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Quick Details
• Brand: Balenciaga
• Fragrance: Fleeting Moment (La Fuite des Heures)
• Concentration: Parfum
• Size: 1 FL OZ
• Perfumer: Germaine Cellier
• Launched: 1949
• Origin: Made in France
• Condition: Sealed, with original presentation box. Contents as presented in photographs
Heritage & Significance
Cristóbal Balenciaga, the designer who dressed royalty and aristocracy and whom his peers regarded as the master of them all, introduced this second fragrance from his Paris house in 1949. It was composed by Germaine Cellier — the perfumer behind Fracas and Bandit, and one of the very few women working at that level in mid-century French perfumery. Her work is known for boldness rather than politeness, which makes this a significant piece both for fragrance collectors and for anyone following Balenciaga’s history.
Fragrance Composition
• Top: Bergamot, neroli, orange blossom, anise, thyme
• Heart: Ylang-ylang, rose, jasmine, lily of the valley, violet, orris
• Base: Soft woods, vetiver, sandalwood, vanilla, amber, leather, musk
The composition opens with anisic herbs and aldehydic sharpness before settling into a soft floral and woody blend, jasmine and ylang-ylang over vetiver and sandalwood.
Condition Details
• Sealed flacon with baudruche and thread binding intact
• Original presentation box included, in excellent condition
• Contents as presented in the photographs; please review all images, which form part of the description
Authentication Details
The baudruche membrane and thread binding are the traditional French sealing method for parfum extrait, applied at the factory and impossible to reapply once removed. The flacon, labelling and box construction are consistent with documented examples of Balenciaga’s early fragrance production.
Collector’s Notes
Sealed examples of Balenciaga’s early parfums are genuinely difficult to find, and this one retains its original box. For collectors of Cellier’s work, of mid-century French perfumery, or of Balenciaga itself, it’s an unusually complete survival.
SHIPPING & HANDLING:
• Ground shipping only (required by law for alcohol-based fragrances)
• Carefully and professionally packed to protect items condition
• USPS Ground with tracking (FedEx/UPS Ground available by request)
• Signature required for purchases over $500
• Handling time: 1-3 business days
INTERNATIONAL BUYERS:
Free shipping is not offered on international orders; the buyer is responsible for shipping costs. Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost and are also the buyer’s responsibility. Please check with your country’s customs office to determine these additional costs before offerding or buying.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BUYERS:
Please carefully examine all the photos provided, as they are an integral part of the description. If you have any doubts or questions, ask before making an offer or purchasing. Due to the age of vintage fragrances, the scent may have altered over time and might not match the original fragrance exactly. The item in the listing photos is the one you will receive. I cannot be responsible for any leakage or evaporation during shipping. In case of damage upon arrival, please take clear photos immediately upon opening before removing the item from its packaging.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE:
This fragrance represents a true historical formula. This is a collector’s piece from the unregulated era of perfumery and is sold for collection purposes only. Due to the possibility of containing ingredients now regulated, careful testing is essential if choosing to apply despite these warnings:
Mandatory Testing Protocol:
• ALWAYS perform a patch test before any use:
• Apply tiny amount to inside of elbow
• Cover with bandage
• Wait full 24 hours
• Check for any redness, irritation, or reaction
• If any reaction occurs, discontinue immediately
• Never apply to broken or irritated skin
• Always test on skin before clothing
• Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes
• Discontinue use immediately if any irritation occurs
• Those with sensitive skin should avoid completely
• Consider display purposes only
• Seller assumes no responsibility for any personal use
This historical perfume:
• Contains completely unrestricted original formulas
• Pure historical composition
• True collector’s/display piece
• Personal use not advised and entirely at buyer’s risk
• Historical artifact of perfume history
• Represents completely unreformed formula
Returns Policy:
Due to the personal nature of fragrances, all sales are final and non-returnable. Returns are not accepted for any reason including but not limited to: not liking the scent, skin reactions, or change of mind. The only exception is if the item arrives damaged, which must be proven with clear photographic evidence taken immediately upon opening and before removing the item from its original shipping packaging. Buyer is responsible for return shipping costs in such cases. Any signs of tampering or discrepancies will void any possibility of refund.
Final Sale Policy:
Please be sure of your purchase before committing to buy or making an offer. I do not cancel transactions once an offer has been accepted or payment has been made. Photos are part of the description. To avoid complications, be certain before proceeding with your purchase and feel free to ask any questions.
