It’s a figure that launched the history of Chanel perfumes, almost a hundred and two years ago. In 1921, the perfumer Ernest Beaux was entrusted by Gabrielle Chanel with the daring mission of creating a “artificial perfume like a dress”. The fifth attempt will be the right one and the fragrance will become the first in history to dare a name as abstract as its wake: N° 5. Until January 9, Chanel is doing its “Grand Numéro” at the Grand Palais Ephémère, in Paris. , and proposes to relive this founding myth through an unprecedented immersive experience, which propels the visitor face to face with Coco Chanel, impatient to discover her first fragrance.
“Scent has a real impact on our feelings, our confidence, our mood, our desire. » Thomas du Pré de Saint Maur, director of creative resources
If the No. 5, which was for a long time the best-selling perfume bottle in the world, inspired works of art that can be (re)discovered during this event, it is not the only star of the exhibition, dedicated to all of the house’s creations. Chanel does not content itself with unfolding its olfactory history either, it reveals all the facets of its singular vision of perfume, which is born of an idea and not of a list of ingredients, and reveals a part of each person’s personality. . “Something more, which cannot be expressed otherwise”, as Olivier Polge, the in-house perfumer, explains. The monumental scenography offers multiple experiences, for example this olfactory Rorschach test, allowing you to find your happiness among the 18 perfumes of the Les Exclusifs collection, or even a great game of seduction.
Thomas du Pré de Saint Maur, director of creative resources for perfumes, beauty and watches and jewelry, sums up this “Grand Numéro” as follows: “Perfume isn’t just a name, a bottle and a smell, it’s all it summons to our minds when we breathe it in and all it evokes when we wear it. It is a spectacular, extraordinary creation. Many people think of perfume as an accessory or the finishing touch to a figure, but it’s much more than that. Perfume has a real impact on our feelings, our confidence, our mood, our desire. This is what we want to share. »
“Chanel’s Big Number”Ephemeral Grand Palais, place Joffre, Paris 7euntil January 9, 2023.