chanel 19 violet | Chanel no 19 discontinued

Chanel No. 19. The name itself evokes images of Parisian chic, effortless elegance, and a certain understated power. While often associated with its signature green composition, the mention of "Chanel No. 19 Violet" might initially cause confusion. There is no officially named "Chanel No. 19 Violet" fragrance. However, the *idea* of a Chanel No. 19 Violet offers a fascinating lens through which to examine the fragrance itself, its nuances, and the inherent possibilities within its olfactory architecture.

This article explores the multifaceted world of Chanel No. 19, dissecting its components, understanding its place in the Chanel perfume for women lineage, and addressing common queries about its longevity, variations like Chanel No. 19 Poudre, and even the rumors surrounding its discontinued status (which, thankfully, are unfounded). We'll also touch upon the "violet" aspect – how violet notes *could* enhance and complement the existing green and powdery characteristics of this iconic scent, and why some might perceive a hint of violet within its complex structure.

Chanel No. 19: A Green Symphony

Released in 1970, Chanel No. 19 was created by Henri Robert, the successor to Ernest Beaux (the creator of Chanel No. 5). It was designed to be a fragrance for women who preferred a less overtly floral and more sophisticated scent than the ubiquitous Chanel No. 5. And it succeeded spectacularly. No. 19 is a green, sparkling, and undeniably fresh fragrance. It's a scent that speaks of confidence, independence, and a quiet strength.

The dominant characteristic of Chanel No. 19 is undoubtedly its greenness. This isn't the lush, tropical green of a jungle; instead, it's a crisp, almost austere green reminiscent of freshly cut grass, springtime meadows, and the verdant foliage of a meticulously manicured garden. The "king of greens," galbanum, plays a pivotal role. Galbanum is a resin with a sharp, slightly bitter, and intensely green aroma. It provides the fragrance with its signature opening blast, a powerful and invigorating freshness that immediately commands attention.

Beyond galbanum, the green accord is further enhanced by notes of:

* Neroli: Adds a touch of citrusy, slightly floral greenness, lending brightness and lift.

* Bergamot: Contributes its characteristic citrusy-green and slightly bitter aroma, adding complexity to the opening.

* Hyacinth: While floral, hyacinth also possesses a distinct green facet, contributing to the overall verdant impression.

These green notes are masterfully balanced with other elements, preventing the fragrance from becoming overly sharp or harsh.

The Floral Heart: A Delicate Balance

While Chanel No. 19 is renowned for its greenness, it's not devoid of floral notes. However, the floral bouquet is carefully constructed to complement, rather than overwhelm, the dominant green accord. The key floral notes include:

* Iris: A crucial component, iris contributes a powdery, slightly earthy, and subtly floral aroma. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, softening the sharp edges of the green notes. Iris is often described as having a "rooty" or "carrot-like" quality, which adds depth and complexity to the fragrance.

* Rose: A classic floral note, rose adds a touch of femininity and warmth. However, in Chanel No. 19, the rose is used sparingly, contributing a subtle sweetness and floral richness without overpowering the greenness.

* Lily of the Valley: This delicate white floral adds a fresh, clean, and slightly sweet aroma, further enhancing the overall freshness of the fragrance.

* Ylang-Ylang: This exotic floral adds a touch of creamy sweetness and a hint of spice, contributing to the fragrance's overall complexity and depth.

The floral heart of Chanel No. 19 is not a traditional, overtly sweet floral bouquet. Instead, it's a carefully orchestrated blend of floral notes that enhance the greenness and add a touch of elegance and sophistication.

The Woody and Earthy Base: Grounding the Fragrance

The base notes of Chanel No. 19 provide a grounding foundation for the fragrance, adding depth, warmth, and longevity. Key base notes include:

* Vetiver: A woody and earthy note with a slightly smoky and grassy aroma. Vetiver adds a touch of masculinity and sophistication to the fragrance, grounding the greenness and providing a long-lasting foundation.

* Sandalwood: A creamy, woody note with a slightly sweet and musky aroma. Sandalwood adds warmth and smoothness to the fragrance, further softening the sharp edges of the green notes.

* Leather: A subtle leather note adds a touch of sophistication and complexity, contributing to the fragrance's overall depth and richness.

* Oakmoss: Traditionally used in perfumery, oakmoss contributes a mossy, earthy, and slightly bitter aroma. While its use is now restricted due to allergen concerns, synthetic substitutes are often used to replicate its characteristic scent.

The base notes of Chanel No. 19 provide a grounding foundation for the fragrance, ensuring its longevity and adding depth and complexity.

The "Violet" Illusion: Perceiving the Unseen