In 1940, Prince Matchabelli introduced a fragrance that marked a subtle yet notable departure from its traditionally aristocratic image. Named Potpourri, this perfume ventured into new olfactory territory. Rather than the refined florals or stately aldehydic compositions typically associated with the house, Potpourri conjured something more rustic and warm—an aromatic homage to early American domestic life. The decision to name a perfume Potpourri may have seemed curious at first, but within the cultural and historical context of the time, it was a shrewd and evocative choice.
The word “potpourri” comes from French, derived from the older Spanish olla podrida, meaning “rotten pot” or “stew.” In French usage, however, pot-pourri came to describe a blend of dried, scented plant materials—typically petals, herbs, and spices—placed in bowls or sachets to perfume the air. Pronounced as “poe-poo-REE,” the word evokes images of cozy parlors, mahogany furniture, linen cupboards, and the comforting scent of a house carefully tended. It brings forth a sensory blend of old roses, warm spices, faded lavender sachets, and the dried remnants of a summer garden. The emotional tone is one of nostalgia, warmth, and a cultivated domestic femininity.
The scent itself, classified as a spicy floral oriental, mirrored this imagery. Descriptions of Potpourri highlight “roses, shy dark violets, and spice,” followed by a warm, woodsy dry down. It was said to contain lavender, verbena, pinks (dianthus), stocks, and mignonette—ingredients that evoke the very materials women once dried for sachets and stored among fine linens. The perfume was a bottled version of an 18th-century pastime, made modern for the women of 1940.
The early 1940s was a time of great cultural transition. The world stood at the threshold of the Second World War. In the United States, while the country had not yet officially entered the war, the national mood was increasingly reflective and patriotic. In this climate, there was a renewed fascination with America's Colonial heritage. A romanticized vision of early American life—often centered around domestic rituals, handcrafted furnishings, and natural materials—permeated fashion, home decor, and popular culture. This movement manifested in reproduction maple furniture, handwoven textiles, hand-blown glass, and, naturally, perfumes.
