Be an insider: the story behind Chanel's success
A brief history
To show our appreciation for the best selling fragrance in the world, Chanel N°5, we’re looking back in history to the foundation of the most iconic fashion house and how one woman took the world by storm with a single scent.
The Chanel N°5 story
Image via mymustapp.tumblr
Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel created the perfume in 1921 alongside Ernest Beaux, Russian perfumer to the Tsars. It was the first time a major fashion label had branched out and created its own perfume. The aim was to create a complex scent for the modern, fashionable woman. Chanel N°5 was named so because of Coco Chanel’s superstitious belief in the power of the number 5. On sampling the 5th scent in a series of samples presented to her by Beaux, Chanel instantly fell in love with the scent and simply named in No. 5. The perfume was so successful that Chanel went on to create her own brand of cosmetics in 1924 and skin care products in 1929, which are still popular today.
Since its creation, Chanel N°5 has seen its rise to and fall from stardom, as well as a complete rebirth. The perfume was made popular when Marilyn Monroe was famously asked what she wears to bed, to which she replied “just a few drops of Chanel N°5”. During the 70s, production of N°5 was limited in order to increase its exclusivity, however, the perfume has remained an affordable scent at the centre of every stylish woman’s heart. Today, impressive campaigns backed by top Hollywood ambassadors assure that Chanel N°5 remains a timeless classic enjoyed the world over.
Chanel N°5’s base notes were selected with women of the moment in mind, consisting of jasmine, rose, iris, lily of the valley, patchouli and sandalwood. Its top notes haven’t changed since its creation, with a clean combination of bergamot, lemon. neroli and ylang-ylang, which give it that distinctive scent that isn’t easily forgotten.
Little-known Chanel N°5 facts
1. One bottle of Chanel N°5 includes the essence of twelve May roses from the Grasse region of France.
2. Keeping in line with her superstitious number 5 obsession, Coco Chanel released N°5 on the fifth day of the fifth month in 1921.
3. The classic bottle hasn’t changed much since its creation, with its bottle stopper being said to represent the geometry of the iconic Place Vendôme in Paris.
4. The iconic bottle has become somewhat of a work of art over the years, as Chanel’s artist friends, including Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol have painted pictures of it.
The minimalist black and white box the perfume is sold in today is the same as the original, dating back to 1921.
Haven't had the chance to own one of the most iconic perfumes of all time? What are you waiting for?
Here's a list of Chanel fragrances for you to try out. Hurry, shop now at BeautyFresh and enjoy 10% off of your first order!
Of course, the iconic N°5!
Currently, the Chanel N°5 Eau de Parfum is out of stock. Fret not, do join our waiting list while we stock up for you!
Oriental-floral, a warm, sensual fragrance. Chanel Coco Eau de Toilette isn't just a different concentration, but an olfactory reinterpretation, which is faithful to the spirit and base notes of the original composition.
Sexy, bright, oriental fragrance, recalls the irrepressible spirit of the young Coco Chanel. A subtle way to apply fragrance. Delicately fresh and citrusy.
Photo credits: Coco Chanel image via elle.com, Chanel No. 5 Perfume with roses image via drebru.com
