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The Chanel N°5 fragrance
Among the different samples that the famous perfumer Ernest Beaux presented to Mademoiselle Chanel in 1921, guess which one she chose… the fifth one of course! Its composition includes three rare flowers: Ylang-Ylang, May Rose and Grasse Jasmin.
Breaking with traditional codes, the unique fragrance has quickly become one of Chanel’s most iconic products, embodied by Ali Mac Graw, Catherine Deneuve, Nicole Kidman and, as everyone remembers, Marilyn Monroe. When asked by the media what she wore at night, the star answered: “a few drops of Chanel N°5”. Talk about an ad!
As much as the fragrance itself, the distinctive packaging of Chanel N°5 has helped feed the myth. Legend has it that the shape of the flask was inspired by the view of the place Vendôme seen from Coco Chanel’s suite at the Ritz hotel… Hope you will get the chance to make your own opinion.
The 2:55 bag
Nothing as easy as remembering when Chanel’s legendary 2:55 bag was created… in February 1955 of course!
At the time, the bag and its shoulder strap were nothing but revolutionary. Thanks to its golden chain, the 2:55 has freed the hands of women and hence has contributed to their social liberation (among other factors).
Nowadays it is still a symbol of modernity. Sociological considerations apart, the famous leather bag is a real masterpiece, the result of a unique know-how secretly kept by the brand. Its manufacturing process requires more than 6 people, 10 hours of work and 180 manual operations!
The tweed jacket
Another audacious creation from Gabrielle Chanel: the tweed jacket. Designed in 1955 like the 2:55, the jacket brings to women a men’s cloth along with a new active lifestyle.
In line with Chanel’s conception of luxury, the design of the jacket is as neat in the inside as it looks from the outside. Buttons, liners, pockets… Perfection and elegance are representative of the product in its slightest details.