Chanel launched Chanel No. 5, the iconic perfume introduced in 1921.
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel commissioned perfumer Ernest Beaux to create a modern fragrance for her fashion house. Beaux presented several numbered samples, and Chanel selected the fifth. The perfume was released on 5 May 1921, a date associated with Chanel’s preferred number.
Chanel No. 5 became known for its abstract floral-aldehydic style rather than a simple imitation of one flower. Its formula includes aldehydes alongside notes associated with jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang, and other materials. The bottle’s rectangular design and minimalist label became part of its identity.
A common mix-up is confusing the perfume’s name with Chanel No. 19, which was introduced much later, in 1970. Chanel No. 5 also has several concentrations, including parfum, eau de parfum, and eau de toilette, so descriptions of its strength do not identify different brands.