Have you ever wondered why the famous French fashion house, Chanel, skipped the number four in their perfume line? It may seem like a small detail, but it’s actually quite significant. In this article, we’ll explore the history behind this curious omission.
The Superstition of Number Four
In many cultures, the number four is considered unlucky. This belief is particularly strong in China and Japan, where it’s pronounced similarly to the word for “death”. As a result, many buildings in these countries omit the fourth floor entirely, jumping straight from level three to level five.
Chanel was well aware of this superstition when they developed their first fragrance collection in 1921. The line originally included five scents: No. 1, No. 2, No.
3, No. 5 and No. 6. At the time, they didn’t have any plans to create a perfume called “Chanel No.4”.
The Inspiration for Chanel No.5
The story behind Chanel’s most famous scent is legendary. In the early 1920s, Coco Chanel was looking for a new fragrance that would epitomize her modern vision of femininity. She approached Ernest Beaux, a Russian perfumer who had previously created fragrances for the Russian royal family.
Beaux presented her with ten different samples and asked her to choose her favorite. Legend has it that Chanel chose sample number five because it was simply labeled “No.5” and she liked the sound of it.
Whether or not this anecdote is true, there’s no denying that Chanel No.5 became an instant classic and remains one of the best-selling perfumes in history.
Why Skip from Three to Five?
After the success of Chanel No.5, Coco Chanel decided to expand her fragrance line with additional scents. She chose to skip the number four entirely, likely due to the superstition surrounding it.
Instead, Chanel introduced No.22 in 1922 and No. 19 in 1971. These fragrances were named after significant dates in Coco Chanel’s life: her birthday (August 19) and the date she opened her first boutique (February 22).
In Conclusion
The omission of Chanel No.4 is a testament to the brand’s attention to detail and commitment to creating products that are both luxurious and timeless. By avoiding the unlucky number four, Coco Chanel created a perfume line that’s as iconic as it is superstitious.
Whether you’re a fan of Chanel fragrances or just fascinated by the history of luxury brands, understanding the story behind Chanel No.4 (or lack thereof) is a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of fashion’s most legendary figures.