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In a world where the fragrance market feels increasingly saturated—where shelves overflow with endless new releases vying for attention—it takes true innovation and unparalleled storytelling to stand out. Few brands consistently capture hearts, imagination, and loyalty like CHANEL. With over a century of mastery in perfumery, CHANEL has not only shaped the way we think of fragrances but has redefined what luxury, elegance, and personality can mean in a scent. Every creation from the storied house carries the weight of history yet remains remarkably contemporary, vibrant, and relevant.

Among CHANEL’s iconic fragrance lines, CHANEL CHANCE occupies a uniquely spirited position. Since its introduction in 2003 by Jacques Polge, CHANCE has charmed millions worldwide, embodying an irreverent, joyful philosophy that encourages taking life boldly and embracing the unexpected. The franchise has seen playful interpretations in different shades—dynamic green Eau Fraîche, soft pink Eau Tendre, fiery orange Eau Vive—each iteration resonating with its unique personality and emotional landscape. It has been a full decade since the last member joined the CHANCE family, arriving in an exciting and momentous new addition.

As the fragrance industry and consumers hold their breath in anticipation, CHANEL introduces CHANCE Eau Splendide. With this latest release, CHANEL doesn’t simply expand its fragrance portfolio; it rekindles the spirit of chance, innovation, and daring exploration. It’s a fragrance destined to captivate, enchant, and inspire. CHANCE Eau Splendide arrives at the right moment, reminding us of the transformative power of seizing life’s unexpected opportunities.

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© CHANEL

The Ideal of CHANEL CHANCE

CHANEL CHANCE is more than just a fragrance— a philosophy, a spirited manifesto echoing the brand’s timeless belief that chance is never accidental. For Gabrielle Chanel herself, chance was not randomness but destiny shaped by courage, creativity, and intention. “Chance was my soul,” she famously declared, positioning chance not as luck but as the audacity to seize life’s pivotal moments and transform them into opportunities.

At its heart, CHANEL CHANCE is designed for individuals who embody this courageous mindset—those who see possibility rather than peril in uncertainty. Today, embracing chance becomes even more poignant as our world navigates through complexity and unprecedented challenges. In a landscape often shadowed by hesitation and fear, CHANEL CHANCE reminds us that genuine opportunity arises precisely when we dare to act boldly, decisively, and without reservation.

The original CHANCE fragrance, introduced by Jacques Polge in 2003, was a revolutionary departure from traditional perfume conventions. Polge crafted it as a scent and an experience, capturing a dynamic spirit infused with energy and playful optimism. Its subsequent interpretations—Eau Fraîche, Eau Tendre, and Eau Vive—presented new emotional dimensions, enhancing chance as a vibrant, living concept rather than a fixed olfactory structure.

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According to Olivier Polge, current CHANEL In-House Perfumer-Creator, the idea behind CHANCE was always to express a state of mind rather than a fixed fragrance profile. Each fragrance, though distinct, shares a familiar spirit: lively, direct, and inherently optimistic. This unifying philosophy allows the CHANCE collection to resonate deeply, offering fragrances that complement one’s personality and actively inspire and uplift it.

The CHANCE franchise becomes particularly significant in today’s fast-paced world, filled with uncertainty, stress, and constant change. It serves as a symbolic reminder to live boldly, laugh, embrace spontaneity, and find joy in life’s unpredictability. The vibrant round bottles, reminiscent of playful bowling balls, visually embody this ethos of playful risk-taking. They hint at life’s unpredictability yet remind us that we always have control over how we respond.

The introduction of CHANCE Eau Splendide reaffirms this commitment to optimism, courage, and spontaneity. At a time when society collectively seeks hope, positivity, and renewal, CHANEL’s decision to extend this beloved collection with a bold new interpretation is timely and meaningful. It invites us all to wear the fragrance and embody its principles—daring to actively, joyfully, and confidently shape our destinies.

Thus, CHANEL CHANCE continues its legacy not simply as a perfume but as an optimistic declaration for today’s world—reminding us that no matter the circumstances, chance favors those who possess the courage to seize it.

CHANEL CHANCE Eau Splendide – The Story

CHANCE Eau Splendide is not merely a new fragrance—it’s an entirely new chapter in the narrative of CHANEL CHANCE, encapsulated in a striking and symbolic new hue: purple. This color choice is far from arbitrary. Purple symbolizes a blend of magic, nobility, mystery, and profound beauty, reflecting the fragrance’s inherent complexity and paradoxes. It captures the essence of Eau Splendide: playful yet sophisticated, vibrant yet profound.

The bottle maintains the iconic circular design, making the CHANCE collection instantly recognizable worldwide. Its round shape continues to evoke the playful spirit of life’s unpredictable game, like a bowling ball gracefully rolling toward the pins of destiny. The purple shade injects a fresh sense of mystery, sophistication, and visual appeal, perfectly aligned with the character of the scent it houses.

Created by Olivier Polge, CHANEL’s talented In-House Perfumer-Creator, Eau Splendide emerges as a marvel of contradictions: spontaneous yet carefully balanced, vivacious yet refined. At its core, Eau Splendide captivates immediately with a luminous, sparkling raspberry accord—juicy, crisp, and tantalizingly fresh. This opening captures attention and sets an enchanting mood, paving the way for the fragrance’s deeper nuances to unfold.

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© CHANEL

The true heart of CHANCE Eau Splendide lies in its magnificent floral accord, centered around rose geranium – Geranium Rosat – sourced from CHANEL’s fields in Grasse, France. Renowned for their exceptional quality, these geranium plants lend remarkable depth and complexity to the fragrance, highlighting Polge’s artistry in balancing freshness with intensity. Geranium Rosat, with its dual personality—sharp yet round, firm yet tender—creates an olfactory paradox that mirrors the fragrance’s overall identity.

As the scent evolves, subtle yet compelling cedar and white musk notes emerge, anchoring the fragrance in an enduring, sophisticated base. These woody, musky elements extend the scent’s longevity, delivering lasting impressions that linger gracefully on the skin. Additionally, an elegant hint of powdery iris provides a luxurious, sophisticated touch, enhancing the overall complexity and charm of Eau Splendide.

CHANCE Eau Splendide’s packaging further underlines the attention to detail synonymous with CHANEL. The elegant simplicity of its presentation underscores its luxurious nature, offering a tactile and visual experience worthy of the CHANEL heritage. Each element—from the cap’s precision to the bottle’s smooth, round form—is thoughtfully designed to convey the fragrance’s joyful, elegant, and inherently optimistic personality.

Ultimately, CHANCE Eau Splendide delivers on its promise of surprise and delight. It is a fragrance designed to captivate the senses, spark curiosity, and inspire courage. Like chance, Eau Splendide is unpredictable and intriguing, continually revealing new facets to those bold enough to embrace its complexities. With this addition, CHANEL CHANCE affirms its position as a fragrance collection and a meaningful journey, encouraging wearers everywhere to embrace life’s endless possibilities confidently.

My opinion about the fragrance

Sitting quietly at my desk, the gentle afternoon light filtering through the window, I allowed CHANCE Eau Splendide to envelop me. This fragrance felt less like a traditional perfume and more like stepping into a celestial dance—a galaxy of olfactory notes revolving in harmonious motion, free from the constraints of conventional pyramidal structures. Each element seemed to orbit gracefully, creating a continuous symphony of scents.

The initial embrace of the raspberry accord was fresh and rich, immediately transporting me to sunlit afternoons spent savoring ripe, juicy fruits. This vibrant opening set the stage for what was revealed next, where I encountered the magnificent Geranium Rosat from Grasse. Cultivated with meticulous care, this plant (the leaves only are used in perfumery) embodies a bright, profound duality, sharp yet comforting. Its presence in the composition added layers of complexity, evoking memories of strolling through blooming gardens where each breath is a discovery.

Author: Laitche – Creative Commons License

As the scent journeyed onward, I became aware of the subtle yet profound foundation upon which these notes pirouetted—the cedarwood and white musk symphony. This duet provided a solid yet sheer structure, much like the gossamer threads of a finely woven fabric. The cedarwood introduced a grounding, woody resonance, reminiscent of serene walks through ancient forests, where the scent of the trees imparts a sense of timelessness and wisdom. White musk, known for its clean and powdery qualities, enveloped the composition with a sensual softness, enhancing the fragrance’s longevity and leaving a delicate, lingering trail. The interplay between these elements was seamless, crafting a comforting and alluring aura. 

In this intimate moment, CHANCE Eau Splendide revealed itself as a fragrance and an experience—a narrative woven from notes that spoke to the soul. It reminded me that in the ever-turning dance of life, each note, each moment, holds the potential for beauty and surprise. This scent became a personal emblem of embracing the unpredictable, finding harmony in contrasts, and savoring the splendid symphony that arises when we dare to seize our chance.

Angèle – The Face of CHANCE Eau Splendide 

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© CHANEL

For the launch of CHANCE Eau Splendide, CHANEL made a bold and inspired choice in selecting Belgian singer-songwriter Angèle as the new face of the campaign. A true icon of her generation, Angèle is more than a pop star—she symbolises authenticity, creativity, and audacity. Her music, marked by honesty and poetic introspection, resonates deeply with an audience seeking meaning and emotion. She embodies a rare mix of talent, spontaneity, and fearless charm.

Angèle’s presence in the campaign is not merely decorative. Her story, energy, and artistic path mirror CHANCE Eau Splendide’s very essence. Like the fragrance, she is full of contrasts: tender yet bold, whimsical yet grounded, luminous yet enigmatic. Her ability to blend vulnerability with strength makes her a compelling ambassador for this new chapter in the CHANCE universe.

Thomas du Pré de Saint Maur, CHANEL’s Head of Global Creative Resources for Fragrance & Beauty, explained that Angèle was chosen for her beauty and soul. Her path into music was not paved—it was created. She didn’t wait for chance; she provoked it. Her rise to fame wasn’t accidental—it was willed, crafted with passion and resilience. In this way, she perfectly embodies the message of CHANCE Eau Splendide: that chance isn’t something that happens to us—it’s something we seize, shape, and turn into something splendid.

With Angèle, CHANEL brings a new depth to the idea of a muse. She doesn’t just represent CHANCE Eau Splendide—she lives it.

To conclude: A Splendid Moment to Seize.

CHANEL CHANCE Eau Splendide is not just a fragrance but a declaration. It is a luminous promise for those who dare, a gentle nudge toward spontaneity, and an embrace of the unexpected. With its celestial structure, paradoxical beauty, and luminous energy, Eau Splendide brings a renewed sense of magic to a world that deeply needs wonder.

This new addition to the CHANCE family reaffirms CHANEL’s unparalleled ability to translate emotion, philosophy, and beauty into scent. Ten years after the last chapter, Eau Splendide arrives not just as another fragrance, but as a vibrant response to the times—a message of hope, courage, and joy wrapped in a purple bottle. The choice of Angèle as the embodiment of this message only strengthens its resonance. She is not only the face, but the spirit of Eau Splendide: bold, unexpected, and infinitely authentic.

Later this month, the ad campaign will unveil a new visual interpretation of this unique universe. Until then, those who experience CHANCE Eau Splendide will know: this is more than perfume. It is a call to action—a whisper from the universe.

And in a world where we often wait for the right moment, CHANEL reminds us with elegance and flair: the right moment is now. Don’t just wait for your chance—spray it on, wear it proudly, and seize it splendidly.

José Amorim
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