Chanel Announces Timothée Chalamet As Their Newest Bleu de Chanel Ambassador

Crafted for the modern man, Bleu de Chanel is an alluring scent which captures the spirit of freedom and confidence. With its aromatic blend of citrus notes, woody accords, and sensual undertones, Bleu de Chanel unveils a harmonious symphony of freshness and masculinity, perfectly embodied by the magnetic charm of its new ambassador — Timothée Chalamet.

Initially concocted by the esteemed perfumer Jacques Polge, Bleu de Chanel breaks new ground with its unexpected blend of aromatic woods and invigorating citrus notes. This innovative scent ventures beyond conventions, embodying a fresh, urban, and modern perspective. The iconic monolithic bottle, recognised worldwide, boasts an enigmatic hue — neither purely blue nor black. Reflecting the essence of the man it represents, it stands confidently, defying norms and inviting endless possibilities. Bleu de Chanel encapsulates audacity and a timeless spirit, redefining the boundaries of olfactory excellence. Ahead, Chalamet shares his thoughts on the appointment, what Bleu de Chanel means to him, and his childhood memories involving fragrances.

Chanel has a celebrated, layered history of being a disruptive leader in fashion and beauty. What elements of the brand speak to your own sensibilities? 

TC: There’s a subtle assertiveness with Chanel that’s not in your face in the most refined, chic way. This made me feel great about working with the brand. There is also a level of confidence, respect, and timelessness regarding the creative leaders and everyone associated with the brand, both past and present. 

Bleu de Chanel, not unlike yourself, relates to a man deeply connected with himself and the world. The scent plays with many dualities—juxtaposing shadow and light, dusk and dawn, and woody notes with fresh undertones. What does Bleu de Chanel represent to you?

TC: What I like about Bleu de Chanel specifically is that, not unlike movies and storytelling in general, the scent and the narrative behind it are open for interpretation. It comes down to subtle assertiveness and the unique interpretation of the person who is wearing it and how the fragrance ultimately makes them feel. That’s all that’s important—it doesn’t matter what I think. 

How do you feel when you wear Bleu de Chanel?

TC: When you put on Bleu de Chanel you’re emphasising a distinct experience, or maybe a certain look, occasion, or date. For me, personally, there’s a specific intention behind fragrance. I’m not someone who wears a scent all the time. When I do, it becomes emblematic of a moment, and later there’s a nostalgia for that moment and it becomes something more meaningful. 

The ethos of Bleu de Chanel is firmly rooted in the state of becoming someone who does not limit themselves to the ordinary boundaries life sets and looks beyond what is visible to evolve. Does this resonate with your own path or ideology?

TC: To me, the idea of becoming revolves around a continued aspiration to be self-possessed. There’s a power to living as your most authentic, best self and manifesting what you want in and out of your life or even for a particular afternoon—a micro-manifestation. 

Is there a memory of fragrance that sticks out to you from your childhood?

TC: Growing up, my sister danced at Rosella Hightower dance school in Mougins, South of France. Once, our mom took us to a perfumery in Grasse. I loved the experience, and I got a cedarwood-scented room spray to bring back to my bedroom. I accidentally sprayed it on my clothes, and the smell was overwhelming. Yet I remember very vividly feeling at the time that it was a creative expression to curate the scent of my room. That felt very French and nostalgic.

What is your earliest memory of a CHANEL fragrance?

TC: My grandmother bought my sister Chanel N°5 for Christmas. 

There is so much nuance and subjectivity that revolves around the power of scent and what it represents, evokes, and invokes. What role does fragrance play in helping to shape, inform, and bolster one’s identity and how we show up in the world?

TC: What jumps out to me is identity. It’s such a topical word right now. Creative empowerment and how you style yourself to not fit in a box isn’t anything new but continues to be amplified by social media. I was thinking, as I was on my way here today, that scent is something that cannot come across in visual media. It’s one of the last bastions of creative self-expression that hasn’t been commodified in that visual space. It’s really for you—similar to how the way in which clothes feel on your body can never come across to anyone, whereas how they look and fall on your body are what comes across to everyone.

What are you most grateful for at the moment?

TC: I’m thankful for everything right now, and that I can reasonably know where I’m resting my head at night and that I get to keep doing something I love to do. I’m grateful to start this relationship with Chanel and to be a small part in the brand’s storied and elevated legacy by helping to inform the next chapter of Bleu de Chanel.