The latest addition to the Les Exclusifs de Chanel range is all about deceptive simplicity and musk.
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Many of the big designer brands, from Dior and Dolce & Gabbana to Bulgari and YSL have launched so-called private collections in recent years. These high-end ranges emphasize superior ingredients, craftsmanship, and exclusivity, hence the price tag of the fragrances.
It's safe to say that Les Exclusifs de Chanel is one of the best private collections around. It was launched in 2007 and now numbers 17 fragrances.
While many of the Les Exclusifs fragrances are officially for women, there's a fair selection of unisex fragrances to be experienced, too, including the latest addition to the collection, Chanel 1957 EDP.
Packaging/Presentation
Solid and sophisticated glass bottles are the standard in the private collection category, but the packaging for the Les Exclusifs de Chanel collection takes it to a new level of timeless elegance. From the simple label on the bottle and the logoed black magnetic cap to the logoed white box it comes in, everything says iconic Chanel.
Scent Notes (according to Fragrantica.com)
Pink pepper, coriander, white musk, bergamot, aldehydes (top notes), orange blossom, white musk, jasmine (heart notes), vanilla, honey, white musk, cedar, cashmeran, orris (base notes).
Inspiration Behind Les Exclusifs De Chanel 1957
There are several auspicious dates in Chanel’s history and 1957 is one of them. Coco Chanel was recognised as the most influential designer of the 20th century when she was awarded the Neiman Marcus Award for Distinguished Service in the Field of Fashion in Dallas, Texas, in 1957.
America fell in love with Chanel from the start, from her debut as a milliner in 1912 and the launch of Chanel No 5 in 1924 through to her high-profile coverage in prestigious magazines such as Vogue,Harper’s Bazaar, and Vanity Fair over the decades.
The number 1957 is also the amalgamation of her birth date (19 August) and a reference to the address of the largest Chanel store in the United States in New York City (15 E 57th St).
Perfumer
Chanel’s in-house perfumer Olivier Polge, the nose behind fragrances such as Bleu de Chanel Parfum, Dolce & Gabbana The One for Men EDP, Paco Rabanne Invictus EDT and Viktor & Rolf Spice Bomb EDT. This is the third Les Exclusifs creation by Polge. The other two are Boy Chanel EDP and Misia EDP.
Personal Impressions
From the opening, there’s no mistaking that this is a Chanel fragrance. It has a deceptive simplicity about it. After all, this a fragrance about the finer details.
The opening has a fresh, clean, almost-soapy quality, courtesy of the bergamot and aldehyde (common to many Chanel fragrances) notes.
The notes of orange blossom and jasmine bring a delicate floral aspect, while orris adds just the right amount of powderiness.
There’s also an interesting contrast between spicy pink pepper and coriander and slightly sweet vanilla and honey notes. Further interest is added by a woodiness in the base, thanks to the cedar note.
None of these elements dominate the scent, as Chanel 1957 is really about its beautiful musk accord, which is present through the various stages of the fragrance. According to Chanel, eight different eight musks were used to create it.
It gives the fragrance a cosy, easy-going elegance and, according to Polge, will produce different results, depending on the skin chemistry of the wearer.
Overall, it’s a chic skin scent in which there is no doubt that the best ingredients have been used to create it.
Who Would Like it
Anyone who appreciates the Chanel aesthetic or who wants an easy intro to the Les Exclusifs collection. This is more of a skin scent than a loud performer, so if you enjoy something more personal, it will appeal to you.
Where to Wear it
Ok, so definitely not a gym fragrance, but not necessarily a strictly special occasion choice either. Chanel is very much about casual chic and this EDP is perfect for those occasions. Due to its subtlety, it’s also a great choice for the office, where you want to take great pleasure in the fact that you’re wearing something special, without over-sharing it with everyone in your vicinity.
Other Fragrances to Consider
Also from the Les Exclusifs de Chanel collection, the unisex Boy Chanel EDP, Coromandel EDP and Sycomore EDP are highly recommended.
Price
$200 - $ 300.Where to buy it
Richard Goller is a fragrance and grooming blogger. His blog is called Fragroom. A senior editor with 20 years' experience, his blog allows him to combine two of his passions: engaging content and the always-intriguing world of fragrances. When he isn't blogging, you'll find Richard indulging in his newly found passion for balcony gardening.