I've just tried Chanel's first new Coco Mademoiselle perfume in 6 years - here's why I think it's even more elegant than the original

The Mademoiselle family has just gained another chic addition that goes by the name of Crush Absolu - a rich reimagining of the iconic amber-floral, with a vibrant fruity twist.

When on the topic of the best perfumes for women and long-lasting fragrances, Chanel's lineup of elegant, cult-classic scents is sure to come up. After all, the French designer is home to many an established icon, from No.5 to Chance and, of course, the jasmine and patchouli-laced Coco Mademoiselle. Since the scent's creation in 2001, Chanel has launched a few iterations, from a hair perfume to a more intensive blend. Now, six years on from the last (L'Eau Privée), we have another: Mademoiselle Crush Absolu.

Described as 'an affirmation of the self,' this new concoction builds on the warm, ambery bouquet we know and love, but adds splashy notes of lychee and grapefruit, as well as soft, musky rose, to create a modern and incredibly versatile blend. One that might even appeal to those who never warmed to the original.

As of August 19th, you can now get your hands on this new, limited-edition and very vibrant iteration, which builds on the original's ambery-vanilla base with notes of lychee, zingy grapefruit and musky rose. It's Mademoiselle but with a bold, juicy edge that melts down into something very modern and smooth - a chic option for both fruity perfume fans and amber scent lovers alike.

"COCO MADEMOISELLE CRUSH ABSOLU is an affirmation of the self," says Olivier Polge, CHANEL In-House Perfumer Creator. "This fragrance offers a deeply personal experience that exists only when it is worn. I like to imagine that it accompanies the woman who wears it. It is not about conforming, but about revealing oneself, surprising oneself."

A beauty writer's verdict on Mademoiselle Crush Absolu

I've always had an appreciation for the original Coco Mademoiselle. In fact, we go way back, as I actually wore it in my late teens and early twenties, having saved for months to be able to buy the 30ml bottle. To me, it was the height of fashion and maturity, and naturally became my prized possession. I absolutely loved the bottle, the pink tint of the liquid and its warm, flowery scent. Alas, though, as is often the way with first fragrances, I moved on to others, and now its notes are so dated to that specific time in my life. While arguably quite a mature-smelling fragrance, Mademoiselle now smells young to me - of a past self that doesn't feel like 'me' anymore.

I therefore wasn't expecting to love this new iteration, but as it turns out, both its story and scent really resonate. It's like an evolution and homecoming in one for me. There's nostalgia and a nod to that girl who saved for the original, mingled with a new, vibrant, confident and sophisticated edge that I aspire to carry with me now.

Crush Absolu features those familiar hints of jasmine, patchouli, vetiver and vanilla, but brings juicy lychee, grapefruit, and delicate rose to the forefront. It's brighter than its predecessor but still warm, musky and smooth. Like many of Chanel's blends, it really lingers and clings to the skin, and a little spritz goes a long way. It's the perfect sort of scent to see out summer with and bring into Autumn, thus making the timing of this launch feel quite perfect.

I really recommend it to those who love the original but perhaps haven't been wearing it as much, and even to those who actually don't like it at all, as this fruity take feels so modern and on-theme with this year's fragrance trends, while still maintaining Chanel's timeless, French-chic personality.

Shop more Coco Mademoiselle

If you're keen to expand your Mademoiselle collection, I've rounded up a few more options, including the hair perfume and previous launch, L'Eau Privée.