Everyone remembers the first time they encounter Chanel N°5. Created in 1921, Gabrielle Chanel’s debut fragrance has endured the test of time to become one of the most celebrated perfumes in the world. The house of Chanel has never played by the rules, and at a time where single-note fragrances were the norm — with scents typically revolving around a single flower or musk — the complex mix of jasmine, ylang ylang, sandalwood, and the emblematic May rose cemented itself as an incredibly modern take on perfumes.
Intuition guided Chanel to create the scent, and this keen understanding of what women want means that the fragrance itself, and the way it’s produced, has remained largely unchanged — even after 100 years. Elegant, classic and quintessentially French, the spirit of the fragrance is perfectly embodied through its ambassador, actress Marion Cotillard.
As the face of Chanel N°5, she possesses a deep curiosity and a strong commitment to the role. Recently, she visited the rose fields of Grasse, France with in-house perfumer Olivier Polge, to discover the journey the May rose takes as it transforms from flower to fragrance. Experience this year’s harvest with them through a series of interview notes from the house.
N°5 AS IDENTITY
Olivier Polge (OP): “I want to ask you a question that really interests me. Do you remember the first time you smelled N°5? And how you felt?”
This story is from the September 2022 edition of ELLE Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2022 edition of ELLE Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Colours Of Perfection
FRANCK MULLER shows its Love for Asia Pacific with a new region-exclusive watch that’s dressed up in the decadence of a rainbow.
Japan Calling
Dive into Japan's perfect mix of tradition and modern flair, with dreamy hotels and restaurants that make for the ultimate quick escape.
Walking The Walk
MANOLO BLAHNIK remains one of the most covetable names in footwear. Now with more than five decades of history, the brand goes back to its beginnings to celebrate its most timeless silhouettes.
What Dreams May Come
Life as an actress can be an emotional roller coaster. Crazy Rich Asians star CONSTANCE LAU shares the highs, the lows, and everything else in between.
Just A Hint
Conspicuously More Understated Than Their Gem-set Cousins, These Subtle Rainbow-coloured Watches Are No Less Defiant In Their Insistence On Optimism And Style.
A cultural Conversation
With its Made of Makers programme, JAEGER-LECOULTRE has built a community of like-minded creatives who place innovation, craftsmanship and precision at the heart of all they do.
The Inner Lives Of Clothes
Compelling Fashion Doesn't Have To Be Ostentatious Or Overtly Conceptual, But It Does Need A Clear Identity And Character Of Its Own.
Journey to the WEST
Time to slip into some chaps and saddle up. Fashion's biggest brands are taking a turn at the rodeo.
The Mai Effect
Fresh off her cover shoot for ELLE Singapore-draped in head-turning Bvlgari jewels-Davika Hoorne radiates the charm and allure of a woman who's both wildly ambitious and perfectly content in her own skin. Here, the 32-year-old Thai-Belgian star reflects on two decades in the spotlight, and why she's not done dreaming just yet.
in Conversation
Cartier creative director MARIE-LAURE CÉRÈDE delves into the Maison’s haute joaillerie timepieces, while highlighting the importance of creativity and a happy team in her chat with CHARMAINE HO.
