PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANEL
In the world of Chanel, numbers count differently. They aren’t just generated at random but instead, represent a detail of the French maison’s history. In the case of the highly anticipated 31 Le Rouge, the number pays homage to the iconic address of the birthplace of Chanel, 31 Rue Cambon.
Each lipstick wears a faceted glass case that references the mirrors lining the iconic Rue Cambon staircase. Complete with gold-tone metal bands that meet in the middle, it’s a full-blown accessory in its own right.
And it’s made to last. Four years in the making, it employs technology and glassmaking expertise typically reserved for haute perfumery. The 31 Le Rouge cases are also indefinitely refillable, a detail that echoes the maison’s sustainability efforts.
The bullets are housed in shiny recyclable aluminium, a detail that enhances the clear glass case. Each refill also has its own protective cap, which means you can switch shades anytime. Simply pop one out and seal it up for later, then pop another one in and you’re good to go.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANEL
Good looks aside, the lipsticks are available in a palette of 12 long-wearing satin shades, each a heritage reference too. Not sure where to start? Swatch Rouge 2.55, the same deep garnet that makes up the lining of the namesake handbag.
Then there’s Rouge Fétiche, a crisp crimson that matches the flannel ribbons that Mademoiselle wore around her ankles like amulets. The 31 Le Rouge range boasts lip-loving ingredients, like gardenia-infused oil, maracuja oil and camellia esters, to soften, smooth and hydrate for ultimate comfort that lasts.
They also give off a delicate gardenia-inspired scent, courtesy of in-house perfumer-creator Olivier Polge.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANEL
31 Le Rouge (SGD223) and refills (SGD100 each) will be available from 1 September at Chanel's Fragrance & Beauty boutiques and Fashion boutiques, as well as online via the official e-store, before they launch at the Chanel's Fragrance & Beauty counter at Takashimaya on 6 October.
Can’t get enough? Then be sure to check out the 31 Le Rouge Le Coffret (SGD482), which houses a lipstick, two refills and a lipstick sleeve in an elegant white box.
