Arabia by Tuvache c1939

The perfume "Arabia" by Tuvache was launched in 1939, a period marked by significant global tensions and impending conflict as World War II loomed on the horizon. Despite the troubling political landscape, the 1930s were also a time of cultural exploration and fascination with the exotic and the unknown. During this era, there was a romanticized view of distant lands and cultures, which were often depicted as mysterious and enchanting in literature, film, and art. This fascination extended to perfumes, which were seen as a means of capturing and experiencing the essence of these far-off places.

Arabia has a long and storied connection with perfumes. The region, encompassing modern-day Saudi Arabia, the Arabian Peninsula, and parts of the Middle East, has been associated with the production and trade of fragrant materials for millennia. Frankincense and myrrh, two of the most prized resins, have been harvested in Arabia since ancient times. These aromatic substances were essential in religious ceremonies, medicine, and personal adornment, contributing to Arabia's reputation as a land of exquisite scents. Additionally, the region was a crucial hub on the Incense Route, facilitating the exchange of spices, herbs, and perfumes between the East and the West.

Bernadine de Tuvache likely chose the name "Arabia" to evoke the rich olfactory heritage and the exotic allure associated with the region. The name "Arabia" conjures images of vast deserts, bustling bazaars filled with spices and incense, and the luxurious courts of ancient empires. By naming the perfume "Arabia," Tuvache aimed to capture the mystique and opulence that the region symbolized, promising consumers a sensory journey to a place of legendary beauty and fragrance.

"Arabia" would be an appropriate name for a perfume because it instantly communicates a sense of exoticism and luxury. The word itself evokes a sense of adventure and discovery, appealing to the consumer's desire for escapism and sophistication. In an era when international travel was a privilege of the wealthy few, a perfume named "Arabia" offered a tantalizing glimpse into a world beyond the ordinary, accessible to anyone through a single spritz.

Individuals who would have related to a perfume called "Arabia" were likely those drawn to the glamour and allure of the exotic. These were people who appreciated fine things and were captivated by the romanticized notions of faraway lands. Their response to the perfume would have been one of intrigue and excitement, imagining themselves transported to the Arabian nights of their dreams, filled with sumptuous scents and lavish surroundings.

The word "Arabia" evokes images of golden sands stretching to the horizon, oasis palms swaying gently, and caravans laden with treasures traversing the desert. It conjures feelings of warmth and sensuality, with a hint of mystery and adventure. The mention of "Arabia" brings to mind the fragrance of exotic spices, the sweetness of blooming flowers, and the heady aroma of incense wafting through ancient souks. These sensory impressions create a vivid tapestry of a place both real and fantastical, a land where the mundane gives way to the magical.

In 1939, Tuvache's "Arabia" was not just a perfume but a portal to an imagined paradise. Promoted as a "limited edition" creation, it captured the essence of the era's fascination with the exotic, the luxurious, and the unknown. By crafting scents from exotic tropical flowers found in the jungles of Algiers, Sumatra, and Morocco, and packaging them in the United States, Tuvache presented "Arabia" as a masterpiece of global collaboration and refined indulgence.

In 1946, Tuvache's perfumes were sold in dram form (1/8 ounce), adjusted inflation calculated prices for 2018 are shown in parenthesis.

• Zezan for $12.00 a dram ($163.43)
• Sumatra sold for $7.00 a dram ($95.33),
• Moroccan Rose for $3.50 a dram ($47.67)
• Gardenia for $2.00 a dram ($27.24)
• Violet for $2.00 a dram ($27.24)
• Tuvara for $2.00 a dram ($27.24)
• Arabia for $2.00 a dram ($27.24)

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like?  It is classified as a spicy oriental fragrance for women.

• Top notes: saffron, cardamom, black pepper, bergamot, orange blossom, neroli
• Middle notes: jasmine, rose, ylang ylang, carnation, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, incense
• Base notes: cedar, musk, patchouli, ambergris, sandalwood, vanilla, tonka beans, benzoin

The New Yorker, 1938:

"De Tuvache: A newcomer with arresting ideas in perfume — Jungle Gardenia (sharp and provocative), Arabia (hot-headed and spicy), and Versailles (worldly). Lovely bath oils and rubs in the same scents, too."

The New Yorker, 1938:

"A dark horse in this field is de Tuvache, who presents Jungle Gardenia, startling and marvelous, packed in wood fibre boxes tied with multicolored wools; Arabia is another offering, rich. Oriental, and spicy. Both scents turn up in bath oils and toilet waters."

The New Yorker, 1939:

"De Tuvache: This house, last year’s brilliant debutante, grows in favor. Jungle Gardenia, a sharp, challenging perfume, is superb; so are Arabia, of the spicy school, and Violet. The skin perfume, with an oily base - and very, very good - comes in lovely fiber boxes; from $7. (Saks Fifth Ave)"

Scent Story:

As I step into the luxurious perfume department at Neiman Marcus, I'm immediately enveloped by the intoxicating blend of fresh jasmine, ylang-ylang, and carnations that adorn the room. The air is thick with their heady, floral aromas, setting the stage for the evening's grand unveiling. Everywhere I look, rich fabrics and intricate decorations reflect the opulence of the Arabian Nights, evoking a sense of mystery and enchantment.

The soft glow of crystal chandeliers casts a warm, golden light over the elegantly dressed guests, who murmur in anticipation. The atmosphere is alive with the delicate clinking of champagne glasses and the soft rustling of silk gowns. The rich scent of freshly cut flowers mingles with the subtle, spicy aroma of cardamom and cinnamon that hints at something extraordinary yet to be revealed.

Madame Bernadine Tuvache stands at the center of the room, a vision of elegance in her richly embellished evening attire. Her presence commands attention as she prepares to introduce "Arabia," her newest creation. She raises a slender vial, and the room falls silent, all eyes fixed on her.

"Ladies and gentlemen," she begins, her voice smooth and confident, "I am delighted to present to you 'Arabia,' a fragrance crafted for those moments when you wish to be your most enchanting. Apply a few drops to your body, and let the magic unfold."

As she speaks, I close my eyes and take a deep breath, imagining the fragrance enveloping me. The top notes of saffron, cardamom, and black pepper create an initial burst of warmth and spice, quickly followed by the fresh and vibrant citrus scents of bergamot and orange blossom, mingled with the delicate, floral sweetness of neroli.

Madame Tuvache continues, explaining the painstaking process of sourcing the raw materials from around the world. "Each ingredient has been carefully selected for its purity and rarity," she says. "From the exotic saffron and cardamom to the fragrant ylang-ylang and jasmine, each note tells a story of its origin."

The middle notes of jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang, and carnation come to life, creating a rich, floral heart that is both intoxicating and romantic. The spiciness of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg adds depth and complexity, while the smokiness of frankincense lends an air of mystique. I can almost taste the richness of these spices, a faint tingle on my tongue as if savoring a fine, exotic dish.

As Madame Tuvache reveals the inspiration behind "Arabia," she describes the rich incense and spices that have defined Arabian markets for centuries. The base notes begin to unfurl, grounding the fragrance with the earthy, resinous scent of myrrh and cedar, the warm muskiness of patchouli, and the creamy smoothness of sandalwood and vanilla. Ambergris adds a subtle, oceanic depth, while tonka beans and benzoin provide a sweet, balsamic finish that lingers on the skin.

The room is filled with an almost palpable sense of awe and admiration as guests reach out to touch the beautiful, intricately designed bottles of "Arabia." The smooth glass feels cool and luxurious under my fingers and the soft nap of the suede label, are tangible representations of the opulence contained within.

As I take in the final details of the evening, the fragrance lingers in the air, a perfect blend of spice, warmth, and floral richness. I can hear the soft buzz of conversation, punctuated by exclamations of delight as guests experience the perfume for the first time. The taste of champagne mingles with the lingering spice on my palate, creating a sensory tapestry that is as enchanting and complex as "Arabia" itself.

Madame Tuvache has indeed captured the essence of the exotic and the luxurious in her newest fragrance, transporting all who experience it to a world of mystery and enchantment, where every drop tells a story of far-off lands and timeless beauty.

Fate of the Fragrance:

"Arabia," the evocative fragrance crafted by Madame Bernadine Tuvache, remains a timeless allure despite its discontinuation, with the exact date of cessation lost to time. Still revered for its exotic blend of saffron, cardamom, and other rare spices, it continued to captivate fragrance enthusiasts well into 1967. During this period, its lingering presence on perfume shelves spoke to its enduring appeal and the lasting legacy of Madame Tuvache's olfactory masterpiece. Each bottle sold became a cherished relic, a testament to the era of opulence and mystery that "Arabia" had embodied, ensuring its place in the annals of perfumery history.