Chanel No 19 is a divisive masterpiece - either an elegant, cool green for the modern woman, or an old-fashioned, bitter assault on the senses. It demands respect and attention, standing apart from the crowd as a true test of a maturing nose.

This isn't your mum's powdery floral. Chanel N°19 EDT is a divisive beast: some hail it as a green, aloof masterpiece, while others are baffled by its sharp, bitter nature and weak modern formulations. It's a proper cold shoulder if you can get the right vintage, but a pretty forgettable floral if not.