Problem

Luxury brands rarely address their own history

Chanel No. 5 is one of the most recognized fragrances in the world, but its origins sit within a complicated chapter of history. During World War II, Coco Chanel's personal associations during the German occupation of Paris raised questions that have quietly followed the brand for decades. That tension between iconic product and complex history is something most brand work avoids entirely.

Solution

A concept piece exploring luxury through a historical lens

We created a short film that pairs 3D-rendered product visuals of the No. 5 bottle with real archival footage from the era. The piece opens in black and white, pulling from the look of wartime photography, then gradually shifts to full color as it moves toward themes of liberation and restoration in postwar France. The goal was to present the product with the craftsmanship it deserves while giving the audience a reason to think more critically about the history behind it.