This special fragrance that Coco Chanel herself dreamed up as “a women’s perfume made of a woman’s odor” can today, even more so than yesterday, count on the face of a great woman to promote its mythic scent. Marilyn Monroe, who’s beauty is forever engraved on film, is becoming Chanel’s muse for this timeless product. It’s a return to basics for the house on the rue Cambon. A smoldering, glamorous, and feminine woman, Marilyn incarnates the perfect adequacy of the avant-garde values of one of the most eminent fashion houses of the century. In her new role, her divine and enrapturing voice calls back memories, the audacity and assurance of a woman capable of an authenticity like no other. But upon further inspection, Marilyn Monroe was much more fragile and tortured than she appeared. When asked what she wore to bed: “‘Chanel N°5, because it’s the truth… And yet, I don’t want to say ‘nude’. But it’s the truth!” You can clearly see that N°5 did far more than just accompany her by night. It’s as if this effluvium imbibed her with confidence, reassured her to fully invest herself in her femme fatale role when it was all said and done.
A legend as seductive as this fragrance is easily picked out from the crowd. A majestic composition where a jasmine aldehyde bouquet espouses a May rose mixed with sandalwood and vetiver. One year ago, Chanel commissioned the agency Falabracks, headed up by Thierry Demaiziere, to get their hands on the tape where Norma confided her nighttime ritual. Today, the ad campaign directed by Alban Teurlai ties back in with this Chanel exclusive, making for a totally vintage ad. In black and white, the video lasts only a few seconds and shows a succession of images where Marilyn is overflowing with sensuality. Images from the archives were used to create this insanely charming advertisement. The meeting of N°5, an iconic and timeless perfume that has gone through the decades without losing any of its elegance and character ever since 1921, and the gracious actress, young and beautiful for eternity. An ode to the immortality of certain legends, airing on November 17th.
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