Georges V. Matchabelli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Georges V. Matchabelli
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Matchabelli in 1924
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| Born |
Georges Vasili Matchabelli
July 23, 1885 |
| Died | March 31, 1935 (aged 49) New York City, United States
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| Occupation | Diplomat Perfume Manufacturer |
| Title | Prince |
| Spouse(s) | Princess Norina Matchabelli |
Prince Georges Vasili Matchabelli (born July 23, 1885 – died March 31, 1935) was a Georgian nobleman who became famous as a perfumer. He was also a diplomat, which means he represented his country in other nations. After his home country, Georgia, was invaded in 1921, he moved to the United States.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Georges Matchabelli was born in Tiflis, Georgia. At that time, Georgia was part of the Russian Empire. He came from a noble family called Machabeli. His uncle was a well-known writer named Ivane Machabeli.
Georges first studied in Tiflis. Later, he went to Berlin to become an engineer. In 1914, he helped start a group called the Committee of Independent Georgia in Berlin. This group wanted Germany to support Georgia's fight for freedom from the Russian Empire.
Marriage and Moving to America
In 1917, Georges Matchabelli married Norina Gilli. Norina was from Florence, Italy. She was famous for playing the Madonna in a special play called The Miracle.
Georges briefly worked as a diplomat for the Democratic Republic of Georgia in Italy. But in 1921, the Soviet Union took control of Georgia. Because of this, Georges and Norina moved to the United States.
Starting a Perfume Business
Prince Georges was an amateur chemist. This means he enjoyed studying chemicals and making things with them as a hobby. In 1924, he and his wife, now known as Princess Norina Matchabelli, started the Prince Matchabelli Perfume Company.
Princess Norina helped design the perfume bottles. She made them look like a crown, just like the Matchabelli family crown. In 1926, they created a scent called "Ave Maria," named after her. The company became well-known for its crown-shaped bottles. These bottles had different colors for different perfumes. Some famous scents included Wind Song, Ave Maria, and Princess Norina. Georges and Norina divorced in 1933.
From 1932 until he passed away, Georges Matchabelli also led the Georgian Association in the United States. He died in New York City in 1935. He was buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Queens, New York. In 1936, Norina sold the perfume company to another perfume maker for $250,000.
See also
- Samachablo
- Machabeli
