Nueva Maja by Myrurgia c1960

In the 1960s, the context of perfume was evolving rapidly, reflecting societal changes and shifting tastes. This era saw a departure from the heavier, more formal fragrances of previous decades towards lighter, fresher scents that appealed to the younger generation. Myrurgia's decision to launch "Nueva Maja" in 1960 as a flanker to their original Maja fragrance was timely and strategic. The word "Nueva" means "new" in Spanish, indicating a fresh, modern approach to the classic Maja scent.

Choosing the name "Nueva Maja" was likely aimed at revitalizing the brand and appealing to a younger demographic while retaining the essence of the original fragrance. "Maja" itself refers to the archetype of a charming and confident Spanish woman, historically depicted in art and culture as lively and alluring. By adding "Nueva" to the name, Myrurgia positioned the perfume as a contemporary interpretation of this iconic figure, embracing modernity while honoring tradition.

For women of the 1960s, "Nueva Maja" would have resonated as a perfume that embodied sophistication with a youthful twist. It likely promised a fragrance experience that was both timeless and refreshing, capturing the spirit of independence and allure associated with the Maja persona. Women would have responded to "Nueva Maja" as a symbol of elegance and modernity, perfect for everyday wear yet with a hint of classic charm.

The name "Nueva Maja" evokes images of vibrant Spanish culture, with visions of flamenco dancers, bustling marketplaces, and sun-drenched Mediterranean landscapes. Emotionally, it suggests confidence, sensuality, and a zest for life—qualities that appeal universally but are particularly resonant with the spirit of 1960s femininity.

In the realm of perfumery, "Nueva Maja" would indeed be a unique name. It blends tradition with innovation, offering a promise of both familiarity and novelty in fragrance. The word "Nueva" adds a contemporary allure, suggesting something fresh and exciting yet rooted in a rich heritage.

Interpreted broadly, "Nueva Maja" signifies a new chapter in the saga of the Maja fragrance, adapting to the tastes and aspirations of a new era while celebrating its enduring appeal. It encapsulates a blend of tradition and modernity, making it a compelling choice for women seeking a perfume that resonates with both elegance and vitality.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a fresh, mossy aldehydic chypre fragrance for women. It starts off with a fresh citrusy top, followed by a spicy floral heart, resting on a sweet balsamic base.

• Top notes: bergamot, lemon, mandarin, gardenia, lime
• Middle notes: clove, orris, ylang ylang, Bulgarian rose, Riviera jasmine, orange blossom
• Base notes: Mysore sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver, Indian musk, oakmoss, vanilla, benzoin, Peru balsam, ambergris, labdanum

Scent Profile:

In the bustling streets of 1960s Madrid, the vibrant pulse of a city on the brink of cultural revolution beats fervently. As you wander through the avenues lined with boutique storefronts, the air is alive with the chatter of fashion-forward women clad in miniskirts and men adorned in impeccably tailored suits. Notable landmarks like the iconic Plaza Mayor stand as timeless witnesses to the unfolding scene, their grandeur contrasting with the youthful energy that permeates the city.

Entering one of the fashionable boutiques, the aroma of "Nueva Maja" by Myrurgia greets you with its invigorating citrusy top notes of bergamot, lemon, and mandarin. The zesty freshness mingles with the sweet hint of gardenia and the tangy essence of lime, evoking the crisp allure of a Mediterranean morning. The scent swirls around you, enveloping you in a cloud of sophistication and optimism.

As you peruse racks adorned with the latest mod-inspired fashions, the atmosphere buzzes with excitement. Conversations in Spanish and snippets of English blend harmoniously, discussing the latest trends and must-have pieces. Women exclaim over the daring new hemlines of miniskirts, their laughter echoing through the boutique's chic interior.

Moving through the boutique, your fingers graze against fabrics of vibrant colors and bold patterns, each piece promising a story of its own. The textures range from soft silks to crisp cottons, inviting tactile exploration. The floral heart of "Nueva Maja" unfolds delicately, revealing notes of clove, orris, ylang ylang, Bulgarian rose, Riviera jasmine, and orange blossom. Each scent weaves together seamlessly, creating a tapestry of floral elegance that mirrors the city's artistic spirit.

Outside, as you venture into the sunlit streets, the scent evolves, settling into its sweet balsamic base. The warmth of Mysore sandalwood and patchouli intertwines with the earthy depth of vetiver and Indian musk. Underlying notes of oakmoss, vanilla, benzoin, Peru balsam, ambergris, and labdanum add a sophisticated allure, resonating with the timeless charm of Madrid's architecture and history.

In the distance, the bells of the Royal Palace chime melodiously, marking the passage of time against a backdrop of cultural change. The cityscape unfolds before you like a living canvas, where modernity meets tradition in a harmonious dance. "Nueva Maja" by Myrurgia captures this essence perfectly—a fragrance that embodies the spirit of a city on the brink of transformation, where every scent, sight, and sound tells a story of elegance and innovation.

Bottles:

The parfum of "Nueva Maja" by Myrurgia is housed in a bottle that epitomizes elegance and refinement. The faceted crystal bottle is a visual masterpiece, its surface catching and refracting light to create a dazzling display of colors and reflections. Each facet is precisely cut, contributing to a multifaceted brilliance that draws the eye and captivates the senses.

The bottle's design is both timeless and contemporary, a seamless blend of classic beauty and modern sophistication. Rising from the bottle's base is a flared, fluted crystal stopper, adding a distinctive touch to its silhouette. The stopper's fluted design provides a textured contrast to the smooth facets of the bottle, creating an interplay of light and shadow that enhances its overall allure. This delicate fluting gives the stopper an almost ethereal quality, as if it were a delicate piece of crystal architecture reaching towards the heavens.

Holding the bottle, you feel its substantial weight, a testament to the quality of the crystal. The cool, smooth surface of the bottle invites touch, while the intricate fluting of the spire adds a tactile dimension that is both pleasing and intriguing. Unscrewing the stopper, you release the rich, evocative scent of "Nueva Maja," a fragrance that blends citrus, floral, and balsamic notes into a harmonious symphony.

The presentation of "Nueva Maja" in this exquisite bottle is a celebration of craftsmanship and design. It transforms the act of applying perfume into a ritual of beauty and elegance. The bottle is not merely a container but a piece of art, reflecting the dedication and artistry of Myrurgia. This exquisite crystal bottle, with its faceted body and flared, fluted spire, stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to creating timeless and luxurious experiences.

The packaging for "Nueva Maja" by Myrurgia masterfully blends tradition with contemporary flair, mirroring the evolution of the fragrance itself. This updated packaging retains the spirit of the original Maja line while introducing a fresh, artistic touch that reflects the modern sensibilities of the 1960s. The central figure, the iconic maja, has been reimagined with the appearance of an oil painting, replacing the more stylized image from the original line. This artistic approach adds depth and texture, evoking a sense of timeless beauty and sophistication.

The background of the packaging also received a thoughtful update. Instead of the traditional shawl motif, it now features a striking black Chantilly lace design, creating a rich, tactile contrast against a vivid red skirt with a frilly white petticoat. This choice of imagery imbues the packaging with a sense of romantic allure and dramatic elegance, reminiscent of traditional Spanish attire yet presented in a way that feels fresh and modern.

Other versions of the packaging take a minimalist approach, showcasing a white background with just the image of the new maja. This clean, understated design highlights the updated illustration, allowing the beauty and detail of the oil painting-like figure to stand out. The simplicity of this version provides a contemporary edge, making it visually appealing and versatile.

The updated packaging for "Nueva Maja" not only captures the essence of the fragrance but also serves as a bridge between the past and the present. It honors the heritage of the original Maja line while embracing modern aesthetics, making it a fitting tribute to a perfume that sought to blend tradition with innovation. For those who experienced "Nueva Maja," the packaging itself would have been a visual and tactile delight, enhancing the overall experience of the fragrance and reinforcing its position as a timeless classic in the world of perfumery.

The crystal parfum flacon for "Nueva Maja" by Myrurgia is a testament to the brand's commitment to luxury and elegance. Available in several sizes, the flacon caters to different preferences and occasions. The most prominent sizes include 1.5 oz, 1 oz, 0.5 oz, and 0.25 oz, each designed with meticulous attention to detail. Additionally, a miniature version holding 1/7 oz is available, featuring a screw cap, making it perfect for travel or as a collectible.

These crystal bottles, with their faceted design and flared, fluted spire, exude a sense of timeless sophistication. The varying sizes allow for flexibility, whether one desires a grand display on a vanity or a small, portable version for daily use. Each bottle, regardless of size, maintains the same high standard of craftsmanship, ensuring that the essence of "Nueva Maja" is beautifully preserved.

For those who prefer cologne, the bottle design was adapted to suit this lighter, more versatile fragrance. These cologne bottles, featuring gold-tone screw caps, retain the elegance of the parfum flacon while introducing a more practical element. The cologne splash is available in various sizes, including 0.5 oz, 1 oz, 1.7 oz (with the bottle standing 3.5" tall), 3.5 oz, 4.5 oz, and a generous 14 oz. This range allows for both everyday use and more lavish applications, accommodating different needs and preferences.

The cologne spray, designed for convenience and ease of use, is offered in a 2 oz refillable bottle and a larger 3.4 oz size. The refillable option speaks to both practicality and sustainability, allowing users to enjoy their favorite fragrance while minimizing waste. The sleek design of these spray bottles ensures they are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The Eau de Toilette, another popular choice, is also available in various sizes, including a 1 oz bottle and more. These bottles are designed to be elegant and portable, making them suitable for a variety of settings, from everyday wear to special occasions. The Eau de Toilette's lighter concentration provides a more subtle scent, ideal for those who prefer a softer fragrance experience.

Overall, the diverse range of sizes and bottle designs in the "Nueva Maja" product line reflects Myrurgia's dedication to meeting the varied needs of its customers while maintaining a high standard of luxury and sophistication. Whether in the form of a crystal parfum flacon, a practical cologne bottle, or an elegant Eau de Toilette, "Nueva Maja" offers a fragrance experience that is both timeless and adaptable.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Unfortunately, "Nueva Maja" by Myrurgia, a fragrance that once epitomized elegance and modernity, has been discontinued, with the exact date of its cessation remaining unknown. Despite its popularity and the vivid memories it left behind, the scent that once defined a generation is no longer available. The perfume, known for its captivating blend of fresh, floral, and balsamic notes, was still being sold as late as 1984, suggesting its enduring appeal over several decades.

For those who cherished "Nueva Maja," its discontinuation is a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of beauty and luxury. The fragrance, with its faceted crystal bottle and flared, fluted spire, became a symbol of sophistication and grace. Women who wore "Nueva Maja" recall the sparkling top notes of bergamot, lemon, mandarin, gardenia, and lime that greeted them with a refreshing burst of citrus. This was followed by a heart of clove, orris, ylang ylang, Bulgarian rose, Riviera jasmine, and orange blossom, creating a complex and elegant floral bouquet. The scent settled into a warm, sweet balsamic base of Mysore sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver, Indian musk, oakmoss, vanilla, benzoin, Peru balsam, ambergris, and labdanum, enveloping the wearer in a lasting aura of sophistication.

The discontinuation of "Nueva Maja" leaves a gap in the world of perfumery, especially for those who appreciated its unique composition and luxurious presentation. The faceted crystal bottle, with its play of light and shadow, and the intricate, fluted spire, added a tactile and visual dimension that elevated the fragrance to an art form. It was more than a scent; it was an experience, a piece of cultural heritage encapsulated in a bottle.

In the absence of "Nueva Maja," memories of its distinctive aroma and the elegance it represented linger on. For collectors and enthusiasts, finding a remaining bottle is akin to discovering a precious relic from a bygone era. The legacy of "Nueva Maja" endures in the hearts and minds of those who once embraced its beauty, a timeless reminder of the fleeting nature of luxury and the lasting impact of a truly exceptional fragrance.