Considered as the world’s most iconic fragrance, Chanel N°5 celebrates its 100th birthday this year.
It was in 1921 that Chanel No. 5 was first introduced to the world to much acclaim, and 100 years later it has become an icon, beloved and desired in equal respect. The fragrance, is a stunning representation of the brand’s legacy, and barrier-breaking moves in the fashion and beauty industry. Truly an original, Chanel No. 5 is luxurious, modern femininity in fragrance form.
As the first fragrance Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel created, Chanel No.5 was the first of its kind—a perfume that blended more than 80 scents including jasmine, sandalwood, and May rose—at a time when the industry limited women to the scent of a single flower. Working with perfumer Ernest Beaux, the scent consists of the finest natural ingredients with synthetic molecules called aldehydes, and has changed the history of perfumery since.
“Preserving N°5 requires my constant attention,” shares Olivier Polge, Chanel’s In-House Perfumer-Creator since 2015. And it seems he’s been doing a great job. The iconic scent has not changed since its first introduction in 1921, after being passed on from one perfumer to the next—from Ernest Beaux to Henri Robert to Jacques Polge and now Olivier Polge.
Not only has Chanel been able to preserve the iconic scent of Chanel No. 5, the fashion house has also stayed constant with the scent’s look. Presented in a minimalist, exquisitely cut and instantly recognizable glass bottle, this allows the perfume’s amber color to shine through. While the bottle has had its fair share of minute redesigns through the years, it has maintained its modern yet timeless look that you can only get with Chanel. No. 5—a testament to Coco Chanel’s timeless elegance and genius.
The fragrance presented in a glass bottle stood out during its time, with most of perfume bottles presented in more fancy looking bottles. It continues to exude timeless elegance, and it’s proven with how little the minimal glass bottle has changed through the years. With its neat label, Chanel No. 5 has continuously shown there is beauty in simplicity.
Now, with its revolutionary scent and modern yet timeless look, Chanel No. 5 is the beacon of glamour, luxury, and femininity.
