When it comes to the elements that best represent CHANEL, in addition to camellias and Gabrielle Chanel’s guardian constellation Leo, N°5 perfume is definitely on the list. This classic perfume, which debuted in 1921, has now entered its 100th anniversary, and in addition to the different versions of N°5 over the years, it also contains countless aromatic stories. How much do you know about the secrets of CHANEL N°5 perfume?
1. The luckiest number
Why was this legendary perfume named after the number “5”? Chanel herself, along with Ernest Beaux, conceived a “feminine perfume for wealthy women.” Among different fragrance samples, she chose number 5, which was also Chanel’s favorite lucky number. Naming the perfume after “5” not only increased its recognition but also made it a classic fragrance name.
2. The most mysterious recipe
The fragrance of N°5 perfume is full of layers, and will change over time to emit different scents. Its aroma mainly comes from Grasse jasmine, May rose, and ylang-ylang, and to extract 1.5 kilograms of perfume extract, up to 1 ton of flowers need to be distilled. In addition to these core flowers, this perfume actually contains up to 80 kinds of floral scents. Although the complete formula has not been publicly disclosed, it adds a few more mysterious charms to the perfume.
3. The most sensual fragrance
Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe once said in an interview in 1952, when asked “What kind of clothes do you wear to bed,” she replied, “I only wear a few drops of CHANEL N°5 perfume to bed.” Blessed by a generation of sex symbols, CHANEL N°5 immediately became synonymous with “sexy” and became the perfume that women desired to own. It is known that after World War II, liberated American soldiers lined up on Bond Street to buy this bottle of perfume to give to their wives.
4. The most beautiful bottle身
In addition to its classic scent, the design of the CHANEL N°5 perfume bottle is also highly regarded. Details such as the rectangular cap and geometric bottle shape show great thought. The New York Museum of Modern Art even added it to its collection in 1954, and even the pop art master Andy Warhol once used the N°5 perfume bottle as inspiration to create silk screen prints!
5. The most expensive advertising production cost
The first commercial for CHANEL N°5 perfume, shot by photography master Richard Avedon in 1969 in New York, set a new record for advertising production costs that year, reflecting the iconic status of this perfume at the time.
