Chanel No. 5

Chanel No. 5 is one of the best known perfumes in the world. The first fragrance from Parisian couturier, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, it was launched in May 1921.

Related Topics:
Perfume - Paris - Couturier - Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel - 1921

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It is named, apparently because multiple perfume samples were mixed for Coco's approval. They were labelled No. 1, No. 2 etc. It was bottle No. 5 that was to Chanel's liking and became the chosen formula.

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The brand really took off over 30 years later, and the endorsement that sent sales soaring didn't cost Chanel a cent. In 1953, when asked what she wore in bed Marilyn Monroe famously replied, "Why, Chanel No. 5 of course!"

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In 1924, Pierre Wertheimer became business partners with Coco Chanel in her perfume business. He owned 70% and Coco owned 10%. A third party owned 20%. Today, the Wertheimer family still run the perfume business.

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Chanel No. 5 was also famous for being the first perfume to heavily rely on synthetic floral aldehydes as a top note.

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