Princess Norina by Prince Matchabelli c1928

In 1928, Prince Georges Matchabelli unveiled "Princess Norina," a perfume born from his deep affection and admiration for his wife, Norina. The context of this time period was marked by a fascination with romance and elegance, reflecting the enduring allure of royalty and aristocracy in society. It was an era when fragrances were not merely scents but also expressions of personal stories and aspirations.

Prince Matchabelli's choice of the name "Princess Norina" for the perfume was deeply personal and symbolic. By naming the fragrance after his wife, he sought to immortalize her grace, beauty, and perhaps the regal qualities he admired in her. "Princess Norina" evokes an image of refinement, sophistication, and a touch of fairy-tale allure, appealing to those who appreciated romance and glamour.

For consumers of the time, the name "Princess Norina" would have resonated with notions of aristocratic elegance and romantic ideals. It would likely have attracted those who sought to embody or admire the qualities associated with royalty – elegance, poise, and a hint of mystery. The perfume itself would have been perceived as a tribute to enduring love and refined taste, appealing to those who appreciated luxurious fragrances with a narrative behind them.

The name "Princess Norina" conjures images of grandeur, courtly elegance, and the timeless allure of royalty. It suggests a fragrance that is both delicate and commanding, evoking feelings of admiration, romance, and sophistication. Those who encountered "Princess Norina" would have likely been captivated by its romantic narrative and the promise of experiencing a scent that embodies the essence of a beloved princess – graceful, enchanting, and eternally captivating.

c1929 ad

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral fragrance for women and was described as a "subtle breath of precious flowers""jasmine and orange blossom".   .

• Top notes: neroli, cassie, bergamot, orange
• Middle notes: jasmine, orange blossom, clove, orris
• Base notes: musk, sandalwood, ambergris, tolu balsam, civet

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Scent Story:

Amidst the opulent halls of a grand palace, the wedding day of Prince Georges Matchabelli and Norina unfolds with an air of intoxicating allure. As you step into the ceremonial chamber, adorned with cascading jasmine and orange blossom garlands, the air is imbued with the fresh zest of neroli and bergamot. These citrusy notes mingle playfully with the sweet, powdery essence of cassie, evoking a sense of anticipation and celebration.

Your senses are further enraptured by the delicate interplay of jasmine and orange blossom at the heart of the festivities. The jasmine, rich and heady, dances with a hint of clove spice and the ethereal floral whispers of orris. Each breath draws you deeper into the romantic tapestry of the occasion, where love and desire intertwine in the fragrance's aromatic embrace.

Amidst the festivities, the taste of decadent treats delights your palate – delicate pastries infused with orange essence and clove, offering a tantalizing counterpart to the floral symphony that surrounds you. The sweetness lingers on your tongue, a perfect complement to the floral and spicy notes that permeate the air.

As the ceremony progresses, the sounds of joyous laughter and the soft rustle of silk fill the chamber, blending harmoniously with the gentle hum of whispered conversations. The atmosphere is alive with the symphony of emotions, echoing the depth and complexity of the perfume's base notes.

Underlying it all, the base notes of Princess Norina's fragrance emerge like a subtle, sensual whisper. Musk lends its soft, animalic warmth, intertwining with the creamy richness of sandalwood. Ambergris adds a touch of mysterious allure, while the balsamic sweetness of tolu balsam and the faint hint of civet add depth and complexity to the fragrance, mirroring the intricate emotions of the wedding day.

As you reach out to touch the petals of a freshly picked jasmine bloom, the velvety softness under your fingertips resonates with the essence of Princess Norina. It's a fragrance that transcends mere scent – it embodies a love story, captured in floral notes and spicy undertones, a tribute to timeless romance and the union of two souls.

In this moment, enveloped by the enchanting aroma of Princess Norina, you become part of the wedding day's narrative, where every ingredient tells a tale of love, passion, and the promise of forever.

The New Yorker - Volume 11 - Page 47, 1935:

"Matchabelli : The best still is Duchess of York (lilac), but Grace Moore (tantalizing and spicy), Princess Norina, and Empress of India (very exotic and Oriental) are in great demand."

Bottles:

The presentation of Princess Norina in its iconic crown bottle epitomizes elegance and sophistication within the Prince Matchabelli collection. The use of crown bottles, renowned for their distinctive design, maintains consistency with other fragrances by the brand while elevating the allure of Princess Norina.

The choice of a black and gold color scheme for Princess Norina's bottle enhances its luxurious appeal. Black symbolizes elegance and mystery, perfectly complementing the regal theme evoked by the fragrance's name. Gold accents further enrich the design, adding a touch of prestige and highlighting its exclusivity.

Symbolically, the black and gold bottle resonates with notions of royalty and nobility, aligning seamlessly with the essence of "Princess Norina." It signifies opulence and refinement, making the fragrance a coveted item among collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Despite its unique design, the bottle maintains continuity with other Prince Matchabelli offerings, ensuring brand recognition and reinforcing its status as a timeless classic. The label, adorned with Princess Norina's name in elegant script alongside the Prince Matchabelli logo, adds a final touch of sophistication to the exquisite packaging.

In essence, the black and gold crown bottle of Princess Norina encapsulates luxury, elegance, and exclusivity, complementing the fragrance's enchanting allure and securing its place as a cherished gem in the world of perfumery.

1926 Prince Matchabelli Princess Norina perfume bottle and stopper as a crown in black glass, gold detail, label. 3 1/4 in. Photo from Perfume Bottle Auctions

Fate of the Fragrance:

Princess Norina by Prince Matchabelli, still available as of 1942, remains a poignant testament to the enduring power of love and creativity in perfumery. Crafted as a tribute to Prince Matchabelli's wife, Norina, this fragrance captures the essence of romance and admiration. Reflecting Norina's timeless elegance and femininity, it stands as a cherished creation with a lasting legacy in the world of fragrances.

While specific details about its composition may be limited, Princess Norina's significance as a personal and heartfelt creation endows it with a unique place in perfume history. Its presence on the market until 1942 highlights its enduring appeal and the fondness with which it was received by perfume enthusiasts of its time.

The discontinuation date of Princess Norina is not readily documented in historical records, which is not uncommon for perfumes from earlier eras. Discontinuations can stem from various factors, including evolving consumer tastes, shifts in market dynamics, or strategic decisions within perfume companies. Despite this, Princess Norina's legacy persists through its association with love and inspiration, evoking nostalgia for an era characterized by romance and refined elegance.