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Vega Guerlain 1936 Eau de Toilette

8.3 / 10 196 Ratings

A popular perfume by Guerlain for women, released in 1936. The scent is floral-spicy. The production was apparently discontinued.
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Main accords

Floral

Spicy

Powdery

Woody

Chypre

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes

Aldehydes

Jasmine

Bergamot

Neroli

Heart Notes

Iris

Jasmine

Rose

Ylang-ylang

Orange blossom

Patchouli

Sandalwood

Sweet acacia Vanilla

Vanilla

Vetiver

Base Notes

Heliotrope Jasmine

Jasmine

Tonka bean Musk

Musk

Perfumer

Jacques Guerlain

Ratings

Scent

8.3196 Ratings

Longevity

7.7159 Ratings

Sillage

7.1157 Ratings

Bottle

8.9150 Ratings

Value for money

5.912 Ratings

Submitted by Kankuro · last update on 10/20/2025.

Source-backed & verified

Interesting Facts

The perfume, originally from 1936, was re-edited 2005 as part of the collection "Il était une fois Guerlain" (in English: "Once upon a time Guerlain"). Initially intended to comprise five historical fragrances withing this collection - also named "The Vintages" - it remained restricted to "Vega" and "Sous le vent", re-edited 2005 as well.
Since February 2014, the historic inkwell flacon of Vega is exhibited in the "Hall of Mirrors" of the Maison Guerlain. On request, it is possible to smell the scent (extrait), which has been reconstructed following the formula of 1936.

Smells similar

What the fragrance is similar to

Vega Parfum

Liu Extrait

Infini (1912)

N°5 Parfum

Liu Eau de Parfum

Nocturnes (1981) Parfum

Reviews

27 in-depth fragrance descriptions

09/26/2013

8Scent 7.5Longevity 7.5Sillage

DemonHead
18 Reviews

DemonHead

Helpful Review 4

Vintage starlight

Few know that Jacques Guerlain had a significant interest in astronomy, and that he frequently pored over published dissertations on the subject. It is no surprise then, that in 1936 he came to draw inspiration from the 5th brightest star in the night sky, and one that has been referenced in ancient mythology for millennia: Véga.

Originally released in the iconic Baccarat "inkwell" flacon, Véga typified the new and innovative perfume stylings of the Art Deco age. Only 15 years earlier, Coco Chanel had released her aldehydic beast Chanel No.5 onto the world stage to great acclaim, which resulted in a mass tendency towards the use of aldehydes in perfumery. In answer to Chanel's ground-breaking creation, Jacques Guerlain released the aldehyde-rich luminous floral Liu in 1927, and revisited the aldehydic theme in Véga; though this time with a masterfully measured hand. Véga presented aldehydes in a vastly different manner - somehow scattered and diminished - as if the scent itself, much like starlight, had travelled for millennia across space and time.

Véga has all the markers of a classic aldehydic perfume but for one thing: a generous dose of vanilla. It opens with a sharp floral crispness that rushes to dry the back of the nose... bright neroli and ylang ylang accompany strong aldehydes through the topnotes, but a denser velvety heart of rose rests just under the surface. This strokeable rose accord harmonises with the powdery aspect of the aldehydes, and the whole heart of the perfume suddenly becomes very tactile. A dewy, thick vanilla note materialises, and adds a feeling of creamy, ambery warmth. This is where I feel Véga and other classic floral aldehydes diverge in style... it feels as if with Jacques Guerlain's interpretation, he has shifted the radio transmission a little 'off' to receive signals through a screen of white noise and static. The white/yellow florals are still there, but seem to be flourishing under a cream-coloured blanket of cashmere-soft vanilla. There is a lingering trail of subtle woods in the drydown: dry vetiver and what I expect might be fragrant sandalwood.

When pitted against the 2006 reissued version, the vintage Véga edt wins me over just by a hair. There just seems to be a celestial harmony between the notes that makes it slightly easier to wear than the modern release. As with the heavenly body itself, I feel the light of 1930's Véga might have changed ever-so-slightly in the time it has taken to reach us here in 2013.

12/26/2012

5Scent

Drseid
828 Reviews

Drseid

A Near Miss...

Even though marketed to women, this scent is actually very unisex to my nose. It opens with a blast of lemon/bergamot mixed with a soapy accord and a mild powder undertone. The bergamot tones down a bit and the powder gains strength throughout Vegas' development. The powdery development is similar to many other Guerlain scents, with the first one immediately coming to mind being L'Instant. I think the powder and soap are a bit too much for me, and really not to my liking. That said, the scent is very wearable, and shows some skill from the nose responsible for it. 2 to 2.5 stars out of 5.

04/02/2012

8Scent 7.5Longevity 5Sillage

aoe
51 Reviews

aoe

The Vanilla Affair

Thanks to dear Jella I was granted a bit of time with this diva, but she frequently brushed me off. Maybe the occasions were inappropriate, or I misbehaved, or it could have been the cold wind blowing in her ears that kept her from developing behind mine ...

The introduction reminded me a lot of Chanel's No 5, but soon the aldehydes and flowers gave way to a steadily increasing vanilla note - akin to a return from Chanel into Guerlain territory. Three hours later I perceived delicious cookie dough, though the buttery notes went as quickly as they had come.

The wind didn't blow us till Cyprus on our first date, for me the purportedly woody Chypré stayed hidden under a flower basket. But as noted above the vanilla kept gaining strength and I dozed off in a soft, warm pudding bowl with spices and incense.

On our second day we had more or less gotten accustomed to each other - after two hours of aldehydes she handed me a marvelous rose, then we went back to cake (Viennese Vanillekipferl for those in the know), spices, more vanilla, and the delicately woody Guerlinade basis.

The third time I took her to a party, but Vega was so contained in the large room with the open windows that not even my significant other noticed her much. After the aldehydes she became ever more quiet, only to completely vanish into the cigarette smoke that arose after the last children had left for bed without a goodbye.

I will keep a favorable memory of her and smell the last drop every now and then.

01/30/2014

10Scent 10Longevity 7.5Sillage

ParfumAholic
256 Reviews

Translated · Show original

ParfumAholic

Top Review 43

Soul Comforter

I was only 6 years old when my grandfather passed away. Suddenly and without warning, this small, wrinkled, and kind-hearted man was no longer sitting on the bench in front of my grandparents' house. At that time, I didn't understand what death meant; it was the first time I had consciously confronted it. My previously intact childhood world was about to show its first cracks.

My questions about the why and how were not answered openly and honestly at that time. So, my grandmother eventually took me aside and explained that old people often become very ill. When no doctor can help them anymore, the dear Lord would take them to Him in their sleep. Very special people would be transformed into stars to provide light for those left behind at night.

I could apparently understand this, and from my parents' stories, I believed it, as I often looked up at the night sky in the evenings to say goodnight to my grandpa. Child logic. Wonderful!

What does this story have to do with "Vega"?

At first glance, nothing, but at second glance, a lot.

In my search for the meaning of the name, I read that "Vega" (actually "Wega") is a bright star in the night sky. Aha, a star in the night sky, that fits well with "my story".

The scent itself also has something radiantly bright for me. Although I must admit that it took a relatively long journey to reach this realization.

The top note for me, even after various tests, consists solely of aldehydes. These little beasts particularly love to burrow deep into my skin, conquering pore by pore and feeling too comfortable to even think about evaporating. "Vega" is no exception.
If I had to rate the scent now, it would get under 50% from me.

However, after about 45 minutes, the picture begins to change. The aldehydes decide to retreat and give space to the floral representatives. The tart character of the now-present currants provides a skillful counterbalance to jasmine and ylang-ylang, preventing it from becoming too floral. I find this extremely pleasant, as too much floral is not my thing.
If a rating were due now, "Vega" would receive something around 60%.

But now something happens that is actually typical for Guerlain: upon entering the base, this traditional house once again shows why it rightly stands so high in the fragrance Olympus.

A base like a dream. Sandalwood, iris, amber, and vanilla in their best form and most balanced proportion. Nothing really stands out; all components blend together, appearing as if cast from one mold. There is a certain sweetness, but never overwhelming.
Rating now clearly 100%!

"Vega" is not playful, but from my perspective, it is an adult, mature, bright, and despite all its opulence, modest scent. Even the relatively unembellished bottle reflects this: beautifully designed without distracting from the essence. "Vega" has something warming and comforting for me. In this way, my personal circle closes again.

Dear Turandot, I am so infinitely grateful to you for sending me a sample of this fragrance treasure! Anyone who doesn't know this scent has truly missed something!

Of course, "Vega" has landed on my wish list. I now fear a long search that will end in an expensive purchase. But this exceptional scent is worth every effort and certainly every cent.

I will now look up at the night sky again to see if perhaps a star is shining....

10/24/2011

10Scent 10Longevity 8Sillage

Turandot
841 Reviews

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Turandot

Top Review 34

Speechless

Now I know what I will treat myself to next time I visit the Maison de Guerlain when Angelique Noir runs out. Vega has knocked down open doors with me, and if I have to scratch everything off my wish list, this perfume stays on it.

I only have the EdT here, but it is as intense and expressive as one can imagine the Extrait to be. I am floating above my desk with excitement and now have to try to put the scent into banal words. An almost impossible endeavor.

The top note really reminds me of aldehyde-heavy acquaintances. But where No.5, which is also not exactly a weak little water, stops, Vega only begins. As rich and golden as the image above, so the perfume smells. Powdery, spicy-floral with a distinct clove note, heavy but not burdensome, bright, extremely elegant, and the typical Guerlain note brings a smile to my face. The base does not play a separate role here but gives the scent support and volume, rounds it off, and caresses the skin for many hours. Vega is simply a dream, and just for that, the expensive order in the USA was worth it. I am simply thrilled.

And again I think: Damn it, why can't perfumers today create such masterpieces anymore?

I want to shout to Coriolan: Open the bottle, enjoy the scent. Just having it sitting around feels to me like money just lying in the bank, or do you only want to make your heirs happy one day??

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