Q&a / Why Cantopop star Jay Fung thinks Chanel’s refreshed N°5 is the ideal fragrance for summer

Jun 17 , 2024

Cantopop star Jay Fung’s current favourite fragrance is Chanel’s refreshed N°5 L’Eau. Photos: Handout

Jay Fung, the Hong Kong-Canadian singer-songwriter, has captured the hearts of Cantopop enthusiasts worldwide with his dulcet voice and heartfelt lyrics over the years.

Born in Hong Kong and raised in Edmonton, Canada, the 36-year-old pop sensation made a splash in Hong Kong’s music scene after finishing as first runner-up in the third season of TVB’s popular singing competition show, The Voice. With his magnetic charm, Fung has quickly become a highly sought-after face for luxury brands like Chanel.

The French maison recently reintroduced its N°5 L’Eau fragrance in a new drop-shaped glass bottle – a departure from the original square-shaped transparent glass bottle and octagonal cap.

We recently caught up with Fung at a Chanel event in Hong Kong celebrating the fragrance and its new look.

Jay Fung is a fan of Chanel N°5 L’eau’s citrus-tinged aroma

As a celebrity, you have access to a wide range of luxury fragrances. What sets the Chanel N°5 L’Eau fragrance apart from others in your collection?

Chanel N°5 L’Eau is a very iconic fragrance, right? My mum had the Chanel N°5 fragrance, and this one [the new version] is a little bit different. It’s very citrusy, woody, and has orange Mandarin notes. That’s what I like about it; that’s why I choose this one right now.

The Chanel N°5 L’Eau is known for its complex composition. Do you usually tend to reach for perfumes with refreshing notes?

I do like the really fresh smell, because fragrances are a very personal thing, and it’s sometimes how you want people to identify you. I’m a morning person full of energy, full of life, and so I would prefer something that’s more citrusy or fresh.

There can be too much of a good thing, Jay Fung found out, when he liberally doused himself in a Chanel fragrance before a date

What’s one of your fondest memories wearing Chanel fragrances?

In our house, we all use Chanel. The first time I went out on a date with a girl, I was really nervous. I was like, ‘Oh, I need to, you know, step up my game. I need a really nice-smelling fragrance.’

At that time, my older brother used the Chanel Allure Homme Sport. So I stole his bottle and ended up spraying probably half of the bottle on my clothes, on my neck. I sprayed a lot because I was young; I didn’t know how much to put on. I sprayed it on my armpits, everywhere, and it gave me that confidence. It was a bit too much, a little bit strong.

[But] I’m still with this girl today – and I still have the bottled fragrance sitting on my desk back at home in Canada.

Jay Fung thinks Chanel N°5 L’eau suits the summer months

Where’s your favourite place or occasion to wear the Chanel N°5 L’Eau?

Maybe at the beach. I don’t really go to the beach often. I’m usually at the studio writing songs and stuff. So if I were to go to the beach, I would definitely choose this as my fragrance. It’s perfect for the summer.

Hong Kong celebrities and icons

The French luxury house recently reintroduced its legendary N°5 L’Eau in a new package, and the Hong Kong-Canadian singer-songwriter is a fan