PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANEL
When Korean actress and Chanel ambassador Go Youn-jung recently visited Grasse, France, sightseeing was the last thing on her mind. Instead, the star of Moving, Resident Playbook and Can This Love Be Translated? headed for the maison’s exclusive flower fields with a singular purpose. To witness the annual bloom of the May rose, the precious ingredient at the heart of Les Extraits de Chanel.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANEL
Grasse holds its title as the world’s perfume capital for good reason. For over three centuries, its exceptional climate and fertile soil attract the finest perfumers. One was Ernest Beaux, who in 1921 chose Grasse jasmine for N°5, thus forging a lasting partnership. By 1987, the bond between maison and region further deepened, with Chanel working hand-in-hand with local growers. Today, they harvest iris, geranium, tuberose, jasmine and rose exclusively for the maison.
Of all these blooms, the May rose holds the most singular place in perfumery. Formally known as the centifolia rose, it flowers only once a year, during a brief window each May. Before sunrise, every blossom is hand-picked to capture the fragrance at its most potent. The result is a rose quite unlike any other. Honeyed, floral and softly spiced, its richness has earned it a central place in Les Extraits de Chanel.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANEL
That rarity only adds to the allure. Nearly 400 kilograms of freshly harvested petals yield just 600 grams of rose absolute. This is, of course, the precious extract central to N°5, N°19 and several compositions from Les Exclusifs de Chanel. It is the floral soul of the maison, and Les Extraits de Chanel gives it the most concentrated voice yet. The collection brings together 11 fragrances, drawing from the Les Exclusifs line alongside the celebrated N°5 Extrait.
Les Extraits de Chanel N°5 Extrait retails at SGD615 for 30 ML and from SGD595 for a 15 ML set. Find it at the Chanel Fragrance & Beauty boutique at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. It is also available via the maison’s official online boutique. In this, the May rose finds its most elevated expression: a quiet testament to the heritage and beauty that continue to define Chanel.
