"Embrujo de Sevilla," launched in 1933 by Myrurgia, emerged during the Great Depression, a period marked by economic hardship and a yearning for escapism. The early 1930s were characterized by global financial instability, widespread unemployment, and social unrest. During these challenging times, luxuries like perfume offered a form of affordable indulgence and a way to momentarily transcend the daily struggles. The allure of Seville, a city steeped in rich history and romance, provided the perfect backdrop for such a product, promising a sensory escape to a more exotic and enchanting world.
Seville, the capital of Andalusia in southern Spain, is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and lush gardens. The city's history is a tapestry woven with influences from various civilizations, including the Romans, Moors, and Christians. Landmarks like the majestic Seville Cathedral, the Giralda tower, and the Alcázar palace with its beautiful Mudejar architecture, are emblematic of Seville's storied past. The city is also famous for its passionate flamenco music and dance, vibrant festivals like Feria de Abril, and the intoxicating aroma of orange blossoms from its many gardens.
Films of the era, such as "Blood and Sand" (1922) and its remake in 1941, showcased the romantic and exotic allure of Spain, with themes of passionate love, bullfighting, and the picturesque Spanish landscapes. These films played into the public's fascination with romanticized views of Spanish culture, making the setting of Seville an appealing and evocative choice for a perfume.
Myrurgia's choice of the name "Embrujo de Sevilla," which translates to "The Spell of Seville" in Spanish, cleverly captures the essence of this captivating city. The word "embrujo" conveys enchantment, magic, and allure, evoking a sense of mystery and seduction. This makes "Embrujo de Sevilla" an excellent name for a perfume, as it promises an enchanting and transformative experience for the wearer.
The name "Embrujo de Sevilla" evokes strong images and emotions associated with love, passion, and the magical atmosphere of one of Spain's most enchanting cities. It is a unique name that stands out, promising not just a fragrance but an entire experience wrapped in the charm and allure of Seville. Interpreted literally, it suggests a scent that can cast a spell, capturing the heart and imagination, much like the city itself. This evocative name would have appealed to women seeking a touch of romance and magic in their lives, making it a memorable and attractive choice for a perfume.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as an aldehydic woody floral fragrance for women. It starts off with a powdery aldehydic top note, followed by an elegant floral heart, resting on a sensual, powdery, woody base.
- Top notes: aldehydes, mandarin, lemon, bergamot, neroli, strawberry, peach
- Middle notes: carnation, rose, lilac, heliotrope, jasmine, rosewood, lily of the valley, ylang ylang, iris
- Base notes: ambergris, tonka bean, vetiver, sandalwood, cedar, patchouli, civet, tobacco, leather, benzoin, vanilla
Scent Profile:
In the heart of old Seville, the air is alive with the scent of orange blossoms mingling with the earthy aroma of cobblestone streets. The year is 1933, and the city is a vibrant tapestry of history and romance. As you walk through the labyrinthine alleys, the towering Seville Cathedral casts long shadows, its intricate Gothic spires reaching toward the sky. The Giralda tower stands proudly beside it, a reminder of the city’s Moorish past.
The bustling sound of flamenco guitar strings and rhythmic clapping echoes through the streets, mingling with the laughter of people enjoying the warm evening air. You find yourself in the gardens of the Alcázar palace, where the fragrance of blooming flowers envelops you. The gardens are a lush paradise, with fountains trickling serenely and peacocks strutting majestically. You sit on a stone bench, feeling the cool marble under your fingertips, and take a deep breath, savoring the symphony of scents around you.
The perfume you wear, "Embrujo de Sevilla," begins to unfold its magic. The top notes greet you first with a burst of aldehydes, giving the scent a fresh, powdery start. This is quickly followed by the zesty brightness of mandarin and lemon, mingled with the sweet, floral essence of neroli and the juicy undertones of strawberry and peach. The combination is like a warm Spanish sunbeam, crisp and invigorating, lifting your spirits.
As the evening progresses, the fragrance deepens into its heart notes, filling the air with a rich bouquet of florals. The spicy sweetness of carnation mingles with the classic, romantic scent of rose. Lilac adds a delicate, powdery note, while heliotrope introduces a soft, almost almond-like aroma. The sensual jasmine weaves through the composition, accompanied by the unique, slightly woody scent of rosewood. Lily of the valley brings a light, fresh sweetness, and ylang-ylang adds a touch of exotic, creamy floralcy. The iris, with its velvety and slightly earthy aroma, rounds out the heart notes, creating an elegant and harmonious floral symphony.
As night falls, the perfume settles into its base notes, becoming warmer and more intimate. Ambergris lends a salty, marine quality, enhancing the sensual depth of the fragrance. The rich, sweet tonka bean adds a hint of vanilla, blending seamlessly with the creamy sandalwood and smoky vetiver. Cedar and patchouli introduce a woody, earthy foundation, while civet and tobacco provide an animalic, slightly leathery depth. The touch of benzoin brings a balsamic sweetness, and the lingering note of vanilla leaves a soft, comforting trail.
The city lights flicker like stars as you walk back through the streets of Seville. You hear the distant strumming of a flamenco guitar, the soft murmur of conversation, and the gentle rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. You see the vibrant colors of the city, the warm glow of lanterns, and the intricate details of the Moorish tiles that adorn the buildings. You taste the lingering flavor of a sweet sherry, a tribute to the region's renowned vineyards. Every sensory detail, from the scents in the air to the textures you touch, creates a rich, immersive experience, making the allure of Seville all the more intoxicating.
In this magical city, "Embrujo de Sevilla" becomes more than just a perfume; it is an embodiment of Seville’s charm and mystery, a fragrant journey through its history and romance. The women who wear it are transported to a world where every scent tells a story, and every moment is filled with the spellbinding essence of Seville.
Bottles & Packaging:
Fate of the Fragrance:
"Embrujo de Sevilla" by Myrurgia, launched in 1933 and crafted by the renowned perfumer Jean Carles, has a captivating history that mirrors the enchanting city of Seville. Despite its initial success and long-standing popularity, this exquisite fragrance was eventually discontinued, though the exact date remains unknown. Remarkably, it was still available for purchase in 1973, indicating its enduring appeal over several decades. It is believed that at some point, "Embrujo de Sevilla" may have been reformulated, which is suggested by the notes listed in the 1984 Haarmann & Reimer book.
- Top notes: aldehydes, lemon, bergamot, neroli, strawberry, peach
- Middle notes: carnation, rose, jasmine, rosewood, lily of the valley, ylang ylang, orris
- Base notes: Ambrein, tonka bean, vetiver, sandalwood, benzoin, vanilla
The reformulated version of "Embrujo de Sevilla" retains its essence while adapting to contemporary preferences and possibly regulatory changes. The fragrance unfolds in layers, beginning with the top notes that provide a fresh, invigorating introduction. The initial burst of aldehydes delivers a crisp, powdery sensation, immediately followed by the zesty brightness of lemon and bergamot. The sweet, floral essence of neroli intermingles with the juicy, mouth-watering notes of strawberry and peach, creating a vibrant, sun-drenched impression reminiscent of Seville’s lively markets and citrus groves.
As the fragrance develops, it transitions into its heart, where a rich floral bouquet takes center stage. The spicy sweetness of carnation is harmoniously blended with the classic, romantic scent of rose, and the heady, intoxicating aroma of jasmine. The presence of rosewood introduces a subtle woody nuance, enhancing the complexity of the floral notes. Lily of the valley adds a fresh, sweet touch, while ylang-ylang brings an exotic, creamy floralcy. Orris, derived from the iris root, provides a velvety, slightly earthy quality, rounding out the heart notes and evoking the lush, fragrant gardens of Seville, such as those found in the Alcázar palace.
The base notes of the reformulated "Embrujo de Sevilla" create a warm, sensual foundation that lingers on the skin. Ambrein, a complex blend often used to replicate the scent of ambergris, lends a marine, slightly salty quality that adds depth and sophistication. The rich, sweet aroma of tonka bean introduces a hint of vanilla, while vetiver imparts a smoky, earthy richness. Sandalwood contributes a creamy, smooth undertone, and benzoin provides a balsamic sweetness that enhances the overall warmth of the fragrance. The lingering note of vanilla offers a comforting, soft finish, leaving a memorable, evocative trail that encapsulates the enduring charm and mystique of Seville.
For those who experienced "Embrujo de Sevilla" in its various iterations, the fragrance was more than just a scent—it was a sensory journey to the heart of Seville. It evoked the city's history, passion, and beauty, making it a beloved and unforgettable perfume. Even after its discontinuation, the memory of "Embrujo de Sevilla" lingers, much like the captivating allure of Seville itself.
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