Chanel’s new perfume was eight years in the making – and I tried it first

Aside from being connoisseurs in tweed, Chanel is arguably one of the biggest (and best) perfume houses going. With more than 40 women’s fragrances under its belt, Chanel’s eclectic mix of aromas are a masterclass in sophisticated and elegant scenting.

Now, after eight years in the shadows (not that Chanel has ever been a wallflower), the brand has finally extended its prestigious fragrance line, specifically the chance collection. Introducing: chance eau splendide (£109, Boots.com).

While Chanel has dipped its toes into the world of fruity fragrances previously with chance eau tendre’s grape-quince accord and No. 1 de Chanel’s red-berry notes, eau splendide will be the brand’s first raspberry perfume. Combining that raspberry zing with rose, violet, iris and geranium, eau splendide is a bright and delicate fruity-floral that’s grounded in cedar-musk warmth.

Launched with Belgian singer-songewriter Angèle as the face of the fragrance, eau splendide draws influence from the late Gabrielle Chanel’s own words, “Luck is my soul.” While Margot Robbie has been the 34-year-old face of No.5 since last year and represents the iconic aroma’s power and sensuality, eau splendide is surprising and magnetic – a perfect reflection of Angèle’s late-twenties youth. After an early preview of the perfume, see my tried and tested review below.

How I tested

After speaking with Chanel representatives at a preview of the brand’s ‘Chance Street’ pop-up (free public access from 25 April to 5 May), I compared my eau splendide learnings with the results of a full day’s real-word testing. Following the brand’s advice, I spritzed the eau de parfum inside my clothing and onto the base and nape of the neck, applying it around 9am and paying attention to its staying power as the day wore on. I noted any changes as the fragrance settled and reflected on any differences between the accords on paper and those actually detected on my skin. Here’s how I got on.

Why you can trust IndyBest reviews

As well as being The Independent’s resident Marc Jacobs perfume expert, I’m currently in the process of reviewing more than 20 popular eau de parfums and eau de toilette’s for an upcoming IndyBest guide. As for Chanel, specifically, I’ve spoken to the brand’s fragrance expert at Harrods’ salon de parfums boutique and have written about its other beauty best-sellers, including the les beiges bronzing cream. Now, after years of wearing Chanel’s chance eau fraîche EDP, I took an early look at the all-new eau splendide iteration – scroll for my verdict.