Chanel

Perfumer Ernest Beaux blended jasmine, ylang-ylang, and aldehydes, resulting in a timeless scent. Later, Marilyn Monroe’s quote (“I wear nothing but a few drops of No. 5”) further cemented its legend.

Meanwhile, Coco’s little black dress (1926) redefined elegance, quickly becoming a wardrobe essential. Similarly, her 1950s tweed suits merged practicality with sophistication, symbolizing female empowerment. Notably, the 2.55 quilted handbag (1955), with its chain strap, still stands as a luxury icon.

Following Coco’s era, Karl Lagerfeld took charge in 1983. Under his leadership, he modernized classics like the CC logo while expanding into haute couture. His shows, for instance, became spectacles — from supermarket themes to rocket launches — blending tradition with avant-garde. For fragrances, meanwhile, Lagerfeld introduced Coco Mademoiselle (2001), combining rose and patchouli for younger audiences.

In recent years, Chanel has prioritized sustainability via Mission 1.5°, aiming to cut carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. Additionally, the N°1 de Chanel skincare line (2021) uses eco-packaging alongside red camellia extracts. Today, under Virginie Viard, the brand continues to balance heritage with innovation, as seen in the Métiers d’Art collections.

Equally important, the Les Exclusifs line (2007) revived rare scents like Bois des Îles. With 250+ boutiques and $15B+ annual revenue, Chanel now dominates luxury, seamlessly merging audacity and elegance. Ultimately, it transformed perfume into a symbol of identity — embodied in every No. 5 bottle and tweed stitch.