Abano by Prince Matchabelli, introduced in 1931, evokes a world of ancient rituals, restorative waters, and refined leisure. The name “Abano” likely references Abano Terme, the famed thermal spa town in northern Italy known since Roman times for its healing muds and mineral-rich baths. The word itself, pronounced AH-bah-no, resonates with the languid elegance of European spa culture—a place where health, luxury, and sensual pleasure converged. There is also speculation that in southern Russian dialects, “abano” may translate simply to “bath,” reinforcing the imagery of personal purification, indulgence, and ritual.
Choosing such a name was fitting for Prince Matchabelli, a perfumer who often infused his creations with a sense of European aristocratic nostalgia. The early 1930s were marked by the lingering elegance of Art Deco design, a time of global exploration, and a fascination with exoticism despite the onset of the Great Depression. In perfumery, the prevailing trends leaned toward rich oriental blends and sophisticated chypres—perfumes that could transport the wearer to distant lands or historical eras through scent alone.
