In the heart of Paris, the iconic Chanel house is launching its latest fragrance, Eau Splendide, on April 15, adding to its esteemed Chance collection. This new scent is significant not just for its individual appeal, but because it aligns with the brand’s storied history and its encapsulation of Coco Chanel’s take on luck—seizing opportunities as they present themselves. Developed by Olivier Polge, Chanel’s in-house perfumer, Eau Splendide marks this new fragrance under the leadership of Simona Cattaneo, who became president of Chanel Fragrance and Beauty in September 2024. In her initial reflections as president, Cattaneo expresses her admiration for the heritage of the brand and acknowledges that she is still acclimatizing to her new role within such a revered institution.
Cattaneo describes Chanel’s ethos in fragrance creation as a notable departure from the industry standard. The house emphasizes the importance of in-house creatives who possess true creative freedom, a rarity in the luxurious world of perfumery. This creative mandate was in place since Coco Chanel’s time, particularly with the creation of the famed No.5 fragrance back in 1921. Her vision was to craft a perfume that celebrated womanhood, distinct from the single-flower scents that dominated the market. “She desired an abstract scent, something that evoked a sense of allure,” Cattaneo explains, highlighting how this foundational idea continues to inform the brand’s approach today. The overarching goal is to empower individuals to embrace their identities through fragrance, steering clear of stereotypes—an approach that Cattaneo immeasurably values.
A key distinguishing feature of Chanel perfumes is their consistent creative direction for over a century, attributed to just four dedicated perfumers. Cattaneo emphasizes the house’s oversight of an integrated value chain, which fosters exceptional quality and traceability in its fragrances. Chanel does not just design perfumes; they grow much of their jasmine and rose ingredients directly in Grasse, France, ensuring the purity and excellence of their offerings. This level of control is rare in the fragrance industry, making Chanel uniquely poised to deliver high-quality and meaningful products.
The Chance fragrance line has been a defining aspect of Chanel since it first launched in 2003. Within this collection, Eau Splendide stands out as a representation of joy and lightness. While celebrated perfumes like No.5 evoke different themes—No.5 as a powerful feminine force or Coco Mademoiselle as liberation—Chance introduces an optimistic spin characterized by its easy elegance. Cattaneo notes that Eau Splendide, described as a “fruity floral” scent, ventures into new aromatic territory, reinforcing Chance’s role as an olfactory embodiment of luck and opportunity.
The backbone of Eau Splendide consists of vibrant fruit notes, particularly a captivating raspberry accord that Polge has carefully crafted to capture the essence of the fragrance. “The idea is to explore fresh dimensions in scent while ensuring a direct and uplifting character,” he remarks. With an emphasis on approaching fragrance design like painting with colors, each Chance iteration aims to be both energetic and striking. The result for Eau Splendide is a bright fragrance containing floral elements balanced by grounding notes of musks and cedarwood, creating a harmonious and radiant composition.
Presented in a circular bottle adorned with a violet liquid, Eau Splendide joins its predecessors in the Chance collection—each color representing a unique homage to the themes of the fragrances. As Chanel continues captivating audiences around the world, Cattaneo reflects on the idea of luck not merely as serendipity or chance, but as a proactive endeavor. “Taking your chances means seizing opportunities and crafting your own destiny,” she says passionately. This ethos not only resonates throughout Chanel but reinforces the essence of Eau Splendide; it is a spirited invitation for wearers to embrace life’s opportunities with an optimistic mindset. With expectations of impressive sales—estimated to generate around 100 million euros in its first year—Eau Splendide looks set to continue the Chance collection’s legacy while honoring the profound artistry and vision that have defined Chanel for generations.
