Chanel No. 5 is undoubtedly one of the most iconic perfumes in the world.
But what about Chanel No. 1? Was there ever a perfume with this name?
The answer is no, there was never a Chanel No. 1 perfume.
In fact, Chanel No. 5 was originally called “No. 5” because it was the fifth fragrance that Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel presented to perfumer Ernest Beaux for consideration in 1921.
The Birth of Chanel No. 5
At the time, Coco Chanel was already a renowned fashion designer and had opened her first boutique in Paris in 1910. She wanted to create a scent that would embody her vision of modern femininity – something different than the heavy floral scents that were popular at the time.
Ernest Beaux was a perfumer who had developed fragrances for the Russian royal family and had access to rare ingredients from all over the world. He presented Coco Chanel with ten different samples, numbered one through ten, and asked her to choose her favorite.
Why Was it Called “No. 5”?
Coco Chanel chose sample number five, which contained a mix of jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang, and iris with aldehydes, giving it a unique powdery scent. When she decided to market the fragrance, she kept its working title “No. 5,” feeling that it sounded modern and minimalistic.
The Success of Chanel No. 5
Chanel No. 5 was an immediate success when it launched in May of 1921 and quickly became synonymous with luxury and sophistication. It was even rumored to be Marilyn Monroe’s favorite perfume.
Over the years, many other fragrances have been released by Chanel under various names such as “Coco Mademoiselle” and “Chanel No. 19.”
However, none have been able to match the enduring popularity of Chanel No. 5.
Conclusion
So, to answer the question – no, there was never a Chanel No.
But the story behind Chanel No. 5 and its success is a testament to Coco Chanel’s vision and her ability to create iconic pieces that stand the test of time.
Whether you’re a fan of Chanel No. 5 or prefer something different, there’s no denying the impact that this fragrance has had on the world of perfume and beyond.