The year was 1921. The aftermath of the First World War cast a long shadow, but a new era of exuberance and liberation was dawning. In the world of fragrance, a seismic shift was about to occur. Traditionally, fragrances worn by women fell into two basic categories. Respectable women favored the essence of a single garden flower – a rose, a lily, a violet – representing purity and demureness. Conversely, sexually provocative indolic perfumes, heavy with animal musk or jasmine, were associated with women of, shall we say, *lesser* virtue. These scents, opulent and heady, were deemed inappropriate for the refined lady. This rigid dichotomy was about to be shattered by a small, black-clad bottle containing a revolutionary perfume: Chanel No. 5.
But how much did this groundbreaking fragrance cost upon its release? Unfortunately, pinning down the precise price in 1921 is challenging. Detailed records from that era aren't readily accessible, and inflation adjustments further complicate the matter. However, we can glean some insights into the likely cost based on the socio-economic context and the pricing strategies of similar luxury goods at the time.
To understand the price, we need to understand the context. Chanel No. 5 wasn’t simply another perfume; it was a statement. Coco Chanel, a woman who redefined femininity and challenged societal norms, envisioned a fragrance that transcended the existing categories. She collaborated with perfumer Ernest Beaux, who presented her with a range of samples, numbered 1 through 5 and 20 through 24. She famously chose number 5, a bold aldehyde-based scent that was both sophisticated and strikingly modern. It was unlike anything that had come before, a blend of floral and woody notes that defied easy categorization. This innovative approach extended to its marketing and packaging as well. The simple, elegant bottle, a departure from the ornate flacons of the time, further solidified its revolutionary status.
The price point of Chanel No. 5 reflected its position as a luxury item. It wasn't meant to be a mass-market fragrance. In 1921, luxury goods were primarily purchased by the wealthy elite, and Chanel No. 5 was positioned squarely within this market segment. Consider comparable luxury goods of the period: fine silks, handcrafted jewelry, bespoke clothing. These items were expensive, reflecting the high cost of materials, skilled craftsmanship, and the exclusivity they represented. Chanel No. 5, with its carefully selected ingredients and sophisticated formulation, would have certainly fallen into this price bracket.
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