We rarely think about where the raw materials of a luxury product come from. When it comes to perfume, we fall in love with how it smells, how it makes us feel, and maybe the beautiful bottle on our vanity, but the story behind what’s inside the bottle is often invisible.

Earlier this week I visited CHANEL’s annual garden exhibition LE SANTAL DE CHANEL at Jardins Jardin Paris, where I had the chance to explore the story of the sacred Maré sandalwood.

Maré Island is a small island in New Caledonia, far away in the Pacific, where Santalum austrocaledonicum – a rare and precious sandalwood – grows deep in the forest. It’s one of the most sought-after materials in perfumery because of its soft, creamy, woody scent that adds depth and warmth to fragrances like BLEU DE CHANEL, CHANEL’s BOIS DES ILES, ÉGOÏSTE, and ALLURE.

What makes this sandalwood even more fascinating is the way it’s sourced. CHANEL doesn’t just buy it off the market. They’ve built an exclusive partnership with the local Kanak community, working closely with organizations like TAKONE and SEREI NO NENGONE to create a supply chain that’s fully traceable, ethical, and respectful of both nature and culture.

There are incredibly strict rules in place: only 250 trees are allowed to be cut down per year, and each one must be at least 25 years old, measured carefully, tested for the right wood quality, and approved by local leaders. And it doesn’t stop there. For every tree removed, thirty new saplings are planted – far exceeding the legal minimum. This isn’t just about extraction; it’s about regeneration.

The trees themselves are special. Sandalwood is what’s called a semi-parasitic tree – meaning it relies on another “host” plant to survive in its early years. That’s part of why it’s so rare and why replanting efforts are so meticulous. TAKONE doesn’t just plant sandalwood; they also support local agroforestry by cultivating fruit trees and host plants that help the young sandalwood thrive.

What touched me the most was learning about the human side of this story. CHANEL’s master perfumer, Olivier Polge, explained in an on site masterclass how people like Jean Waikedre, a local biochemist and microbiologist who returned to Maré after studying abroad, have dedicated their work to balancing tradition with modern sustainability. Under his leadership, the community isn’t just protecting their environment; they’re also building a sustainable economic future, where the benefits of this precious resource stay local.

At the CHANEL exhibition, I was reminded one more time, that true luxury goes far beyond the final product. It’s about intention, care, and respect – for the earth, for the communities involved, and for the future.

The next time you spray on a CHANEL perfume, remember: you’re not just wearing a scent. You’re connected to a much larger, meaningful story: one that spans oceans, cultures, and decades of thoughtful work.