Chanel launched Les Exclusifs: six brand new scents and four classics

February 12, 2007 was an important day in the life of many self-respecting perfume fanatics - the new Les Exclusifs de Chanel were finally released! Chanel launched worldwide not one, not two, but six new scents, and re-launched four classics. The 6 new perfumes added to the existing exclusive boutique collection which includes Cuir de Russie, Bois des Ãles, Chanel no 22, and Gardenia are created by nose Jacques Polge who is the author of many splendid fragrances like YSL Rive Gauche, Ungaro Diva, Chanel Coco, Chanel Egoiste, Chanel Allure, to name only a few. The six new fragrances are called Coromandel (dry amberey oriental), 28 La Pausa (iris), Bel Respiro (green leaves and stems), No. 18 (Ambrette seed), 31, rue Cambron (an experimental chypre that omits the classic oakmoss note), and Eau de Cologne (an "haute" cologne). Chanel's perfumer since 1978, Jacques Polge, took inspiration from Gabrielle Chanel's heritage, such as the original workshop address on 31 rue Cambon in Paris, France. All the six scents are indeed exceptional and very much in the spirit of Chanel.

Cambon 31, probably the most sophisticated of Les Exclusifs, is a gorgeous blend of iris, rose, jasmine, and sandalwood, slightly reminiscent of Bois des Iles minus the woodiness. No 18, according to Polge: 'there's never been anything that smells like this, and maybe there never will be again'. No.18 features a rare ingredient, ambrette seed, and Polge describes the scent as 'musty, dusty' and 'dry'. A bit musty, a bit spicy, and definitely unique. Bel Respiro smells of fresh cut grass, summer days, warm air, and leisure. It is described as 'stemmy' by Polge. It's light and airy but exceptionally blended.

Coromandel is done using the popular nowadays gourmand amber and patchouli theme. Its heart is very ambery and spicy, with patchouli adding but a wet earth undertone that never dominates. It is 'a blend of amber and wood with an unexpected hit of creamy vanilla'. It's bound to be very popular.

Eau de Cologne is a very nice cologne, with lots of zesty lemon that takes a slightly sweet turn reminiscent of fresh lemon candy. 28 La Pausa is all about iris. Sparkling, slightly sweet, moderately powdery iris. 'Iris extract - which is taken from the root other than the flower - is one of the fragrance world's least-used ingredients because of the large number of plants that must be harvested in order to obtain a single drop'. All the scents are in the eau de toilette concentration. They come in huge 6.8 fl. oz (200 ml) spray bottles, with a fancy magnetic top. As a side note, the reissues - Gardenia, Cuir de Russie, No 22, Bois des Iles - seem to have been tweaked. Les Exclusifs are available at Chanel boutiques exclusively.

 

Five of the six fragrances are named after places and things from the life of Coco herself. 31 Rue Cambon is the address of Coco's couture atelier, for instance.

Coromandel is inspired by the Chinese screens that Madame Chanel had in her apartment. Bel Respiro is named after Coco's country house. 28 La Pausa is inspired by Cote d'Azur. Finally, Eau de Cologne is made in the French tradition of unisex, neroli-based colognes, with added notes of musk and vetiver. Les Exclusifs are masterfully done and many of us should be able to find among them at least one scent to love. In Amsterdam Chanel presented the collection of 10 fragrances at its own boutique in PC Hooftstraat. The evening was organized by the fashion magazine Elle with the co-operation of the Director of Chanel Boutique Amsterdam, Jeannine Brouwer. Jeannine is a sweet and charming lady and, together with her wonderful team, always available to give plenty of information about Chanel products, no matter if you are (or become) a customer or not. So, if you are in Amsterdam and fancy to enjoy some 'Chanel allure', do not hesitate to enter the Chanel shop in PC Hooftstraat (even just to 'look around')! 

For more information: www.chanel.com

Pictures made by Wim Fisscher ph. +31 (0)6 15410145

Chanel in Amsterdam:
CHANEL
P.C. Hooftstraat
1071 CA Amsterdam
0031 (0)20 3053777