Young Princess by Guerlain c1892

"Young Princess" by Guerlain, launched in 1892, was created to honor Marie de Bourbon, daughter of King Alfonso XIII of Spain. Guerlain’s choice of the name "Young Princess" carries a sense of innocence, youth, and regal elegance. The name itself is in English, which would have conveyed a sense of sophistication and accessibility to an international audience at a time when royal associations were highly esteemed. The words "Young Princess" evoke images of grace, purity, and an air of budding aristocracy, reflecting the tender age and royal stature of the perfume's namesake.

In terms of scent, "Young Princess" was described as a light fragrance, likely crafted to capture the essence of youthfulness and simplicity. It would have been interpreted as fresh, delicate, and ethereal, much like a gentle floral breeze. A fragrance with such a name would have carried soft floral notes, perhaps with hints of rose, lily of the valley, or jasmine, evoking the blooming beauty of a young royal. The term suggests innocence yet sophistication, a scent designed for a young woman of refinement and class, embodying both her freshness and potential future grandeur.

Women of the late 19th century, particularly those in higher society, would have been drawn to a perfume named "Young Princess", seeing it as a symbol of elegance and femininity. During this period, perfume played a crucial role in personal expression and social status. A perfume with royal connections like this one would have been regarded as aspirational, signaling refinement and taste. Wearing a fragrance tied to a royal figure like Marie de Bourbon would have allowed women to feel closer to aristocratic ideals and part of a world of luxury and grace.

The late 19th century was marked by deep connections between royalty and fashion, and Guerlain, as one of the most prestigious perfume houses, often created fragrances for European courts. By launching "Young Princess", Guerlain cemented its reputation as a creator of luxury scents tied to high society. Perfumes created for royalty, or "court perfumes," were significant because they carried the prestige of being associated with the upper echelons of society. By honoring Marie de Bourbon, Guerlain tapped into the allure of royalty and the glamor it represented. The House of Guerlain, through these royal connections, reinforced its image as a master of sophisticated fragrances, highly sought after by those with refined tastes.

This perfume, launched at a time when Spain and other European monarchies were held in high regard, would have been an important marker of Marie de Bourbon's youthful charm and royal heritage. By creating this fragrance in her honor, Guerlain not only paid tribute to a royal figure but also crafted a scent that resonated with the elegance and promise of a young princess stepping into her regal role, both in the royal court and in the world of perfumery.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It was described as a "light fragrance."

Bottles:

It was presented in the Flacon Carre Bas de Forme (Low Square Form) which was used from c1880-1939. Bottle made by Pochet et du Courval to hold eaux de toilette, eaux de cologne and lotion vegetal in various scents.

Also presented in the Flacon Plat (Flat) starting in 1890. The bottle was created by Pochet et du Courval. Housed various Guerlain fragrances such as Tsao Ko, Belle France, Dix Petales de Roses, Cyprisine, Le Jardin de Mon Cure, Gavotte, Paris Nouveau, Violette a Deux Sous, Bouquet Mademoiselle, Grande Marechale, Young Princess, and Rodomel.

photo by Yoka.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown.