(Pic taken from http://www.chanel.com/)
I have a confession to make: I absolutely love Chanel No. 5. I realize that there's a huge divide out there, a camp among fragrance appreciators that roll their eyes at the mere mention of No. 5 and regard it as passe, and perhaps a little old fashioned too. I am not one of those people. To me, it has always been the Holy Grail of all scents, a must-have for any burgeoning perfumista's collection. Several years ago, I cringed when my sister returned an admirer's gift (No. 5 EDT) in exchange for a bottle of Alfred Sung Jewel.
But I digress....
When I picked up my 7.5 mls of No. 5 parfum last week, I truly felt as if I had become a part of history. When I uncorked the glass topper from the mouth of the teensy bottle opening, I felt like I had opened up a minute haven of olfactory memories. Mine, and every other perfumista's. When I dabbed the fragrant stopper onto my skin, the iconic image of Marilyn Monroe flitted into my consciousness.
Does it get any better than this?
(Image taken from thewire.sheknows.com)
Wearing the purest form of Chanel No. 5 makes one feel just as sensual and evocative as the image above. The jasmine, aldehydes and sheer beauty of what Coco herself intended for all of us to enjoy is embodied in that tiny little bottle.
I had nudged myself in the direction of purchasing this one because I love all things No. 5. I'm realizing now that this is just a continuation of my fascination with Marilyn herself, and Chanel too. It also bears mentioning that this is my first 'parfum' purchase.
If I had to make one small criticism, I expected this one to have a bit more sillage and staying power. I have a partial of No. 5 EDC from the 1960s that has a more enduring presence than the contemporary parfum. A victim of re-formulation perhaps? Who knows. All I know is that it won't prevent me from loving every last drop, and seeking out parfum formulations of my other favourite scents.
What was your first pure parfum purchase? Did it live up to your expectations? Is Chanel No. 5 a must-have for you? Why or why not?
