Beloved by Prince Matchabelli, launched in 1950, is a fragrance whose name evokes deep emotional resonance. The term "Beloved" signifies a profound and cherished affection, a person or thing held dear with great tenderness and admiration. In the context of a perfume, the word "Beloved" suggests a scent that is intended to become a treasured part of a woman's personal repertoire, evoking feelings of intimacy, warmth, and enduring appeal.
The name "Beloved" conjures images of romance and nostalgia, resonating with themes of devotion and personal connection. It evokes a sense of longing and emotional depth, suggesting that the wearer of this fragrance is cherished and adored. The name implies that the scent itself is not merely a fragrance, but an integral part of the wearer’s identity and allure.
For women in the 1950s, a perfume named "Beloved" would likely have been seen as a symbol of sophistication and emotional richness. The post-war era was a time when personal expression and romantic ideals were particularly valued. The concept of being "beloved" aligns with the era's focus on elegance, femininity, and the celebration of personal charm. A fragrance with such a name would have appealed to women seeking a scent that not only complemented their style but also resonated with their emotional sensibilities.
Launched during the mid-20th century, Beloved fits within a broader context of fragrances characterized by their luxurious and complex compositions. The 1950s perfume market was dominated by floral bouquets and rich Oriental bases, often featuring heady, warm, and sweet notes that aimed to create an opulent sensory experience. While "Beloved" followed the trend of blending soft, sweet florals with exotic bases—reflecting popular trends of the time—it also distinguished itself with its emotional resonance and emphasis on intimate allure.
In terms of uniqueness, Beloved’s combination of Mediterranean blossoms and exotic Oriental elements was consistent with the era’s preference for complex, multi-layered fragrances. The use of such notes was not uncommon, but the name "Beloved" added an additional layer of personal significance and emotional depth, setting it apart from other offerings of the period. This blend of familiar trends with a distinctive emotional appeal allowed Beloved to resonate deeply with its audience, making it a memorable and cherished scent in the landscape of 1950s perfumes.
The newspaper advertisements for Beloved by Prince Matchabelli, launched in 1950, proudly proclaimed that the perfume was "imported from France," a claim designed to evoke an image of European sophistication and exclusivity. This assertion suggested that the fragrance itself was brought directly from France, enhancing its allure with a touch of continental prestige. However, this description was somewhat misleading, as it implied a more direct connection to French perfumery than was actually the case.
In reality, while the perfume formula for Beloved was indeed compounded in France, the process did not end there. After the formulation was completed, the scent was transported to the United States, where it was mixed with domestic alcohol, bottled, packaged, and distributed by the Prince Matchabelli factory. This arrangement allowed the company to capitalize on the prestige associated with French perfume-making while managing production and distribution domestically.
The use of "imported from France" in advertising played a strategic role in positioning Beloved as a luxury product, leveraging the reputation of French perfumery to enhance its appeal. This marketing tactic was common during the period, as it linked the perfume to the romantic and refined image of French craftsmanship, even though the actual bottling and final touches were executed on American soil.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a soft, sweet and warm oriental floral fragrance for women. Very heady with Mediterranean blossoms layered over an exotic Oriental base .
- Top notes: orange, Calabrian bergamot, neroli, lemon
- Middle notes: gardenia, ylang ylang, jasmine, orange blossom, rose, honeysuckle
- Base notes: chamomile, patchouli, Mysore sandalwood, Tibetan musk, vanilla, Abyssinian ambergris, tobacco, Abyssinian civet
It was described as "the most captivating perfume to ever come out of France. Rich and warm and becoming to the mature woman. An utterly different and incredibly long lasting new perfume. A warm poignant fragrance that seems to whisper of youth "
Scent Profile:
As you experience Beloved by Prince Matchabelli, the fragrance unfolds in a journey of captivating and layered notes. The top notes greet you with a burst of radiant citrus and floral brilliance. The orange note offers a vibrant and tangy sweetness, reminiscent of sunlit groves. This is complemented by the fresh and invigorating essence of Calabrian bergamot, which adds a touch of zesty brightness. Neroli introduces a delicate, honeyed floral aroma, exuding an air of refined elegance. A hint of lemon adds a crisp, tangy edge, enhancing the fragrance's lively and sparkling quality.
As the initial notes gently fade, the heart of the perfume reveals a lush and intoxicating floral bouquet. Gardenia, with its creamy, velvety petals, brings a rich, almost buttery sweetness that is both luxurious and comforting. Ylang ylang follows, offering an exotic, floral richness with a hint of fruitiness that adds depth and complexity. Jasmine unfolds next, its heady, opulent scent enveloping you in a warm, intoxicating embrace. Orange blossom adds a touch of ethereal sweetness, blending seamlessly with the rose’s classic, romantic fragrance. Honeysuckle finishes the heart notes with its sweet, warm, and inviting aroma, creating a harmonious and deeply feminine floral composition.
The base notes provide a warm and exotic foundation that lingers long after the initial burst of freshness has passed. Chamomile introduces a subtle, soothing herbal quality, softening the edges with its calming presence. Patchouli adds an earthy, woody depth, balancing the sweeter elements with its rich, aromatic intensity. Mysore sandalwood contributes a creamy, warm woodiness, adding a sense of sophistication and enduring allure. Tibetan musk imparts a soft, sensual warmth, while vanilla introduces a comforting, sweet creaminess that wraps the fragrance in a luxurious embrace. Abyssinian ambergris adds a hint of exotic, resinous depth, and tobacco lends a subtle, smoky richness. Finally, Abyssinian civet provides a warm, musky undertone that enhances the fragrance's overall complexity.
Beloved’s intricate blend creates a warm, poignant scent profile that is both rich and captivating, designed to leave a lasting impression. It is a fragrance that whispers of timeless elegance and subtle sophistication, tailored for the mature woman who appreciates a scent that is both unique and enduring.
Bottles:
Beloved by Prince Matchabelli was elegantly housed in exquisite azure blue crown flacons, an embodiment of opulent design and refined taste. The bottles, with their striking blue hue, captured the essence of luxury and sophistication, instantly drawing attention with their regal appearance. The azure color evoked a sense of serenity and depth, akin to the tranquil expanse of a clear summer sky or the shimmering surface of a pristine sea. The crown-shaped design of the flacon added a touch of grandeur and nobility, making each bottle not only a vessel for fragrance but also a statement piece in its own right.
The identifying package symbol, a charming cherub, further enhanced the perfume’s allure. This delicate emblem, often associated with love and affection, subtly underscored the fragrance's romantic and sentimental qualities. The cherub, with its graceful form and gentle demeanor, perfectly complemented the perfume's theme of warmth and intimacy. This intricate detail on the packaging not only added an element of visual interest but also conveyed the elegance and thoughtful craftsmanship behind Beloved, making it a cherished addition to any perfume collection.
Robin's Egg Blue Prince Matchabelli perfume bottle originally held their "Beloved" perfume. Retains its original gilt glass cross stopper and its original gold foil label on base. Photo from worthopedia.
1/4 oz size. Photo from worthopedia
Fate of the Fragrance:
Beloved by Prince Matchabelli, a fragrance once celebrated for its captivating blend of floral and Oriental notes, was discontinued at an uncertain date. Despite its eventual withdrawal from the market, the perfume retained its allure for a considerable period. By 1974, Beloved was still available for purchase, a testament to its enduring popularity and the lasting impression it left on its wearers. The continued presence of Beloved on store shelves years after its initial launch highlights the fragrance's lasting appeal and the affection it garnered from those who cherished its warm, sophisticated scent.
The perfume's longevity in the market reflects its success and the strong connection it established with its audience. Although specific details about the exact date of discontinuation remain elusive, the fact that Beloved continued to be sold into the mid-1970s underscores its status as a beloved classic, valued for its unique and memorable composition.
