Our take
What does N°19 Poudré smell like?
Chanel launched N°19 Poudré on 19 August 2011, Gabrielle Chanel’s birthday. Jacques Polge and Christopher Sheldrake reworked Henri Robert’s N°19 from 1971. Their stated goal was to reach a new generation without replacing the original. Persian galbanum still opens the scent alongside Grasse neroli and some mandarin. It bites much less than before. The green edge is still there, but it no longer stings. Iris pallida takes the centre quickly, powdery and slightly rooty, with jasmine absolute held back. The base is where things really change. Newer white musks join Haitian vetiver and tonka bean. They leave an impression of clean skin and rice powder. Classic N°19 stays green and a little aloof. Poudré is softer and friendlier, closer to freshly powdered skin than to a cold green leaf. Some loyal fans feel it has lost its bite.
When to wear it
Perfect at the office in spring or autumn, sprayed on a blouse or a wool jacket. Use three sprays, since the musks go quiet on dry skin.
It belongs to the Floral, Powdery family. N°19 Poudré is one of 45 creations by Chanel in our encyclopedia.
