Though it may not be the first thing that comes to mind, perfume bottles offer a look into a deep history of female art - the art of smelling fabulous.
In July, Lori Emmons, a 1966 MSU graduate, offered 100 of her 1,000-bottle collection for display at the Michigan Women's Historical Center & Hall of Fame, 213 W. Main St. in Lansing.
Emmons has collected commercial perfume bottles for more than a decade, everything from Guerlain and Revlon to Fendi and Jean Patou.
"I collect (the bottles) for the shape, the color and the design," she said. "It's the bottle I love, not the perfume."
Her bottles will be on display through the end of September.
Katie Cavanaugh, the historical center's assistant director, said the bottles are a unique art.
"People are always interested in this sort of thing," she said. "(We) thought it would be something different."
Bottle designs and shapes range widely. Some bottles are as small as a thumbnail, while "dummy bottles," the giant bottles used for display at department stores, can be as big as a human head.
Some have the perfume in the bottle and others are empty.
Emmons said although the "dummy bottle" is full, most are filled with iced-tea or dyed water to match a perfume's amber color.
Betty Gardner, a historical center volunteer for 16 years, said this is the first time she has seen such an exhibit.
"It's something we never had," she said. "It's interesting to see how the bottles have changed."
Emmons said she typically buys bottles from Internet sites, conventions and antique stores.
Emmons, a member of the International Perfume Bottle Association, said she has collected many rarities. Among her collection are two bottles by Marina Picasso, granddaughter of Pablo Picasso.
Collecting perfume bottles has become so popular that The International Perfume Bottle Association holds several exhibits and conventions throughout the year. Its Web site boasts that this year's 16th annual convention will draw about 500 perfume enthusiasts from across the world.
Penny Dolnick, president from 1996 to 1997, of North Miami Beach, Fla., began collecting in 1971 and now owns more than 3,000 bottles.
Although her mother had to throw away many of her bottles to make room in their house, she said her mother was an inspiration to begin collecting.
"(Perfume bottles) are beautiful examples of industrial art," Dolnick said. "But I'm sure all those years of my mother complaining (is why I collect)."
Emmons said her mother also played a role in beginning her collection.
"My mother wore Guerlain and Joy (scents)," she said. "(Those) are the only scents I wear now."
Cavanaugh said women share a bond in the art of smelling fabulous.
"A lot of moms and daughters come in together," she said. "They can see what their mom or grandma used to wear."
