My all-time best vintage perfume find was a bottle of Guerlain Meteorites for $60 at a mall kiosk. It really was the exact scent of the Meteorites pearls- violet, rose, and cosmetics powder. It was so close to perfect, but in the end, it was just the tiniest bit too retro, too period-piece.
Chanel Misia, with its excruciatingly pretty violet-rose scent, is the fresher, brighter, modernized Meteorites that I’ve been hoping for. It manages to evoke the pleasurable glamour of old-fashioned cosmetics and fluffy Caron powder puffs without actually smelling like powder. Misia is defined by its delicate, candied violet note. It’s as girly as a Pinterest board filled with ballet slippers and pastel macarons.
When I read that the perfumer was Olivier Polge, I thought about the resemblance to his Balenciaga Paris. Paris is much thinner and less sweet than Misia, a starched white shirt to Misia’s swirly skirts. Many Misia reviews are comparing it to Frederic Malle Lipstick Rose, but they’re completely different in tone: if Misia is a wisp of light pink, Lipstick Rose is a streak of vibrant fuchsia. As a longtime Lipstick Rose lover, I adore (and need!) both.
I was so smitten with Misia that I bought a small bottle on the spot last week, which never, ever happens. The generous Chanel SA also included an adorable 4 ml deluxe sample, which I would be happy to pass on to you. If you would like to enter to win the Misia sample, please leave a comment telling us your favorite Chanel Les Exclusif fragrance. This giveaway is open to both U.S. and international commenters. The giveaway will be open until noon on Friday, April 3rd. Good luck!
SCENTS OF SELF 
Favorite Chanel Exclusif is No. 22! 🙂
Hallo and thank you for this wonderful opportunity; Cuir de Russie it is! With a passion!
Coromandel, hand’s down! Thanks for the chance to win.
I love 1932, 31 Rue Cambon, Gardenia and Cuir de Russie. I’m a big time Chanel fan. I’m looking forward to trying trying Misia.
My favourite Chanel Exclusif is Sycomore, one of my go-to scents when I cannot decide what fragrance to wear and need something grounding that never feels out of place.
Thanks for the draw!
Oh this sounds lovely, but moreso this is making me want to finally buy a bottle of Meteorites b/c that too retro smell is exactly my jam. But I’ve been recently dousing myself in Habanita and Bombi Black Magic, so …
My favourite of the Exclusifs is Chanel No. 22. My thermos sized bottle of it generally remains untouched these days, but it was my wedding perfume which went well with the fact that I wore black, fox fur, and red lipstick.
Thanks!
I love Coromandel, but i have never had a bottle for my own, only samples
I so want to try this!! It sounds perfect! (Maybe even for my wedding this summer?)
I don’t own any of the Exclusifs yet, but as of now, my favourite of the ones I have tried is Bois des Iles. Apparently the pure parfum version is sublime.
Hello, Ari,
thank you for the chance!
I can easily find a piece of me in any of Les Exclusifs, but I can see my/whole/self in 31 Rue Cambon – the modern chypre of the range!
Misia got me head over heels in twitching anticipation, becaaaause I adore violets, and love them in a combination with rose or iris, or both!
I have not found my favorite Chanel yet. I keep hoping to find a true love because I really like their bottles. Perhaps Misia is the one!
My favorie of Les Exclusifs is Coromandel. Thanks for the chance!!
ooh you make this sound so good! My favorite Les exclusifs currently is Coromandel (though a while back it was Bois de Iles. Thanks for the giveaway!
Currently, I’d say Coromandel, but the number one spot is subject to change! Thanks for this opportunity!
My favorite Exclusif (and the only FB bottle I have) is Cuir de Russie.
Thank you for the giveaway!
Oh, my you’ve made Misia sound lovely! The first perfume I bought for myself was Chanel’s Bois des Iles and I’ve still got a soft spot for the line.
Thank you very much for such a lovely review. I always enjoy your posts.
Violets! I think I need this!
Coromandel FTW!!!!!
Bois des Isles! Misia is a contender, though. I am hoarding a sample vial of it, trying to make it last. I was curious about whether or not you’d like Misia considering your love for Lipstick Rose. Nice to see there’s room in your collection for both.
Oh man, and I was just thinking how much I need to try Lipstick Rose 🙂 I don’t have a favorite Les Exclusif yet, though I have Coromandel and Sycamore on my list of things to try after Misia. Thank you!
I just wanted to add that I was really excited to see your recent posts 🙂
I know I’m supposed to leave a comment on my favorite Chanel exclusif, but I’ve never had the opportunity to experience one. But I am a lover of Chanel, and old school glamour 😉
good to see you back to reviewing, Ari- I take from your reactions this is a “must try” .My fav is “bel Respiro” and I’d gladly add a new one
thanks for the draw
My favorite channel would be N°22 Thank you for the giveaway.
No. 22 is my favorite Exclusif!
Gardenia is my favorite
So far it’s 31 Rue Cambon, although I feel I need to give Coromandel another try.
Corormandel is my favorite.
My favourite one is No.22. Definetly if the only prfume i buy over and over.