Chanel No. 55 by Chanel c1921

Chanel No. 55 by Chanel: launched in 1921. The creator of this perfume is Ernest Beaux, who was responsible for creating many of Chanel's early fragrances, solidifying his legacy within the brand. Chanel No. 55 exists as a lesser-known fragrance from Chanel.  

While you may have never heard of it until now, Chanel No. 55 is indeed a real perfume. It was featured in the 1929 newspaper advertisement shown above, alongside Chanel No. 5, showcasing its existence as part of Chanel's fragrance line during that era. However, it may not have achieved the same level of fame or prominence as some of Chanel's other perfumes. In any case, Chanel No. 55 holds its place in Chanel's history alongside other notable fragrances.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is a floral chypre fragrance for women. It was created especially to be worn with tweeds and sports clothing.  

• Top notes: aldehyde, bergamot, neroli, geranium, lemon, herbs
• Middle notes: honey, rose, jasmine, carnation, orris, lavender, orange blossom
• Base notes: cedar, sandalwood, ambergris, musk, oakmoss, labdanum, tonka bean, civet, styrax, leather, vetiver, vanilla, benzoin, patchouli

Chanel No. 55 is a timeless floral chypre fragrance for women, meticulously crafted to complement tweeds and sports attire, reflecting the elegant yet practical style associated with the Chanel brand. This perfume, reminiscent of the early 20th century, evokes a sense of sophistication and understated luxury.

I had a very small sample of this fragrance many years ago and wrote down what notes I thought I could detect. In my opinion, I felt that it was similar to Lentheric's original Tweed fragrance. Here's a breakdown of what I experienced:

With its muted citrus top notes, Chanel No. 55 opens with a subtle brightness akin to classic colognes, gradually revealing a rich bouquet of geranium, rose, and lavender. The bittersweet essence of mixed herbs and a hint of carnation add depth to the fragrance, layered over earthy mosses, dry grasses like vetiver, and precious woods.

Notably, the warm, animalic notes of civet, ambergris, and leather infuse the scent with a distinctive allure, making it equally appealing for men. However, delicate touches of sweetness from jasmine, orange blossom, benzoin, and vanilla balance the composition, ensuring a harmonious blend that is both refined and versatile.

Top notes of aldehyde, bergamot, neroli, geranium, lemon, and herbs provide an invigorating opening, while middle notes of honey, rose, jasmine, carnation, orris, lavender, and orange blossom add floral richness. Finally, the base notes of cedar, sandalwood, ambergris, musk, oakmoss, labdanum, tonka bean, civet, styrax, leather, vetiver, vanilla, benzoin, and patchouli create a lasting, multifaceted dry down that lingers on the skin with sophistication and allure.

Bottles:

Chanel No. 55 was elegantly housed in the standard Chanel crystal flacon, consistent with the sophisticated packaging used for other renowned Chanel fragrances. As evidenced by a 1929 advertisement, Chanel No. 55 was offered in a range of sizes, providing options for various preferences and needs.

Moreover, advertisements from the same era suggest that Chanel No. 55 extended beyond perfume alone, indicating its availability in additional beauty products. These included lipstick, face powder, rouge, toilet water, and cream, expanding the allure of the fragrance into a comprehensive beauty experience.

However, despite the advertisement's claims, the presence of Chanel No. 55 in these supplementary beauty products may have been limited or elusive, as I have not encountered them in this specific scent. Nonetheless, the mention of such offerings reflects Chanel's holistic approach to luxury and beauty during that time, further cementing the fragrance's place within the brand's prestigious portfolio.

"All Paris has a passion for the lucky numbers, whether it's 21 on the Roulette wheel, or No. 5 Rue de la Paix, a smart cafe, or No. 55, the latest couturiere [sic] perfume. It's always the popular winning number that draws the smartest following. So, when the first woman smart played Chanel No. 55 with her swagger tweed costume, lunching at the Ritz in Paris, she received these amazing complimentary returns:

"What a deliciously provocative perfume , for it endows you with sorcery of a wood-nymph and is just the right weight for tweeds. It must have been specially blended for you ! How very clever of you my dear!" 

And all four other women waited breathlessly for her reply: "Charming of you to think so, but it's Chanel's own perfume, which she suggests with her sports costumes." 

So, from five to fifty, soon five-hundred to five-thousand smart women were playing Chanel's No. 55 for the best complimentary returns. And Block's Perfume Shop is the Only Department Store in Indianapolis where you can buy Chanel's No. 555. It's a lucky number and a safe bet for your Spring tweeds. $3.75, $5, $9, $13.00, $18 and $33 a Bottle."

 

In the vibrant tapestry of Parisian allure, where luck and sophistication intertwine, certain numbers hold a special mystique. Whether it's the allure of 21 on the Roulette wheel, the chic ambiance of No. 5 Rue de la Paix, or the latest couturier's fragrance, No. 55, Parisians are drawn to these winning numbers like moths to flame.

Picture the scene: a woman of undeniable elegance, adorned in her swaggering tweed costume, graces the Ritz in Paris. As she savors her lunch, the air around her carries whispers of a captivating perfume—a scent that seems tailor-made for her, enchanting and provocative, evoking the allure of a woodland nymph, yet perfectly suited for her tweeds. It's Chanel No. 55, a fragrance as daring and sophisticated as the woman who wears it.

Enthralled by her allure, her companions lean in, eager for the secret behind her intoxicating scent. With a coy smile, she reveals the truth—it's Chanel's own creation, a fragrance suggested for her sports costumes, yet possessing an undeniable allure for any occasion.

Word spreads like wildfire, from five to fifty, then five-hundred to five-thousand, as smart women across Paris clamor for Chanel's No. 55, seeking the same alluring charm and sophistication it promises.

And in the heart of Indianapolis, Block's Perfume Shop stands as the exclusive purveyor of Chanel's No. 55. With prices ranging from $3.75 to $33 a bottle, it's not just a fragrance—it's a lucky number, a safe bet, and the perfect complement to your Spring tweeds.

 

Fate of the Fragrance:

The ephemeral allure of Chanel No. 55, now discontinued and shrouded in mystery, adds to its mystique and rarity. With each passing year, the chances of discovering this elusive fragrance grow slimmer, its essence fading into the annals of perfume history.

For those who seek a whiff of its legendary scent, stumbling upon a single bottle is akin to uncovering a precious treasure. Yet, such a discovery often comes at a steep price, reflective of its scarcity and coveted status among perfume enthusiasts and collectors alike.

As whispers of its enchanting aroma linger in the air, the hunt for Chanel No. 55 continues—a quest fueled by nostalgia, fascination, and the desire to capture a fleeting moment of olfactory elegance. Though the odds may seem daunting, the allure of this long-lost perfume persists, forever tantalizing those who dare to dream of experiencing its legendary scent once more.