Marilyn Monroe... and Chanel

"What do I wear in bed? Why, Chanel No. 5, of course...”
Who knew that these words spoken by Marilyn Monroe almost 60 years ago would leave such an everlasting impact. First of all, anything Marilyn said was either controversial, quotable or highly intelligent for the blonde bombshell that she was. Flashing that dazzaling smile at the paparazzi she would utter phrases that have been quoted on social networking sites millions of times and used in songs, literature and movies worldwide, (ever listened to Marilyn Monroe by Nicki Minaj?) It was impossible to take a bad photo of Marilyn, impossible not to be drawn to her vulnerable and caring nature and clearly Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel could not resist the oppertunity to feauture Marilyn in their new perfume ad for Chanel No5.

Miss Monroe and Chanel have always had a loving relationship. As she told the press in 1960, Chanel was the only item she wore to bed and in many photos of the legendary actress in bed among white, crisp sheets, it's indeed Chanel No5 that sits obediently on her bedside table. Chanel have discovered and used the previously unpublished conversation between Marilyn and a French journalist for Marie Claire, where she declares her love for Chanel and insists that it is all she wears to bed, no pyjamas! Once again, a highly provocative and controversial quote by this movie icon. Futhermore, this Chanel advert looks likely to increase sales of their best selling perfume over the Christmas period thanks to the help of Monroe.

Its not all good news though. There are those who feel that companies like Chanel are just using and abusing Marilyn's legacy by turning her into a form of advertising. What right has Chanel got to feature Marilyn in their perfume ads anyway? Marilyn can't decide for herself what is done with her image, but she is an icon, an instantly recognisable figure that the world is still in love with. I think it's acceptable to use Marilyn to promote Chanel No5 no matter what all these so called 'Marilyn lovers' say. And why not? She did love the perfume and said so herself on two public occasions and I can't wait for the advertising campaigns to hit the billboards, magazines and department stores worldwide.

Marliyn Monroe is an icon and her legacy should not be forgotten.

You can watch the ad at the link shown below or directly visit the Chanel website to order your own No5 Chanel perfume at http://www.chanel.com/en_GB/fragrance-beauty/Fragrance-95228

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6AtDQZ8K28&feature=player_embedded