Akin to second skin, scent reveals one’s personality long before any word is spoken. In addition to the intentional choice of perfume, its interaction between one’s physiological chemistry makes for a non-visual identifier that characterises a person—a choice that can be copied but its effect not fully mimicked. As a leading advocate of self-expression, CHANEL has long explored the possibilities of perfume to express and elevate oneself. The Maison, whose journey began with CHANEL No. 5 in 1921, now offers its most luxurious and intimate creation yet: Les Extraits de CHANEL.
With every drop, Les Extraits de CHANEL sinks into the skin like an ember that quietly grows until it turns into a flame. Unlike a regular spray perfume, each hidden note slowly but surely reveals itself over time, whilst shapeshifting according to each individual. Presented in a whimsical bottle that required exceptional glassblowing craftsmanship, Les Extraits de CHANEL is a secret letter waiting to be unfolded.
Available in 11 scents, CHANEL presents the multifaceted personalities of Les Extraits de CHANEL. The decorative double C logo on the baudruchage serves a purpose beyond aesthetics; it safely guards the purity of Les Extraits de CHANEL prior to its unveiling. Paired with the delicate glass bottle and white label, the baudruchage acts much like the rose ribbon on the Maison’s handbag packaging, only this time, it is a lacquered thread waiting to be cut. At the pop of the lid, the room is overtaken by floral, amber, woody, or citrus and aromatic scents without ever overpowering one’s senses.
Though strong in personality, each variant is alchemised to leave a lasting impression. It only takes a single drop on the pulse points, such as behind one’s earlobe, at one’s nape, or on the hollow of one’s wrist, to realise Les Extraits de CHANEL’s full potential. Both the intentional way it is worn and the endurance of its scent offer a refreshing change from this otherwise fast-paced society, so used to quick fixes that may not always achieve the same goal. Its prowess is only made possible through an exacting chain of craftsmanship, which begins in Neuilly, France.
Home to the Fragrance Laboratory, Neuilly marks the beginning of Les Extraits de CHANEL’s journey. It is here that master perfumers coax the delicate scents from freshly picked ingredients, including Grasse jasmine and May rose, carefully cultivated in the Maison’s lush fields. Just like the production chain within the Maison, each scent plays a pivotal part in constructing the indelible identity of Les Extraits de CHANEL. This intricate process allows the Maison to reimagine its long-celebrated scents, including CHANEL No. 5 and 1957, to reach all-new heights
The ornate glass cases of CHANEL’s perfumes have decorated homes and vanity tables for generations. While their pleasing aesthetics make them beautiful decorative objects, the Maison takes inspiration from Gabrielle Chanel’s own love of breaking codes as it designs the purse spray for Les Extraits de CHANEL. The CHANEL purse spray comes in a refined glass bottle that can easily be carried in a CHANEL handbag. Its crystal-clear glass softens the harsh lines of the case, revealing Les Extraits de CHANEL nestled in a rounded inner chamber, as if suspended within. Adorned with golden accents, the sensual case was shaped to be cradled in one’s hand, ready to be used at any point throughout the day. Paired with the undulating strength of Les Extraits de CHANEL, the purse spray never fails to bring its wearer confidence wherever they go.
