Chanel No. 19 c1970

Chanel No. 19 by Chanel: launched in 1970. Created by Henri Robert. In USA in 1972. Chairman of the board of Chanel, Inc, at the time, H. Gregory Thomas (who also served as president of the company for 32 years),  said that his good friend, Mademoiselle Chanel wanted a perfume all her own. It had to be something very different from Chanel No. 5, and she commissioned her top perfumers to work on the new concoction. 

A confidante of Chanel's is said to have told her: "Why not bottle that indomitable, creative, magnificent spirit of yours? Make it your own personal signature. There must be a fragrance that captures the very essence of Coco Chanel. There are many, many ways I would describe what is uniquely you. But I shall choose perhaps 19 of the most obvious. This perfume must do justice to each. You will always be young no matter what age you reach. And truly elegant in your manner and lifestyle. Intensely female. Graceful. Casually understated. Contemporary. Brilliant. Witty. Fascinating. Generous. Honest. Courageous. Outspoken. Supremely confident and completely independent as few women are or ever hope to be. You are logical. A perfectionist. Unforgettable. And way ahead fo your time and the rest of us as well."

According to the story, Chanel was both delighted and amused by it. And having been born on Aug 19, she found the temptation to name the new fragrance No. 19 too great to resist. This was Coco Chanel's private perfume which she used for the three years preceding her death. Her own private stock, she occasionally gave some to special friends or select couture customers of the 31 rue Cambon salon. But mainly, she kept it to herself, "So that," said Chanel, "when I leave the room a touch of me remains."

Thomas promised her that the fragrance would not be marketed until her death. "She felt that she didn't want it sold as long as she was alive," said Thomas. The unnamed perfume's formula was found among her personal papers. The perfume came to be named Chanel No. 19, after Coco Chanel's birthday, August 19. "She was born on Aug 19," said Thomas, "I know the real year of her birth, but I'm not telling." (It was revealed it was officially in 1883).

Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel c2001

Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel: launched in 2001. Created by Jacques Polge.

Coco by Chanel c1984

Coco by Chanel: launched in 1984. The nose behind this fragrance is Jacques Polge.

Une Idée de Chanel c1929

"Une Idée," the iconic perfume from Chanel, made its debut in 1929, marking a significant milestone in the history of fragrance. This olfactory masterpiece was not merely a scent but a manifestation of Gabrielle Chanel's visionary spirit and avant-garde approach to beauty. With its launch, Chanel revolutionized the world of perfumery, introducing a fragrance that transcended traditional gender norms and embraced a sense of modernity and freedom. "Une Idée" embodied the essence of the Chanel woman: confident, independent, and effortlessly chic. Its evocative blend of notes captured the zeitgeist of the Roaring Twenties, a period characterized by innovation, prosperity, and social change. Though decades have passed since its inception, the legacy of "Une Idée" endures, a timeless symbol of elegance and sophistication that continues to inspire and captivate fragrance enthusiasts around the globe.

Vintage 1950s Chanel Perfume Lucite Tester Rack

Vintage 1950s lucite tester rack, holding mini perfume bottles.

Misia by Chanel c2015

Misia by Chanel: will be launched in March 2015. Created by Jacques Polge's son,  Olivier Polge, as part of the Les Exclusifs de Chanel Collection of fragrances.

The feminine fragrance's beautiful name derives from one of Coco Chanel's dearest friends, Misia Sert. Sert was a talented pianist, artist, saloon owner as well as the favorite enigmatic muse of many famous artists such as Renoir. But it was Misia Sert who first planted the inventive seed of perfume genius inside of Coco's curious head.

 Sert received a manuscript from a friend entitled, The Secret of the Medicis" that was found during renovations in a chateau in the Loire region, which allegedly contained the formula for an anti-aging potion created by Rene the Florentine, Queen Catherine de Medici's perfume chemist and master poisoner. Both Catherine de Medici and her beautiful rival in the affections of her royal husband, Henri II, Diane de Poitiers applied this unusual cologne to their faces to escape the ravages of time. Sert had an idea, she promised to give the owner of the ancient manuscript 6,000 francs if she could have the recipe.

She then went immediately to Coco Chanel and told her of the formula, in which she encouraged Chanel to launch her own form of the beauty tonic to be christened l'Eau Chanel. Sert thought that the cologne would be a smashing hit given Chanel's popularity around the world, and bringing in much more than the 6,000 francs she had promised the manuscript owner. The two women carefully conspired over the packaging and details of the fragrance and thus the beginnings of what would become Chanel No. 5. are, as they say...history.

As a scented tribute to the clever Misia, the house of Chanel is launching the fragrance with her name, alongside her friend, Chanel.

So what does Misia smell like? It is classified as a powdery floral chypre fragrance for women.

• Top notes: violet, and iris
• Middle notes: Turkish rose, and Grasse rose
• Base notes: Laotian benzoin, tonka beans, and orris root

Available in the following

• 75 ml Eau de Toilette
• 200 ml Eau de Toilette

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Vintage 1950s Chanel Perfume Tester Rack

Tester rack made up of black bakelite.

Magnolia de Chanel c1927

Chanel's Magnolia fragrance, introduced in 1927, stands as a timeless testament to the brand's enduring commitment to elegance and sophistication. With its delicate yet captivating scent, Magnolia embodies the essence of feminine allure and timeless beauty. Though specific details regarding its composition may vary, one can imagine a fragrance that captures the ethereal essence of magnolia blossoms, evoking images of blooming gardens and romantic springtime evenings. Just like many of Chanel's creations, Magnolia likely exudes a sense of refinement and understated luxury, making it a cherished addition to the brand's illustrious fragrance repertoire.

Vintage Chanel No. 5 Bottles in Fitted Case

Rare, vintage 1940s-1960s graduated set of three Chanel No. 5 glass perfume bottles with original contents in a fitted leather case. Holds 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz and 1 oz extrait.

Creme de Beaute - Face Cream c1932

Crème de Beauté, launched in 1932, was a pivotal product in Chanel's first skincare line. This face cream exemplified Chanel's commitment to beauty and skincare innovation. As part of the early 1930s collection, Crème de Beauté was designed to provide nourishment and hydration to the skin, aligning with Chanel's philosophy of maintaining elegance and sophistication in every aspect of personal care. The launch of this cream, along with other products like Astringent Pour L'Epiderme, marked Chanel's significant foray into the skincare market, establishing a legacy of luxury and efficacy in beauty treatments.

FAKE CHANEL PERFUME ALERT - Essence of Chanel No. 5

A vintage 1970s-1980s set holding an Italian sterling silver heart pendant with perfume funnel and mini bottle of "Essence of Chanel #5" perfume. This perfume is NOT genuine Chanel No. 5 perfume. It is a knockoff. The box has a small label that says "Box made in China for Elegant Montreal".

http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNIQUE-VINTAGE-CHANEL-NO-5-WITH-SILVER-HEART-PENDANT-NECKLACE-AND-PERFUME-FUNNEL-/111283390498?pt=Vintage_Costume_Jewelry&hash=item19e901c822

FAKE CHANEL PERFUME ALERT!!! ROLLERBALL

HEADS UP! Here is a fake Chanel perfume being sold on ebay this week. It is a rollerball imprinted with "Chanel No. 5", however, Chanel has never produced this item before. It is one of those junky perfume oils you can find at flea markets, etc.

You have been warned....don't buy fake!


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Chanel-No-5-Roll-On-Cologne-Perfume-Partial-Bottle-Textured-Plastic-Cap-/360874571847?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5405ccf847

Vintage 1970s Chanel Factice Wall Display

Vintage 1970s Chanel Factice Wall Display. 

This astonishing wood & plexiglass fronted display stand would have been removed from the wall in which it was set when Chanel altered the size of the bottles which happened to coincide when barcoding came into play in the early 1980's, it stands at exactly 48cms tall by 38cms wide by 5cms deep ( 1ft 5" tall x 1ft 3" wide x 2" deep ), it is in absolutely superb condition save the odd, easy to remove dark mark to the painted frame.

Of the 5 parfum bottles, the 2x 7ml bottles stand at 5.5cm, 2x 14ml bottles stand at 7cm & the largest, which is set into the centre of the display stands at 8cm are full with intact black wax CC logo seal & the original Baudruchage membrane (though the larger bottle has a small amount of residue). Thanks to the gold mirrored walls to the case being set at 45 degree angle to the flat face of the case the case appears to hold more than the 5 bottles.

This item sold on ebay for approximately $1,959.24 US dollars on Sept. 25, 2013.

Photos and info from ebay seller sam_in_barbate 

Chanel No. 31 c1920 and Mademoiselle Chanel 31 rue Cambon c1945

Chanel No. 31: launched around 1921, created by Ernest Beaux.

Chanel No 31: possibly relaunched in 1933.

On Thursday, March 04, 1948, a U.S. federal trademark registration was filed for MADEMOISELLE CHANEL 31 RUE CAMBON by Chanel, Inc., NEW YORK.

First Use Anywhere: 2/17/1948
First Use In Commerce: 2/17/1948

The USPTO has given the MADEMOISELLE CHANEL 31 RUE CAMBON trademark serial number of 71551168 in 1950. The federal status of this trademark filing expired in 1992.

Mademoiselle Chanel No. 31 rue Cambon: launched in 1945. Became Coco Chanel's signature scent following the split from the Wertheimer's.

Unhappy with the quality of the perfumes that the Wertheimers were selling in her name through their newly minted Chanel, Inc. company in the USA, in 1945, Gabrielle took matters into her own hands.

After finding a small perfumer in Switzerland to produce her new perfumes using the last of her raw materials, she started a new perfume line on her own and began making a line of competitive perfumes, based on the originals. She named them "Mademoiselle Chanel No.5", , “Mademoiselle Chanel 31 rue Cambon”. The perfumer also made new versions of Ernest Beaux’s creations and renamed them “Mademoiselle Chanel Bois des Iles” and “Mademoiselle Chanel Cuir de Russie.”

Gabrielle Chanel gave lawyer, Rene de Chambrun several tiny bottles to give to his wife. She then asked if it were possible that she could make these up from her own home, and Chambrun declared that she could, provided that she could only give them as “gifts”. Chambrun’s wife enjoyed the perfume and a Russian “nose” also agreed and they both deemed the perfume “exquisite”. A Swiss perfumer was instructed by Gabrielle to make up a hundred bottles of her various perfumes.

To get around the trademark for the bottle design, she used cylindrical bottles with sloping shoulder and topped with disk shaped, ground glass stoppers adorned with a red circular label bearing a large C for Chanel. These same bottles (sans Chanel labels) were also used by D’Orsay for several of their perfumes. To decorate the bottles Gabrielle used a eye catching red label with white lettering, in a simplistic font, true to her style of minimalism.

She then started selling the perfumes in her boutique. Chambrun mistakenly believed that she was permitted to do so in her contract with the Wertheimers. The Wertheimers disagreed and claimed she was counterfeiting their product of which they owned the trademark names. In 1946, a lawsuit between her and the Wertheimers ensued. They came to her boutique and seized all of her bottles labeled "Mademoiselle Chanel No. 5". A new settlement was reached and, she was allowed to sell perfumes under the name "Mademoiselle Chanel" but was not allowed to use the number 5 in conjunction with any of her perfumes.

Keeping her promise to Chambrun and Maitre Chresteil, president of the French Bar Association, she prefixed each perfume with “Mademoiselle Chanel” and sent them as gifts to her friends, Hollywood’s own Samuel Goldwyn and owners of the two most prolific department stores in New York Neiman Marcus and Bernard Gimbel.

She ceased the production of these perfumes in 1947. Who was the Swiss perfumer? No one knows. Gabrielle never revealed his name publicly.

So what does it smell like? Notes of oakmoss, jasmine and roses. This was later reformulated by Henri Robert and christened Chanel No. 19 and launched in 1970 as a tribute to Coco Chanel on the occasion of her birthday.

This is a different perfume than the newly made 31 rue Cambon: created in 2007 by Jacques Polge and Christopher Sheldrake. Notes: Iris, rose, jasmine, sandalwood, bergamot, black pepper, patchouli, citrus, labdanum

The Best French Short Stories of ... and the Yearbook of the ... - Page 23, 1923:

"They were like that cursed perfume — mixture No. 31, which he got from Chanel's — which always floated round Gerard. . . . Ah, what a nuisance!"

Photo from Elysium.

Photo from Elysium.

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Jasmin de Chanel c1933

Jasmin by Chanel: launched in 1933, created by Ernest Beaux.

Chypre de Chanel c1925

"Chypre de Chanel" stands as a timeless fragrance masterpiece crafted by perfumer Ernest Beaux and introduced by Chanel, the epitome of elegance in the fashion world, in 1925. The term "chypre" denotes a distinct fragrance category characterized by a base featuring oakmoss, labdanum, and bergamot. This genre traces its origins back to the 19th century, rooted in the aromatic traditions of Mediterranean perfumery.

During the early 20th century, chypre fragrances experienced a golden age, captivating the olfactory senses of perfume connoisseurs worldwide. This era witnessed a profusion of interpretations from various esteemed perfume houses, each infusing their creations with unique nuances and additional notes. Among the pioneers was François Coty, whose 1917 release of "Chypre" is often hailed as one of the earliest modern chypre compositions.

The 1920s marked a zenith for chypre fragrances, symbolizing sophistication and refinement. Chanel's rendition of the chypre style quickly garnered acclaim, solidifying its place as a legendary creation in the annals of perfumery. Renowned for its intricate blend of citrus, floral, and woody elements, "Chypre de Chanel" exudes an enduring elegance that transcends time.

The perennial allure of chypre fragrances attests to their profound impact on the world of perfumery, a testament to their lasting legacy and unwavering appeal across generations.

Ambre de Chanel c1925

Amber: Unveiled in the iconic year of 1925, this exquisite fragrance marks a pivotal moment in the history of perfumery. Crafted by the skilled hands of Ernest Beaux, Ambre is hailed as a masterpiece, believed to be the inaugural perfume created for the illustrious Chanel house.

Transport yourself to the opulent atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties, where Ambre emerged as a beacon of sophistication and allure. In an era defined by extravagance and liberation, this fragrance captivated the senses of the fashionable elite, embodying the essence of glamour and refinement.

The allure of amber fragrances in the 1920s can be attributed to their rich and complex olfactory profiles, evoking a sense of warmth, sensuality, and mystery. Amber perfumes, renowned for their unparalleled luxury and mystique, occupy a special place in the world of fragrance. Derived from the rare and precious substance known as ambergris, these perfumes exude an aura of opulence and sophistication.

With its harmonious blend of precious ingredients, Ambre de Chanel, no doubt, exuded an irresistible charm, becoming synonymous with the era's avant-garde spirit.

As the embodiment of timeless elegance, Ambre continues to enchant modern-day connoisseurs, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of Chanel and the artistry of Ernest Beaux.

FAKE CHANEL PERFUME ALERT

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Vintage-CHANEL-NO-5-Pure-Perfume-Extrait-1-4-oz-7-ml-Full-In-Box-/310570791968?pt=fragrance&hash=item484f763420

Vintage Chanel No. 5 Perfume Bottles

Here are three pictures of authentic vintage Chanel perfume in the larger sizes.

Extrait GM = 3 oz parfum extrait

Extrait MM = 2 oz parfum extrait

Photos by ebay seller hitidedeer

To open the classic Chanel crystal parfum flacon, use the following tip provided by Parfums Chanel in 1963:

Remove cord and paper; with index finger as cushion, tap underneath sides of stopper lightly with glass object (glass on glass being the scientific method) while turning the bottle steadily between fingers, so that the stopper will be loosened evenly.

Vintage Fake Chanel Perfumes

Here are two fake Chanel perfume bottles.