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 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.

Vintage 1950s Chanel Perfume Tester Rack

Tester rack made up of black bakelite.

Chanel Pour Monsieur - A Gentleman's Cologne c1955

Chanel Pour Monsieur: created in 1955 by Henri Robert.

Ivoire de Chanel c1932

Ivoire de Chanel perfume was launched in 1932, during the height of the Great Depression.

Le 1940 Beige de Chanel c1931

Le 1940 Beige de Chanel holds a special place in the brand's fragrance legacy. This scent, introduced during a period of artistic and cultural flourishing, reflects Chanel's commitment to innovation and sophistication. With its debut in 1931, Le 1940 Beige de Chanel captivated audiences with its distinct blend of notes and its embodiment of the brand's timeless elegance. This fragrance not only encapsulates the essence of Chanel's iconic style but also represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of the brand's olfactory offerings

Le 1940 Bleu de Chanel c1931

Le 1940 Bleu de Chanel holds a special place in the brand's fragrance legacy. This scent, introduced during a period of artistic and cultural flourishing, reflects Chanel's commitment to innovation and sophistication. With its debut in 1931, Le 1940 Bleu de Chanel captivated audiences with its distinct blend of notes and its embodiment of the brand's timeless elegance. This fragrance not only encapsulates the essence of Chanel's iconic style but also represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of the brand's olfactory offerings.

Le 1940 Rouge de Chanel c1931

Le 1940 Rouge de Chanel holds a special place in the brand's fragrance legacy. This scent, introduced during a period of artistic and cultural flourishing, reflects Chanel's commitment to innovation and sophistication. With its debut in 1931, Le 1940 Rouge de Chanel captivated audiences with its distinct blend of notes and its embodiment of the brand's timeless elegance. This fragrance not only encapsulates the essence of Chanel's iconic style but also represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of the brand's olfactory offerings.

Glamour de Chanel c1933

Glamour de Chanel, created in 1933 by the esteemed perfumer Ernest Beaux, stands as a testament to Chanel's enduring legacy of elegance and sophistication. This fragrance, crafted by the mastermind behind the iconic Chanel No. 5, embodies the epitome of glamour and allure. With its intricate blend of notes and exquisite composition, Glamour de Chanel captures the essence of timeless beauty and sophistication. While it may not be as widely recognized as some of Chanel's other fragrances, its creation by Ernest Beaux adds a layer of prestige and craftsmanship to its history.

Cuir de Russie by Chanel c1924

Cuir de Russie: originally created in 1924 by Ernest Beaux, who was assisted by Constantin Mikhailovich “Kot” Weriguine. Probably introduced in America around 1936. Named Russia Leather for the American market. It was available in parfum extrait and eau de cologne. Discontinued in the mid 1970s.