Abano by Prince Matchabelli c1931

Abano by Prince Matchabelli, launched in 1931, initially debuted as a luxurious bath oil before expanding into a complete line of products, including a perfume by 1938. The choice of the name "Abano" is deeply evocative and likely intentional, drawing inspiration from both the thermal springs and ancient Roman baths located in Abano, Italy. This name not only connects the fragrance to a place steeped in history and tradition but also imbues it with a sense of relaxation, indulgence, and classical elegance. The term "Abano" is also said to mean "bath" in Southern Russian dialects, further reinforcing the association with cleansing, renewal, and sensory pleasure.

The word "Abano" evokes images of serene, steaming baths surrounded by classical architecture, perhaps even conjuring the luxurious rituals of the Roman elite. For women of the early 20th century, a fragrance named "Abano" would likely have suggested a sense of escapism, offering them a momentary journey to an exotic, far-off place where they could immerse themselves in opulence and tranquility. The name carries connotations of warmth, relaxation, and timeless beauty, which would have been highly appealing during a period marked by both the aftermath of the Great Depression and the approach of World War II.

The 1930s was an era of transition in the world of perfumery. Many fragrances of the time were influenced by the cultural fascination with the Orient, a trend that had gained popularity in the 1920s with iconic perfumes like Guerlain's Shalimar. Abano, classified as an oriental fragrance with a sandalwood-rich chypre base, was in line with this trend. However, its unique concept, rooted in the idea of bathing rituals and thermal springs, set it apart from other oriental fragrances. It offered a distinct blend of exoticism and relaxation, appealing to women who desired a fragrance that was both alluring and comforting.

In the context of the time period, Abano’s introduction as a bath oil before becoming a perfume was also somewhat unique. This evolution from a practical product to a luxurious fragrance underscores the brand's ability to adapt and expand, offering women not just a scent, but an entire sensory experience. The richness of the chypre base, combined with the warmth of sandalwood, made Abano both a sophisticated and enduring choice, aligning with the era’s trends while also offering something distinctly its own.

Abano Bath Oil:

The Abano Bath Oil by Prince Matchabelli was a luxurious and highly concentrated oil that distinguished itself with its unique, alcohol-free formula and pungent freshness. Unlike traditional bath products, Abano's oil cut through water, leaving the skin not only fragranced but also deeply moisturized and softened. A few drops were all it took to transform a bath into a soothing, indulgent experience, enveloping the body and the atmosphere in its lingering, exotic scent for hours. Its formulation helped offset skin dryness, leaving the skin silkier and smoother with each use.

Beyond its primary use as a bath oil, Abano was promoted as a versatile fragrance solution for various aspects of daily life. Advertisements suggested adding a few drops of the oil to a bowl of warm water to refresh and purify the air in tobacco smoke-filled rooms, a common issue at the time. The oil could also be used to perfume clothing by hanging dresses in a bathroom after a bath, where the scent from the warm bathwater would infuse the fabric. This method was particularly recommended for evening gowns, offering a delicate and sophisticated fragrance that would linger throughout the night. For an added touch of luxury, a drop on a lightbulb would perfume an entire room, and a few drops in a fingerbowl at dinner would refresh and invigorate guests.

Despite these creative uses, the bath remained the primary application of Abano Bath Oil. Adding just eight to ten drops to the bottom of the tub before turning on the hot water was enough to make a bath a lingering, luxurious experience. The fine mist that arose from the tub was said to revive the spirits and chase away the day's worries, making it a true pampering ritual. Women were also encouraged to add a few drops to their weekly shampoo, further enhancing their beauty routine by moisturizing the hair and scalp.

In 1938, after three years of development, Prince Matchabelli perfected a shower oil formula. This lighter version of the original bath oil was designed to be applied to the throat and shoulders as one stepped into the shower. The oil provided the same skin-softening benefits as the bath oil, helping to lubricate, soften, and even whiten the skin, especially in areas where hard water could cause dryness. This extension of the Abano line reflected the brand's dedication to offering women a complete and luxurious skincare experience.

By 1935, the Abano Bath Oil was available in four different sizes, presented in elegant crown bottles: 0.25 oz, 1 oz, 2 oz, and 4 oz. For those who traveled, a brown bottle with a sprinkler top was available, designed to prevent leakage and waste. The product's price ranged from one dollar for a quarter-ounce guest size to $18 for an eight-ounce bottle in 1936, reflecting its status as a premium luxury item.

In 1960, Prince Matchabelli introduced an innovative new form of the Abano Bath Oil: individual capsules. These capsules, contained in a golden apothecary-style glass jar, burst forth with the signature Abano scent when added to a bath, offering a novel and convenient way to enjoy the luxurious fragrance. Fifty capsules were included in each jar, ensuring that the sensory experience of Abano Bath Oil could be enjoyed in a fresh and modern way.

Beyond Bath Oil:

It isn't often that a bath essence becomes so beloved that it inspires a demand for a matching perfume, yet this is precisely the origin story of Prince Matchabelli's Abano perfume, launched in 1938. Abano Bath Oil, introduced approximately seven years earlier, had garnered such a devoted following that its ardent users began to request the same exquisite scent in a form they could wear on their skin. Responding to this demand, Prince Matchabelli crafted the Abano perfume, a fragrance that, like the original bath oil, is rich in oils that reveal their true depth and complexity when exposed to warmth.

The Abano perfume was designed to echo the luxurious experience of the bath oil, yet with an added sophistication for personal wear. The richness of its oils allowed the scent to blossom fully as it reacted to the natural heat of the body, making the fragrance even more opulent and intimate as it warmed. This quality gave Abano perfume a unique ability to grow richer and more alluring throughout the day, much like the beloved bath oil that inspired it.

In 1939, the popularity of Abano led to its evolution into a cologne, elegantly bottled in Prince Matchabelli's signature tall scepter flacons. This new form of Abano offered versatility to its users, serving as a refreshing rub down after a bath, a light daytime scent, or a fragrant alternative to perfume. The cologne captured the essence of the original Abano scent while providing a lighter, more accessible option for daily wear. Its introduction allowed the distinctive aroma of Abano to be enjoyed in a new, invigorating way, making it a staple in the beauty routines of its devotees.

By 1954, the Abano line expanded further with the introduction of the "After-Bath Cologne," a crisp, non-drying perfumed lotion. This product was designed not only to refresh and tone the skin but also to smooth and impart a delicate sheen all over the body. The After-Bath Cologne offered a more complete sensory experience, combining the invigorating effects of a traditional cologne with the skin-nourishing benefits of a lotion. It became a luxurious post-bath ritual, leaving the skin feeling rejuvenated and subtly perfumed.

Another notable addition to the Abano line was the "Cologne Parfumee," a perfumed cologne introduced in 1948. This variation was almost as heady, rich, and potent as the original perfume, offering a more intense fragrance experience. Packaged in a four-ounce magnum crown bottle, the Cologne Parfumee allowed users to indulge in the luxurious scent of Abano with a level of richness that rivaled the perfume itself, making it a prized choice for those who desired a more pronounced and long-lasting fragrance.

Around 1960, the Abano line underwent a striking makeover, reflecting a blend of historical inspiration and modern elegance. The new design featured a rich mosaic pattern, incorporating shades of aqua, gold, and ultramarine tiles, reminiscent of the grandeur of ancient Roman baths. This aesthetic transformation not only paid homage to the luxurious traditions of the past but also elevated the visual appeal of the products, aligning them with contemporary tastes.

Central to this refreshed design was the gold-crowned white seahorse, an emblem first introduced around 1955 as the identifying symbol of the Abano line. The seahorse, gracefully integrated into the mosaic pattern, added a touch of regality and continuity to the brand's identity. This makeover not only enhanced the packaging's allure but also deepened the connection to the brand's origins, symbolizing the enduring elegance and sophistication of the Abano collection. The updated design beautifully encapsulated the essence of Abano, merging the ancient and the modern into a timeless expression of luxury.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It was classified as an oriental fragrance for women with a rich chypre base, a woodsy essence of lavender, sandalwood and pine. It was said to be a blend of fifteen exotic essences. A blend of oils from plants from India, rare wood and leaf oils from France, Arabia and India, and South America. Plus mosses and herbs gathered from the Alps, shrubs from Spain, vetiver from the exotic Pacific isles, evergreen wood from North America, bitter orange from Paraguay, flowers from the Mediterranean terrain.

• Top notes: green notes, Paraguayan bitter orange, carnation, lemon, Spanish rosemary, mint
• Middle notes: frankincense, French lavender, Provencal honey, Mediterranean flowers
• Base notes: North American pine, patchouli, Tibetan musk, Mysore sandalwood, cedar, oakmoss, Abyssinian ambergris, East Indian vetiver

In 1954, the Abano After Bath Cologne was launched.

Drug and Cosmetic Industry, Volume 33, 1933:

"Tanabano" is the latest creation of Prince Matchabelli. It is a sun oil scented with the "Abano" odeur. The package is a blue flask-shaped bottle with a yellow label, symbolizing the sun and sea, with tin cap.

Vogue, 1936:

"Prince Matchabelli's Abano. Its warm atmosphere is like the light and shadow of a pine forest."

Stage, 1938:

"Prince Matchabelli's Abano, which, thank goodness, has finally come out in a perfume, in the famous crown bottle ($1.25 to $35)"

The New Yorker, 1952;

"A bath so soothing, it relaxes tired nerves ... so refreshing, it stirs your senses. Makes you look and feel years, years younger! Abano Bath Oil. ..$1.25 to $12.00. So exotic . . . it's almost sinful!"

Holiday, 1960:

"It's Prince Matchabelli's Abano, the perfumed bath oil that can do what the Ancients knew fragrance could do— soothe the psyche. • Every drop of Abano is a blend of 15 exotic scents ... all carefully blended."

Industrial Design, Volume 9, 1962:

"Prince Matchabelli Abano bath oil package depicts seahorse amidst colored mosaics, creating an exotic effect."

Vogue, 1966:

"drift in serenity... in an Abano bath Abandon your cares to Abano. Abano Bath Oil smooths your body... its fragrance soothes your soul. Drift n Abano — slowly breathe in Abano's exotic fragrance — and feel trouble-making tensions glide away. You emerge, renewed for living, wrapped in a silken robe of lasting fragrance. Abano Bath Oil 1.50 to 16.50. And Abano's new convenient capsules."

Soap, Cosmetics, Chemical Specialties, 1969:

"This plastic apothecary jar, made by Lermer Packaging division of Loral Corp., Scars- dale, N.Y., is new container for "Abano" bath oil capsules from Prince Matchabelli division of Chesebrough-Pond's Inc., New York."

Congressional Record, 1971:

"Abano bath oil, by Chesebrough Ponds (Matchabelli Division)—contains essential oils, volatile terpenes, aromatics, esters, citrus oils, perfume oils. The doctors say that it's interesting to note "what's not in there," so a patient who is sensitive to particular ingredients can.."

Vogue, 1971:

"..and better still when shared with an old friend— Prince Matchabelli's Abano Bath Oil, an out-of-this-world scent that's been getting in hot water since the '30's. Now a whole new generation of water babies are onto its rich, exotic fragrance.."

Product Line:

The Abano product line by Prince Matchabelli was developed over several decades, expanding from its initial introduction as a bath oil to a comprehensive collection of luxurious items. Each product reflected the brand's dedication to offering women an opulent and immersive fragrance experience.

Bath Oil (introduced in 1931): The Abano line began with the introduction of its Bath Oil in 1931. This product was designed to transform the bathing experience into a ritual of indulgence. When added to a warm bath, the oil dispersed to create a moisturizing and aromatic soak, leaving the skin feeling supple and infused with the exotic scent of Abano.

Oromo Bath Oil, a Chromium-Plated Tea-Ball (introduced in 1931): Introduced alongside the Bath Oil, the Oromo Bath Oil was an innovative product. It came in a unique, chromium-plated tea-ball, allowing users to steep their baths in luxury. This product showcased the brand's creative approach, offering a novel way to enjoy the fragrance and benefits of the bath oil.

Tanabano Sun Oil (introduced in 1933): In 1933, Prince Matchabelli expanded the Abano line with the introduction of Tanabano Sun Oil, a product that exemplified the brand's innovative approach to beauty and skincare. Tanabano Sun Oil was formulated with a blend of various beneficial skin oils, designed to "induce a smooth tan without even a tinge of sunburn." Housed in an elegant deep blue glass bottle with a sunny yellow label and topped with a tiny crown stopper, it captured the essence of luxury and practicality. Available in 2 oz and 4 oz sizes, Tanabano Sun Oil not only protected the skin from the harsh effects of the sun but also enhanced the tanning process, leaving the skin with a warm, glowing sheen. The exotic scent of Abano infused the oil, making it a delightful companion for sunbathing, while also showcasing Prince Matchabelli's ability to seamlessly blend beauty with functionality. The product was last advertised in 1937, marking a brief yet impactful presence in the brand's history.

Sachets in Satin (introduced in 1934): The 1934 introduction of Sachets in Satin brought the fragrance of Abano into a different realm—scenting personal spaces. These sachets, delicately wrapped in satin, could be tucked into drawers or wardrobes, infusing clothing and linens with the warm, oriental scent of Abano, making everyday moments feel more luxurious.

Dusting Powder (introduced in 1934): Also introduced in 1934, the Dusting Powder allowed women to experience the fragrance in a tactile form. Accompanied by a soft puff, the powder was applied generously to the body after bathing, leaving the skin soft and lightly scented. The Dusting Powder was packaged in elegant containers, making it a beautiful addition to any vanity.

Soap (introduced in 1936): The Abano line continued to grow with the addition of Soap in 1936. This richly scented bar offered a luxurious cleansing experience, infusing the skin with the warm, inviting fragrance of Abano. The soap was likely crafted to reflect the opulence and elegance of the brand, turning a simple daily ritual into a moment of indulgence.

Parfum (introduced in 1938): The pinnacle of the Abano collection was the Parfum, introduced in 1938. As the most concentrated and long-lasting form of the fragrance, the parfum was designed to be applied sparingly, leaving a lasting impression of warmth and exoticism. It was the centerpiece of the line, embodying the essence of Abano in its purest form.

Eau de Cologne (introduced in 1939): Following the parfum, the Eau de Cologne was introduced in 1939, offering a lighter version of the Abano fragrance. It provided a refreshing and less intense option, ideal for everyday wear, especially in warmer climates. The cologne allowed women to enjoy the fragrance in a more subtle form while still capturing the essence of the original scent.

Cologne Parfumee (introduced in 1948): In 1948, Prince Matchabelli introduced Cologne Parfumee, a variant that combined the refreshing qualities of cologne with the richness of a parfum. This product offered a middle ground between the lightness of Eau de Cologne and the intensity of the parfum, appealing to women who desired a more balanced fragrance experience.

Bubbling Bath Salts (introduced in 1953): The introduction of Bubbling Bath Salts in 1953 further enriched the bathing experience. These salts, housed in tall glass crown jars containing six ounces, were designed to transform an ordinary bath into a luxurious, sensory ritual. When added to water, the colorful aqua salts dissolved, releasing the warm, exotic scent of Abano into the air, while effervescent bubbles enveloped the body. Unlike ordinary bath salts, Abano's formula softened hard water, silkened the skin, and left a delicate, lingering fragrance that lasted for hours. The combination of soothing bubbles, skin-nourishing properties, and the captivating scent created a deeply relaxing experience, ideal for unwinding and rejuvenating both the body and the mind after a long day.

After-Bath Cologne (introduced in 1954): In 1954, After-Bath Cologne was introduced, providing a refreshing way to enjoy the fragrance after bathing. This product was designed to be applied generously to the body, offering a lighter and more refreshing alternative to the traditional cologne. It complemented the other bath products in the line, enhancing the overall Abano experience.

Cream Perfume Sachet (introduced in 1955): The 1955 introduction of the Cream Perfume Sachet offered a portable and versatile way to enjoy the fragrance. This product could be applied to the skin like a cream, leaving a soft and long-lasting scent. It was perfect for on-the-go application, allowing women to carry the essence of Abano with them wherever they went.

Aerosol Cologne Spray Mist (introduced in 1956): The Aerosol Cologne Spray Mist, introduced in 1956, marked a modern addition to the line. This product provided a quick and convenient way to apply the fragrance, offering a fine mist that enveloped the skin in the warm, oriental scent of Abano. It was ideal for women seeking a fast and effective way to refresh their fragrance throughout the day.

Skin Perfume (introduced in 1960): In 1960, Skin Perfume was added to the collection, offering a more intense and longer-lasting fragrance experience. This product was designed to be applied directly to the skin, where it would blend with the body’s natural chemistry, creating a personalized scent that lingered throughout the day.

Dry Skin Treatment Bath Oil (introduced in 1961): The final addition to the Abano line was the Dry Skin Treatment Bath Oil, introduced in 1961, which marked a culmination of Prince Matchabelli's dedication to combining luxury with practical skincare. This bath oil was specifically formulated for women seeking both the captivating fragrance of Abano and the benefits of intense hydration for dry skin. Retaining the warm, exotic scent of the original Abano bath oil, this version was enhanced with moisturizing and lubricating agents designed to address and prevent dryness. According to Prince Matchabelli, a capful or tablespoon of the velvety liquid in the bath was sufficient to soften and smooth the skin, while also creating an invisible barrier to help maintain moisture balance between baths. The product was elegantly presented in a milk-glass bottle, adorned with insets of a mosaic and seahorse design, making it a refined and functional addition to any bathroom. This bath oil exemplified the brand's commitment to luxurious self-care, providing both indulgence and essential skincare in one beautifully crafted product.

The Abano product line evolved over three decades, expanding from its origins as a bath oil to a comprehensive collection of luxurious products. Each addition reflected the changing needs and desires of women, allowing them to experience the warmth and exoticism of Abano in a variety of forms.

Fate of the Fragrance:

The Abano line, a cherished collection of fragrances and bath products, faced discontinuation over time, marking the end of an era for this once-popular brand. While the precise date of Abano's discontinuation remains unclear, it is known that the bath oil, a cornerstone of the line, was phased out by 1981. This decision marked the end of an iconic product that had offered luxurious bathing experiences for decades.

Despite the discontinuation of the bath oil, Abano's legacy lingered longer in the market. As of 1986, the brand's spray cologne was still available, providing a lingering option for devotees who wished to continue enjoying the fragrance. The persistence of the spray cologne highlighted the enduring appeal of Abano's distinctive scent, even as the original bath oil had been retired. This gradual withdrawal from the market reflected both the changing preferences of consumers and the evolution of the fragrance industry, while still honoring the timeless allure of Abano.