Secret Princesse Nefertiti by Babani c1937

The perfume "Secret Princesse Nefertiti" by Babani was launched in 1937, a time when the world was fascinated by ancient Egypt and its mysteries. The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 had sparked a renewed interest in Egyptology, influencing art, fashion, and popular culture throughout the 1920s and 1930s. This period saw an influx of Egyptian motifs in design, from jewelry to architecture, as the Western world romanticized and idealized ancient Egyptian civilization. Perfume, an integral part of ancient Egyptian rituals and daily life, found a natural resonance in this context, and "Secret Princesse Nefertiti" emerged as a blend of this historical fascination and contemporary allure.

The name "Secret Princesse Nefertiti" translates to "Secret Princess Nefertiti" in English. The choice of this name by Babani, a renowned Parisian couturier and perfumer, was likely influenced by the aura of mystery and beauty surrounding Queen Nefertiti, one of ancient Egypt's most famous and enigmatic figures. Nefertiti, known for her stunning beauty and powerful position as the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten, symbolizes timeless elegance and intrigue. By associating the perfume with Nefertiti, Babani tapped into the fascination with ancient Egypt and its perceived exoticism and sophistication.

"Secret Princesse Nefertiti" is an evocative name for a perfume, as it conjures images of hidden allure and regal beauty. The notion of a "secret" adds an element of mystery, suggesting a fragrance that is both personal and revealing only to those privileged enough to experience it. This name would appeal to individuals who saw themselves as sophisticated and discerning, seeking a scent that embodies both historical grandeur and an air of enigma.

Those who would have related to a perfume called "Secret Princesse Nefertiti" likely included fashionable, cultured women of the time who were captivated by the allure of ancient Egypt. They might have been drawn to the romance of a distant past, envisioning themselves as modern-day queens or princesses with a touch of the exotic in their everyday lives. Their response to the perfume would have been one of enchantment and a sense of connection to a glamorous, ancient heritage.

The words "Secret Princesse Nefertiti" evoke images of majestic temples, golden sands, and the Nile's tranquil flow. Emotions stirred by this name include a sense of mystery, sophistication, and timeless beauty. The allure of an ancient queen's hidden secrets and the promise of an unforgettable fragrance experience create a potent combination, making "Secret Princesse Nefertiti" not just a perfume, but a journey into the past's splendor.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It was an Oriental perfume with notes of rose and patchouli. I have no published notes on this composition. I would need a sample to tell you what it smells like.

• Top notes: bergamot, mandarin, rose geranium, cassie, neroli
• Middle notes: roses, jasmine, orange blossom, ylang ylang, incense, orris
• Base notes: ambrette, patchouli, sandalwood, ambergris, vanilla, musk, vetiver, oakmoss, labdanum, civet

Le Figaro, 1937:

"Soon you will be surprised with a new perfume that Maurice Babani is preparing: an oriental queen's perfume deciphered from the secret language on some old parchment."

Vogue, 1943:

 "MAURICE BABANI PRESENTS at lead stores, his new perfume Princesse Nefertiti. A lasting and fascinating essence, used made famous by the Egyptian Beauty. Perfume 1 oz. size $15. Toilet Water 8 oz."

Scent Story:

In the heart of ancient Egypt, beneath the golden glow of the sun, you find yourself in the opulent palace of Queen Nefertiti. The grandeur of the surroundings is overwhelming, with intricate carvings on limestone walls depicting scenes of the gods, pharaohs, and daily life. As you step into the queen's private garden, the air is filled with a symphony of scents, each one more intoxicating than the last.

The first thing you notice is the invigorating aroma of bergamot and mandarin. The citrusy tang awakens your senses, like the first light of dawn breaking over the horizon. You can almost taste the tart sweetness on your tongue, reminiscent of a refreshing summer breeze. Intermingled with this is the delicate fragrance of rose geranium, which adds a layer of floral elegance, bringing a sense of calm and serenity to your heart.

As you wander deeper into the garden, the rich, honeyed scent of cassie flowers envelops you. The air is sweet, almost sticky, with a hint of spiciness that lingers tantalizingly. Neroli blossoms, with their bright, white petals, exude a scent that is both fresh and slightly bitter, a perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the cassie. This combination creates an olfactory tapestry that is both complex and harmonious, a prelude to the deeper mysteries that lie ahead.

Moving towards the central courtyard, you are drawn to the heady perfume of blooming roses. Their lush, velvety petals release a fragrance that is both romantic and timeless, transporting you to a world of ancient love stories and whispered secrets. Jasmine vines, with their star-shaped flowers, add an intoxicating floral richness, filling the air with their exotic, sweet scent. You reach out and brush your fingers against the soft, waxy petals, feeling their delicate texture.

Nearby, orange blossoms release their crisp, citrusy fragrance, mingling with the rich, tropical aroma of ylang ylang. The combination is both uplifting and soothing, creating a sense of balance and harmony. Incense burns gently in the background, its smoky, resinous scent rising in spirals, adding a sacred, mystical quality to the atmosphere. The powdery, slightly woody aroma of orris root grounds these floral notes, providing a stable base that feels both ancient and enduring.

As you approach the queen's private quarters, the air becomes warmer and more intimate. The scent of ambrette seeds wafts towards you, musky and slightly sweet, creating a sense of warmth and comfort. Patchouli leaves add a deep, earthy aroma, rich and complex, evoking images of fertile lands and ancient forests. The creamy, woody scent of sandalwood blends seamlessly with the rich, sweet, and slightly marine aroma of ambergris, creating a luxurious and opulent atmosphere.

The sweetness of vanilla wraps around you like a soft, comforting blanket, its scent both familiar and exotic. Musk, with its animalistic and sensual undertones, adds a layer of depth and complexity. You can almost hear the soft rustle of the queen's silken robes as she moves through her chambers. Vetiver, with its grassy, smoky aroma, mingles with the earthy, slightly bitter scent of oakmoss, adding a natural, grounding element.

The dark, resinous scent of labdanum and the animalic, slightly fecal aroma of civet add the final touches, creating a perfume that is rich, complex, and utterly captivating. The combination of these ingredients creates a scent that is both ancient and timeless, evoking the mystery and allure of Queen Nefertiti herself.

As you close your eyes, the sensory experience transports you back in time, allowing you to experience the opulence and grandeur of ancient Egypt firsthand. The air is filled with the sounds of distant music, the rustling of palm leaves, and the gentle murmur of water from a nearby fountain. You can feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and the soft, cool touch of the breeze. In this moment, you are completely immersed in the world of "Secret Princesse Nefertiti," a fragrance that captures the essence of a timeless queen and her eternal allure.

Bottles:

The oddly shaped bottle seen below, with its distinctive black stopper, was also used by Lawson for their Lavender Splendor Cologne in 1938. This unique design features an elongated, asymmetrical form that tapers towards the base, creating a visually striking silhouette. The bottle's surface is smooth and glossy, catching the light in a way that highlights its elegant curves. The black ground glass stopper, contrasting sharply with the clear or lightly tinted glass of the bottle, adds a touch of sophistication and modernity. This design choice not only enhances the visual appeal of the bottle but also reflects the luxurious and refined nature of the fragrance contained within. The use of this bottle for Secret Princesse Nefertiti aligns with Babani's commitment to high-quality, aesthetically pleasing packaging that appeals to discerning customers.

During the economically strained years of the Second World War, highly concentrated sachet powder was advised as a practical and thrifty alternative to traditional liquid fragrances. As resources were scarce and everyday luxuries became harder to come by, women sought ways to make their precious cologne last longer. The sachet powder, finely milled and infused with intense fragrance oils, could be applied to the skin or sprinkled in personal items like handkerchiefs and lingerie, providing a lasting scent throughout the day. This method allowed women to enjoy a continuous, delicate fragrance without depleting their valuable liquid perfumes, preserving them for special occasions and maintaining a touch of elegance and femininity even in challenging times.

Fate of the Fragrance:

The fragrance in question was discontinued at an unspecified date, though it remained available for purchase as late as 1943. Despite its discontinuation, its availability during wartime underscores its enduring popularity and the resilience of its market presence. This longevity suggests that the fragrance held a cherished place among consumers, possibly due to its distinctive aroma or its association with a particular era's cultural preferences. Such continued availability amid wartime shortages and economic constraints highlights its perceived value and the efforts made to meet consumer demand even in challenging circumstances.