Throwback: Sir Ridley Scott, perfume commercial director?

Legendary director Ridley Scott got his start directing commercials

Ridley Scott is best known for directing Hollywood hits like Alien, Blade Runner and Gladiator, but he got his start in Hollywood by directing commercials. He might be most famous for his “1985” Apple computer commercial,  but in 1979, he also directed Chanel’s “share the fantasy” campaign, which we have to admit is our favourite.

The commercial

There were a few commercials in the series and they were for the brand’s most famous fragrant offering, Chanel No. 5. The tagline: “share the fantasy.” It’s a memorable commercial. Sensual without being overtly sexual (although there a bit of that, it is a perfume commercial after all), and serious without being stuffy. Take a watch.

It’s definitely a dated spot, one that was leaning into the perfume excess of the 80s which was right around the corner. The commercial features glowing skin, over-the-top locations and extravagant lifestyles—not exactly accessible but very fun to watch. Definitely, a more is more attitude. But it also hints at the Chanel No. 5 storytelling that has become the brand’s commercial signature. Think of Gisele’s Chanel commercial or Nicole Kidman’s—they’re elaborate stories that go beyond simply a spot for a perfume.

Make sure to let us know in the comments, what’s your favourite perfume commercial?