We must admit, of all the exhibitions and events we have had the chance to visit in Paris, “Le Grand numéro de Chanel”, from 15 Dec 2022 to 9 Jan 2023, was the biggest and most glamorous we have ever experienced. It was an exhibition, an art performance, music and magic shows, a surprising perfume discovery, and many more. Many waited for hours to get inside the Grand Palais Éphémère, where the exhibition was held, many were not disappointed when they came out. The sensational perfumes were obviously the heart of the event, which made this a unique experience to everyone as our senses were awoken differently under Chanel’s distinctive perfumes. Want to learn more about this olfactory exhibition?
THE FIVE GIANT BOTTLES OF CHANEL PERFUMES
To say “Le Grand Numéro de Chanel” was the manifestation of Chanel is a precise statement. Once entered, what came in our eyes were professional dancers and magicians interacting with us and making an exceptional performance. The elegant decor (the playing cards in XXL size, the lion sculptures, and of course the Chanel logo) also left an unforgettable impression. Inside this grandiose room were 5 enormous bottles of Chanel perfume highlighting its 5 iconic perfumes:
Chanel N°5
Bleu de Chanel
Chance
Les Exclusifs collection
Coco Mademoiselle
We were free to explore the universe of Chanel through the 5 areas, where we could understand the perfume brand’s know-how, its history, and experience ourselves even the slightest differences of its fragrances.
CHANEL N°5: A SEDUCTIVE NUMBER
Of all the perfumes, Chanel N°5, in particular, has to be the most seductive one. Its 100+ years of journey began in 1921, the year the French perfumer Ernest Beaux created N°5 by the request of Gabrielle Chanel. Stepping into this part of the expo, we were already in awe. It was a passage whose ceiling was covered with the stars of Chanel. Through the arches, we could witness the art of Baudruchage, the way to seal a bottle of Chanel N°5 extract, talk to professionals about the history of N°5, or learn the subtle variations of N°5 through the brand’s perfumery laboratory. It’s also where a catwalk was built so you could watch Chanel’s previous advertising campaigns and take a close look at the dresses that celebrities like Nicole Kidman or Marion Cotillard wore.
BLEU DE CHANEL & CHANCE
The exhibition also devoted an area to the men's line “Bleu de Chanel”. At the front of the room, the colour blue dominated, allowing you to immerse yourself in the models of skyscrapers while playing with the music and lights. Through here was where we could learn the differences among eau de toilette, eau de parfum, and perfume.
The next part was dedicated to the four Chance fragrances. As a reference to these four perfumes, Chanel created a classy casino where we could bet on roulette and win tokens of gifts like small mirrors or brand decorations. On the way in or out the casino was a backstage, a reminiscence of Gabrielle Chanel becoming Coco Chanel while singing in Moulins back in 1901.
LES EXCLUSIFS: 18 CHANEL FRAGRANCES
There was even an art gallery with works of art going up and down in order to showcase the 18 scents. It’s also here that Chanel perfume psychologists would consult you to identify your aura, simply by sitting on a couch and answering a few questions. Based on your answers, the psychologist would give you an olfactory “prescription”. You could then get this “prescription” to the Exclusifs counter and order one of the 18 fragrances that corresponded most to your personality.
THE SEDUCTION OF COCO MADEMOISELLE
Of course, it was inevitable to mention Coco Mademoiselle in a Chanel event. The visit ended with a long pink corridor, leading to the world of Coco Mademoiselle. It was actually a life-size chess game where chess pieces, screens, and interactive keyboards were placed to entertain and seduce. You could then enter a futuristic make-up room in which different fashion items of the brand and the Coco Mademoiselle perfumes were exhibited. And hey, before leaving, we could also pick up the phone and listen to Coco Chanel’s unique messages as a goodbye souvenir.
“Le Grand Numéro de Chanel” was a sublime demonstration of the emblematic perfumes of Chanel. This was the place where experts and perfume lovers alike would find themselves unconsciously lingering in this olfactory universe that Chanel had so meticulously and creatively created. With a mixture of culture, entertainment, and luxury, this exhibition was rich in emotions and discoveries and without a doubt, delighted us in the most sensational and unique way.
P.s. this “LV DREAM: 160 Years of Journey of Louis Vuitton” might just interest you too :)
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