Chanel No. 5 Perfume by Chanel, The infamous Chanel No. 5 was launched in 1921, and has been the essence of sophisticated taste since, and the best-selling perfume in the world. Worn by such greats as Marilyn Monroe, this classy fragrance boasts essential oils from a unique floral bouquet of rose, lily of the valley, and jasmine mixed with orris root at its heart. The scent opens with top notes of aldehydes, neroli, ylang ylang, bergamot, and lemon to draw the nose in. A strong base of amber, sandalwood, patchouli, musk, vanilla, oakmoss, vetiver, and civet outline the main attractions. Coco Chanel opened her fashion house Chanel S.A. in 1910 creating timeless fashion elegant in its simplicity. Chanel No. 5 was the fifth sample that perfumer Ernest Beaux brought to Coco Chanel to decide which she thought best captured the essence of women. Being a bit superstitious, Coco had the perfume presented to the world on the fifth day of the fifth month in 1921.