MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • On Trend
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • On Trend
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Beauty

Crafting An Icon: Looking Back at the Famous Faces of CHANEL N˚5

For the fragrance’s 100th anniversary, CHANEL recounts the celebrity line-up behind N˚5’s meteoric rise. - by Alex Duffy
  • 28 Jun 2021
Crafting An Icon: Looking Back at the Famous Faces of CHANEL N˚5

While CHANEL N˚5 was a rule breaker for heroing a melody of florals at a time when single-note fragrances reigned supreme, the fame of the now iconic fragrance extends far beyond the golden scent itself.

As a medium, the House’s aspiration campaigns reframed the meaning of fragrance, by transforming olfactory notes and ornate bottles into a woman – and the values and lifestyle she represents. For CHANEL N˚5, it was Gabrielle Chanel’s 1937 debut as the face of the fragrance that cemented her and N˚5 as icons of powerful femininity, photographed by François Kollar proudly standing against a fireplace inside a suite at The Ritz.

Marilyn Monroe Chanel N5

Marilyn Monroe poses alongside her bottle of N˚5

Courtesy CHANEL

Then, in a 1952 interview with marie claire, it was Marilyn Monroe’s daring admission that she wears nothing but “a few drops of N˚5” to bed, that the fragrance adopted a more alluring meaning and set the high-glamour tone for campaigns to come.

Catherine Deneuve CHANEL N5

Catherine Deneuve photographed by Richard Avedon in 1972

Courtesy CHANEL.

Since then, actresses including a fresh-faced Ali McGraw, Lauren Hutton in a bright pink suit, and the classic elegance Catherine Deneuve and Carole Bouquet have graced campaigns of the scent, followed by Nicole Kidman’s 2004 portrayal in N˚5 The Film, directed by Baz Luhrmann.

Nicole Kidman CHANEL N5

Nicole Kidman photographed by Patrick Demarchelier in 2006

Courtesy CHANEL

As the House pays homage to the fragrance and its stars for its 100th anniversary this year, French actress Marion Cotillard is the latest to embody the N˚5 woman.

chanelofficial View Profile
View Post on Instagram

In an escapist iteration of N˚5 The Film, the fragrance takes flight from Paris to the moon, as CHANEL celebrates its heritage, while looking to the future of the eau de parfum and the women it adorns.

CHANEL N5

Discover and shop the classic CHANEL N˚5 Eau De Parfum, $249; at chanel.com/au

  • Beauty
  • Beauty Tips
  • Beauty Trends
Alex Duffy
Alex writes fashion and beauty news for marie claire. When she’s away from her desk, you’ll find her deep in the skincare shelves of the beauty cupboard, or frantically searching for the latest tinted lip balm to escape her possession.

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

What Makes A Celebrity?

What Makes A Celebrity?

The Stars Came Out To Play At Chanel's Opulent '100 Years Of Celebrity' Dinner

The Stars Came Out To Play At Chanel's Opulent '100 Years Of Celebrity' Dinner

Kristen Stewart Continues To Sartorially Reference Princess Diana In Chanel At Cannes

Kristen Stewart Continues To Sartorially Reference Princess Diana In Chanel At Cannes

Chanel’s ‘23 Cruise Show Was A Sartorial Reference To The Splendors Of Monte Carlo

Chanel’s ‘23 Cruise Show Was A Sartorial Reference To The Splendors Of Monte Carlo

{headline}

{headline}

Fragrance-Inspired Gifts Guaranteed To Last Longer Than Flowers

Fragrance-Inspired Gifts Guaranteed To Last Longer Than Flowers

Margot Robbie Reveals Her Favourite Books – And How She Used To 'Sit In A Tree' To Read

Margot Robbie Reveals Her Favourite Books – And How She Used To 'Sit In A Tree' To Read

Chanel's Fall / Winter 22 Collection Was A Love Letter To Tweed

Chanel's Fall / Winter 22 Collection Was A Love Letter To Tweed

{headline}

{headline}

Take A New Look At Christian Dior And Coco Chanel In Apple TV’s Latest Series

Take A New Look At Christian Dior And Coco Chanel In Apple TV’s Latest Series

Chanel Isn’t Horsing Around With Their Haute Couture Collection

Chanel Isn’t Horsing Around With Their Haute Couture Collection

Margaret Qualley Just Endorsed *That* Chanel Exhibition At The NGV And We've Never Been More Excited

Margaret Qualley Just Endorsed *That* Chanel Exhibition At The NGV And We've Never Been More Excited

Dare To Be Different: The Perfect Perfume For Post-Lockdown

Dare To Be Different: The Perfect Perfume For Post-Lockdown

In Chanel, We Look Back At Simpler Times

In Chanel, We Look Back At Simpler Times

Chanel Couture Fall/Winter 2021 Was A Masterclass In Fashion As High Art

Chanel Couture Fall/Winter 2021 Was A Masterclass In Fashion As High Art

Meet the Prix de Marie Claire Beauty Awards Winners

Meet the Prix de Marie Claire Beauty Awards Winners

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
MarieClaire Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Elle
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • beautyheaven
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Marie Claire