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Dr. Geetanjali Ranade
In the modern world, the perfume you wear has an important implication
in society. Just as the new fashion scenario and changing concepts of
trend and style make us more conscious about how we look and how people
perceive us, we are aware of the need to wear the ‘right’
fragrance a specific occasion or to create a certain impression.
Just as the new fashion scenario and changing concepts of trend and style
make us more conscious about how we look and how people perceive us, we
are aware of the need to wear the ‘right’ fragrance on a specific
occasion or to create a certain lasting impression
In the following series of articles we will explore a particular perfume
and discover which essential oils were used in designing the fragrance
and how they influence our mood and the impression we create on others.
Let’s start with the famous fragrance Chanel No. 5, created in 1921.
Even now, this is the top seller in the market. Mademoiselle Chanel asked
Ernest Beaux, a Russian perfume creator, to develop a "woman's perfume
that smells like a woman.'' He provided her with two series of creations
numbered 1 through 5 and 20 through 24. She chose the ''fifth sample,''
introduced it with her new collection on the fifth of May, the fifth month
of the year. Thus it was named No. 5.
The perfume had a very unique packaging: a sleek, square bottle with perfect
proportions. The shape of the cap is reminiscent of Place Vendôme
in Paris. The presentation is a classic example of 'Less is more'.
Chanel No. 5 is a floral accord, truly feminine, suggestive of romance
and starry nights. Floral fragrances evoke memories of romantic moments
and aim to create new ones.
In the perfumer’s language, Chanel N°5 is described as:
Top Notes: Aldehydes , Bergamot, Lemon, Neroli
Heart Notes: Rose, Jasmine from Grasse, Ylang-Ylang, Iris
Base Notes: Amber, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Cedar, Civet, Musk, Patchouli
This remarkable blend of natural essential oils creates an emotional upsurge
in addition to a soft, floral, persuasive odour perception. The beauty
of this fragrance is its aldehyde crown, which makes the blend truly adorable.
The Sandalwood, Vetiver base gives the fragrance a calm relaxing tempo
over the sensual Musk, Civette, Vanilla combo, the narcotic, soothing
yet exciting touch of Jasmine, Ylang and Rose and the exhilarating top
note of fresh floral and aldehyde. With this formula, Chanel No. 5 became
world’s most sophisticated, elegant fragrance.
Chanel No. 5 is usually worn as an evening and party fragrance by females
of higher class and celebrities. It creates an aura of affluence and charisma.
Imagine yourself wearing pink, blue, violet or mauve costume with diamond
jewellery and a dash of Chanel No. 5. You will definitely feel on the
top of the world. Marilyn Monroe, when asked what nightwear she wore to
bed, answered “Chanel No. 5.”
About the author: Dr. Geetanjali Ranade is a doctorate
in biomedical engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.
She was visiting scientist at National Cardiovascular Canter, Japan for
post-doctoral research in brain physiology. She has completed her aromatherapy
course from Australasian College of Herbal Studies, USA. She also holds
RMP (Registered Medical Practitioner) from Indian Board of Alternative
Medicine.
Contact Dr. Ranade at:
geetanjaliranade@hotmail.com
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