Unraveling the Essence of "N°5"

Since its creation in 1921, "N°5" has remained a beloved perfume, transcending time and trends. The "N°5 CULTURE CHANEL" exhibition will focus on the enduring connection between Chanel and art, revealing the iconic and artistic essence of the fragrance "N°5" that has captivated for generations.

The exhibition is curated once again by Jean-Louis Froment, renowned in the fields of contemporary art and design, who also curated the earlier "CULTURE CHANEL" exhibition. It features artworks, photographs, archives, and objects that formed the foundation of Mademoiselle Chanel's world and her imagination. The exhibition is meticulously structured like a subtle game, deciphering the code of "N°5" and inviting visitors to discover connections. It links the exhibits, re-establishing the code of "N°5" with its era and the avant-garde movements that flourished at the time.

Through the artistic works of her illustrious friends—including writer Jean Cocteau, painters Pablo Picasso and Francis Picabia, and composer Igor Stravinsky—and exploring various places dear to Mademoiselle Chanel such as Venice, Russia, and her villa La Pausa, the exhibition unravels how inspiration was nurtured and illuminated the creation of the inimitable, eternal fragrance "N°5."

This exhibition deciphers how Mademoiselle Chanel's desired "a perfume for women, with the scent of women" came into being, through the places, art, and people that influenced her. A trip to Paris for Golden Week to experience this might be a wonderful idea.