Queen of Georgia by Prince Matchabelli c1928

Queen of Georgia by Prince Matchabelli, launched in 1928, was a fragrance steeped in history and personal significance. Prince Matchabelli, a Georgian nobleman himself, chose the name Queen of Georgia as a tribute to his homeland and its most revered monarch, Queen Tamara, who ruled Georgia in the twelfth century. Queen Tamara's reign is often described as the golden age of Georgia, a time of cultural flourishing and national pride. Her beauty, intelligence, and leadership are said to have sparked the beginning of the Georgian Renaissance, making her an emblem of strength and grace.

The title Queen of Georgia evokes images of regal elegance, ancient grandeur, and a deep connection to heritage. It conjures the vision of a queen who was not only a sovereign but also a cultural icon, representing both the wisdom of a ruler and the allure of a woman whose influence transcended her time. In the context of a perfume, Queen of Georgia would symbolize a fragrance that is powerful yet refined, sophisticated yet deeply rooted in tradition. The name would suggest a scent that is as enduring and captivating as the legacy of Queen Tamara herself.

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For women in the late 1920s, a perfume named Queen of Georgia would likely have resonated with a sense of romanticism and exoticism. The period was one of fascination with the East and a revival of interest in historical and cultural figures from distant lands. The name would have appealed to women who sought to embody the elegance and mystery associated with a royal figure from a far-off kingdom. Wearing Queen of Georgia would be seen as an expression of sophistication and a desire to connect with something timeless and universally admired.

When Queen of Georgia was launched in 1928, the fragrance market was rich with diverse offerings, yet the perfume managed to stand out due to its unique inspiration and composition. Classified as a sophisticated floral oriental chypre with a touch of incense, it would have been perceived as an opulent and complex fragrance, different from the lighter, more straightforward scents that were also popular at the time. Its oriental and chypre notes would have appealed to those with a taste for luxury and a penchant for the dramatic, making it both a reflection of and a departure from the trends of the late 1920s.

In summary, Queen of Georgia was more than just a perfume; it was a tribute to a legendary figure, a connection to cultural heritage, and a symbol of sophistication and power. Its launch in 1928 placed it among the most intriguing and distinctive fragrances of its time, offering women an opportunity to embrace a scent that was as storied and compelling as the queen for whom it was named.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like?  It was classified as a sophisticated floral oriental chypre fragrance for women with a touch of incense.  

• Top notes: Calabrian bergamot, neroli, aldehydes, orange blossom
• Middle notes: orris, labdanum, rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, frankincense, myrrh
• Base notes: civet, patchouli, oakmoss, Mysore sandalwood, Abyssinian ambergris, vanilla, Tibetan musk

Scent Profile:

As I experience the fragrance of Queen of Georgia, the top notes greet me with a bright and invigorating burst. The Calabrian bergamot offers a sharp, citrusy freshness that feels both crisp and slightly bitter, like the zest of a perfectly ripe fruit. This is swiftly followed by the soft, honeyed sweetness of neroli, which brings a delicate floral nuance, reminiscent of orange blossoms drenched in sunshine. 

Aldehydes contribute an airy, almost effervescent quality, adding a sparkling, slightly soapy cleanness to the composition. The orange blossom itself rounds out this introduction with its intensely sweet, heady floral aroma, evoking the scent of blossoms blooming on a warm, spring day.

As the fragrance settles into its heart, the middle notes unfold in a rich, luxurious bouquet. The orris root, with its powdery, slightly woody scent, imparts a refined, almost buttery texture that feels both sophisticated and nostalgic. Labdanum follows with its deep, resinous warmth, adding a leathery, ambery quality that anchors the floral elements. 

Rose and jasmine intertwine beautifully, the rose offering a lush, velvety sweetness that is at once classic and romantic, while the jasmine brings an exotic, narcotic depth that is both sensual and intoxicating. Ylang ylang adds a layer of creamy, tropical florals, with a slightly fruity undertone that enhances the opulence of the bouquet. 

Then, the sacred, smoky essence of frankincense begins to rise, lending an air of mystique and spirituality, while myrrh complements it with its bittersweet, balsamic richness, deepening the composition and adding a touch of ancient, resinous warmth.

As the fragrance continues to evolve, the base notes reveal themselves, grounding the composition in a dark, earthy foundation. Civet, with its animalic, musky intensity, introduces a raw, primal element that feels both alluring and slightly dangerous. Patchouli brings its characteristic earthy, woody aroma, tinged with a hint of sweetness that balances the deeper, more intense notes. 

The oakmoss adds a damp, forest-like quality, evoking the scent of moss-covered trees in a cool, shaded grove, while the Mysore sandalwood contributes a smooth, creamy woodiness, renowned for its warm, milky richness. The Abyssinian ambergris offers a marine, slightly salty nuance, adding an element of mystery and depth to the fragrance, while the vanilla introduces a sweet, comforting warmth that rounds out the base with a touch of familiarity. Finally, the Tibetan musk wraps the composition in a soft, velvety cloak, leaving a lingering trail of warmth and sensuality that feels both timeless and enchanting.

Together, these notes create a fragrance that is both sophisticated and complex, blending the elegance of florals with the exoticism of oriental elements and the earthiness of a classic chypre, all touched with a hint of incense that adds a spiritual, almost regal aura to the scent.

Harper's Bazaar, 1932:

"Exquisite Toilet Soaps — Princess Norina, Ave Maria, Duchess of York, Queen of Georgia— 3 cakes $1.50."

Drug & Cosmetic Industry, 1934:

"A vivid red heart shaped box has been chosen by Prince Matchabelli as a very suitable and appropriate Valentine package for his small crown bottles of perfumes. Duchess of York, Ave Maria, Princess Norina, and Queen of Georgia."

Stage, 1935:

"Princess Matchabelli has just brought out a new perfume named in honor of what is probably one of her husband's ancestors — the Queen of Georgia. "

Fate of the Fragrance:

The fragrance Queen of Georgia by Prince Matchabelli, introduced in 1928, was a sophisticated floral oriental chypre that captured the mystique and elegance of its namesake. Despite its early success and the romantic allure associated with its name, the exact date of its discontinuation remains uncertain. The perfume was still available in 1937, but after that year, references to its advertising and availability seem to vanish.

It's plausible that Queen of Georgia was discontinued during World War II, a period marked by severe restrictions on raw materials, particularly those used in perfumery. The war created significant supply chain disruptions, especially for high-quality ingredients sourced from Europe and other regions. These constraints likely forced many perfumers, including Prince Matchabelli, to reevaluate their product lines, leading to the discontinuation of certain fragrances.

As a result, Queen of Georgia may have quietly faded from the market during this tumultuous time, a casualty of the global upheaval that reshaped the perfume industry and many others. While it is no longer available, the fragrance lives on in the memories of those who experienced its unique blend of floral, oriental, and chypre notes, a reminder of the opulence and sophistication of early 20th-century perfumery.

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