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Please understand that this website is not affiliated with the Prince Matchabelli Company any way, it is only a reference page for collectors and those who have enjoyed the classic fragrances of days gone by.

The main objective of this website is to chronicle the history of the Prince Matchabelli fragrances and showcase the bottles and advertising used throughout the years.

However, one of the other goals of this website is to show the present owners of the Prince Matchabelli perfume company how much we miss the discontinued classics and hopefully, if they see that there is enough interest and demand, they will bring back these fragrances!

Please leave a comment below (for example: of why you liked the fragrance, describe the scent, time period or age you wore it, who gave it to you or what occasion, any specific memories, what it reminded you of, maybe a relative wore it, or you remembered seeing the bottle on their vanity table), who knows, perhaps someone from the current Prince Matchabelli brand might see it.

Also, this website is a labor of love, it is a work in progress and is always being updated with new information as I can find it, so check back often!

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Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Wicker by Prince Matchabelli c1969

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."

Fate of the Fragrance:

 
Wicker by Prince Matchabelli, a fragrance launched in 1969, was discontinued at an unspecified date. While it was still available for purchase in 1974, it had ceased production well before 1994. This elegant fragrance, cherished for its light, floral semi-oriental blend and distinctive wicker-themed packaging, gradually faded from the market. Despite its eventual discontinuation, Wicker remains a nostalgic symbol of its era, reflecting a bygone sophistication that continues to be remembered fondly by those who experienced its unique charm.

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Luna Mystique by Prince Matchabelli c1990

"Luna Mystique" by Prince Matchabelli, launched in 1990, is a name that was carefully chosen to evoke a sense of enchantment and mystery, drawing inspiration from the moon as a potent symbol of femininity. The word "Luna" is derived from Latin, meaning "moon," while "Mystique" comes from French, signifying something mysterious or enigmatic. Together, "Luna Mystique" conjures images of the moonlit night, with its soft, glowing light casting a serene yet mysterious ambiance. It evokes emotions of wonder, introspection, and a deep connection to the feminine mystique associated with the moon.

In the context of perfume, "Luna Mystique" would be interpreted as a fragrance that embodies the essence of the night, with an aura of romance and intrigue. It suggests a scent that is both delicate and powerful, capturing the dual nature of the moon's influence—its gentle light and its ability to stir deep emotions. Women of the time period would likely have related to "Luna Mystique" as a perfume that resonated with their inner strength and femininity, offering them a way to express their mysterious, romantic side. The name itself would have appealed to those who sought to connect with the timeless and universal symbolism of the moon, making it a perfume that felt both personal and evocative.

The early 1990s was a time when the perfume industry was exploring more complex and sophisticated scent profiles, moving away from the heavy, opulent fragrances of the 1980s. The market saw a rise in perfumes that blended floral notes with oriental elements, creating fragrances that were both romantic and exotic. "Luna Mystique," with its classification as a romantic floral oriental, fit well within this trend, yet its lunar inspiration gave it a unique identity. While it aligned with the broader movement towards more nuanced and layered scents, it stood out by offering a fragrance that was deeply connected to a powerful and enduring symbol of femininity. This made "Luna Mystique" a distinctive choice for women who wanted to embrace their mysterious allure, while still being in step with the prevailing trends of the time.