The iconic Chanel No.5 has been on continuos release since is launch way, way back in 1921. Its easy to call something a classic these days but this is the very essence of a genuine classic in the truest sense. The simple fact that the fragrance has remained unchanged since its conception is tribute to that. Andy Warhol elevated Chanel No.5’s iconic status when he silk screened it in 1953. Even the packaging is in New York’s Museum of Modern Art.

Chanel No 5 takes its name quite unpretentiously due to the fact it was launched on the same day as Coco Chanels couture collection on May the 5th 1921. This is the premier fragrance by Chanel and it remains today its most renowned perfume, selling one bottle every 30 seconds some 89 years later. Even though its still the fourth most expensive perfume in the world per ounce its almost surely the worlds most famous perfume.

The premise of Chanel No.5 was to enhance femininity by going against the trend for floral bouquets. where floral and femininity are seen as like for like Chanel wanted to intensify a woman’s natural beauty by creating something more alluring, unique and ultimately more contrasting, the scent of a woman. So Chanel No5 forgoes florals and instead the perfume captures the transitory yet vividness of absolute freshness of the northern lakes under midnight sun.

Chanel No. 5 has top notes of ylang ylang, mid notes of may rose and jasmine followed by base notes of sandalwood, vetiver and vanilla.

Today the charming Audrey Tautou continues the legacy as the face of Chanel No.5 following in very famous footsteps of Nicole Kidman, Estella Warren, Catherine Deneuve and Marilyn Monroe who was quoted replying to the question of what she wore in bed, replying, “Why, Chanel No. 5, of course.”

Coco Chanel herself suggested that “A woman should wear fragrance wherever she expects to be kissed.”

That is as true today as it ever was. Chanel No5 is one of fashions few constants that remains as relevant and alluring as ever. Below are Chanel No 5 Ads from 1921 right up to 2009. Just click any picture to see the full advert