PERSONIFYING what it means to be a visionary, Timothée Chalamet welcomes a new dawn to the hailed history of Chanel’s famed male fragrance, Bleu de Chanel as he is appointed its newest ambassador. Still at the beginning of his career and with a repertoire that proceeds most in his category already, the 27-year-old French-American actor’s magnetic personality and unapologetically authentic style echoes the notes of the perfume.
Timothée Chalamet by Mario Sorrenti
Having worked with some of the greatest directors of the twenty-first century, like Wes Anderson, Greta Gerwig, Christopher Nolan and Denis Villeneuve, to name a few, it seems apt that Chalamet enters the field of fashion with an official title for the very first time.
As an ambassador for this scent, his debut for Chanel reflects who he is with a campaign shot by Mario Sorrenti, that launches in June, followed by a short film in the Autumn, directed by Martin Scorsese.
Timothée Chalamet by Mario Sorrenti
Speaking to Chanel about this appointment, Glass exclusively hears from Timothée Chalamet.
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?
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
Gabrielle Chanel famously said, “Fashion goes out of fashion. Style never”.
That is a perfect way to put it! I’m going to steal that. Chanel is a brand and a signature that could be spoken about in a cultural class at university. I remember in an anthropology class during college, we talk about how there are select brands where the product, image, and storytelling are so synonymous and ingrained. I recently went to the Chanel store in Beverly Hills on my day off. There was such classic reverence in the store that was quite palpable.
What is your earliest memory of a Chanel fragrance?
My grandmother bought my sister Chanel No.5 for Christmas.
Chanel’s in-house perfumer creator Olivier Polge speaks often of the idea of making the invisible visible.
That’s a great way to put in. There’s an element of considered intention within the very ritual of putting fragrance before you run out of the door. When you spray Bleu de Chanel it’s kind of an immediate act of instant deliberate assertion of one’s self.
by Imogen Clark