Royal Bouquet by Prince Matchabelli c1935

In 1935, Prince Matchabelli launched Royal Bouquet, a fragrance specially created to commemorate the British Royal Silver Jubilee—a significant event celebrating the 25th anniversary of King George V's reign. The Silver Jubilee was a moment of national pride and festivity in Britain, marked by grand parades, public ceremonies, and widespread celebration. By creating a fragrance to honor this occasion, Prince Matchabelli paid tribute to the enduring legacy and prestige of the British monarchy, aligning the perfume with a sense of history and regal elegance.

The choice of the name Royal Bouquet was both deliberate and evocative. The word "Royal" immediately conjures images of grandeur, opulence, and timeless tradition, resonating with the pomp and pageantry associated with the British monarchy. "Bouquet" suggests a gathering of the finest, most fragrant flowers, symbolizing purity, beauty, and refinement. Together, Royal Bouquet evokes the image of a lush, aromatic collection of blossoms, carefully selected and arranged to honor royalty. This name not only reflects the elegance of the fragrance but also its connection to a prestigious and celebratory moment in history.

Interpreted in scent, Royal Bouquet would likely be imagined as a rich, floral composition—a harmonious blend of the most exquisite flowers, each chosen for its beauty and fragrance. It would evoke a garden in full bloom, where the air is filled with the sweet, intoxicating scent of roses, lilies, and jasmine, mingling with the soft, green notes of freshly cut stems and leaves. The fragrance would be regal yet approachable, embodying both the sophistication of the monarchy and the natural beauty of a bouquet.

Damas by Prince Matchabelli c1930

Damas by Prince Matchabelli, launched in 1930, draws its name from both the legendary city of Damascus and the revered damask rose. This evocative choice imbues the fragrance with a rich tapestry of historical and botanical significance. Damascus, known for its ancient grandeur and its legendary history as a center of culture and trade, conjures images of opulence and mystique. The damask rose, celebrated for its exquisite scent and delicate beauty, adds a layer of floral sophistication and sensuality to the perfume’s narrative.

The name Damas likely evokes a sense of exotic allure and historical romance, referencing the storied past of the city as well as the rose’s distinguished place in perfumery. During this era, the fascination with the Middle East and its luxurious traditions was prominent, driven by archaeological discoveries and a general Western fascination with the exotic. The 1930s saw a wave of interest in Eastern cultures, and Damas would have resonated with the zeitgeist, embodying a sense of exoticism and elegance that was both aspirational and intriguing.

Chimere by Prince Matchabelli c1979

Chimère by Prince Matchabelli, launched in 1979, emerged during a period rich with evolving trends in the perfume industry. The late 1970s were marked by a resurgence of interest in classic and sophisticated fragrances, with a growing appreciation for complex, multi-layered compositions. The choice of the name "Chimère" reflects the era’s fascination with mythology and the allure of the exotic, evoking a sense of mystery and fantasy.

The term "Chimère" is derived from French, and translates to "chimera" in English. In mythology, a chimera is a creature composed of parts from different animals, symbolizing the blending of disparate elements into a single, fantastical entity. This name evokes images of mythical grandeur and enigmatic beauty, suggesting a fragrance that combines various elements to create something unique and captivating. The word “Chimère” conjures feelings of mystique and allure, suggesting a scent that is both intriguing and sophisticated, with a sense of fantasy and otherworldliness.

For women of the late 1970s, the name "Chimère" would have resonated with the era's embrace of both classic elegance and adventurous innovation. The fragrance’s profile—beginning with a bright aldehydic top note, progressing into a rich, narcotic floral heart, and resting on a warm, woody, and mossy base—mirrored the decade’s preference for complex, well-rounded scents. This fragrance was in line with the period’s trend towards rich, multifaceted compositions, yet its specific blend of floral and woody elements with a hint of mysterious spices set it apart.

The choice of "Chimère" as a name aligns with the broader trend of the time, where perfumes were increasingly marketed not just as scents, but as experiences that evoke specific moods and imagery. The name and the fragrance’s description as a "semi-oriental, a brilliant floral blend of roses, jasmine, gardenia, and lily of the valley touched with a subtle splurge of mysterious spices and darker notes" fit well within the era’s interest in luxurious and intriguing fragrances that offered a sensory escape from everyday life. Thus, Chimère captured the essence of the time, embodying both the classic and the contemporary, and appealing to those who sought both elegance and a touch of the exotic in their scent.

Wind Song by Prince Matchabelli c1953

Launched in 1953, Wind Song by Prince Matchabelli was designed to evoke the ethereal and delicate nature of its name. The choice of "Wind Song" conjures images of a gentle breeze carrying the harmonious notes of a melodious song, blending the natural elegance of the wind with the beauty of a fragrant bouquet. The name itself suggests a sense of serenity and grace, capturing the essence of nature's soft and soothing qualities.

In the context of fragrance, "Wind Song" translates to a brilliant floral bouquet, characterized by its fresh and spicy top notes. The perfume opens with a crisp, invigorating blend of spices that are both modern and refined, creating an immediate sense of freshness. As it develops, the fragrance reveals a heart of spicy florals, including lilac, jasmine, rose, and iris, which together create a rich and complex floral symphony. This is complemented by a powdery, feminine base subtly infused with woody undertones, adding depth and warmth to the overall composition.

For women of the early 1950s, Wind Song would have represented a sophisticated and contemporary choice in an era where floral perfumes were particularly popular. Its blend of fresh spices and rich florals, combined with a modern dry finish, set it apart from the more heavily floral or sweet fragrances of the time. Wind Song aligned with the emerging trend of elegant, refined perfumes that exuded both freshness and sophistication, appealing to women seeking a distinctive and memorable scent.