Rita by Guerlain c1883

In 1883, Guerlain unveiled Rita, a fragrance named in honor of Margherita “Rita” of Savoy, the Queen consort of Italy during the reign of her husband, Umberto I. Guerlain, known for crafting bespoke perfumes for the elite and aristocratic, chose this name to reflect his continued tradition of personalizing scents for royalty. The name "Rita" is a diminutive of "Margarita," which itself derives from the Latin "Margaret," meaning "child of light." This choice was more than a nod to the Queen’s name—it evoked a sense of elegance and refinement, resonating with the qualities of her character and stature.

The name "Rita" conjures images of simplicity and grace, embodying a timeless charm that connects to the classical roots of Margaret. It evokes feelings of warmth and luminosity, aligning with the light and delicate nuances expected in a fragrance crafted for a queen. In scent, the queen was partial to the scent of sweet violets, so Rita would likely be interpreted as a sophisticated blend, combining understated elegance with a touch of opulence to reflect the royal persona it was meant to honor.

For women of the late 19th century, a perfume named Rita would have symbolized both exclusivity and refinement. It represented not just a luxurious product, but also an intimate connection to the Queen herself, embodying the height of fashionable elegance and sophistication. During this period, Guerlain's dedication to creating personalized fragrances for heads of state and nobility was a testament to his esteemed position in the world of perfumery.

    

The 1880s were a time of significant change and modernization in Europe, with the monarchy playing a crucial role in shaping cultural and social trends. Guerlain’s continued tradition of creating bespoke scents for royalty, such as Rita, underscored the brand’s commitment to celebrating and elevating the status of its distinguished patrons. This dedication was further exemplified when, in 1893, Guerlain trademarked the name "Regina Margherita," in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy, solidifying his legacy of creating fragrances that resonate with historical and personal significance

Revue Illustree, 1891:

"...that some grand ladies adopt, always on the valuable advice of the master of the art of perfumery, Guerlain, who, with his extreme finesse, created Rita, just as he had created Jicky and L'Impériale Russe, which were embraced by the crème de la crème of Parisians."

 

 Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? The queen was partial to the essence of sweet violets, of the Parma variety.

It is classified as a floral fragrance for women. The general 19th century recipe for a violet perfume included the following ingredients:

• Top notes: cassie, bitter almonds, bergamot, orange peel
• Middle notes: violet, rose, tuberose, ylang ylang
• Base notes: vetiver, orris, tolu balsam, vanilla, musk

Bottles:

Rita was presented in the Carre flacon.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown. Still sold in 1893 as Queen Margherita.