Launched in 1928, Prince Matchabelli’s “Queen of Babylon” evokes a powerful sense of historical grandeur and allure. The name itself, “Queen of Babylon,” conjures images of ancient opulence and mystique. This title pays homage to the legendary rulers of Babylon, an ancient Mesopotamian empire renowned for its cultural and architectural achievements, including the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The most famous Queen of Babylon in history is Semiramis, a semi-legendary figure whose reign was marked by impressive feats and an aura of intrigue. Her name alone evokes visions of luxury and regal splendor, painting a picture of a powerful woman whose presence commanded both respect and fascination. The perfume’s name thus suggests a fragrance imbued with the same qualities—opulence, strength, and a touch of the exotic.
In the context of the 1920s, a decade known for its fascination with both historical and exotic themes, “Queen of Babylon” resonated strongly with contemporary audiences. The period was marked by a burgeoning interest in archaeology and ancient civilizations, fueled by significant discoveries in the Middle East and a growing public interest in the rich history of the ancient world. Films, news articles, and books of the era often romanticized these ancient cultures, aligning with the broader trend of exoticism and escapism prevalent in the arts and fashion of the time.
As a perfume, “Queen of Babylon” would have been interpreted as a bold and evocative scent, designed to complement the dramatic and sophisticated fashion of the Roaring Twenties. Described as “just a bit wicked,” the fragrance was likely crafted to offer a contrast to the more innocent, sweet scents of the era, making it a choice for women who wished to project a more complex and intriguing persona. The scent’s appeal lay in its ability to evoke a sense of exotic mystery and regal authority, allowing women to embrace the allure of ancient Babylonian grandeur while navigating the vibrant social landscape of the 1920s.
Theatre Magazine, 1930:
"Three new perfumes by Prince Matchabelli will be available this month to given exotic, tropical lure to these chill autumn nights. "Babylon", which is just a bit wicked with counteract the naivete of a "sweet" frock. "Princess of the Nile" is a spicy perfume appropriately garbed in a bottle shaped like a pyramid. "Jungle Flower" my favorite of the three has captured perfectly the luscious scent of hyacinths."
The American Perfumer and Essential Oil Review, 1930:
"Prince Matchabelli perfumes, New York City, has recently perfected four new odors which he has just paced upon the market. These new perfumes are known as Queen of the Nile, Queen of Babylon - two rather spicy and exotic, and Jungle Flower and Damas - two floral odors. The first three of these will be packaged in the well known pyramid bottle, but for the Damas a new rose and gold bottle has been developed."
"Prince Matchabelli - THESE four new fascinating odeurs have been created for this season by Prince Matchabelli : + Queen of Babylon + Jungle Flower + Damas + Queen of the Nile . They are obtainable only in the most exclusive shops."
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a spicy and exotic fragrance for women, described as "just a bit wicked, will counteract the naivete of a "sweet" frock."
- Top notes: bergamot, neroli, ginger, cardamom
- Middle notes: rose, jasmine, carnation, cinnamon, clove
- Base notes: patchouli, musk, ambergris, vanilla, frankincense
Scent Profile:
The scent of "Queen of Babylon" begins with the vibrant burst of bergamot, which offers a lively citrus top note, bright and invigorating, yet with an underlying bitterness that hints at the complex layers to follow. This freshness is soon enveloped by neroli, which imparts a soft, floral sweetness with a hint of green, evoking the lush gardens of an ancient palace. The spicy kick of ginger adds an unexpected zesty warmth, infusing the fragrance with a fiery edge. Cardamom follows, contributing a subtle, exotic spiciness that intertwines with the ginger, creating a tantalizingly complex opening.
As the fragrance evolves, the heart reveals its richness. Rose unfolds with its classic, opulent floral scent, exuding a timeless elegance. Jasmine complements the rose with its deeper, intoxicating sweetness, bringing a sensual and heady quality that immerses you in its lushness. The spicy note of carnation introduces a warm, peppery undertone, enhancing the fragrance’s depth. Cinnamon adds a rich, sweet-spicy nuance, mingling seamlessly with clove, which introduces a deeper, more resonant spice. Together, these middle notes weave a tapestry of exotic warmth and floral sophistication.
The base notes of patchouli, musk, and ambergris create a profound, lingering foundation. Patchouli imparts a deep, earthy richness with a hint of sweetness, anchoring the fragrance with its velvety texture. Musk adds a sensual, animalic quality that enhances the perfume’s allure, while ambergris contributes a warm, slightly marine note that deepens the scent’s complexity. Vanilla provides a creamy, smooth sweetness that contrasts with the spicy notes, offering a comforting, rounded finish. Finally, frankincense adds a smoky, resinous depth, evoking ancient rituals and adding an element of sacred mystique to the fragrance.
"Queen of Babylon" thus conjures the image of a queen reigning over an ancient, opulent city. Its seductive and audacious character evokes the grandeur and mystique of an era long past. The combination of lush florals, rich spices, and deep, warm base notes makes this fragrance an embodiment of ancient luxury and indulgence. Ideal for an evening gown or a glamorous night out, it wraps the wearer in an aura of enchantment and sophistication, creating a memorable presence that channels the opulence of a bygone civilization.
Bottle:
Queen of Babylon was elegantly housed in the iconic amber glass pyramid bottle, an early, but extremely rare, signature of the brand.
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