Chanel No 5: Retrospective {Fragrant Reading} {Scented Images & Perfume Adverts}

There is an interesting dossier on Joyce.fr offering a retrospective of the history of Chanel No. 5. The images are well-worth discovering. As zakuski, we have selected three that we thought were particularly captivating. The top one is the first advert for Chanel no. 5 drawn by Sem in 1921 (see also the Sem candles issued by Maxim's of Paris). The ad with actress Carole Bouquet dated 1997 and photographed by Dominique Issemann is the sexiest we have seen with her....


Finally, we picked a picture of jasmine growers in Grasse showing their harvest and weighing a basket of it in front of in-house perfumer Jacques Polge. Yes, there are real flowers going into the composition of Chanel No. 5 which are carefully cultivated in the south of France. Get the pure parfum version to appreciate fully the addition of Grasse jasmine and May rose into this legendary composition.
Previous Posts in Fragrant Readings:
The Smell of Old Lady Perfume (2008)
Invisible Architecture: Experiencing Places Through The Sense of Smell
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Comments
Wow, what a change in attitude about the fragrance can be seen through the ad campaigns. I admit I am genuinely surprised by the images for chanel 5 being shown with sporty images. I admit the first 1921 advertisement and the Estella Warren one's are my favorite.
Posted by: Jennifer | May 5, 2008
Oh yes, the Estella Warren one is spectacular. I note in passing that it looks close to the aesthetics and movement in the ad for the new Zen by Shiseido (in a gold bottle), or rather the reverse should be noted.
Posted by: Marie-Helene | May 5, 2008
any knowledge on quart size bottle of chanel No.5? I have unopened bottle still in box w/price marked $60. any input would be apriciated! thank you, Annemarie
Posted by: annemarie mcmanus | June 1, 2008