Chanel No. 5

From Freepedia

Chanel No. 5 is one of the best known perfumes in the world. The first fragrance from Parisian couturier, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, it was launched in May 1921.

It is named, apparently because multiple perfume samples were mixed for Coco's approval. They were labelled No. 1, No. 2 etc. It was bottle No. 5 that was to Chanel's liking and became the chosen formula.

The brand really took off over 30 years later, and the endorsement that sent sales soaring didn't cost Chanel a cent. In 1953, when asked what she wore in bed Marilyn Monroe famously replied, "Why, Chanel No. 5 of course!"

In 1924, Pierre Wertheimer became business partners with Coco Chanel in her perfume business. He owned 70% and Coco owned 10%. A third party owned 20%. Today, the Wertheimer family still run the perfume business.

Chanel No. 5 was also famous for being the first perfume to heavily rely on synthetic floral aldehydes as a top note.