The advent of a new Chanel fragrance is always a big deal – when said new fragrance is called Gabrielle Chanel, in honour of Coco Chanel herself, then you can be guaranteed that the fab is going to be turned up a notch or three.

And so it was for the official release of Gabrielle Chanel Eau de Parfum, which took place across several countries throughout last month. I attended the launch event that took place in Sounyon, Greece, a short drive away from Athens. To say that the House of Chanel knows how to throw a good party would be an understatement; as unspoilt scenery, mythological temples, azure seas and the ultimate in luxury accoutrements combined together to make our introduction to Gabrielle Chanel rather spectacular.

What is Gabrielle Chanel? The first new Chanel perfume since Chance was released 15 years ago, it is an ode to the woman who created the Chanel empire herself, celebrating all those qualities that made Coco Chanel – born Gabrielle – the legend that she is today. A floral fragrance that starts out very subtly but gradually grows warmer and warmer, leaving a decidedly strong mark, Gabrielle is all about the feisty, independent women celebrated by Chanel.

And its chosen ambassador – actor Kristen Stewart, best known for her quirky personality – certainly delivers the message effectively. The official commercial speaks grace, beauty and above all, strength as Stewart runs across our screens removing constraint after constraint from her body until she runs free.

An ode to the woman who created the Chanel empire herself

Freedom is the running theme, in keeping with Coco Chanel’s life ethos. The first perfume created from scratch by Chanel’s head perfumer Olivier Polge (he also worked on the reinterpretation of Chanel N°5, launched last year), the scent features ylang-ylang, jasmine, orange blossom and a hint of tuberose. It is a heady concoction, one that comes packaged in a rather innovative way, too.

Eschewing the traditionally bulky glass bottles that so far have always spelt luxury, Gabrielle instead comes in a sleek, transparent glass bottle, a technology that is the result of years of research by Chanel professionals. A rebel at heart, just like the fragrance and just like the woman who inspired it, the bottle evokes the shape of the iconic Chanel No 5 containers, but is much thinner, less invasive. It is truly the fragrance that takes centre stage.

Gabrielle is a package that invites women to live up to their wishes, a perfume that reflects the independence and individuality of the 21st century woman. The perfect tribute for a woman who defied social conventions, the woman who should’ve been a seamstress but became the iconic face and brains behind one of the most powerful fashion houses in history.

First name Gabrielle, last name Chanel, distinguishing feature Rebellious. Both as Gabrielle and, later, as Coco, Chanel lived life the way she wanted. Mademoiselle, as she was most often called, was responsible single-handedly for the shaping of fashion as we know it today, from the tailored black suit to the little black dress and the simple, yet sophisticated numbers.

The new fragrance is the next step in her larger-than-life personality.