Paris luxury fashion house Chanel names Ugandan-Canadian actress Whitney Peak of Gossip Girls as its first Black fragrance ambassador.
The actress, who is only 20 years old, is already making a name for herself in Hollywood. She has starred in popular shows such as Gossip Girl and Hocus Pocus, and has now been announced as the latest ambassador for Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle fragrance.
Whitney takes over the role from former ambassadors Kate Moss and Keira Knightley. Initially appointed as a brand ambassador for the United States, Whitney’s successful collaboration with Chanel led to her being chosen as the muse for the 22 Bag campaign, alongside Lily-Rose Depp and Margaret Qualley.
Coco Mademoiselle has always been seen as a quintessential Chanel fragrance, but with a youthful twist, particularly when compared to the iconic N°5. It features a blend of notes including amber, tonka, and patchouli.
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.
Inever 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.
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.
Chanel has announced the launch of a new addition to its Coco Mademoiselle line – a hair perfume. This range of fragrances, which are typically more lightweight and budget-friendly, are targeted towards younger consumers who enjoy creating unique scents through fragrance layering.
