Coco Chanel’s style was simple elegance epitomised and what could be simpler and more elegant than the LBD? Black is a constant in Chanel collections and Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of Chanel was inspired by the non-colour for the brand’s new collection: Les Noirs Obscurs.

Apparently this black “achieves a new level of refinement with a hint of extravagance”. What could this marketingspeak spiel mean you ask yourself? To simplify, the Noirs Obscurs collection is designed for Parisiennes (or Parisiennes at heart) like Coco herself; chic and sophisticated but with a sense of drama. The kind of woman who would throw on a simple black shift and some black heels and accessorise the look with some fabulously OTT costume jewellery.

The Noirs Obscurs collection includes traditionally black items such as mascara and eyeliner as well as eyeshadows, lipsticks and nail varnishes all underscored with black tones. If dark lipstick seems a little too gothic, the three deep, rich colours available for nails – Diabolic, Forbidden and Vendetta – will add a dramatic je ne sais quoi to your fingertips. Chanel’s Rouge Noir nail polish was a huge hit and these dark tones will undoubtedly be just as successful.

The Quatuor Boutons palette in Les Folies Noires contains four sultry shades (black, black aubergine, black brown and black green), perfect for something just a little bit different for this season’s smoky-eyed look. The shadows come in an adorable mirrored compact and each of the shades is etched with the double-C logo – the little detail that makes the palette oh-so-desirable!

Chanel’s Rouge Allure has been reinterpreted for the gothic glamourpuss and the three limited edition shades (Maniac, a deep red-black; Hysteria, a rich purple aubergine and Obscure, a dark brown-red) will add a dramatic finishing touch to an cocktail dress and heels combo. The lipstick’s formula promises intense colour and has a rich, moisturising formula ensuring that choosing lipcolour over the more sensible winter choice of lipbalm doesn’t mean that you’ll suffer the dreaded chapped look.

Whatever item in the Noirs Obscurs collection you’re craving, this is make-up with refinement and a hint of extravagance!

Find the whole collection online on the Chanel website.