For nearly a century, CHANEL N°5 has captured the multifaceted nature of womanhood. Created by Ernest Beaux in 1921, the fragrance became legendary when Marilyn Monroe famously declared in 1952 that it was “the only thing she wore to bed,” elevating CHANEL N°5 to iconic status and redefining the world of fragrance.
This perfume is universal in its ability to connect us to personal moments and memories. Beaux’s innovative use of aldehydes, in response to Gabrielle Chanel‘s desire for a perfume that smelled “like a woman” rather than a rose, marked a departure from the era’s traditional floral top notes. Aldehydes, synthetic molecules that add lift, complexity, and a powdery, skin-like finish, became a defining characteristic of CHANEL N°5, setting it apart from its contemporaries.
Fast forward to 2016, CHANEL In-House Perfumer Olivier Polge reimagined this classic scent as N°5 L’Eau. Keeping the essential aldehydes, jasmine, and ylang-ylang intact, Polge introduced bright notes of citrus and cedarwood, presenting N°5 in a fresher, more youthful light. This reinterpretation has now evolved once more, showcased in a limited-edition glass drop bottle. Polge’s approach maintained the timeless elements of the original while infusing it with a lightness that invites repeated application throughout the day.
The new bottle design, inspired by a single drop of perfume, is both functional and beautiful. Created by Sylvie Legastelois, CHANEL’s head of packaging and design, the transparent, spherical shape fits comfortably in the palm, reminiscent of Monroe’s iconic “five drops” ritual. The L’Eau fragrance within is presented without sharp edges—fresh, feminine, and delicately fragile, yet retaining the robust essence of CHANEL N°5. This design contrasts with the original N°5’s whiskey-decanter shape but still feels distinctly CHANEL.
The glass drop bottle, while different in form, maintains brand’s signature elegance. It captures light beautifully and, though it doesn’t stand on its own, is designed for easy transport. Its smooth curves fit perfectly into handbags, a nod to Gabrielle Chanel’s practical and travel-loving spirit.
Starting today, the limited-edition CHANEL N°5 L’Eau Drop Bottle is available for purchase online and in stores. With only a limited quantity produced, it’s a collector’s item destined to create new CHANEL N°5 memories for generations to come.