I was pretty much disappointed with day one of the Chanel Factory 5 launch for the 100th Anniversary of Chanel No. 5 perfume. I thought the packaging was very generic looking and not at all the elegance that I had come to expect from Chanel. I did buy the soap in the tin. When I received it today I was even more disappointed. The metal, I am assuming is aluminum is so thin and easily bendable. Altoid tins are much thicker.

I prefer the standard packaging. I think it looks so much more elegant with the white, gold, and black designs. The price difference is: $45 for the Factory 5 packaging vs. $26 for the standard packaging. That is a $19 dollar price increase and you get LESS product. The standard packaging has 150 g / 5.3 oz vs. the Factory 5 packaging 90 g / 3.2 oz. That is a difference of: 60 g / 2.1 oz LESS product! Sure you get the tin container with the Factory 5 packaging but it is very thin and light which makes it feel rather cheap to me.

This was the only product I decided to purchase out of curiosity. I was going to give it away for a gift, but frankly I am a little embarrassed to do so. I think the standard packaging would make a much better gift, in my opinion. I am frustrated and sad at the same time hoping this is not the trend to come with Chanel products!

The idea of the factory does not scream luxury to me. It is like the industrial revolution, automation, and the assembly line! I would like to think the items I buy from Chanel are one of a kind and “special” to me. I don’t like to think of my purchases as cogs in a machine…clones.

What do you think?