Antaeus, the hero of Chanel In 1921, when Chanel launched N 5, success was immediate. Since then, Chanel has given birth to numerous cult and brilliant perfumes, and the brand's renown no longer needs to be proven.
Released in 1981, “Antaeus” symbolizes Chanel's modern hero. Antaeus is a figure from Greek mythology. Son of Poseidon and Gaia, Antaeus is half god, half man and had a reputation for stripping all the strangers who passed through his lands. Antaeus was killed by Heracles, but remained a hero nonetheless… Thanks to the house of Chanel, Antaeus returns among us in the form of a hero of modern times. At once strong and sensitive, “Antaeus” is the fragrance of a resolutely contemporary man, sensual and virile.
Jacques Polge, behind CHANEL's modern-day hero
It was Jacques Polge, the house perfumer of the time, who conceived the composition of “Antaeus”. In 1978, Jacques Polge succeeded Henri Robert, the father of N° 19. At that time, the bar was set high, and Jacques Polge envisioned more modern, even bold creations, echoing the spirit of Gabrielle Chanel. Jacques Polge is a discreet man who does not like to talk about himself. Jacques Polge is the third nose of the house of Chanel, a nose entrusted in secret with the composition of the legendary “N° 5”. Jacques Polge managed to carry on the legacy of the house of Chanel while preserving the spirit instilled by Mademoiselle. He is responsible for exceptional perfumes such as “N° 19 Poudré”, “Coco Mademoiselle”, and “Chance”. Today, Jacques Polge has retired, and it is his son Olivier Polge who has succeeded him within Chanel's creations… A talent passed down through genes…
Antaeus, a fragrant composition made of contrasts
“Antaeus” is a fragrance of character. Jacques Polge succeeded in creating a composition of duality between strength and tenderness. “Antaeus” is the result of a perfect alchemy between aromatic notes, blended with a leather accord, all enhanced with spices. “Antaeus” opens with a combination of aromatic and herbaceous notes with the presence of myrrh and clary sage, both enhanced by lavender from the Hautes-Alpes. It should be noted that lavender is the emblem of Provence. First harvested in the wild, lavender was cultivated and marketed from the end of the 19th century onward. In perfumery, lavender essence is used. It is obtained through steam distillation of freshly cut flowers. In perfumery, lavender is mainly used in masculine compositions. It gives off herbaceous, aromatic, balsamic, and highly masculine tonalities. The heart of “Antaeus” is surprisingly feminine, combining the beauty of rose and the opulence of jasmine, which are generally feminine notes. Finally, the base is meant to be powerful, warm, and sensual, as it combines sandalwood, patchouli, and labdanum cistus. A leather accord then elevates the whole, lending it a torrid strength.
“Antaeus” is one of Jacques Polge's great successes. This composition, full of character and contrasts, offers a masculine essence that is at once powerful, virile, sensitive, and sensual… A fragrance for the heroes of modern times.