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.

Factices and Dummy Display Perfume Bottles

In this guide I will introduce you to the world of perfume display bottles, also called Factices (pronounced fack-teece), and dummy bottles in the perfume trade.

Coco by Chanel c1984

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

Rose de Chanel c1926

"Rose de Chanel," introduced in 1926, stands as a timeless emblem of elegance and sophistication within the world of perfumery. Crafted by the renowned Ernest Beaux, this fragrance encapsulates the timeless allure of the rose, celebrated for its delicate beauty and intoxicating aroma. With its launch, Chanel introduced a scent that transcended fleeting trends, embodying the epitome of classic femininity and refined glamour. Today, "Rose de Chanel" remains a cherished treasure, revered for its timeless appeal and enduring legacy.

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.

Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere c2007

Chanel N°5 Eau Premiere: launched in 2007. Created by Jacques Polge.

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.

One liter of Chanel Perfume

Guinness Book of World Records, 1956:

"The biggest and most expensive listed bottle of perfume is the one liter (1.05 quarts) size of Chanel No. 5. Made in France, it retails in the United States at $300 a bottle."

Early Chanel Face Powder c1930s-1940s

Early Chanel Lipsticks

Fake Chanel Perfume ALERT!

Found this on ebay...it is knockoff of Chanel No. 5, this time in a non-alcoholic perfume oil from Egypt, commonly sold in bazaars. It was never made by Chanel. Notice the misspelling of the name, "Chanell five"to get around trademark issues.

Fake Chanel 20ml Travel Sprays

Heads up! Here are some fake Chanel travel sprays being sold all over the world. These are 20ml size vials and are frosted glass, with a rounded base and metal cap..

Fake Chanel Box Sleeve for Chanel No. 5 Perfume

If you see this box sleeve used on Chanel No. 5, please be aware that this is a counterfeit product. Chanel does not use this box sleeve for any of its products.

Huile Tan Pour L'Ete c1930s-1950s

Huile Tan Pour L'Ete was a tanning oil from Chanel's early skincare line, originally created for herself in 1924, it debuted to the public in 1927.

In the early 20th century, tanning began to gain popularity, marking a significant shift in societal beauty standards. Before the 1920s, pale skin was highly coveted as it signified wealth and leisure, implying that one did not have to work outdoors. However, this perception began to change dramatically during the 1920s.

The 1920s, also known as the Roaring Twenties, was a period of social change and liberation, particularly for women. The decade saw an increase in outdoor leisure activities such as beach vacations, sports, and travel, which were associated with the modern, liberated lifestyle.

One of the most significant influences was Coco Chanel herself. In 1923, she accidentally got sunburned while on a yacht trip in the French Riviera. When she returned with a tan, it sparked a fashion trend. Chanel, a leading fashion icon, made tanned skin fashionable and desirable, symbolizing health, youth, and a life of leisure.

The 1920s also saw a growing association between a tan and good health. The benefits of sun exposure were being promoted, with some believing that it could cure various ailments and improve overall well-being. This was in stark contrast to the previous centuries where sun exposure was avoided to maintain fair skin.

Fashion in the 1920s also embraced the idea of more revealing clothing, such as shorter skirts and sleeveless tops, which naturally exposed more skin to the sun. This encouraged tanning as a complement to the new styles, making sun-kissed skin an integral part of the fashionable appearance.

The beauty industry quickly adapted to this trend. Companies began producing and marketing products that enhanced tanning or protected the skin while tanning. Chanel's Huile Tan Pour L'Ete, introduced in 1927, was one of the early examples of a luxury brand tapping into this new demand. It offered not only a way to achieve a desirable bronzed look but also provided protection against sunburn, aligning with the growing awareness of the need to protect the skin from harmful effects of the sun.

In summary, the popularity of tanning in the 1920s was driven by a combination of changing cultural norms, influential fashion icons like Coco Chanel, the rise of outdoor leisure activities, and the beauty industry's response to these trends. Chanel's Huile Tan Pour L'Ete was a product that capitalized on this new beauty ideal, offering a glamorous and protective solution for achieving a sun-kissed look.

Huile Tan Pour L'Ete  - Bronze la peau et la protégé contre les brûlures du soleil 

Tanning Oil For The Summer "Bronze skin and protected against sunburn"

Astringent Pour L'Epiderme c1930s

Astringent Pour L'Epiderme, introduced by Chanel in the early 1930s, was part of the brand's pioneering efforts in skincare. It was designed to cleanse and tone the skin, reflecting the luxurious and innovative approach Chanel was known for. The product was packaged in an elegant clear glass cylindrical bottle, accentuated with a small black glass stopper, showcasing Chanel's commitment to combining functionality with sophisticated design. This product not only marked Chanel's entry into skincare but also set a standard for high-quality, aesthetically pleasing cosmetic packaging.