Hello and Welcome!
Please understand that this website is not affiliated with the Prince Matchabelli Company any way, it is only a reference page for collectors and those who have enjoyed the classic fragrances of days gone by.
The main objective of this website is to chronicle the history of the Prince Matchabelli fragrances and showcase the bottles and advertising used throughout the years.
However, one of the other goals of this website is to show the present owners of the Prince Matchabelli perfume company how much we miss the discontinued classics and hopefully, if they see that there is enough interest and demand, they will bring back these fragrances!
Please leave a comment below (for example: of why you liked the fragrance, describe the scent, time period or age you wore it, who gave it to you or what occasion, any specific memories, what it reminded you of, maybe a relative wore it, or you remembered seeing the bottle on their vanity table), who knows, perhaps someone from the current Prince Matchabelli brand might see it.
Also, this website is a labor of love, it is a work in progress and is always being updated with new information as I can find it, so check back often!
Sparkling Burgundy Bubble Bath by Prince Matchabelli, launched in 1940, carries a name that conjures images of luxury, sophistication, and indulgence. The choice of the name "Sparkling Burgundy" was likely inspired by the rich, celebratory nature of Burgundy wine, a symbol of refinement and festivity. By associating the bubble bath with this renowned wine, Prince Matchabelli aimed to evoke a sense of opulence and pleasure, transforming the everyday act of bathing into a decadent experience. The term "Sparkling Burgundy" itself suggests not just the richness of the wine but also the effervescence and sparkle that brings it to life, much like the bubbles in a luxurious bath.
The word "Sparkling Burgundy" immediately brings to mind the deep, velvety red hues of the wine, with its complex, aromatic profile that tantalizes the senses. It evokes emotions of warmth, comfort, and indulgence, reminiscent of sipping a fine wine by a roaring fire on a cold winter's evening. The word suggests a sense of celebration, of something special and out of the ordinary, making the idea of a "Sparkling Burgundy" bubble bath feel like an extravagant treat. In scent, "Sparkling Burgundy" would be interpreted as a rich, full-bodied fragrance with a blend of spicy, fruity, and slightly woody notes, capturing the essence of the wine while adding a layer of complexity and depth that elevates the experience.
For women of the 1940s, a fragranced bubble bath called "Sparkling Burgundy" would have represented a moment of escape and luxury in their daily lives. During this time, the world was in the midst of World War II, and many women were juggling the demands of work, family, and contributing to the war effort. A product like Sparkling Burgundy Bubble Bath would have offered a rare opportunity for self-care and indulgence, a way to unwind and relax in the comfort of their own homes. The association with Burgundy wine would have made the product feel sophisticated and mature, appealing to women who sought a touch of elegance in their beauty routines.
In 1936, Prince Matchabelli filed for a trademark to use the name Cherokee for a skin care and toiletry line. Ultimately it was used for a shade of face powder.
Consumer Reports: Buying guide issue - Volume 14, 1949:
The name was reserved for use for the following types of products:
Skin Care:
- Astringents
- Astringent Cerates
- Bleach Creams
- Beauty Creams
- Cold Creams
- Cleansing Creams
- Obesity Creams
- Refreshing Creams
- Vanishing Creams
- Skin Lotions
- Obesity Astringents
- Face Bleaches
- Face Packs
- Eyedrops
- Skin Whitening in Liquid, Cream or Solid Form
Cosmetics:
- Eyebrow Grower
- Eyelash Grower
- Dry Rouge
- Liquid Rouge
- Face Powders
- Chemical Preparations for the Darkening of Eyelashes and Eyebrows
Other Toiletries:
- Body Lotions
- Talcum Powders
- Dusting Powders
- Hair Pomades
- Body Powders
- After Shave Lotions
Perfumes shown in the ad are: Added Attraction, Wind Song, Stradivari, Beloved, Crown Jewel, Duchess of York, and Abano.
Cute little Crownette, a 1/8 oz purse bottle made for Prince Matchabelli's perfumes Stradivari and Crown Jewel. It stands just 1 1/2 inches tall.
Glass Packer, 1949:
"PURSE VIAL, called "Perfume Crownette," is a gilded miniature replica of Prince Matchabelli's familiar crown bottle. It holds a full dram of Stradivari or Crown Jewel perfume. Bottle, made by Swindell Brothers, is fired with 21 carat gold by Graphite Corp, Chase Brass makes the ball cap. Mounting, including lucite box, is by Warner Brothers. Design was made by Miss EM Seifer, package development manager for Prince Matchabelli, Inc."
