Chanel N°5 has achieved the kind of iconic status that few fragrances will ever achieve. It seemed suitable, then, that for its one hundredth birthday Chanel would investigate the idea of celebrity itself, N°5 having one name recognition in the mode of Cher and other one named icons, thanks to a lifetime of name checking. No scent has quite the same meaning — or creates the same reaction in people when they’re given the faceted glass bottle with its heavy stopper and classic font. In a new film, authorities on the nature of celebrity give it the full force of their thoughts. Dancer Lil Buck, replete with a Chanel chain, remembers what it was like to be a prodigy on the international stage at just 13, bringing jookin’ to the world and collaborating with Madonna. “I wanted to inspire the kids in Memphis,” he says. “There’s so many kids in Memphis that do the same dance style that I do. And now they’re looking at me like, ‘Dang, that’s Lil Buck! He’s from the same neighbourhood I’m from. If he can do it, of course I can do it’”.
Former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair, Graydon Carter, looks at how to make it in Hollywood, and deducts that it helps to be not only be talented, but also be nice, which is encouraging. Marion Cotillard, perhaps one of France’s most famous actresses and the face of N°5, talks about not letting fame change you, and standing up for what you believe in. They’re joined by psychologist Laurie Santos, dancer and choreographer Marie-Agnès Gillot and Chinese fashion media icon Hung Huang. Watch the film below.