Object Title: Chanel No. 5 Eau de Toilette Bottle
Date: c. 1960s
Designer: Chanel
Medium: Glass, metal, fragrance residue
Dimensions: Approx. 110 x 45 x 47 mm
Collection: Fashion and Beauty Icons of the 20th Century
Description:
This minimalist yet iconic bottle of Chanel No. 5 Eau de Toilette from the 1960s stands as a symbol of modern femininity, luxury, and the evolution of fashion branding. Designed under the direction of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, the fragrance redefined the aesthetics of beauty culture in the 20th century. The design communicates clarity and sophistication, aligning with Chanel’s vision of the liberated woman: independent, confident, and timeless. The label’s black-and-white contrast mirrors the stark, refined palettes that defined Chanel’s fashion house, bridging the worlds of clothing and cosmetic culture.
More than just a perfume bottle, this object reflects a shift in cultural values. In an era when advertising and consumerism were accelerating, Chanel No. 5 distinguished itself not through ornate embellishment, but through modern restraint foreshadowing the enduring power of brand identity in fashion.
Cultural Significance:
Worn by icons such as Marilyn Monroe and named the first "designer fragrance," Chanel No. 5 became a symbol of elegance and personal power. When Monroe was asked in an interview what she wore to bed and she replied "Chanel No.5", that statement changed fragrance in fashion forever. This 1960s perfume represents not only a timeless scent but also a pivotal moment when fashion and fragrance fused to form a lifestyle brand; an influence still seen across the fashion and beauty industries today.