NUMBER ONE DEBUT

As Chanel premieres its latest beauty line, Jessica Diner discovers its roots in the maison’s favourite flower

- Jessica Diner

WHEN YOU THINK OF CHANEL, what comes to mind? Two Cs, interlocked? Bouclé tweed? Or perhaps it’s the camellia, Mademoiselle Chanel’s favourite flower, which, as well as being the emblem affixed to the house’s shopping bags, buttons, jewels and more, is prolific across the brand’s beauty offerings too.

CHANEL NO1 DE CHANEL RED CAMELLIA REVITALIZING LIP AND CHEEK BALM IN ‘WAKE-UP PINK

As Nicola Fuzzati, director of innovation and development for cosmetic ingredients for Chanel, who has been researching the camellia since 1998, explains, “We observed that the camellia is able to flower in winter and can resist extreme weather conditions, so we knew there must be something interesting inside, and found it had protecting and hydrating properties.”