Launched in 1969, Wicker by Prince Matchabelli was a fragrance born from the era's fascination with wicker prints in fashion and its use in handbags. The trend gained significant momentum when Rose Kennedy was featured on the cover of a national magazine, elegantly seated in a high-backed wicker chair. This high-profile exposure quickly transformed wicker into a status symbol.
At Prince Matchabelli, the development of a new Spring-Summer perfume was underway, designed with a mossy, woodsy scent to capture the essence of the season. During a brainstorming session to name the fragrance, the suggestion of "Wicker" emerged. The name resonated because wicker furniture evoked vivid imagery of the great outdoors—particularly the charm of white wicker pieces. It called to mind serene spring afternoons on a porch swing, tranquil nights rowing on moonlit lakes, and the inviting atmosphere of garden parties and gazebos. Wicker symbolized a world of freshness and light, embodying sunny skies, lush grass, and idyllic summer evenings. The fragrance aimed to evoke a romantic and fairy-tale-like ambience, helping wearers dream of summer escapades and fairy-tale moments.
Prince Matchabelli, in tune with contemporary trends, embraced the wicker theme fully. The name was further endorsed by Margaret Murchison, a Matchabelli representative, who discovered Walter's Wicker Wonderland—a unique shop specializing in wicker furniture replicas from various eras. The shop’s thriving business highlighted the pervasive appeal of wicker across fashion, accessories, home décor, and furniture. Matchabelli executives recognized that the name "Wicker" not only aligned with the prevailing trends but also projected a modern, stylish image that resonated with the spirit of the times.
Fragrance Composition:
It is classified as a light floral semi-oriental fragrance for women. It was a fresh fragrance to be worn during the warmer months spanning spring and summer. Its subtle blend of mossy greens, woods and understated florals were reminiscent of fresh, green grass. A cool, crisp combination of light floral and woodsy. It is light, not too sweet or heavy for spring and summer.
- Top notes: galbanum, bergamot, aldehydes, violet leaf, lime, basil, mint
- Middle notes: violets, white jasmine, rose, lily of the valley, freesia, hyacinth
- Base notes: amber, patchouli, vetiver, tonka bean, oakmoss, sandalwood, cedar, vanilla
Scent Profile:
Wicker by Prince Matchabelli opens with a burst of invigorating freshness, starting with the green, resinous aroma of galbanum. This note brings to mind a lush, dewy meadow, where the scent of verdant foliage fills the air. Interlaced with this is the bright, zesty aroma of bergamot and lime, which adds a citrusy sparkle and a hint of tangy sweetness, reminiscent of a sunlit afternoon. The aldehydes introduce a crisp, soapy quality that imparts a clean, effervescent feel. Complementing these are the green, slightly spicy nuances of violet leaf and the cool, herbal freshness of basil and mint. Together, these top notes create a vivid impression of freshly cut grass and the vibrant, awakening scents of a spring garden.
As the fragrance evolves, the heart reveals a delicate bouquet of florals. The soft, powdery scent of violets mingles with the heady, exotic aroma of white jasmine, lending a subtle yet intoxicating floral richness. Rose contributes a classic, romantic note, while lily of the valley and freesia introduce a light, airy sweetness that evokes the purity of spring blossoms. Hyacinth adds a touch of green, floral complexity, rounding out the middle notes with its crisp and slightly sweet aroma. This combination creates a harmonious floral symphony that is both fresh and refined.
In the base, Wicker settles into a warm, earthy embrace. The rich, golden scent of amber weaves through the fragrance, adding a soft, resinous warmth. Patchouli and vetiver provide a grounding, woody depth, their earthy qualities reminiscent of a sun-drenched forest floor. Tonka bean introduces a subtle sweetness with its creamy, vanilla-like undertones, while oakmoss adds a classic mossy, forest aroma that deepens the scent. Sandalwood and cedar contribute a smooth, woody finish, their dry, slightly creamy notes evoking the sturdy elegance of aged wood. The base concludes with a gentle hint of vanilla, enhancing the fragrance’s overall warmth and subtle sweetness.
Overall, Wicker captures the essence of a light, semi-oriental floral fragrance, blending cool, crisp greens and delicate florals with a sophisticated woodsy base. It is a scent designed to be both refreshing and elegant, perfectly suited for the warmer months of spring and summer.
Product Line:
Launched on April 1, 1969, Wicker by Prince Matchabelli made a striking debut with its distinctive packaging, featuring a wicker-encased bottle adorned in a refreshing apple green and wicker white color scheme. The design perfectly mirrored the fragrance’s theme, evoking the charm and sophistication of wicker furniture, while capturing the essence of springtime elegance.
The fragrance was offered in a variety of formats to suit different preferences and occasions. The cologne splash provided a classic, straightforward application, ideal for those who appreciated a traditional touch. For a more modern approach, the cooling spray mist cologne offered a refreshing and invigorating spritz, perfect for a quick burst of fragrance on warm days.
In addition, the perfumed spray puff featured a luxurious fluffy foam that not only scented but also smoothed the skin, enhancing the fragrance experience with a touch of elegance. The line also included marbleized soap, which combined practical cleansing with a subtle infusion of the Wicker scent, turning everyday rituals into a sensory delight.
For those seeking an extra layer of refinement, dusting powder added a delicate veil of fragrance to the skin, while the perfumed crème sachet provided a rich, soothing option. The spray bath powder offered a refreshing bath experience, infusing the water with the light, floral notes of Wicker for a truly immersive fragrance experience. Each product was designed to complement the others, creating a cohesive and sophisticated olfactory journey that captured the essence of the Wicker fragrance.
Harper's Bazaar, 1969
"Suddenly you have it, in delightful new Wicker from Matchabelli. ... Wicker is done up in green-and-white wicker- bordered bottles that shelter all the ways you could think of to make spring and ... Prince Matchabelli's new Wicker fragrance."
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