French luxury fashion house Chanel names Ugandan-Canadian actress Whitney Peak as its first Black fragrance ambassador.
View this post on Instagram
At just 20 years old, Whitney is at the dawn of her career but has already caused waves in Hollywood. The Gossip Girl and Hocus Pocus star is the new face of Coco Mademoiselle, following on from previous ambassadors Kate Moss and Keira Knightley. Whitney was initially appointed as a US brand ambassador. After a successful debut with the brand, she became the muse of the 22 Bag campaign alongside Lily-Rose Depp and Margaret Qualley.
Coco Mademoiselle has long been considered a quintessential Chanel fragrance, but with a youthful edge, especially when stacked up against an icon such as N°5. It carries notes like amber, tonka and patchouli.
View this post on Instagram
In a statement, Chanel describes the actress as “the embodiment of today’s youth”, adding that her “curiosity, confidence, appetite for experiences and lack of preconceptions echo the temperament of the young Coco Chanel”
In an interview with ELLE, Whitney talks about what it means to be a spokesmodel for a Chanel fragrance:
It’s insane. Honestly. Not insane in a crazy, “this is a bizarre” way, but also just that it’s me. I can’t even wrap my head around it. I just feel very lucky and I’m so happy that I get to do this.
I never felt, when I was younger – I never saw myself in this position, and I never really saw, or felt represented. The fact that I’m doing this right now at my age with Chanel is so… I don’t know. I was just proud of myself. It’s just so cool.
View this post on Instagram
In the campaign, shot by legendary duo Inez & Vinoodh, the star represents a young woman entering Paris and bringing the City of Lights to life through her positive energy and interactions with friends, lovers, and the people she encounters daily.
View this post on Instagram
Chanel is also unveiling a new product in the Coco Mademoiselle line — a hair perfume. These lighter and often more affordable perfumes are geared towards young consumers interested in fragrance layering that create a bespoke scent.