Known for its clean rectangular clear glass bottle with a facetted stopper and minimalist branding, the look of Chanel N°5 is as distinctive as its scent. Now, for Christmas 2018, it comes cloaked in red, marking the brand’s first ever alteration of its iconic packaging.

Why? Besides pleasing collectors and fragrance fans, plus Christmas shoppers looking for true festive feels, red holds special meaning for the house of Chanel. It’s “the colour of life, the colour of blood,” said the late Gabrielle Chanel, who only wanted to dress women in black, white, beige, gold – and red.