The founding fragrance of CHANEL creation, N°5 has never ceased to inspire the perfumers of the House. Over the years, each one endeavoured to protect its formula, to master its mechanics, to guarantee the provision of its rare materials, and to understand its revolutionary character. Remaining true to its strong inner nature, they have each tried their hand at the same exercise in style, creating their own interpretation. Now, in 2016, it is perfumer Olivier Polge’s turn to capture the essence of his time with the creation of N°5 L’EAU. A fragrance of the here, now and always.

The Spirit of Its Time

Indefinable and eternally enigmatic, N°5 is not a fragrance. It is an olfactory heritage: a certain idea of femininity, a masterpiece of chic, passed on from generation to generation.

The Geometry of Petals

From the very first moment, N°5 L’EAU affirms its lightheartedness and transparency. Undoubtedly less abstract than its forebears, the composition radiates citrus like sun-drenched honey. Notes of lemon, mandarin and orange are selected by Olivier Polge. Rose melds with oxygenated jasmine and a new fraction of ylang ylang, more modern than ever. And then, behind this floral whirlwind, you can feel a vibration, an unprecedented sense of liveliness. It is the echo of vetiver and cedar, accompanied by soft and cottony musk notes. Never has N°5 been so natural. Never has it been so fresh.

The Mechanics of Epure

An exercise in style requires a monumental work. With L’EAU, N°5 demonstrates, yet again, the extent to which its structure is flawless. Inspiring.

With the subtle touch of a goldsmith, Olivier Polge strove to create a new balance and an ideal dose of freshness.

Giving preference to aldehydes with the scent of orange rind and abandoning the more metallic ones. Increasing the vibrancy of the zests and removing the powder from the base. Rendering the woods more dynamic and adding green to the ylang-ylang. Making the jasmine as light as air and decreasing the vanilla.

In Praise of Simplicity 

N°5 L’EAU is not a cologne. Nor is it a diluted version of the original fragrance. N°5 L’EAU is the N°5 of today. A composition under the banner of modernity, with freshness as its leitmotif.

Anatomical Purity

A beveled glass shape whose contours alone convey the House of CHANEL and modern perfumery as a whole. Here, the bottle has left its mark on the paper in a play of shadow and light that hints at its form. No lines are needed to highlight its presence. A single label indicates its name.

This minimalism is not a stylistic device. It is merely a supreme form of elegance that gives free rein to the imagination of the woman who chooses this fragrance for her skin.