The Ingredients of Chanel No. 5
February 1972: There was a popular outcry after Jacques Leal, London Chairman of Chanel Ltd., revealed during an interview that one of the ingredients of Chanel No. 5 perfume was the "sweat of the whipped Abyssinian civet cat."
He explained, "We don't usually like to admit, but it's one of those ancient techniques the Chinese invented. They put the cat's head into a sort of torture chamber, whip it, the cat gets mad, and it gives off a glandular secretion."
However, Leal assured the interviewer that the Chanel company itself didn't whip the civet cats. "We just buy the stuff in bottles."
Other Chanel No. 5 ingredients included castoreum from the Canadian beaver, ambergris from the sperm whale of Chile, and musk from the Tibetan deer.
He explained, "We don't usually like to admit, but it's one of those ancient techniques the Chinese invented. They put the cat's head into a sort of torture chamber, whip it, the cat gets mad, and it gives off a glandular secretion."
However, Leal assured the interviewer that the Chanel company itself didn't whip the civet cats. "We just buy the stuff in bottles."
Other Chanel No. 5 ingredients included castoreum from the Canadian beaver, ambergris from the sperm whale of Chile, and musk from the Tibetan deer.
The Provo Daily Herald - July 16, 1972
Comments
"Good heavens, no, a Frenchman wouldn't whip cats."
I simply must find a way to work that into a conversation.
I simply must find a way to work that into a conversation.
Posted by A Nonny Mouse on 01/30/17 at 09:38 AM
These days I am sure it is the pussies whipping the Frenchmen.
Posted by RobK on 01/30/17 at 10:54 AM
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Category: 1970s | Perfume and Cologne and Other Scents