PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANEL
Few shades captivate quite like Chanel’s Rouge Noir. A red that flirts with black, a black that hints at red - it’s clearly audacious. What’s more, this iconic colour defies convention and proves some shades are truly timeless. Despite debuting three decades ago, Rouge Noir remains utterly magnetic and mysterious.
Its origin story matches the colour’s allure perfectly. Born in 1994 during a creative whirlwind, Rouge Noir emerged backstage at Chanel’s autumn-winter showcase. Creative directors Dominique Moncourtois, Heidi Morawetz and Karl Lagerfeld were experimenting with nail polishes, seeking a fresh touch for the models’ nails.
A to-and-fro of red and black gave rise to the perfect garnet tone, echoing the lining of the maison’s iconic 2.55 handbag. Then in 1995, Rouge Noir burst into the beauty scene with the Le Vernis collection as a nail polish. Like they say, of course, the rest is history.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANEL
Now, 30 years later, Rouge Noir returns as an entire makeup collection. Created under Cometes Collective member Ammy Drammeh’s vision, the exclusive line expands the timeless shade beyond nails. The collection embraces lips, eyes and cheeks, with packaging to match. Beyond the signature red-black, expect deep magenta, rose-grey, mauve-brown and brick red tones.
Highlights include Rouge Noir Confidence (SGD150), an oversized eyeshadow and blush palette with four electrifying shades. Meanwhile, Les Pinceaux Rouge Noir (SGD212) complements three limited-edition brushes with Rouge Noir handles. And for the first time, Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick (SGD75) arrives in Rouge Noir, both inside and out.
The collection also features Rouge Allure Laque, Mascara Noir Allure, Baume Essential, Ombre Essentielle and Stylo Yeux Waterproof. And as a throwback to the one that started it all, two mix-and-match limited-edition Le Vernis nail lacquer shades complete the lineup. The Rouge Noir Collection 2026 is now available at all Chanel's Fragrance & Beauty boutiques, counters and online.
