In 1914, when the perfume Borgia by Rosine was launched, Europe and the world were on the brink of a cataclysmic war that would soon engulf them in the form of World War I. Tensions were escalating, and the fragility of peace was palpable. Amidst this backdrop of impending conflict, society was in a state of transition. The Belle Époque was fading, giving way to a more modern era characterized by changing social norms and women's increasing independence.
The name "Borgia" for a perfume was not chosen lightly. It evokes a historical period and a family infamous for their power, intrigue, and scandal. The Borgias, particularly Lucretia Borgia, were notorious figures from Renaissance Italy. Lucretia Borgia, daughter of Pope Alexander VI, was rumored to be involved in various scandals, including alleged incest and poisoning of her enemies. The Borgia family's reputation was one of ambition, ruthlessness, and a penchant for opulence and luxury. Naming a perfume after a figure associated with scandal and poison was likely a deliberate choice to provoke curiosity and controversy.
Perfume names often draw on historical or mythological figures to evoke certain qualities or narratives. The Borgia family's reputation for using poison as a tool of power and manipulation could symbolize the allure of power itself, or the intrigue and complexity of human relationships. Perfume itself is a blend of various fragrant substances, and the name "Borgia" juxtaposes the idea of something beautiful and alluring (perfume) with something dangerous and sinister (poison). This contrast may evoke a sense of mystery and fascination, appealing to those who are intrigued by the darker aspects of human nature.
