1952 MARILYN MONROE & N°5

Life Magazine dedicated its feature story to Marilyn Monroe on April 7th 1952. It was in this issue that the actress’ declaration of love for N°5 perfume was first recorded. When asked, Marilyn, what do you wear to bed? Marilyn Monroe answered, So I said I only wear Chanel No. 5.In 1955, photographer Ed Feingersh took a series of portraits of Marilyn Monroe spraying herself with N°5.

1954

THE COMEBACK

At age 71, Gabrielle Chanel decides to reopen her Couture House, with a fashion show event on February 5th, which was extremely well-received by the American press. The first look of her collection was a jersey set with the number 5.

1954

ARRIVAL OF HENRI ROBERT

Henri Robert succeeds Ernest Beaux as the perfumer for the House of CHANEL.

1955

CREATION OF THE 2.55 HANDBAG

In 1955, Gabrielle Chanel creates the famous quilted handbag with a gold chain called the 2.55, named after its date of creation. This functional bag equipped with a soft sliding chain allowed one’s hands to be free.

1955

LAUNCH OF POUR MONSIEUR FRAGRANCE

Henri Robert creates Pour Monsieur, the only men's fragrance launched during Mademoiselle's lifetime. This fresh Chypre scent revealed top notes of lemon, spicy middle notes and a woody trail.

1956

CREATION OF TRIMMED TWEED SUIT

Gabrielle Chanel debuts the emblematic trimmed tweed suit in her collection.

1957

CREATION OF TWO-TONE PUMPS

Gabrielle Chanel creates the two-tone pumps with black tips: the beige leather helps elongate the legs, and the black tip makes the foot look smaller. Shoemaker Massaro added the elastic strap around the heel for more comfort, marking a revolution.