No.5 Icon

No.5 Perfume, 1921

Glass, wax, cotton and paper

 

The Birth of an Icon

The visual identity of Chanel No.5 was as innovative as the scent inside. In contrast to the highly decorative, Art Nouveau-inspired bottles of other perfumers, Chanel chose the simplest, cleanest shape. Reminiscent of medicine vials or men's toiletry bottles, the original No.5 bottle from 1921 is unadorned. A plain square label gives only the essential information. The top of the stopper is etched with two interlocking Cs enclosed in a circle, the first time Chanel used what would become an iconic shorthand for her brand.*

 

From the exhibition

 

 

Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto

(September 2023 to March 2024)

 

The first UK exhibition dedicated to the work of French couturière, Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel. It charted the establishment of the House of CHANEL and the evolution of her iconic design style which continues to influence the way women dress today.

[*V&A]

 

Unless otherwise noted, items are from Chanel

 

Taken in the Victoria & Albert Museum

 

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