IPBA 2026: My First International Perfume Bottle Association Convention

The annual convention of the International Perfume Bottle Association (IPBA) was hosted in the heart of Chicago from April 23 to April 26, 2026, welcoming collectors of vintage perfume bottles but also cosmetic compacts, solid perfume holders, and other precious vanity items, from all over the world.

I started collecting perfume miniatures at a young age, so I was beyond happy to find an organization entirely dedicated to people who love to find gems and curate unique displays. As a perfumer lover and writer, I’ve been witnessing a boom of fragrance fairs and expos in the United States and elsewhere over the past couple of years, but according to some, events for actual collectors seem to be shrinking. Collecting has even been vilified as an activity that encourages needless accumulation, overspending, and extreme consumerism, but from my perspective collections can be built consciously and affordably (read about my own collection here).

I’d heard of IPBA through a few of my social media contacts, but after a wonderful fellow collector of miniature bottles from Italy (thank you, Luisa!) reached out to me and mentioned the imminent convention in Chicago, I decided it was time to see what it was all about. I have enjoyed attending fragrance events, but I truly felt like I was in my element here, surrounded by warm and welcoming people who take pride and joy in creating and curating very personal and unique collections. There was little or no hype or showing off here, just interest in perfume bottle history, many engaging conversations, and pure enjoyment of beautiful things.

The Perfume Passage Soirée held in Barrington Hills, Illinois, was the first event of the IPBA graciously hosted in the most beautiful mansion and museum owned by Jeffrey Sanfilippo, who hosted the event along with Rusty Sanfilippo.

I didn’t only admire mesmerizing perfume displays, but I also spent precious time with other proud lifelong collectors, including the wonderful members of IBPA Italia, the Italy chapter.

Displays that made an impression included mesmerizing windows dedicated to Caron and Schiaparelli and Bette Davis’s original vanity.

The dinner in the Carousel Room (the carousels are part of another incredible collection of the Sanfilippo family), along with fun exchanges, additional displays, and carousel rides were a fun addition to the evening.

At the convention, I learned a lot about bottles (both antique and more recent) thanks to lifelong experts and collectors who shared their knowledge and treasures. Highlights included multiple sessions on miniatures and talks by Terri Boyd about Karl Lagerfeld’s legacy (with a focus on his fragrances), Dawn Fleming on principles of collecting, and Monica Magnani (IPBA Italia’s President), on the sumptuous antique bottles of the Palais Royal collection.

Above is Monica Magnani’s collection piece from around 1860–you can still smell the fragrance in the small bottle

The IPBA convention is about history and education, but also about seeking out gems at the Vintage Vanity Show & Sale and the collector’s market. Both events are true treasure troves for collectors and enthusiasts of vintage bottles, perfumes, compacts, and other vanity accessories.

Some of my best finds were miniatures of the parfum version of Chamade by Guerlain and Pour Une Femme by Caron. I was also happy to get miniatures of Parure by Guerlain, Youth Dew by Estée Lauder, White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor (in the original box with the necklace from the 1990s) and a Boucheron set from the 1980s. You can spot several more of my purchases below:

The IPBA is also very generous with members and attendees.

A factice of Private Collection (1973) was kindly gifted by the association and is an exact replica of the rare original pure perfume contained in Estée Lauder’s personal crystal decanter. The bottle is beautifully preserved with the original-colored juice, intact stopper cord, and box (I can still smell the scent in the box, so it’s possible that a percentage of the fragrance may have been included in the factice bottle). I’m very happy to own a piece of perfume history, even in display form (as far as I can see, the original pure perfume is hard to find and very expensive). As an aside, a perfume factice is a high-quality bottle used for display purposes and to advertise fragrances in stores. Factice bottles are sought after by many collectors and often come in their own box.

My goodie bag included sweet treats, vintage perfume cards, and necklaces with solid perfume pendants by Corday and Estée Lauder from the 1970s.

Partner in scented crime, Sarah, purchased precious solid perfume compacts by Estée Lauder.

Along with perfume bottle history, classic beauty, and unique finds, the IPBA convention hosted three Chicago-based indie brands that exhibited alongside the vintage perfume vendors.

Clue Perfumery. I was very excited to finally try Dandelion Butter, but I ended up bringing Morel Map home! I detect something different every time I wear Morel map: the succus from thick crushed leaves, the earthy but subtle texture of wild mushroom in a meadow, or woody orris nuances on a patchouli and oakmoss backdrop. Sarah purchased Warm Bulb, a fragrance that is becoming a modern cult classic (yes, it truly exudes a warm glow, and you can almost detect the thin layer of dust on a lit bulb). It was great to meet perfumer Laura Oberwetter and her team!

Pearfat Parfum. After sampling and purchasing several of her fragrances over the past few years, I was excited to finally meet brand founder and perfumer Alie Kiral in person. She kindly gifted us samples of Up North and Neon Pierrot (both are very cool and unique) and presented all her work, which could be sampled through ceramic funnels or by spritzing straight from the bottles.

Domestica Perfume. I’d heard of this brand before, but this was my first experience with their work. I loved meeting Marty and Alvaro and fell in love with Yard, an evocative blend of snappy greens, watery florals, and petrichor.

It was fun and refreshing to see vintage bottle collectors appreciate the contemporary style and individuality that indie perfumers and designers celebrate so well. As someone who collects and enjoys both the classics and contemporary artisan perfumes, I loved this blend of nostalgia and modern magic.

With its elegant skyscrapers reflected in shimmering water, Chicago is the perfect backdrop for the convention, welcoming and dazzling anyone who visits.

Thanking IPBA’s President Teri Wirth, mentor Terri Boyd, and organizers Barbara W. Miller and Jen Siems for a fantastic event.

Read more about IPBA here. You can become a member of the organization and receive the Perfume Bottle Magazine, a quarterly publication filled with thoroughly researched articles.

Photos by Sarah, Luisa Romeo, and me.