## The Enduring Legacy of Chanel N°5: A Conversation with Olivier Polge
Chanel N°5 has captivated the world with its timeless elegance, continuously evolving to reflect the modern woman. Behind this enduring appeal lies a fragrance that transcends trends, an embodiment of unwavering individuality. We delve into the heart of this iconic scent with Olivier Polge, Chanel’s in-house perfumer for over a decade, in an exclusive interview held at the legendary Hotel Ritz in Paris, a place once graced by Gabrielle Chanel herself.
The Essence of Exceptionalism
Q: The allure of Chanel N°5 runs deep, with people expressing its magic in countless ways. Could you share your perspective on its unique qualities?
Olivier Polge:
First and foremost, Chanel N°5 is a remarkable fragrance, a testament to extraordinary creativity evident in every step of its creation. Furthermore, we must remember that this is the first perfume ever conceived by a fashion designer. I believe Gabrielle Chanel envisioned Chanel N°5 not merely as a fragrance, but as an expression of her own unique style. This is why its creation is both intricate and rich, resonating with us across generations. This, I believe, is what makes Chanel N°5 so special.
The Stories Woven by Chanel N°5
Q: What makes Chanel N°5 so timeless, standing apart from fleeting trends?
OP:
One reason lies in the fragrance’s complexity. The aroma of Chanel N°5 possesses a rich depth, allowing each wearer to interpret it through the lens of their own experiences. In other words, it allows each person to forge a special connection with Chanel N°5. Additionally, I sense a multitude of stories embedded within this fragrance.
Q: Could you elaborate on these stories?
OP:
As I mentioned earlier, Gabrielle Chanel was not only the first fashion designer to create a perfume, but she also presented it to the world in a truly exceptional way. She became the first face of Chanel N°5, her portrait captured beside a fireplace, a truly iconic image. No one had ever done this before. Right from the start, she believed that perfume should weave individual stories. This philosophy endures today. We haven’t forgotten that Chanel N°5 was Chanel’s first perfume and remains the core of our identity. This history, this philosophy, is what makes N°5 so personal.
The Strong, Independent Woman of Chanel N°5
Q: What are the secrets behind the creation of Chanel N°5’s distinctive fragrance? How would you analyze it as a perfumer?
OP:
(Laughs) I can’t reveal the secrets! Of course, as a perfumer, I can speak about the incredibly complex components of Chanel N°5. But, to truly understand this fragrance, it’s the wearer’s perspective that is far more valuable. Chanel N°5 demands a high level of skill and meticulous recipes in its creation, but ultimately, it’s about how the fragrance forms a close connection with people. When we wear perfume, the scent becomes part of our personality. It’s that connection that makes it so irreplaceable.
Q: Chanel N°5 has portrayed diverse versions of femininity through its campaigns. How do you feel about the woman Margot Robbie embodies in this new campaign?
OP:
The actors who appear in Chanel’s campaigns are all truly exceptional individuals. Margot Robbie, in this case, is a woman with a beautiful soul. Her acting has such depth of emotion, drawing viewers naturally into her inner world. This campaign captures her inner strength and sensitivity, resonating with us on a profound level.
Q: Watching the video, I was struck by Margot’s portrayal of a woman who clearly enjoys life and has a strong sense of self. She embodies a strong will and independence, yet she also has a rich inner sensibility. Is this something you see as consistent with the women Chanel N°5 has always represented?
OP:
She is a woman who lives her life with strength, with an independent spirit, and yet there is a depth of feeling within her. The women Chanel N°5 has always portrayed share this common thread: strength of will and an independent spirit.
The Relationship Between Fragrance, Love, and Music
Q: This campaign evokes a connection between fragrance and love. Is the act of smelling a fragrance akin to the thrill of falling in love?
OP:
I absolutely believe so. Fragrance is like music. It has the power to evoke emotions and reach the deepest parts of our hearts, just like music. The sense of exhilaration that fragrance and music bring expands our emotions deeply, much like love.
Q: You have mentioned the similarities between perfume and music in other interviews. Could you elaborate further?
OP:
Music is indispensable to my life. Occasionally, at the end of the day, I ask myself, “Why do I dedicate my life to creating fragrances?” If I try to find the answer in my past, the only explanation is my own nature. Music and fragrance share certain qualities that I find captivating. Both music and fragrance float in the air, unseen. Yet they both create a connection with ourselves at a profound level. I love that about them.
The Joy of Playing with Fragrance
Q: You are behind Chanel N°5 L’Eau. How did you approach creating this fragrance, keeping in mind its connection to Chanel N°5?
OP:
We hold the identity of Chanel N°5 in the highest regard. It contains essential essences like jasmine, rose, and ylang-ylang, and their precise balance creates its unique aroma. It was a true challenge to create a new fragrance inspired by such a renowned scent. I wanted to retain the characteristic elements of Chanel N°5 while adding a lighter, more casual texture, revealing a new facet. Chanel N°5 is both profound and perpetually fresh. That’s why it offers so many possibilities for interpretation.
Q: Some women feel Chanel N°5 is not for them, believing it to be too mature or too much for them. How do you address this?
OP:
When it comes to wearing perfume, I believe that a playful spirit is essential. Chanel N°5 does have a somewhat dressed-up feel. But it’s wonderful when young women stretch themselves a bit and wear a grown-up fragrance, or when adults embrace it playfully. That’s the joy of playing with fragrance, and that diverse approach is the essence of Chanel N°5’s allure.
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