Mademoiselle Chanel has had a longstanding fascination with numbers and camellia flowers – two motifs that are intrinsically woven into Chanel’s very DNA. The number 5 has been immortalised in diamonds and the iconic Chanel No.5 fragrance. The camellia flower has been embroidered onto dresses throughout the house’s history and the white camellia variety was the starting point for Chanel’s Hydra Beauty line. These two symbols are the pillars that comprise N°1 de Chanel, the brand’s very first beauty line encompassing skincare, makeup and a fragrance mist.
The full N°1 de Chanel collection, spanning skincare, cosmetics and a fragrance mist
Photo: courtesy of Chanel
N°1 de Chanel is a fitting name, marking many “firsts” for the brand. The first launch of such a seismic scale, the first exploration of the red camellia variety and the brand’s first foray into refillable packaging.
While the delicate white camellia is central to Chanel’s history and was used in its existing Hydra Beauty line, the striking red Camellia japonica has been waiting in the wings to reveal its true potential. For over 10 years, Chanel Research has been investigating the potency of the red Camellia japonica and its ability to reinvigorate the skin. The red camellia achieves this by slowing senescence, a key driver in the ageing process. “This flower has exceptional revitalising properties,” explain Armelle and Nathalie. “It supports skin vitality, enabling skin to remain healthy-looking for a longer period of time.” Chanel Research found that the red camellia, rich in antioxidant protocatechuic acid, achieves this by inhibiting senescence in its early stages. The concentration of red camellia in N°1 de Chanel reflects this efficacy – products are composed of up to 75% camellia extract.
N°1 de Chanel Red Camellia Revitalizing Serum
Photo: courtesy of Chanel
The skincare comprises serum, cream, eye cream, cleanser and face mist, while the makeup is scaled down to just the basics with foundation and lip-to-cheek balms. A light fragrance mist rounds out the holistic collection. Textures are light and silky yet jam-packed with nutrients, thanks to the high concentration of camellia extract and formulas that are up to 97% natural. The serum and cream are a powerhouse duo, with the former bringing an airy finish and the latter offering a lush, velvety feel to seal in the skincare line’s rejuvenating benefits.
Chanel went to great lengths to ensure each product excited all of the senses. No stone was left unturned, from the sound of the jar sealing shut to the depth of the matte satin finish engraved with the brand’s iconic double C. Fragrance was another sensorial touchstone, designed by the house’s perfumer Olivier Polge to create something soft yet simultaneously bursting with energy. “This new generation of skincare with sensorial textures marks the start of a new chapter for beauty”, says Nathalie. “It is a new way forward in looking after both your body and soul, from skin to mind.”
The collection goes beyond preserving skin youthfulness to also focus on preserving the environment: sustainability is woven into every facet of design. Without sacrificing product efficacy nor sensoriality, jars and bottles were streamlined and scaled down, requiring 30% less materials to create on average. The brand’s revitalising cream boasts Chanel’s first ever refillable component, while the bio-based lid is made from repurposed, crushed camellia seed shells and FSC-certified wood shavings. “This new generation lid is a real technological challenge, in all stages of its design.” explains Nathalie and Armelle. “It was developed in a process of valuing co-products, which allows it to be more eco-responsible while maintaining Chanel’s quality requirements.” Outer plastic wrappings and inner paper leaflets are omitted, replaced with a QR code to scan for relevant product details.
“N°1 de Chanel fits the avant-garde vision of beauty that Mademoiselle Chanel treasured. Her global approach to beauty, and the fragrances, makeup, and skincare products she created in the 1920s, were truly ahead of their time.” And now, in 2022 Mademoiselle Chanel has upped the beauty game once more, paving the path for a cleaner, greener future in luxury beauty.
Editor
Carina FischerCredit
Lead image: Hoyeon Jung for Chanel Beauty
