Linda Evangelista once said: “We don’t wake up for less than $10 000 a day.” While I’m not as demanding or diva-ish as the supermodel, I also need a very good reason to get out of bed to trek the more than 30km to one of Johannesburg’s most popular shopping malls, Sandton City. On this particular day, there was a splendid reason to get going: Chanel. More specifically the opening of the relocated Chanel beauty and make-up boutique and the launch of Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolu EDP.
More about this fragrance below. In the meantime, some pics of the Chanel boutique.
The theme was a Parisian café and being Chanel, it could only be très chic.
Bigger is not always better. But when it comes to creating a sense of luxury, this larger store does that in style.
This boutique is home to the brand’s skincare, make-up and fragrance ranges. So plenty to keep the eye, nose and wallet busy.
The seating area for private consultations gives an air of personalised exclusivity.
PS: When I was offered a cocktail at this event (and it wasn’t even 11am), I asked myself: “What would Coco do?” She would, so I did…
CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE CRUSH ABSOLU EDP
One of the things I admire about Chanel is that it doesn’t flanker the life out of its fragrances. Unlike its main competitor, which shall remain nameless. In this case I’m talking about the latest launch, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolu EDP.
The OG was launched way back in 2001. Created by then in-house perfumer Jacques Polge, it went on to become a major success for the French luxury house, often outselling the iconic No 5.
From the first spray of Crush Absolu you’ll know this is a Coco Mademoiselle. With some differences, of course. Otherwise, why bother with a flanker.
Litchi brings a noticeably sweet, slightly tropical element to this Olivier Polge composition, leading to the florals of fruity rose and jasmine.
“The OG was a definitive patchouli bomb and here again, it’s pronounced and distinctive in its earthy ways, along with vetiver.”
The OG was a definitive patchouli bomb and here again, it’s pronounced and distinctive in its earthy ways, along with vetiver. There’s also creamy vanilla and powdery amber in the mix.
It’s not as complex as its predecessor but has more depth and immediate gratification for a younger market that will also appeal to those older than its intended demographic.
The OG was the brand’s way of tapping into a younger market. That demographic is all grown-up now and Crush Absolu becomes the new way to get the elegant young’uns into Chanel.
Without getting pseudo-philosophical, that’s a cycle of life for you.