At a time when most fashion houses weren't really releasing fragrances, Chanel designer Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel approached perfumer Ernest Beaux to create a complex perfume that would stand apart from popular single-note fragrances, according to the Chanel website. The original perfume had 80 ingredients, from florals to woods, and was formulated with aldehydes in order to create complex layers that would last for ages.
According to the BBC, Chanel wanted the fragrance to embody the modern woman. She used citrus for freshness and jasmine and sandalwood for a rich, earthy scent. Although the fragrance has gone through a few ingredient changes, its popularity is enduring, with one bottle sold every 30 seconds, according to NPR.
Despite the popularity of fragrance, it has fallen out of favor among younger generations, relegated to "old lady perfume" status alongside Shalimar and Elizabeth Taylor's White Diamonds. This is thanks to the powdery, fresh scent that is in these fragrances. To many, the soapy scent reminds people of their grandparents or of cleaning products.
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