WRITTEN BY Annabelle Aree Lee
Edited by Leah Gilbert
Margot Robbie is officially the new face of the Chanel No. 5 perfume, bringing her elegance to the iconic fragrance campaign that dropped earlier this month! The advertisement includes multiple images of Robbie in a stunning red tweed jacket and skirt set, alongside the timeless Chanel No. 5 bottle. But that’s not all—she is also joined by her co-star in the upcoming film “Wuthering Heights”, Jacob Elordi, as they grace the screen in a captivating short film titled “See You at 5”. The short film is directed by none other than Luca Guadagnino, director of some of the most notable films of the past decade like “Call Me by Your Name” and “Challengers”.
Chanel No. 5 was created over a hundred years ago, in 1921, by Ernest Beaux in a perfumery in Grasse, France. At the time, most perfumes mimicked the scent of a single flower, giving them a simple, one-note fragrance. But Gabrielle Chanel had challenged Beaux to craft a fragrance with multiple notes, straying from the norm. Rising to the occasion, Beaux blended over 80 notes—including rose, jasmine, and sandalwood—to create the iconic scent we know today. Over the years, different versions of the No. 5 scent have been created, such as Eau de Toilette, Eau Premiere, and L’ Eau.
When I was little, I remember finding perfume ads a bit silly; they often seemed completely unrelated to perfume, with no hint as to what the ad was for until the bottle appeared at the end, seemingly disconnected from the rest of the ad. Now that I’m older, I’ve come to appreciate the creativity of directors in visually and sonically capturing what the scent of the perfume represents.
In this campaign’s short film,“See You at 5”, Robbie wears a striking red tweed set that recurs throughout the No. 5 campaign—a choice that is far from accidental. Since Chanel introduced the tweed set in 1921, it has symbolized female empowerment. As opportunities for women expanded, there was a growing need for clothing that was both professional and comfortable, without sacrificing style. The choice to dress Robbie in the tweed suit reflects her character in the film. She is someone who embodies both strength and elegance. Additionally, the bold red colour of the suit is also significant; as Robbie told Vogue, “There’s something inherently passionate and strong about the colour red.” Her outfit alone sets the tone for the type of woman Chanel envisions wearing No. 5.
The behaviour of the character played by Robbie in the film further shapes the brand’s vision. From her stylish wardrobe and luxurious home to driving a Bentley convertible along breathtaking coastal views, her lifestyle tells a story of sophistication and independence. There’s almost a sense that wearing No. 5 could make you feel like her—cool, confident, and bold. When Jacob Elordi’s character is late to their “rendez-vous”, she doesn’t wait; she dives into the water alone, remaining effortlessly composed and beautiful. Even though I am familiar with the No. 5 scent, this campaign makes it clear how it’s meant to make me feel: powerful, independent, and alluring. I absolutely loved the short film!
Margot Robbie perfectly captures the elegance and strength that No.5 has embodied for over a century. From her striking red tweed set to her bold, independent character, Robbie epitomizes the modern Chanel woman—someone unapologetically herself. This campaign is a beautiful homage to both the fragrance’s rich history and its timeless appeal.
References
- https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Style/margot-robbie-jacob-elordi-chanel-no-5-ad/story?id=114807670
- https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/fragrance/a41776009/chanel-no5/
- https://www.fashion-north.com/fashion-history-chanel-and-her-love-of-tweed/#:~:text=As%20a%20result%2C%20it%20inspired,was%20comfy%20and%20silky%20itself
- https://elle.com.sg/beauty/exclusive-margot-robbie-chanel-n5/
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