Georgian Carnation by Prince Matchabelli, introduced in 1934, was a fragrance deeply rooted in both personal and cultural significance. Named in honor of Prince Matchabelli's Georgian heritage, the title evokes a rich tapestry of images and emotions tied to his homeland. The term "Georgian" brings to mind the storied landscapes and historical elegance of Georgia, while "Carnation" conjures the image of the lush, fragrant flower, known for its vibrant beauty and spicy-sweet aroma.
The name "Georgian Carnation" bridges the personal with the botanical, suggesting a perfume that embodies both the exotic allure of Georgia and the classic floral sophistication of the carnation. For women of the 1930s, the choice of this name would have resonated on multiple levels. It represented not only a connection to the Prince's own roots but also an invitation to experience a fragrance that was both exotic and familiar. The 1930s were a period marked by a fascination with opulence and the exploration of exotic themes, often reflected in the perfume industry. While the market was rich with floral and spicy fragrances, "Georgian Carnation" distinguished itself by combining a sweet and spicy profile with a narrative of cultural heritage.
The perfume's classification as a sweet and spicy floral aligns with the era's trends, which favored rich, evocative scents that offered a sense of sophistication and depth. "Georgian Carnation" would have been appreciated for its ability to blend the heady sweetness of the carnation with spicy undertones, creating a fragrance that was both captivating and elegant, fitting perfectly within the luxurious and often elaborate tastes of the 1930s perfume market.
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a sweet and spicy floral fragrance for women.
- Top notes: Calabrian bergamot, neroli, cassie, jonquil, pimento, carnation
- Middle notes: jasmine, cinnamon, rose, orange blossom, gardenia, carnation, lily of the valley, tuberose, orris, ylang ylang
- Base notes: patchouli, clove buds, vanilla, Mysore sandalwood, Tibetan musk, styrax, tolu balsam, benzoin, ambrette
Scent Profile:
Georgian Carnation opens with a vibrant burst of top notes that immediately captivate the senses. The Calabrian bergamot presents a zesty, citrusy brightness, infusing the fragrance with a fresh and invigorating quality. This is complemented by the delicate, slightly bitter yet sweet aroma of neroli, which brings a hint of floral sophistication and warmth.
Cassie adds a rich, honeyed nuance with its unique blend of floral and spicy tones, while jonquil introduces a green, somewhat earthy facet that deepens the floral character. Pimento contributes a piquant, spicy kick that energizes the initial impression. Finally, carnation, the fragrance’s namesake, reveals its spicy, clove-like essence intertwined with a subtly sweet, peppery floral scent, setting the stage for the complexity that follows.
As the fragrance evolves into its heart notes, the bouquet expands with an opulent array of flowers and spices. Jasmine unfolds with its rich, intoxicating aroma, blending seamlessly with the warm, spicy undertones of cinnamon. The classic scent of rose imparts a timeless, romantic quality, while orange blossom offers a bright, honeyed sweetness.
Gardenia enhances the floral richness with its creamy, velvety texture. The heart of the fragrance is further layered with carnation again, adding a spicy floral nuance, and lily of the valley, which provides a fresh, green, and slightly woody undertone. Tuberose brings a deep, heady floral scent, while orris introduces a powdery, sophisticated sweetness. Ylang ylang rounds out the middle notes with its exotic, sweet, and somewhat fruity floral fragrance, creating a complex, rich bouquet.
The base notes of Georgian Carnation offer a warm and sensual finish. Patchouli adds an earthy, woody depth, creating a rich, grounding foundation. The spicy, aromatic quality of clove buds mingles with the sweet warmth of vanilla, which imparts a creamy, comforting essence.
Mysore sandalwood provides a luxurious, smooth woodiness that is both grounding and soothing. Tibetan musk adds a soft, animalic touch that enhances the fragrance’s sensuality. Styrax introduces a balsamic, slightly smoky nuance, while tolu balsam and benzoin contribute rich, resinous sweetness. Finally, ambrette offers a subtle, musky, and slightly fruity note that rounds out the fragrance with a refined elegance.
Bottles:
Georgian Carnation was distinguished by its elegant packaging, which reflected the sophistication of early 20th-century perfumery. The fragrance was available in several distinct bottle designs, each contributing to its allure and prestige.
The frosted glass crown bottles offered a classic, understated elegance, their translucent finish showcasing the fragrance's refined character. These bottles were complemented by clear glass crown bottles, which were subtly enhanced with gilding. The gilded accents added a touch of opulence, elevating the presentation of the perfume.
For a more modern twist, Georgian Carnation was also encased in a block of Lucite, providing a sleek, contemporary look that captured the light and showcased the perfume's clarity. The use of Lucite, a material known for its durability and aesthetic appeal, reflected the innovative spirit of the time.
In addition to these decorative bottles, the fragrance was available in sceptre bottles for both eau de cologne and eau de toilette, offering a regal and distinguished presentation. These bottles mirrored the grandeur of their namesake, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
Georgian Carnation was not only offered in a variety of bottle designs but was also available in multiple formats, including parfum, toilet water, cologne, and sachet pillows. This range ensured that the fragrance could be enjoyed in different settings and applications, from daily wear to decorative sachets, showcasing its versatility and enduring appeal.
Fate of the Fragrance:
Georgian Carnation was discontinued at an unspecified date, though it was still available for purchase as late as 1953. The exact timing of its discontinuation remains uncertain, but the fragrance's presence on the market during the early 1950s suggests that it enjoyed a considerable period of popularity.
The decision to discontinue Georgian Carnation may have been influenced by various factors, including shifts in consumer preferences, changes in fragrance trends, or difficulties in sourcing specific ingredients. Additionally, the post-war period saw significant disruptions in the availability of raw materials, which could have impacted the production and distribution of perfumes.
Despite its discontinuation, Georgian Carnation remains a notable example of early 20th-century perfumery, reflecting the rich, complex fragrance profiles that characterized the era. The fragrance's lasting presence in the early 1950s highlights its enduring appeal and the significant role it played in the perfume market of its time.
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