Prince Matchabelli facts for kids
Prince Matchabelli is a well-known line of perfumes. It was first created by Prince Georges V. Matchabelli, who was also a talented chemist.
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The Story of Prince Matchabelli
From Georgia to New York
Prince Georges V. Matchabelli was born in Georgia, a country that was once part of the Russian Empire. After the Russian Empire changed, Georgia became an independent country for a few years. Prince Georges was even an ambassador for Georgia in Italy. However, when Georgia became part of the Soviet Union, he moved to the United States.
In New York City, Prince Georges and his wife, Princess Norina Matchabelli, opened a small shop. Princess Norina was an actress. Their shop was called Le Rouge et le Noir, which means "The Red and the Black."
Creating Unique Perfumes
In 1926, the couple started the Prince Matchabelli Perfume Company. Prince Matchabelli himself would mix special perfumes for his customers. The first three perfumes were named Princess Norina, Queen of Georgia, and Ave Maria.
The company became famous for its unique perfume bottles. These bottles were shaped like crowns and came in different colors. Princess Norina designed them to look like the Matchabelli family crown. They were first introduced in 1928.
Changes in Ownership
Over the years, the Prince Matchabelli company was sold several times.
- In 1936, Princess Norina sold the company to a perfume maker named Saul Ganz.
- In 1941, the company was sold to the Vicks Chemical Company.
- In 1958, Vicks sold Prince Matchabelli to Chesebrough–Pond's.
- Later, in 1987, Chesebrough-Pond's became part of a larger company called Unilever.
- Finally, in 1993, the Prince Matchabelli brands were sold to Parfums de Coeur.
