In the world of CHANEL, fragrance is never simply worn, it is inhabited. It is a gesture, a philosophy, a way of seeing the world through notes that speak louder than words. With CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE, the Maison unveils a new chapter in its luminous fragrance family, a composition as radiant as it is unexpected. Joyful yet nuanced, fresh yet mysteriously layered, this latest creation embodies a state of mind where spontaneity reigns and serendipity is always within reach.
At the heart of this olfactory evolution is Olivier Polge, CHANEL’s in-house Perfumer-Creator, who approaches scent with the precision of an artist and the soul of a storyteller. In an exclusive conversation, Polge shares the vision, emotion, and instinct behind CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE, a fragrance that captures the lightness of chance and the splendour of possibility.
What was the starting point for the creation of CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE?
At CHANEL, fragrance is above all a state of mind. Gabrielle CHANEL expressed her style and personality through her creations. Today, the creation of CHANEL fragrances still conveys the expression of a unique vision and emotion. CHANCE reflects the most natural, impactful and surprising facets of the brand. The origins of CHANCE lie in an idea and a state of mind that is expressed in a unique way in each of the fragrances.
The creation of CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE started with a playful and carefree state of mind that characterises the identity of CHANCE fragrances. I wanted to give material form to this olfactory universe tinged with freshness and optimism, through the prism of new ingredients, as well as different notes and colours.
What were your sources of inspiration for creating CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE?
Everything that surrounds me is a source of inspiration. An encounter, a piece of music or a certain style can all trigger ideas or emotions. This is what I aspire to convey through a fragrance composition. The realm and the spirit of the previous interpretations of CHANCE really guided and inspired me when I was creating CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE. These facets, these characteristic colours, and these smells that all come together while each one stands out, paved the way for a very stimulating creative process. Exploring new ways to convey the unique identity of the CHANCE line while remaining faithful to the style of the fragrances was a genuine exercise in technique and imagination. But reinventing this fresh, floral and fruity atmosphere while working within this constraint also proved particularly inspiring.
To what extent does CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE differ from the other fragrances in the CHANCE line?
Gabrielle Chanel liked to say that “Fashion becomes unfashionable. Style never”. The olfactory interpretations of CHANCE are connected by a colourful, floral style, composed of bright and luminous tones. Each interpretation is unique, but they all convey a form of liveliness that reveals itself in different olfactory ways.
CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE is no exception to the rule. For this new interpretation, I wanted to construct its characteristic freshness with something innovative, an uncharted accord. I thought of a red fruit accord, and the raspberry accord in particular. CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE is distinguished by this accord which allows a remarkable opening, undoubtedly the fruitiest in the line. That is how we obtain this immediate feeling of comfort and elegance, as well as a very vivid sparkling impression.
CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE is a fragrance of optimism. It shines on the skin while expressing complex, surprising facets. CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE is sparkling and joyful, but thanks to the combination of its notes, it also retains a rather unexpected element of mystery that is full of contrasts.
Why did you choose rose geranium as your key ingredient?
It was essential that nothing darken the structure of CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE so that the fragrance could remain luminous. Floral notes are an integral part of the olfactory identity of CHANCE fragrances. The use of rose geranium is a facet of this identity, and adds contrast to the fragrance so that it is fruity without being too sweet. This ingredient is important to CHANEL, and we produce some of it in our own fields in Grasse. It adds freshness and elegance to CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE. This characteristic enabled me to balance the raspberry accord and its rose and violet facets, so that the fragrance is enveloping, yet remains fresh.
Why did you choose the colour purple for CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE?
I always pay particular attention to the form given to the fragrance created. In the case of the CHANCE fragrance line, each interpretation has a unique colour. Each colour gives material form to an interpretation, like the facet of a personality. It was important that CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE also had its own territory. After completing the formula, we smelt the fragrance. Purple came to mind naturally, almost instinctively. This shade is an element of continuity in the olfactory identity of CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE, and allows the sensory experience to be prolonged. It conveys the fresh and fruity impression of the raspberry accord, and also expresses the more mysterious and complex floral aspect of the fragrance.
Your definition of chance?
Chance is a way of seeing the world. Without getting into the realm of superstition, it is a state of mind that allows a certain sensitivity to good omens and coincidences… I believe that chance works as a kind of trigger, it can strike you and you can create your own chance too. It goes hand in hand with intuition, self-confidence, and a sort of cheerfulness about our surroundings. With CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE, I was aspiring to convey this idea of chance through a bright, direct and energetic freshness. It is a fragrance that seizes you spontaneously, just like chance can be seized.
Who is the CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE fragrance aimed at?
At CHANEL, when we create fragrances, we do not have a particular person in mind. There are no rules in perfumery. The idea is to bring out an emotion or an individual experience that resonates beyond gender and age. Each person has an intimate relationship with the fragrance they wear. The choice of a fragrance is very instinctive. It is an invisible way to cultivate uniqueness, to reveal a facet of yourself or your state of mind… Deciding to wear a specific fragrance can depend on the season, moods and personal desires. A facet of joy and optimism dominates the CHANCE line, and CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE in particular. I enjoy being surprised by the people who wear the fragrances I create. I like to see these creations come to life on the street, sometimes in unexpected ways.
In your opinion, how can a fragrance bring you chance?
Wearing a fragrance means choosing an extremely personal signature scent to reveal a facet of yourself to the world, in keeping with your own desires. It means being enveloped in an invisible force that provides self-confidence and allows you to reveal a wealth of possibilities… while listening to your intuition. It is an accessory that makes you feel good, provides power and gives you freedom. It is an instinctive, personal tool ideal for creating chance or simply daring to seize it!
CHANCE EAU SPLENDIDE in three words?
Joy, colour, spontaneity.
