,000th entry in the IPBA Virtual Museum.  “Djedi” is an oriental chypre perfume, created in 1927 by Jacques Guerlain for the company’s 100th anniversary. While we are excited to reach […]

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Games of Skill and Chance

Have you ever dreamt of being a champion poker player? Winning at the roulette or craps table in Las Vegas? Or just spending an afternoon or evening playing bridge or canasta with friends? Do you know how to […]

Try your luck ...

Make Your Hotel Reservation for Convention 2023

IPBA’s 35th convention will be at the fabulous lakeside resort: Hilton Dallas | Rockwall Lakefront 2055 Summer Lee Drive, Rockwall, Texas The Lone Star Chapter is already planning a wonderful experience for you, deep in the heart of […]

Preview peek ...

In Memory of Our Lost Heroes

In the US, we remember our lost warriors on Memorial Day – the last Monday in May.  Given the current bloody war in Ukraine, and the fact that our WW II “greatest generation” is passing away, we are […]

Give Honor ...
FIRST PLACE: Gustavo Santana

2022 Perfume Bottle Design Competition Winners

Our 2022 Perfume Bottle Design Competition welcomed an amazing selection of 38 designs submitted from 6 different countries, and ranging in styles from traditional to contemporary, sublime to whimsical, and in a variety of mediums, colors, techniques and […]

View our winners ...

2022 Perfume Bottles Auction Results

On April 30th the Perfume Bottles Auction in conjunction with the International Perfume Bottle Association’s 32nd annual convention in Chicago, IL, topped all previous years results.  Enthusiastic online bidders competed with multiple phone and absentee bidders over 188 […]

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Upcoming Monthly Theme – War Memorials

In the US, we remember our war dead on Memorial Day – the last Monday in May.  So given the current bloody war in Ukraine, IPBA will be doing a war heroes remembrance with our monthly theme that […]

Here's how to help ...

Time Travel to Camelot

Have you ever fantasized about being a princess or a knight in shining armor? This month we’ll be taking another time travel adventure – back to the Middle Ages to explore castles, visit with the King and Queen, […]

Come join our tour ...

Time Travel to Ancient Greece and Rome

Have you dreamt of traveling back in time to ancient Greece and Rome? To experience those amazing structures in their heyday, that now exist only in preserved ruins? (Well, maybe with what we know now, you might not […]

Take our time travel excursion ...

“A Presenza Invisible” Exhibition of Art Nouveau and Art Deco Perfumes

You are invited to the “A Presenza Invisible” (The Invisible Presence) Exhibition which will be held at the Municipal Museum in Pontevedra, Spain from April 7th to June 12th.  The theme is Art Nouveau and Art Deco perfume […]

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Touring India

Have you ever dreamt of traveling to India? India is much more than the home of the Taj Mahal, and Hindu gods with multiple pairs of arms. It was once conquered by the Mughals (Moors), and so features […]

Come join our tour ...

Tales of 1001 Arabian Nights

Let’s go back in time to the Tales of 1001 Arabian Nights! What visions come into your head? Sultans in their turbans with ballooning pants and a scimitar tucked into their waist? Maidens with diaphanous veils dancing in […]

Come travel on our magic carpet ...

IPBA 2023 Convention Preliminary Schedule of Events

IPBA 35th Annual Convention Preliminary Schedule of Events* ALL TIMES are USA Central Time: WEDNESDAY – APRIL 26, 2023 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Grab & Go Breakfast 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Optional Tour – Grapevine, Texas: […]

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Virtual Museum Welcomes its 5,000th Entry!

Thanks to everyone’s contributions, the IPBA Virtual Museum welcomes its 5,000th item.  It is a crystal atomizer with black enamel Art Deco decoration, and hangs from a chrome and glass frame that mirrors its shape.  Unsigned, it is […]

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Touring the Orient

Have you ever dreamed of touring the Orient? Seeing the pagodas and temple shrines with their Buddha statues? Participating in a traditional tea ceremony with a beautifully dressed Geisha? Perhaps purchasing a souvenir Chinese dragon, Mah Jongg game, […]

Join our tour ...
Estee Lauder: A Beautiful Life book cover

Estée Lauder: A Beautiful Life

A new book titled “Estée Lauder: A Beautiful Life” was recently published by Assouline Publishers. This beautiful 200 page silk hardcover book comes with a silk slipcover and includes over 300 illustrations. As an innovative businesswoman Estée Lauder […]

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Perfume Novelties for Dollhouses book cover

Novelties for Dollhouses

This book is about Stuart and Karoff perfume novelties for dollhouses and is the twelfth in the series of books written by Patty Cooper and printed by Blurb.com. The book is bright and well organized.  With great color […]

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View our Horse Show

Come be a spectator in the IPBA Horse Show!  Horses are used as a motif in perfume and vanity items and their advertising.  Can you guess the message being conveyed by each horse?  By each rider?  Is it […]

Come enjoy the ride ...

Dreaming of Visiting Holland?

Have you ever dreamed of visiting Holland? Seeing the picturesque seaside town, windmills, fields of flowering tulips, and wondering how anyone ever wore those wooden shoes? Take a tour through Holland with us to see those windmills, sailing […]

Join our tour ...

2022 Perfume Bottle Design Competition

Previous Winners shown above (left to right): 2016 (tie) Domingo Navales for “Octopus” and Gregoris Komodromas for “Aphrodite”; 2017 Paul Mabe for “Trillium”; 2018 Elaine Hyde for “Black and Blue”; 2019 Gustavo Santana; 2021 Anna Boothe for “Laurel […]

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The IPBA Dog Show

All dog owners are proud of their dogs, but have you ever considered entering your fur-baby in a dog show? What a fantasy – to walk your dog into the arena, all brushed and fluffed and looking fine, […]

What's your favorite breed?
Lampes Berger book cover

Lampes Berger: A Century of History by Gérald Vilcocq

The book “Lampes Berger: A Century of History” describes the 100-year history of this company. The first edition dates back to 1998. The most recent edition was published in 2003. This 319-page book features hundreds of photographs arranged […]

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IPBA collection

IPBA Museum Collection: Space in the Case

We need your help and donations to grow our IPBA Museum Collection. We are inviting YOU, our Members, to donate to our wonderful collection. No donation is too small! Today, the IPBA Museum Collection is housed in the […]

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How To Date Your Commercial Perfume Bottle

Do you have a vintage perfume and need help in figuring out how old it may be? Simply knowing when your perfume first came out can be a huge help. Please remember that some perfumes were made for […]

Learn the clues ...

Dreaming of Being a Classic Car Collector?

Have you ever dreamt of being an antique car collector like Jay Leno (180 cars and 161 motorcycles), William Harrah (former Reno casino owner who at one time had a museum with 1,450 cars), or Dirk Pitt (fictional […]

Rev these engines ...

Let’s Go Birdwatching!

Pick one of our pairs of binoculars, and then let’s go birdwatching!  In addition to our large flock of doves, we have baby chicks, birds of paradise, bluebirds, budgies, cockatoos, ducks, eagles, flamingos, geese, hummingbirds, kingfishers, ostriches, owls, […]

Can you spot them all?

IPBA Convention 2021 Recap

We set sail looking for New Horizons and ended up Widening our Horizons!  Our 2021 IPBA Convention was fun, exciting, educational and best of all we connected with our collecting mates.  We had over 180 attendees with 10 […]

Check out all the pictures ...
The Scent of Empires book cover

The Scent of Empires by Karl Schlögel

The introduction to “The Scent of Empires” explains the author’s constant exposure to the fragrance “Red Moscow” in Soviet Russia. The historian in him caused him to delve into its origins. The empires in the title refer to […]

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Help Keep Our Virtual Museum Growing!

Welcome to Napoleon and his wife, representing the 4,000th item in our Virtual Museum!  While we are excited to reach this milestone, we are eager to keep growing, and providing our members with a great research tool.  Perfume […]

How you can help ...

Dreaming of Visiting Egypt?

Have you ever dreamt of traveling to Egypt? Are you inspired by elegant Egyptian-themed perfume bottles? Want to ride a camel, see the Sphinx and the pyramids, maybe even buy a local perfume bottle? We still can’t do […]

Take a tour ...

2021 Perfume Bottles Auction Results

On May 1st, live online from New York City, in conjunction with the IPBA annual convention, 192 lots crossed the block in the Perfume Bottles Auction. The sale generated over $600,000 including premium, selling through two internet platforms, […]

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Decorating a Perfume and Vanity Item Dollhouse

Have you ever fantasized about decorating a dollhouse with perfume and vanity items? Two of our IPBA members have actually created them. Helen Farnsworth’s four-story dollhouse is pictured above, and Carol Caslow’s dollhouse is described in detail in […]

Enter our decorator showroom ...

2021 Perfume Bottle Design Competition Winners

While ‘vintage’ may rule the days of Convention, the IPBA recognizes that every gorgeous bottle was at one time a sparkling new work of art.  And from there the IPBA PERFUME BOTTLE DESIGN COMPETITION was born.  The competition […]

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Post-Convention Survey Available Here

Your suggestions and comments are important to the organizers of this convention. If you attended our recent convention, please take a few minutes to complete this evaluation to let us know what you think about our first ever […]

Get the survey ...

The IPBA Shoppe

Welcome to the IPBA Shoppe, where you can view IPBA branded merchandise available for purchase! We’re starting with prior year convention pins, $15 each. 2024 convention pin, $20 each. IPBA tote bags are $20, and watches are $20. […]

Browse the IPBA Shoppe
circus seal

Dreaming of Joining a Circus?

Did you ever fantasize about running away to join the circus? If so, our perfume and vanity item circus is for you! It features a trapeze artist, tightrope walker, jugglers, mime, a sword swallower, animal acts, lions, elephants, […]

Run away with us ...
The Maybelline Story book cover

The Maybelline Story

“The Maybelline Story” recounts the beginning and history of the Mabelline company.  In 1915, when a kitchen stove fire singed his sister Mabel’s lashes and brows, Tom Lyle Williams watched in fascination as she performed what she called […]

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E. Virgil Neal and Tokalon book cover

The Cosmetics Baron You’ve Never Heard of: E. Virgil Neal and Tokalon

Who was the real E. Virgil Neal – cosmetics and perfume baron of Tokalon? Snake-oil salesman? Criminal and traitor? Who was Emma, the wife who performed hypnotism demonstrations with him in Pennsylvania mining towns, under his alias Xenophon […]

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MGAM Rules

You can win rewards by referring new members.  On their membership enrollment, the new member must list your name as how they learned about the IPBA.  The contest runs from April 1st – March 31st of each calendar […]

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IPBA Day!

What is IPBA Day? IPBA Day was established by the IPBA Board in 2012 as a way to link members across the globe on the same day celebrating our passion for perfume bottles and vanity items. It has […]

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Building a Perfume and Vanity Item Collection

Collecting perfume bottles and vanity items is interesting because it tells us about our past, and the changing lifestyles around the world and over the centuries. The number of perfume and vanity items available for purchase is immense, […]

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Leonard Lauder book cover

The Company I Keep

Leonard Lauder is Estee Lauder’s oldest son (now age 87) and reveals the business and life lessons learned while running the beauty empire that his mother created.  This story was very entertaining as well as educational about many […]

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What’s in Your Easter Basket?

A tisket, a tasket, what’s in your Easter Basket? There are plenty of bunnies, eggs and chicks, but are they chocolate or perfume?? Come see what’s in our Easter Basket!

It's egg-citing!
Bijoux Promotionnels de Parfumeurs book cover

Bijoux Promotionnels de Parfumeurs

“Bijoux Promotionnels de Parfumeurs” explores the jewelry lines promoted by perfumers.  In addition to their traditional line of perfumes, many perfumers produced a line of so-called “licensed” jewelry and other items. This consists of quality jewelry intended only […]

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Passed Auction Lots Available for Purchase

Below is the list of available lots that were passed and available for purchase at low- estimate + 10% Lot 13 Lot 73 Lot 87 Lot 126 Lot 151 Lot 153 Lot 166 Lot 169 Lot 172 Lot […]

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Convention Preliminary Schedule of Events

There will be no shortage of learning opportunities with our incredible line up of Presentations and Vanity Table Talks (some live and some prerecorded).  We’ll have exciting and exclusive virtual tours created just for our convention. Treasures Found […]

Check it out ...

Dreaming of Visiting Paris?

Have you ever dreamt of traveling to see the sights of Paris? This is definitely a fantasy as we cannot currently travel due to the pandemic. How about time travel to Paris in the 1920’s? Paris after WW […]

Come see the sights ...

My Valentine

Did you ever wish that cute boy or girl in your class would notice you?  Or would ask to be your Valentine?  Or wish that your significant other would gift you with a perfume or vanity item Valentine?  […]

Take a peek!

Convention 2021 Update

THE IPBA IS “SAILING FOR NEW HORIZONS”  We hope all of you and your guests will join us April 29th thru May 2nd 2021 as we host an amazing “Virtual 2021 Convention”! Just think – you can participate […]

More Details ...

Dancing the Night Away

Did you ever dream of being a ballerina? Or dancing in the New Year at a ball? Unfortunately with the pandemic, we were not able to go to parties and dance in the New Year for 2021 or […]

May I have this dance?
Femmes de Papier book cover

Femmes de Papier

“Femmes de Papier” explores the advertising tradition of perfume cards.  The Perfume Card is an ideal way of perceiving a fragrance, to discover a perfume. These cards are sought after by many collectors. Today they have become object […]

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Beauty Powder and its Boxes book cover

Beauty Powder and its Boxes (1880-1980) by Anne de Thoisy-Dallem

“Beauty Powder and its Boxes” is a softcover book with 208 full color pages and with great illustrations.  It provides us with an opportunity to explore the intimacy of the makeup rituals of elegant ladies via Anne de […]

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Dreaming of a White Christmas?

Boys and girls of all ages (from 1 to 99) have a lot of fantasies and expectations around Christmas and the winter holidays. There is skiing; sledding; decorating the tree and the house; wrapping presents; baking cookies; caroling; […]

Let it snow ...

Sounds and Perfumes Swirl in the Evening Air

Passion can be inspired by both music and perfume. Many vanity items, perfume bottles, presentations, and advertisements play upon a musical theme. Instruments depicted include pianos, violins, cellos, harps, drums, cymbals, guitar, trumpet, accordion, mandolin, and more … […]

Listen for the melody ...

2023 IPBA Auction Consignments Solicited

Do you have perfume bottles or vanity items that you are interested in selling? The PERFUME BOTTLES AUCTION, organized by renowned specialist Ken Leach, is the official auction of the International Perfume Bottle Association’s annual convention.  This auction […]

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Romanian perfumes book cover

The History of Perfumes and Cosmetics in Romania by Val Iacob

The book “The Visual History of Perfumery in Romania” maps the evolution of Romanian perfumery, from its beginnings to the present. It contains an impressive collection of photos, information, episodes and long-forgotten key moments that have defined this […]

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Cristalleries de Nancy book cover

Nancy: la cristallerie oubliée (the forgotten crystal factory) by Gérard Caussaint

Gérard Caussaint takes you to an incredible journey to the forgotten crystal glassworks of Nancy (1920-1934), also known as Cristalleries de Nancy. This unique compendium of 384 pages , is illustrated with over 400 photographs, drawings and documents. […]

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Secrets of Aromatic Jewelry book cover

Secrets of Aromatic Jewelry by Annette Green and Linda Dyett

The richness and depth of Annette Green’s experience, her keen insights and vast knowledge of scents and their containers are vividly apparent in her research of aromatic jewelry as presented in “Secrets of Aromatic Jewelry”.  This is the […]

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Fragrand and Fans book cover

“Fragrance and Fans” by the late Evelyn Malpas

The book is a rare spiral bound softcover. It is a superior reference to the use of fans in fragrance and beauty advertising and the firms that issued them. There are 36 pages of text and images. It […]

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Can Bugs be Beautiful?

Were you ever fascinated by bugs as a child? Have you ever stared in wonder at the beautiful patterns on a butterfly’s wings, or the iridescence of the wings of a dragonfly or cicada? Well, a surprising number […]

Do you hear the buzzing?

2020 IPBA Auction Results

With the original May 2020 auction date cancelled due to the global pandemic, a virtual auction was conducted live in real time, with no in-person audience. Over 500 bidders registered on two online bidding sites, 8 phone lines […]

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fenton book cover

Fenton Art Glass, Hobnail Pattern, Identification & Value Guide, (2005) by Margaret and Kenn Whitmyer

I have been a Fenton art glass collector for several years.  One of my collections focused on the early Hobnail design starting with the No. 289 French Opalescent cologne bottles made for Wrisley Perfume of Chicago, IL in […]

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bedroom and bathroom glassware cover

Bedroom & Bathroom Glassware of The Depression Years by Margaret Whitmyer

Depression glass is a reflection of the events and styles of the era during which it was made.  The first half of the Twentieth Century was comprised of two world wars, the stock market crashing and throwing the […]

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New IPBA Marketplace!

Both members and non-members may advertise in the IPBA Perfume Bottle Quarterly.  Those who place ads for a full year, also get an ad here on the public portion of the IBPA website.

Go to Marketplace ...

Exploring The Deep Blue Sea

Many the youth has dreamed of being a marine biologist, exploring the deep blue sea, catching “the big one”, exploring coral reefs, being a sea captain, or hearing the siren song of a mermaid.  The following examples from […]

Explore the deep blue sea ...
perfume presentation book cover

Perfume Presentation

“Perfume Presentation: 100 Years of Artistry” is a gorgeous, large “coffee-table” book that is a must-have for any collector of commercial perfume bottles. If consists of over 300 pages with 530 beautiful full color photographs. The author, Ken […]

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IPBA Auction History and Catalogs

The Perfume Bottle and Vanity Item Auctions have been a centerpiece of IPBA Conventions since 1990.  They are attended by hundreds of collectors around the world, as well as convention participants.  The auction items are always spectacular, and […]

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New IPBA Multi-Lingual Membership Brochures Available!

Beautiful, updated IPBA membership brochures are now available!  Its multi-fold design allowed us to have a panel in English, as well as 10 other languages!  These languages include: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian […]

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F. Millot book cover

F. Millot, Perfumer: From Eau Magique to Crêpe de Chine

The Parisian house F. Millot knew how to take a preponderant place on the market between 1860 and 1970. By its essentially family character, it assumed a very particular importance in the history of perfumery. Félix Millot, from […]

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IPBA Reference Bookshelf

Founding of the IPBA

In May 2013, the International Perfume Bottle Association celebrated its 25th year anniversary in grand style in Las Vegas, Nevada. A return to Vegas was special in many ways, as we initially began our story there as a […]

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IPBA Reference Bookshelf

Recognition of Prior Board Members

The IPBA is run by an all-volunteer Board of Directors.  In recognition of their substantial leadership, hard work, and time commitment, we honor our former Board members: 1988-1989 Joyce Geeser, Editor Perfume & Scent Bottle News Jeane Parris, […]

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Student Collectors Now Open to College Students

The IPBA now has a special, low-cost membership option for art, art history, design, and glass making students interested in studying the history, and design of perfume bottles, and vanity items.  IPBA membership will provide them with access […]

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American compacts book cover

American Compacts: 1921 through the Art Deco Era by Howard W. Melton and Michael A. Mont

“American Compacts: 1921 through the Art Deco Era” by Howard W. Melton and Michael A. Mont is a glorious exploration of American Art Deco Compacts.  The book includes 1,120 color photographs, historical information relating to the emergence of […]

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The Sky is the Limit!

Many a youth has dreamed of studying the stars or exploring space. The following examples from our Virtual Museum explore how perfumes and vanity items play upon these fantasies.

Explore the universe ...

It’s Time to Renew Your Membership

If you haven’t done it already, it is time to renew your membership.  Members who have not renewed by the end of their grace period will stop receiving the PBQ and lose access to this wonderful  website and […]

See how ...

IPBA Guiding Documents

The conduct of the IPBA organization is guided by the following documents: IPBA_Bylaws Standing_Policies

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31st Annual Convention – Chicago, IL

May 2, 2019, to May 5, 2019 Westin Chicago Northwest, Itasca, IL “Opening Night” Wow, what a convention! Our 2019 Convention, themed “Opening Night”, was a fabulous affair from start to finish!  Perfume bottles, compacts, purses, Stellar presentations, […]

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What is Convention Like?

The IPBA Convention is an incredible and multi-faceted experience not to be missed. The shopping alone is worth the price of admission! Yet we go way beyond shopping, with insightful, informative and illuminating presentations on a wide variety […]

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10 Commandments for Collectors

Thou shalt talk abundantly about thy collection to anyone who will listen. Thou shalt not spend the lunch money on collectibles. Thou shalt keep all the original boxes, no matter how full the closets get. Thou shalt remember […]

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English cameo glass perfumes cover

English Cameo Glass Perfume Bottles by Barbara Miller, Gayle Syers and Victor Weinstein

So much more. That is the phrase that continues to describe the awe Gayle, Vic and I feel after two years of working on the book “English Cameo Glass Perfume Bottles”.  More fabulous than we ever imagined. More […]

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cambridge glass cover

Cambridge Glass Vanity Items 1903-1955 by Kenn & Margaret Whitmyer

This book is a comprehensive examination of the vanity glassware production of the Cambridge Glass Company of Cambridge, Ohio.   It is a follow-up book to their earlier more general vanity glassware book “Bedroom an Bathroom Glassware of the […]

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IPBA Social Media Connections

We want to encourage all members to look at the on-line sites listed below to discover wonderful treasures and share stories and pictures about your passion for perfume bottles, compacts and vanity items. Click below to reach all the different IPBA Facebook […]

Get connected ...

2019 IPBA Perfume Bottle Design Competition Winners

While ‘vintage’ may rule the days of Convention, the IPBA recognizes that every gorgeous bottle was at one time a sparkling new work of art.  And from there the IPBA PERFUME BOTTLE DESIGN COMPETITION was born.  The competition […]

See their designs
vanity cases book cover

A Vanity Affair: L’art du nécessaire by Lyne Kaddoura

“A Vanity Affair” is called the ultimate illustrated guide to the most exquisite vanity cases from the nineteenth century onward.  It is an unmissable opportunity for lovers of jewelry and fashion. This elegant and richly illustrated volume, featuring […]

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a kind of magic cover

A Kind of Magic: Art Deco Vanity Cases by Sarah Hue-Williams and Peter Edwards

“A Kind of Magic”, a beautiful book on Art Deco Vanity Cases, is based on the Kashmira Bulsara Collection. Written by Sarah Hue-Williams, international jewelery historian, gemmologist and author, in collaboration with Peter Edwards, foremost dealer in 20th-century […]

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parfums schiaparelli cover

Parfums Schiaparelli: Scented Stories by Antigone Schilling

“Parfums Schiaparelli: Scented Stories” is the first volume to explore the fascinating stories behind Elsa Schiaparelli’s radical perfume creations, from fragrance notes to groundbreaking bottle design and innovative advertisements. Elsa Schiaparelli was a revolutionary of twentieth-century fashion because […]

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spritzing to success cover

Spritzing to Success with the Woman Who Brought an Industry to its Senses by Annette Green

Annette Green, in her autobiography Spritzing to Success, takes us on her “fragrant journey” from her first job as an editorial assistant at American Druggist to her 40 years heading the Fragrance Foundation. The Fragrance Foundation was formed […]

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Volunteering With the IPBA

IPBA volunteers are the heart, soul, and lifeblood of the organization.  We have no paid staff, so without our volunteers, we wouldn’t exist.  We have a big heart with room for everyone, and many hands make light work!  […]

See how you can help
perfume roads cover

The Perfume Roads by Creezy Courtoy

Follow author Creezy Courtoy on a journey to discover the ‘perfume roads’ of the Middle-East, Far East and the West.  The book includes over 280 photographs (mostly unpublished) from the Courtoy Collection.  It is an incredible story of […]

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Littleton book cover

Harvey K. Littleton: A Life in Glass: Founder of America’s Studio Glass Movement by Joan Falconer Byrd

Harvey Littleton, Honorary Lifetime Member of the IPBA, was honored in major museums throughout the United States in 2012 as the founder of the American studio glass movement, which marked its 50th anniversary in 2012. IPBA members remember […]

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perfume history cover

Perfume: A Global History by Jean-Bernard Pouy

This large book is an anthology on the history of perfume, devised by Marie-Christine Grasse, chief curator of the Musee International de la Perfumerie in Grasse, France. It covers fragrance from ancient times to perfume today, with much […]

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quintissentially perfume cover

Quintessentially Perfume by Nathalie Grainger

“Quintessentially Perfume” by Nathalie Grainger features fabulous color photographs of bottles from the Baccarat Heritage collection interspersed throughout this book. Primarily the focus is on niche fragrances from boutique perfume houses, most of which are names unknown to […]

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secrets of chanel cover

The Secret of Chanel No. 5: The Intimate History of the World’s Most Famous Perfume by Tilar Mazzeo

Fascinating story of the behind-the-scenes events leading to the creation of Chanel No. 5.  An “unauthorized” biography telling tales of Mlle. Coco Chanel’s (1883-1971) life and loves (not reported in other biographies). Interesting facts are included regarding the […]

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crown top book cover

The Crown Top Book by Pauline Turco

This wonderful book deals exhaustively with the specialty collecting area of Crown Top perfume bottles. Pauline Turco, a long time member of the International Perfume Bottle Association, has spent years researching her specialty and graciously shares this knowledge […]

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coty book cover

Francois Coty: Fragrance, Power, Money by Roulhac Toledano and Elizabeth Coty

While much has been written before about M. Francois Coty (1874 – 1934), this biography is greatly enhanced by the personal reminiscences of his grandson’s wife who worked for the company, and is filled with information gleaned through […]

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passion for purses cover

A Passion for Purses by Paula Higgins and Lori Blaser

“A Passion for Purses” is an excellent reference providing a four hundred year historical overview, then homing on on specific eras and purse types, highlighting the following twelve chapters. Capping it all, Chapter 14 is a candid commentary […]

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essence of perfume cover

The Essence of Perfume by Roja Dove

The “Essence of Perfume” is lavishly illustrated journey through the history of perfume, taking in the glamour and scandal of the industry as well as the science behind iconic scents. Perfume has always been an exclusive industry. From […]

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IPBA Reference Bookshelf

IPBA Resources Updated!

Exciting news to share with all our members!

Take a look!
lei in a bottle cover

Lei in a Bottle: Collecting Hawaiian Perfume Bottles by Gwen and Evan Olins

“Lei in a Bottle” is a beautiful softcover book containing well over 200 photos of Hawaiian perfume bottles. While the photos and graphics are stunning, the actual stories of how the Hawaiian perfume industry came to be is […]

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perfume bottles cover

The Wonderful World of Collecting Perfume Bottles Second Edition by Jane Flanagan

Author Jane Flanagan hopes that Edition II of “The Wonderful World of Collecting Perfume Bottles” will have many surprises for our readers. In addition to updating chapters shown in Edition I, included is a new company, the E […]

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Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors gives awards to the PBQ!

At its August 2019 Convention, the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors gave 5 awards to our very own Perfume Bottle Quarterly newsletter and our IPBA member authors.  Elizabeth Creech accepted the following awards on behalf of the IPBA: […]

See the winning articles ...
american compacts cover

Mueller’s Overview of American Compacts & Vanity Cases by Laura Mueller

Our very own Laura Mueller has published her third book about American face powder compacts and vanity cases. As usual, Laura’s book is very well researched and indexed with a fine bibliography. Her scholarly and complete glossary of […]

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perfume cover

Perfume: Joy, Scandal, Sin by Richard Stamelman

“Perfume” by Richard Stamelman is a heavy read – and I mean this both literally and figuratively… It weight five pounds! Regarding content, the author has gone into great depth and research concerning the concept of perfume in […]

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perfume advertising cover

Classic Perfume Advertising 1920 – 1970 by Jacqueline Johnson

In this book, Jacqueline presents to us an array of fabulous graphics that represent perfume advertising at its best from the period of 1920 through 1970.  This book is a beautiful and colorful testament to the collecting interests […]

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novelty hand fans cover

Novelty Hand Fans by Cynthia Fendel

“Novelty Hand Fans” by Cynthia Fendel is her second book.  Her previous book on fans is “Celluloid Hand Fans”.   She is a founding member of Fan Association of North America. Her book is divided into 20 chapters.  Perfume collectors […]

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perfume bottles book cover

Perfume Bottles for Purse and Dresser: From Czechoslovakia, 1920s-1930s by Verna J. Kocken

Beautiful glass perfume bottles made in Czechoslovakia during the 1920’s and 30’s were produced to please a variety of tastes, decors, and pocketbooks. Today, these tiny artistic treasures possess an Old World charm that endears them to collectors. […]

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The Wonderful World of Collecting Perfume Bottles by Jane Flanagan

Long time member Jane Flanagan has written a book entitled “The Wonderful World of Collecting Perfume Bottles”. This is a book for the novice collector, one who merely wants to identify an older bottle and maybe a surprise […]

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Scents & Sensibilities: Creating Solid Perfumes for Well-Being by Mandy Aftel

Reviewed by Shari Maxson Hopper Delve into the world of natural perfume and discover how different scents can have a profound effect on your emotions, from relieving stress to enhancing sensuality. In Scents and Sensibilities, author Mandy Aftel […]

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perfume legends cover

Perfume Legends II by Michael Edwards

We all know Michael Edwards as a British fragrance expert, author, and founding editor of Fragrances of the World, the largest guide to perfume classification. His lectures and writings, including the book Perfume Legends: French Feminine Fragrances, pioneered […]

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fragrances book cover

Fragrances of the World by Michael Edwards

Michael Edwards presents the 31st edition of his book Fragrances of the World 2015 The Fragrance Bible by emphasizing that in 2014, the market welcomed over 1600 new perfumes, which were included in the new amended edition of […]

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dior book cover

DIOR: The Perfumes, by Chandler Burr

Many members will remember Chandler Burr, the author of “DIOR:  The Perfumes” from his 2008 keynote presentation at the IPBA convention in St. Louis.  Some of us also own his earlier book “The Perfect Scent”. This book is […]

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elsa schiaparelli cover

Elsa Schiaparelli: A Biography by Meryle Secrest

From reviews in Elle magazine to the New York Times, to the introspective feature on 1stdibs, biographer Meryle Secrest has been described as “offer(ing) insights aplenty into the strategist that lay behind the ‘madcap’ Schiap façade”. She provides […]

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devilbiss book cover

DeVilbiss Perfume Bottles by Marti DeGraaf and Toby Mack

“DeVilbiss Perfume Bottles” is the first-ever complete guide to collecting and understanding the perfume bottles and related vanity products produced by DeVilbiss, the world’s foremost atomizer manufacturer of the 20th century. This expansive 320-page volume tells the tale […]

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microcosmos book cover

Microcosmos Van René Lalique by Benjamin Janssens

The Lalique Museum in The Netherlands is producing a new book to be available on September 7, 2014 to accompany the René Lalique exhibition which begins on that date. It is dedicated to the jewelry and glass artistry […]

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lips of luxury cover

Lips of Luxury by Jean-Marie Martin-Hattemberg

Starting with its gorgeous gold-embossed jacket, this new collector book on lipsticks “Lips of Luxury” by IPBA Member Jean-Marie Martin-Hattemberg of Paris, France, is a feast for the eyes throughout. Most perfume bottle collectors have never focused on […]

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Antique Trader Perfume Bottles Price Guide by Kyle Husfloen and Penny Dolnick

As an author, Penny has contributed several excellent and valuable guides for perfume bottle collectors: Penny Bank Commercial Bottle Price Guide (8th Edition); Penny Bank Miniature and Tester Perfume Bottle Pocket Price Guide (3rd Edition); and Penny Bank […]

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Glamour Icons: Perfume Bottle Design by Marc Rosen

Mr. Rosen has written this absolutely spellbinding book about his career as a creator of perfume bottles for commercial fragrances beginning in 1972. Beautiful photos of his creations for Revlon, Elizabeth Arden, Karl Lagerfeld, and Fendi (among many […]

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The Art Of Rene Lalique

The Art of Rene Lalique by Christie Mayer Lefkowith

The book combines years of work of eminent expert on perfume presentation art: Christie Mayer Lefkowith, with the treasure-trove of the most purposeful Lalique perfume collector: Silvio Denz. To that mix, give the author a free hand and […]

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What Is It? What’s It Worth?

To get the right information so that you can identify, insure, sell or simply appreciate your bottle you should become an educated consumer by researching your bottle or collection.  That can be done via several avenues – reference […]

The path to answers ...
IPBA Reference Bookshelf

The Story of the IPBA Logo

There is a story behind the IPBA logo, and the bottles that were selected to appear, and the collection interests that they represent. Our Young Collectors’ Coordinator, Joanne Begert, has put together a beautiful pamphlet explaining the history […]

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