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.
The 1940s was a time when the fragrance and beauty market was beginning to explore new and innovative products, and Sparkling Burgundy Bubble Bath was part of this trend. While most fragrances of the time were focused on perfumes and colognes, the idea of a luxurious, scented bubble bath was still relatively novel. Inspired by Caron's Bain de Champagne, an effervescent bath additive, Sparkling Burgundy was unique in its concept and execution. The deep-purple liquid, scented with Matchabelli's spicy Potpourri fragrance, offered a multisensory experience—its rich color, the tantalizing scent, and the iridescent bubbles created an indulgent ritual that was both relaxing and glamorous.
In the context of other products on the market, Sparkling Burgundy stood out as a unique and luxurious offering. While other bath products might have been simple and utilitarian, this bubble bath was designed to elevate the experience to something special, something memorable. It tapped into the emerging trend of self-care and pampering, offering women a way to feel glamorous and sophisticated even in the privacy of their own bathrooms. By combining the elegance of Burgundy wine with the luxury of a fragrant bubble bath, Prince Matchabelli created a product that was both innovative and deeply resonant with the desires of women at the time.
"She will relax in Matchabelli's Sparkling Burgundy Bath of royal purple foam lightly scented with the fragrant Potpourri. 16 ounces."Harper's Bazaar, 1940:
"Prince Matchabelli's Sparkling Burgundy Bath Oil - dark as wine, effervescent as champagne."
Glass Packer, 1941:
"Wine has invaded the boudoir, as an ingredient of a novel liquid bath soap bottled by Prince Matchabelli, perfumers, of New York City. Called Sparkling Burgundy Bath, the deep-purple liquid is scented with Potpourri fragrance; a teaspoon whips up to a foam of iridescent bubbles. Product comes in a four ounce flacon embossed with stars and the Matchabelli crown."
Mademoiselle, 1952:
"Prince Matchabelli's new Sparkling Burgundy, then get under the spicy bubbles that blanket the surface. A four-ounce decanter, $1.25."
Vogue, 1953:
"Sparkling Burgundy to bathe in Prince Matchabelli's delightful idea. For fragrant steeping, a few drops sprinkled under the tap, and it foams up pinkly, prettily."
Fragrance Composition:
- Top notes: aldehydes, bergamot, verbena, orange peel, hyacinth, Italian lemon, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom
- Middle notes: lavender, star anise, rose, carnation, ylang ylang, lilac, violet, jasmine, orange blossom, orris, coriander
- Base notes: civet, ambergris, patchouli, oakmoss, Mysore sandalwood, cedar, patchouli, Tibetan musk, benzoin, vanilla, vetiver
Scent Profile:
Pot Pourri by Prince Matchabelli offers a captivating experience, with its intricate layers of scent unfolding through a harmonious blend of floral and oriental notes. Upon the first encounter with Pot Pourri, you are greeted by a vibrant burst of aldehydes, which introduce a sparkling and effervescent quality. The initial impression is fresh and invigorating, reminiscent of the crisp, clean air of a sunlit morning. This is followed by the zesty brightness of bergamot, which infuses the fragrance with its citrusy, slightly floral aroma. As the scent evolves, verbena adds a green, lemony nuance, while the orange peel lends a juicy, tangy sweetness. The hyacinth contributes a soft, dewy floral note, enhancing the fragrance’s freshness. Italian lemon offers a sharp, uplifting citrus edge, complemented by the warm spiciness of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom, which introduce a rich, aromatic warmth to the scent.
As the top notes fade, the heart of Pot Pourri reveals a lush bouquet of florals. Lavender brings a soothing, herbaceous quality with its clean and calming aroma. Star anise adds a hint of licorice-like spice, blending seamlessly with the deep, romantic scent of rose. The carnation introduces a spicy, slightly sweet floral note, while ylang-ylang contributes its rich, exotic, and creamy aroma. Lilac adds a soft, powdery floral touch, and violet imparts a delicate, greenish floral nuance. Jasmine enriches the composition with its heady, intoxicating sweetness, perfectly complemented by the light, citrusy note of orange blossom. Orris root brings a velvety, powdery richness, and coriander introduces a subtle hint of spice, creating a sophisticated and complex floral heart.
The fragrance’s base notes unfold with a deep, sensual richness. Civet adds an animalic warmth, lending a hint of wild, musky depth. Ambergris contributes its unique, slightly sweet, and oceanic aroma, enhancing the fragrance’s luxurious feel. Patchouli offers an earthy, woody quality with its rich, dark undertones, perfectly balanced by the creamy, smooth scent of Mysore sandalwood. Cedar brings a dry, woody essence, while Tibetan musk adds a deep, musky warmth. Benzoin introduces a sweet, resinous aroma, and vanilla lends a warm, comforting, and creamy sweetness. Vetiver grounds the fragrance with its green, woody, and smoky undertones, rounding out the composition with a complex and lasting finish.
Overall, Pot Pourri is a fragrance that elegantly balances fresh citrus and spicy notes with a rich floral heart and a deep, woody base, creating a timeless and sophisticated scent experience.
Bottles:
Sparkling Burgundy Bubble Bath was contained in the "Cologne Carols" bottles, flat disk shaped flacons studded with stars and featuring the famous Matchabelli crown in the center of a wreath. The bottles are topped with a frosted glass stopper in the shape of the distinctive cross used for Matchabelli's crown and scepter bottles. These bottles were used for colognes such as Potpourri, Summer Shower, Christmas Rose, Sparkling Burgundy Bubble Bath, Gypsy Patteran and others, these were also manufactured by Swindell, Bros., Inc., Baltimore, Md.
Fate of the Fragrance:
Sparkling Burgundy Bubble Bath, a luxurious offering from Prince Matchabelli, was eventually discontinued, although the exact date of its discontinuation remains unclear. Despite its eventual disappearance from the market, this indulgent product continued to be available as late as 1970, indicating its lasting appeal. For decades, it remained a cherished choice for those seeking a touch of elegance and festivity in their bathing rituals.
The longevity of Sparkling Burgundy Bubble Bath speaks to its enduring popularity among consumers who appreciated its unique blend of sophistication and indulgence. Even as new trends and products emerged in the beauty and fragrance industry, this bubble bath maintained a loyal following, capturing the imagination of those who valued luxury in their everyday routines. Its presence on the market for so many years suggests that it resonated deeply with its audience, offering more than just a cleansing experience—it provided a moment of escape and pampering, wrapped in the allure of its rich, sparkling scent.
The eventual discontinuation of Sparkling Burgundy Bubble Bath marked the end of an era for this iconic product. Yet, its memory continues to linger, especially among those who remember the opulence and delight it brought to their baths. The fact that it was still sold in 1970, decades after its initial release, is a testament to its timeless charm and the special place it held in the hearts of its users. Though no longer available, Sparkling Burgundy Bubble Bath remains a nostalgic reminder of a time when luxury and elegance were as much a part of the bathing experience as the bubbles themselves.
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