Gaspard Ulliel, the face of Bleu de Chanel Parfum. Courtesy Chanel
“What I like about this whole journey is that the identity, the message of Bleu de Chanel evolved at the same time as I,” comments Gaspard Ulliel from the Chanel headquarters in Neuilly-sur-Seine. The French actor, who played the headline role in Yves Saint Laurent (2014) and who will next travel to Sicily for a role in a new film by Justine Triet speaks with a calm assurance, looking down. But every so often he lifts his head, and his chiseled features reveal piercing blue eyes instantly making a connection to the perfume of which he is the face of. It’s been nearly ten years, from his twenties to his mid-thirties, that Ulliel has been the face of Bleu de Chanel. The “saga” has played out in three, almost cinematic installments, with directors Martin Scorsese, James Gray, and now Steve McQueen. All have traced the path of a man in search of himself.
Gaspard Ulliel on set for Bleu de Chanel Parfum in London. Courtesy Chanel
“He is still seeking something,” nods Ulliel of the third instalment. “Trying to sense who he is, and be true to himself, now, in a more level-headed way.” If, in the two first chapters, he appeared on the run, escaping, in McQueen’s chapter, filmed in Bangkok with a team of 50, and later London, he travels deeper into his mind to question himself.
Bleu de Chanel Parfum. Courtesy Chanel
Ulliel considers the new Bleu de Chanel Parfum to be aligned with a man who is above the conventions and usual representations or a certain society or industry. “It’s iconoclast,” he says, adding, “There is something very masculine about it.” Ask the actor “what masculine means today,” and he responds “not too sweet, not too soft.” Created by Olivier Polge, following Jacques Polge’s Bleu de Chanel eau de toilette (2010) and eau de parfum (2014), the notes in Bleu de Chanel Parfum include vetiver, cedar, and a creamy sandalwood. “This brings more sensuality to it. It’s languorous.” He looks up again, eyes flashing, “And why not see it become unisex?”
Discover the new film for Bleu de Chanel perfume featuring Gaspard Ulliel and directed by Steve McQueen below.
