Born on August 19, 1883, Gabrielle Chanel quickly considered the Lion, the fifth sign of the Zodiac associated with her birth date, as a source of luck. Today, the Lion is making a majestic foray into the world of Chanel fragrances with the Lion de Chanel, the latest addition to the Les Exclusifs de Chanel collection.

“I was much more interested in the emblematic Chanel lion than the animal,” said Olivier Polge, Perfumer-Creator for the House of Chanel.

Wild and majestic, Gabrielle Chanel’s totem animal is the symbol of a power that chooses to protect rather than dominate and the emblem of absolute elegance. Fueled by the many faces of the lion in the world of Chanel, Olivier Polge endeavored to transpose this radiant strength of character incarnated by the lion in scent.

Naturally, a few sparkling citrus notes — lemon, bergamot — bring the essential burst befitting to the first moments of a great fragrance. Only a few seconds are needed for the shimmering gold fragrance to unfurl the warmth of its oriental imprint. An ambery accord tamed by the perfumer-creator’s skill and faceted like the thousand-and-one faces of the lion in the world of Chanel. Its heart of cistus labdanum, a lively resin with animal notes, is tamed with a custom-crafted essence.

The ultimate expression of Chanel Parfumeur expertise, Les Exclusifs de Chanel constitute a realm of absolute freedom. Freedom of creation, first and foremost, since each fragrance inspired by the heritage of the House and the singular style of Gabrielle Chanel is the culmination of a powerful idea. Absolutes or essences, natural or synthetic, from Grasse, India or Haiti: only the finest are retained to stir the emotions of their scents.

Housed in an understated monolith of transparent glass, topped with a magnetized black cap marked with the iconic double C, Les Exclusifs de Chanel have opted for a sleek, sober look that cuts to the essentials: the fragrance.

The new Les Exclusifs de Chanel fragrance Le Lion de Chanel is now available at all Chanel Beauty counters and Chanel.com