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.