Margot Robbie Launched Chanel’s Latest Fragrance—Gabrielle Chanel Essence—With a Garden Dinner at Chateau Marmont

“My first introduction to this fragrance in its finalized form was when we shot the video portion of the campaign with Nick Knight. I was wearing the fragrance on this very elaborate set, and my initial association was having this incredible experience where I felt very creatively stimulated but also very in control. That was the idea behind the campaign; she was a character inspired by the beautiful chaos around her, so I think I am always going to associate this scent with that sort of mindset,” Margot Robbie said while looking effortlessly beautiful in Chanel couture in the calm chaos of the garden at the Chateau Marmont, where guests were arriving to enjoy Chanel’s dinner in honor of the new Gabrielle Chanel Essence perfume.

This month, Chanel launched a hypnotic new campaign for the new scent from Olivier Polge, the maison’s in-house perfumer, and chose Robbie to star as the embodiment of the fragrance. “I already had this amazing partnership with Chanel, so when the fragrance conversation arose it was a no-brainer. I love the brand and it feels particularly special to get to represent the fragrance that holds Gabrielle’s namesake,” she continued.

After a toast from Robbie—the evening’s host—guests, which included the Haim Sisters, Maude Apatow, and Charlie Heaton, all dined al fresco alongside the iconic pool at the Chateau Marmont.

There was a lively energy over a steak frites dinner served family-style. Dessert followed and so too did a powerful performance by the band SHAED. “Every time I get to be a part of these events it’s just amazing, it’s like a whole new theme, a whole new world, but the family is still there. I have a lot of respect for Chanel, its journey, and how it is still so relevant, modern and elegant while keeping to its roots," said Chanel ambassador Kristine Froseth, in head-to-toe Chanel, of course.

Many guests reflected on their relationship with various Chanel scents. Pom Klementieff waxed poetic on the French fashion house: “I have always loved all of the bottles they designed, and their scents are always so beautiful and iconic. I have gifted Chance Chanel many times, I love it.”

“I have vintage Chanel perfume bottles as decoration in my bathroom, and I have the classic one I wear, which is No. 5,” said Camila Morrone. “Chanel is the first luxury brand I was introduced to through my mom, who has been using Chanel makeup my whole life. Working with the brand is like a dream and being invited here tonight, in my hometown, it basically couldn’t get any better.” But it did get better! A gift bag awaited the lucky guests with a bottle of the new Gabrielle Chanel Essence upon exiting.