Added Attraction by Prince Matchabelli c1956

Added Attraction by Prince Matchabelli, introduced in 1956, evokes a sense of allure and sophistication, perfectly aligning with the era's burgeoning fascination with personal charm and elegance. The name “Added Attraction” suggests an enhancement of one's natural appeal, implying that the fragrance itself serves as an extra layer of magnetic allure.

The term "Added Attraction" conjures images of increased allure and heightened appeal, suggesting that the perfume provides an additional, irresistible quality. In the context of fragrance, it implies a scent that not only complements but enhances the wearer's presence, adding a touch of distinction and intrigue. This name plays into the mid-20th century’s emphasis on sophistication and personal magnetism, reflecting a time when women sought to express their individuality and charm through their choice of fragrance.

During the 1950s, perfumes were increasingly celebrated for their ability to create a memorable impression, and Added Attraction fits well within this trend. This period saw a strong emphasis on fragrances that combined floral notes with deeper, more complex bases, reflecting both the era's love for rich, opulent scents and the growing interest in perfumes that offered a sense of both warmth and sensuality.

Added Attraction is classified as a floral chypre fragrance, distinguished by its vibrant and warm character. The perfume’s blend of floral elements with a musky, mossy, and woodsy base would have appealed to women seeking a scent that was both dynamic and grounding. The fragrance reflects the era’s preference for bold, yet sophisticated aromas that promised to enhance the wearer’s personal allure. As such, Added Attraction not only aligned with contemporary trends but also stood out as a testament to Prince Matchabelli's ability to capture the zeitgeist of the 1950s in a bottle.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It was classified as a floral chypre fragrance for women. It is a vibrant, and warm floral perfume with a musky, mossy, and woodsy base.

• Top notes: aldehydes, Calabrian bergamot, neroli, jasmine, ylang ylang, green notes
• Middle notes: rose, carnation, tuberose, orange blossom, gardenia, geranium
• Base notes: musk, patchouli, vetiver, labdanum, cedar, Tibetan musk, oakmoss, Mysore sandalwood, Abyssinian ambergris, vanilla, tonka bean

Scent Profile:

In the initial encounter with Added Attraction, the top notes offer a strikingly vibrant and effervescent introduction. The aldehydes provide a sparkling, almost soapy freshness that immediately grabs attention. Calabrian bergamot imparts a bright, citrusy zest, lifting the fragrance with its invigorating aroma. 

Neroli adds a soft, honeyed floral note with a delicate hint of orange blossom, creating a warm, welcoming entry. Jasmine, lush and heady, fills the air with its rich, intoxicating sweetness, while ylang-ylang introduces a creamy, exotic twist with its subtle banana-like nuance. Green notes lend a crisp, verdant freshness that enhances the fragrance's initial impression with a cool, leafy brightness.

As the fragrance evolves, the heart reveals a complex floral tapestry. Rose contributes a timeless, romantic aroma, its rich, velvety petals offering depth and sophistication. Carnation adds a spicy, clove-like warmth, infusing the bouquet with a hint of peppery intrigue. Tuberose emerges with its opulent, creamy sweetness, creating a lush, almost decadent floral experience. 

Orange blossom adds a radiant, citrusy floral nuance that brightens and enriches the scent profile. Gardenia enhances the perfume with its tropical, creamy floral scent, while geranium introduces a subtle green edge, balancing the heart with its crisp, rosy aroma.

In the base, Added Attraction settles into a rich, multifaceted foundation. Musk provides a warm, sensual undertone with its deep, animalic warmth, anchoring the fragrance with its enduring presence. Patchouli contributes a woody, earthy quality, its rich, aromatic depth adding complexity to the base. Vetiver introduces a smoky, woody nuance that deepens the scent with a sophisticated edge. 

Labdanum adds a resinous, slightly leathery sweetness, blending seamlessly with the other base notes. Cedar provides a dry, woody scent, reinforcing the fragrance's warm and inviting nature. Tibetan musk enhances the composition with its animalic richness, while oakmoss contributes an earthy, mossy quality that grounds the perfume. Mysore sandalwood offers a smooth, creamy woodiness that harmonizes beautifully with the other elements. 

In the final stages of Added Attraction, tonka bean weaves its signature warmth into the fragrance. The rich, sweet scent of tonka bean introduces a nuanced layer of vanilla-like sweetness and a subtle hint of almond. This adds a creamy, soft texture to the base, enhancing the overall warmth and depth of the perfume. The tonka bean's smooth, slightly spicy aroma harmonizes with the vanilla, creating a comforting and inviting finish that lingers delicately on the skin. This addition rounds out the fragrance's complex composition, providing a balanced, luxurious end to the vibrant floral and musky notes. 

Abyssinian ambergris adds a touch of marine richness, while vanilla imparts a soft, sweet warmth that lingers on the skin, completing the fragrance with its creamy, comforting finish.

Bottles:

Fate of the Fragrance:

Added Attraction by Prince Matchabelli, a distinguished floral chypre fragrance for women, was discontinued at an unknown date, though it was still available in 1969. This vibrant and warm perfume, renowned for its intricate blend of floral and woody notes, gradually faded from the market in the latter half of the 20th century.

Despite its discontinuation, Added Attraction remains a testament to the olfactory elegance of its era. The fragrance, celebrated for its rich floral bouquet and musky, mossy base, was a reflection of the sophisticated scent profiles popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Its unique blend of aldehydes, citrus, and lush florals, anchored by a deep, woody base, captured the essence of a time when opulent and complex fragrances were in vogue. The perfume's enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke the warmth and vibrancy of its time, even as it slipped into rarity.