In a dynamic shift that signals a refreshed direction, iconic French fashion house Chanel has appointed Hollywood sensation, Timothée Chalamet, as the latest brand ambassador for its esteemed fragrance, Bleu de Chanel.
Chalamet, who has been making waves in the industry not only for his acting prowess but also for his distinctive style, now steps into the shoes previously filled by his industry peer, Brad Pitt, and the late French actor Gaspard Ulliel.
The revelation of Chalamet’s appointment came via a tantalizing black and white photograph of the actor, captured through the lens of renowned photographer Mario Sorrenti. The image, which exudes a distinctive blend of intensity and subtlety, mirrors Chalamet’s description of the fragrance itself: “I like that it feels a little pulled back, it’s subtle but still assertive”, he shared with British Vogue.
Despite not being a habitual fragrance wearer, Chalamet resonates with the ethos of Bleu de Chanel, which the brand describes as a scent “for the man who is deeply himself”. The actor further elucidates, “For me, it’s about emphasizing a moment”. His alignment with the essence of the fragrance and his ability to embody the brand’s ethos, point to a promising partnership.
Prior to the official announcement, Chalamet sparked intrigue among his followers by sharing a cryptic post featuring Chanel’s iconic “CC” logo with the caption, “CC X TC OTW“. This enigmatic message, followed by a series of posts tagging Chanel and Sorrenti, hinted at the exciting collaboration to come.
Chanel’s decision to align with the 27-year-old actor indicates a strategic move towards capturing a burgeoning demographic. Vogue, referencing data from market research firm Euromonitor International, reports the international men’s fragrance market is expected to expand significantly, from $14.2 billion in 2020 to an impressive $19.6 billion by 2025.
Chalamet, noted for his sartorial choices as much as his acting talent, has exhibited his style versatility through numerous unconventional and headline-grabbing looks. Notable among these were his 2019 Golden Globes Louis Vuitton harness and his gray silk and satin suit at the Venice Film Festival.
This new chapter marks the first time Chalamet has represented a brand as an ambassador. While he has cultivated strong relationships with designers like Haider Ackermann and established himself as a “friend of the house” at Cartier, his partnership with Chanel represents a new milestone in his career.
The French-American actor, who first gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Elio in the critically acclaimed film “Call Me By Your Name“, directed by Luca Guadagnino, continues to ascend in Hollywood. With major roles in the upcoming “Dune Part Two” and the much-anticipated portrayal of a young Willy Wonka, Chalamet’s future looks as promising as ever.
The fragrance ambassadorship, previously held by French actor Gaspard Ulliel, was left vacant following Ulliel’s tragic passing last year. Chalamet’s appointment not only fills this void but also offers a fresh and exciting direction for Bleu de Chanel, a brand that continues to evolve while staying true to its timeless elegance.
Read more: Jacquemus pop-up arrives at Lake Como
©Photo: Mario Sorrenti