Chanel
EDP · Women's · 1986
Iconic aldehydic floral, timeless and dressed-up
floral · powdery · ylang-ylang · white floral · soft · soapy
Top (first impression): Aldehydes · Ylang-Ylang · Neroli · Bergamot
Heart (the character): Rose · Jasmine · Lily-of-the-Valley · Iris
Base (the dry-down): Sandalwood · Vanilla · Vetiver · Amber
Season: fall, winter, spring · Occasion: special occasion, date night, night out
Longevity: long (8-10h) · Sillage: strong
Chanel No. 5 was created by perfumer Ernest Beaux and launched by Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel in 1921, taking its name from the fifth sample vial Chanel selected. It was revolutionary for its heavy use of synthetic aldehydes, which gave the floral bouquet an abstract, soapy-sparkling lift unlike the single-flower soliflores of the era. The minimalist apothecary-style bottle and the abstract scent helped define modern perfumery. The fragrance gained enormous cultural cachet, famously amplified by Marilyn Monroe's 1952 remark that she wore nothing to bed but a few drops of No. 5. The Eau de Parfum concentration was introduced in 1986, offering a warmer, more rounded interpretation of the classic. It remains one of the best-selling fragrances ever produced.
The most famous perfume in the world: a soapy-powdery aldehydic floral that smells expensive and grown-up rather than trendy. The EDP is warmer and rounder than the vintage parfum, leaning on a creamy ylang-ylang and rose-jasmine bouquet over a powdery amber base.
Nose: Ernest Beaux
Chanel No. 5 L'Eau · Lanvin Arpege · Estee Lauder White Linen · Chanel Coco Mademoiselle