Empress of India by Prince Matchabelli c1930

Empress of India by Prince Matchabelli was launched in 1930. Dedicated to Queen Victoria of England. Princess Norina continued her successful career as a dramatic actress and introduced some of her perfumes to the other actresses. In 1935, after her performance in Victoria Regina, Helen Hayes was told that Princess Matchabelli and Princess Matchabelli were going to attend. Princess Matchabelli instantly joined the game and, assuming the role of courtier, presented Hayes, as Queen Victoria (Empress of India, among other things) with a bottle of Matchabelli's "Empress of India" perfume.

In another account, it is said that Princess Matchabelli, with a grand gesture, presented to Helen Hayes, a bottle of "Katherine the Great" scent. However, it seems that, like the English, she prefers the one called "Duchess of York." Hayes' Victoria Regina, but with that inimitable touch of youth which characterizes the early scenes of her portrayal of England's much-loved queen.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a spicy oriental fragrance for women.  It was described as "if you've got Egypt in your dreamy eyes", a memory of the unforgettable Orient".   

• Top notes: bergamot, cardamom, cinnamon, carnation, lotus
• Middle notes: clove, jasmine, rose, ylang ylang, orange blossom, orris
• Base notes: frankincense, benzoin, patchouli, sandalwood, ambergris, musk, vanilla

The New Yorker - Volume 11 - Page 47, 1935:

"Matchabelli : The best still is Duchess of York (lilac), but Grace Moore (tantalizing and spicy), Princess Norina, and Empress of India (very exotic and Oriental) are in great demand."

Scent Profile:

Empress of India by Prince Matchabelli, a spicy oriental fragrance for women, invites you on a sensory journey to a land steeped in exotic allure and timeless elegance. As you experience each ingredient, you are transported to a realm of enchanting opulence and fragrant mystery.

The fragrance opens with a radiant burst of bergamot, its zesty citrus aroma invigorating your senses with a bright, uplifting clarity. This is immediately followed by the warm, aromatic spiciness of cardamom, which adds a touch of sweet and slightly spicy complexity, reminiscent of exotic markets. The inclusion of cinnamon introduces a rich, spicy warmth with a hint of sweetened heat, conjuring images of bustling bazaars and aromatic spices. Carnation adds a subtle floral spiciness with a hint of clove, its rich, peppery fragrance providing an intriguing depth to the opening. Lastly, lotus imparts a delicate, aquatic floral note that softens and harmonizes the spices, evoking the serene beauty of a lotus bloom in a tranquil pond.

As the perfume evolves, the heart reveals a captivating blend of clove, with its deep, warm spiciness enhancing the oriental theme with its bold, aromatic richness. Jasmine infuses the composition with a lush, intoxicating floral scent, its heady aroma adding a touch of sensuality and sophistication. The presence of rose brings a classic, romantic floral note, its rich, velvety scent enveloping you in a timeless elegance. Ylang ylang contributes a creamy, tropical sweetness with hints of spice, creating a luxurious and exotic floral bouquet. Orange blossom adds a fresh, sweet floral element with a subtle hint of citrus, providing a delicate contrast to the spicier elements. Finally, orris offers a soft, powdery elegance with a touch of floral sweetness, enhancing the perfume’s depth and complexity.

In the dry-down, the fragrance settles into a rich, warm base of frankincense, its resinous, smoky aroma evoking the mystique of ancient temples and sacred rituals. Benzoin adds a sweet, balsamic warmth, creating a creamy, resinous richness that enhances the perfume’s depth. Patchouli introduces an earthy, woody note with a touch of sweetness, grounding the fragrance with its deep, enduring presence. The creamy, velvety scent of sandalwood adds a smooth, woody warmth, enveloping you in a luxurious, lasting embrace. Ambergris contributes a complex, marine warmth with a hint of sweetness, its rare and exotic aroma adding an opulent touch. The subtle sensuality of musk creates a warm, animalic depth, enhancing the fragrance’s allure. Lastly, vanilla imparts a soft, sweet, and creamy finish, rounding out the composition with a comforting, indulgent warmth.

In Empress of India, each ingredient weaves together to create a fragrance that is both regal and mysterious, capturing the essence of a distant, enchanting world with every note.

Bottles:

Empress of India was housed inside the frosted glass crown bottles.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Empress of India by Prince Matchabelli, a distinguished spicy oriental fragrance for women, holds a special place in the history of perfumery. Although it was discontinued at an unspecified time, its allure persisted, and it remained available as late as 1953. This longevity underscores the fragrance's captivating nature and the deep impact it made on those who experienced it.

The name "Empress of India" evokes a sense of grandeur and exoticism, transporting the wearer to the opulent courts of an ancient empire. The fragrance was celebrated for its intricate blend of spices and florals, which perfectly mirrored the romanticized visions of the Orient. Its continued availability into the 1950s highlights its sustained popularity and the appreciation for its rich, evocative scent profile.

The enduring presence of Empress of India speaks to its timeless appeal and the sophisticated taste of its admirers. Despite its eventual discontinuation, the perfume's legacy as a symbol of luxury and exotic beauty remains a cherished chapter in the world of fragrance.