In 2004, Chanel released a new advertising campaign for its iconic fragrance, Chanel No. 5. The campaign, which was directed by Baz Luhrmann and starred Nicole Kidman, cost a whopping $33 million. This made it the most expensive advertising campaign of all time at the time. The campaign was a huge success. It was praised for its lavish visuals and its powerful message of female empowerment. The ad also helped to boost sales of Chanel No. 5, which became the best-selling perfume in the world.
The Cost of the Campaign
The $33 million price tag for the Chanel No. 5 campaign was a major investment for the company. However, Chanel was confident that the campaign would be worth it. Baz Luhrmann was chosen to direct. Luhrmann is known for his lavish and visually stunning films. He had previously directed the hit musicals “Moulin Rouge!” and “The Great Gatsby.” Luhrmann’s style was a perfect fit for Chanel, which is known for its luxury and glamour.
The Cast of the Campaign
The star of the Chanel No. 5 campaign was Nicole Kidman. Kidman was one of the most popular actresses in the world at the time, and she had a reputation for being both beautiful and intelligent. Kidman’s presence in the campaign helped to give it a sense of glamour and sophistication. The other star of the campaign was Rodrigo Santoro. Santoro was a rising star in Hollywood, and he had recently starred in the film “300.” Santoro’s role in the campaign was to play the mysterious man who picks up Kidman in a taxi.
The Legacy of the Campaign
The Chanel No. 5 campaign is still considered to be one of the most iconic advertising campaigns of all time. It is a testament to the power of great storytelling and the importance of having a clear message. The campaign also shows that even the most expensive advertising campaigns can be a success if they are done right. Recently Nicole Kidman paid homage to the ad, wearing the dress 20 years later at the 2023 MET Gala.