In Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s world, chance was more than luck; it was destiny. “Chance is a way of being,” she once said. “It is not a coincidence; it must be created, honed, pursued. It is the fruit of effort and passion.”
This belief – that chance is something we create, not something that happens to us – is the ethos behind Chanel’s dazzling Chance fragrance collection. Unlike the French house’s more traditional signature scents, like Chanel No. 5 or Coco Mademoiselle, the five core fragrances of Chance are more contemporary and youthful. “They share a common mentality, a common spirit, colorful and fresh,” Chanel perfumer Olivier Polge tells InStyle.
Since the launch of Chance Eau de Toilette in 2003, the collection has remained playful, a call to embrace nature with style and focus. Over the years, the Chance fragrance family has evolved, with a series of follow-ups such as the refreshing Eau Fraîche, the romantic Eau Tendre and the vibrant Eau Vive, each giving a new interpretation. The iconic round bottle of Chanel – a farewell to Chanel’s traditional square bottle – is paired with bright and soft tones, and each fragrance is like a colorful joy.
Chanel today launched its latest masterpiece, Chance Eau Splendide, a fruity floral fragrance that is as vibrant as its electric violet hue. The top note is based on fresh raspberry, while the heart note is based on rose geranium, bringing a stunning new interpretation. In addition, the spokesperson for this fragrance is Belgian singer and new It Girl Angel, and the promotional film was shot by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, director of “Amelie”.
Here, we revisit the Y2K origins of Chanel’s Chance collection, explore the multi-generational legacy behind the fragrances, and take a first look at its latest chapter, Chance Splendide.
For the past 20 years, Chanel’s Chance collection has continued Coco’s legacy, encouraging the wearer to use fragrance to create their own destiny.
While each fragrance is true to Chanel’s signature sophistication, Chance is unmistakably youthful and modern—often serving as a gateway to the world of luxury fragrances (for me, it is). That’s one reason the collection continues to gain popularity on TikTok.
Scents like Eau Tendre and Eau Fraîche have become a TikTok sensation, while extensions of the core Chance collection, such as hair spray, shower gel, and hand cream, have also become sought-after hits. Now, Chance Eau Splendide is further strengthening its appeal among Gen Z and beyond with its bright, fruity florals, electric violet tones, and a campaign starring Angèle.
As Chance Eau Splendide debuts globally, Olivier is keeping a tight lid on what’s next for the Chance line. “When I launch a new fragrance, it’s hard for me to make up my mind right away,” he says with a laugh. “I need to see how it goes before I start thinking about the next one.” Still, all signs (especially the stars) point to a bold and bright future for this evolving family of fragrances.