BEYOND THE BLEU

Olivier Polge reimagines Bleu De Chanel with L'Exclusif, an intense new interpretation built around rare, sustainably sourced Maré Island sandalwood.

- BY ALISHA AZUDDIN

The new Bleu De Chanel L'Exclusif offers a deeper, more concentrated interpretation of the house's modern classic. Created by Chanel perfumer creator Olivier Polge, the fragrance builds on the signature aromatic-woody accord of the original while exploring richer, more textured territory.

"It was my father who created Bleu De Chanel," Polge recalls. "With L'Exclusif, the idea was to add a new chapter to the story. We started with the existing formula, then shifted key components to reveal new facets—intensifying certain notes until new harmonies emerged."

At its heart is Maré Island sandalwood, a rare ingredient that brings a creamy, rounded warmth to the scent. This is layered with cedar, lavender, and the leathery, resinous tones of cistus labdanum, resulting in a composition that feels refined, enveloping, and quietly powerful. "We wanted to go beyond perfume," says Polge. "To create something precious and intense, yet with a deep, mysterious expression of masculinity."