Chanel Comète: Trendy Twist in the Familiar Chanel DNA
Written by Eveline Nagajeva, IG: leaving_sillage
The debut of new fragrances in the Chanel Les Exclusifs line always generates great anticipation. They are not released frequently, which heightens interest and attention, attracting not only the loyal circle of house fans but also broader audiences.
Chanel Comète / Photo: IG @leaving_sillage
Fragrances in this line draw inspiration from key moments in Chanel's history, iconic locales, or the personal passions of Gabrielle Chanel herself, embodying the house's DNA. They are always composed thoughtfully, with each one carrying a significant story behind its creation.
Comète is no exception; it holds an important place in the brand’s rich heritage.
Its story dates back to the years of the Great Depression when all industries were suffering from economic crises after the First World War, and Diamond Corporation Limited conceived an idea of how to revive the diamond trade.
In 1932, they chose Chanel to design the first-ever high jewelry collection, Bijoux de Diamants. Gabrielle Chanel had a significant impact on the fashion industry with her innovative ideas and unique approach to fashion, making Chanel one of the most influential fashion houses then and now. And they weren’t mistaken; after the launch of the diamond collection, their stocks increased significantly in value.
The jewelry pieces in the collection were inspired by celestial motifs found in the mosaics of the orphanage of the Roman Catholic monastery Aubazine Abbey, where Gabrielle Chanel spent part of her childhood. These designs reflect her belief in signs and the immensity of the Parisian sky streaked with stars. Gabrielle Chanel adorned women with celestial constellations, from crescent-shaped brooches to comet-inspired bracelets and iconic necklaces, using principles of haute couture and inventing innovations.
Photo: Chanel
Her designs were not only innovative but also practical, offering unique versatility while maintaining comfort. Much like her approach to couture, Gabrielle Chanel infused her jewelry with a sense of modernity and sophistication, setting new standards in the world of accessories, blending contemporary style with timeless elegance. Even today, the Comète jewelry collection remains distinctly unique.
Returning to the fragrance, for me, Comète also introduces a novel element but within the house of Chanel. While the house doesn’t typically chase trends, In-House Perfumer-Creator Olivier Polge has expertly inlaid the trendy note of cherry almonds, which shines like a star shooting through the familiar Chanel signature accord, staying true to the brand's DNA.
Retaining the classic Chanel scent, this fragrance will undoubtedly appeal to those who don't typically gravitate towards the house's offerings.
Notes:
Top notes: Cherry Blossom, Aldehydes
Heart notes: Iris, Heliotrope
Base notes: Musk
Concentration: Eau De Parfum
The listed note of cherry blossom in this scent smells more like a cherry with an almondy pit to me than a flower. The fragrance opens with a burst of bright cherry enveloped in Chanel's signature aldehydic floral powder that runs throughout the composition.
Quickly, the cherry recedes, giving way to the sweet ground almonds intertwined with powdery notes reminiscent of lipstick, which reminds me of violet. As the fragrance settles into its drydown, a delicate powdery floral veil lingers, evoking a sense of timeless elegance synonymous with Chanel fragrances.