Chanel can be called the most famous world brand; it’s hard to imagine a person who wouldn’t hear about this French fashion house. Today we will talk about the legendary Chanel bags, which are a model of elegance, good taste and high status.
A bit of history
The founder of the brand, the great Coco Chanel, made a real revolution in the fashion world of the twentieth century. Inspired by the male wardrobe, she radically changed the female, thanks to her painful corsets and uncomfortable fluffy skirts were completely supplanted. She offered women a new wardrobe, which today is considered a classic: a cardigan jacket, a little black dress, a fur coat, a white shirt and pants, a waterproof trench coat.
With comfortable clothes, Mademoiselle sought to achieve freedom and equality for women. Among other things, she created the legendary fragrances and many accessories: jewelry, scarves, hats, gloves and, of course, elegant handbags, which will be discussed today.
Features
A distinctive feature of almost all bags from Chanel is the presence of a chain-handle. It was invented by Mademoiselle herself, and is still used on almost all models. Sometimes through the links of the chain they thread a leather cord to match the color of the handbag.
Another feature is quilted leather, from which all models are also mainly sewn. It is based on first-class lamb or calf leather, from which lining is also made.
As Koko herself said: “Luxury is when the wrong side is as good as the front side.”
Of course, all the bags of this brand combine elegant design and versatility. If you have the opportunity to buy only one expensive bag, choose Chanel. It fits almost any style of clothing and is appropriate in any situation.
Classic models
Chanel 2.55
Coco Chanel always complained about the fashion at the time of the reticuli that he had to carry in his hands. She constantly lost them or somewhere forgot, and then this great woman decided to create a magnificent bag, which later became a legend. The name of the model seems intricate at first glance, in fact, the handbag was created on February 2, 1955, so this is just the “date of birth” of the accessory.
The history of the bag is unique; it is said that the life story of Chanel herself is encrypted in it.
The origin of the handle-chain is attributed to several versions. One says that the nuns in the abbey, where the future fashion designer grew, carried their keys on such. The keys were a symbol of freedom, because they opened the gates to the world. According to another version, this is a reference to a horse bridle and harness, and she had a special relationship with horses. Her life at that time was visited by two beloved men, each of whom was madly in love with these amazing animals. Koko was also not indifferent to them - she rode well, and her first "men's" outfit was a pantsuit for horse riding.
It seems logical that The quilted top of the bag was inspired by the quilted jackets worn by jockeys. True, there is a version that they look like stained glass windows of the already mentioned abbey, as well as sofa cushions in Mademoiselle’s apartments.
It is not known for certain, but, whatever she was inspired by, she managed to create a real masterpiece.
So that the contents of the bag were not accessible to others, the designer invented a “pocket-flap”, which was locked with a “Mademoiselle lock”. In the 80s, it was replaced by the company logo with crossed letters "C".
Inside there is a pocket with a zipper, where, as they say, Koko kept love letters. Outside there is also a pocket for money, because “even if there is a man next to me, I pay for myself”.
Surprisingly, over the years the design 2.55 has not changed a bit. Perhaps the whole thing is that this is an ideal bag, thought out to the smallest detail.
Chanel boy
Another model associated with a special man in the life of Coco Chanel Arthur Edward Capel, nicknamed Boy. He was the greatest love in the life of Mademoiselle, and, according to Karl Lagerfeld, she took her special attitude towards life from her lover.
Their relationship lasted 10 years, and in 1919, he tragically died in a car accident. Chanel with great difficulty survived this period, in memory of which the Coco Noir perfume was created.
In honor of Arthur himself, Lagerfeld decided to name the new model of the Boy Chanel bag, which he created in 2011.
It is rectangular, made of hard leather, hunting bags served as the prototype for its creation. The model is available in three variations - large, medium and small (the size of a wallet). The variety of textures and colors of this model is unlimited.
Chanel 11.12
The classic model, which was released in the spring of 2015. The external difference from 2.55 is its texture. The bag is made of leather with a slanting stitch, and not from quilted leather.
According to Kristen Stewart, who has become the face of this advertising campaign, the model combines classic and modern, although these concepts are usually mutually exclusive. Thanks to a non-standard line, it really looks more rock-n-roll and is perfect for any modern look.
Models from the new collections
Chanel the girl
In 2015, the legendary black jacket Chanel inspired Carl to create a new model.
The bag can be made of leather or tweed, and it has all the classic elements of a jacket: two pockets, a contrast rim, a collar and buttons. The role of the straps play elongated sleeves. According to Maestro, this is a jacket that can be worn as you please.
Chanel Lego Clutch
Clutches from the collection instantly conquered girls around the world. These bright plastic handbags are radically different from the monochrome classic models of the brand.
They have a very rich and cheerful colors - green, blue, yellow, pink, white and red are popular.
Gabrielle
Model 2017, which Devoted to the founder of the brand - Gabrielle Chanel. The bag combines modern design and classic elements that allow you to accurately determine that in front of you is a Chanel bag. She has a hard base and soft upper part of their quilted leather. The role of the handle is played by a double chain, which allows you to carry the bag in different ways. Available in three variations - hobo, which can be worn over the shoulder, shopper and backpack.
The current art director of the Chanel house in general is very fond of experimenting, he has released a bag in the form of a milk package, a bottle of perfume, a basket from a supermarket within various collections.
At the same time, he believes that the girl should remain elegant in any situation, which is why even beach models can be found in the brand's assortment.
For example, in 2013 he released a terry beach bag complete with double-sided bedding - the dream of any real fashionista.
Travel Bags also disassembled - this volume models on wheels, and models for hand luggage. Popular Chanel Quilted Nylon Trolley - lightweight and practical luggage bag on wheels, made of nylon and calf leather. She has a telescopic plastic handle and the usual soft, which allows you to always travel freely and stylishly.
Dimensions
Chanel handbag sizes are varied. If you are looking for an accessory for all occasions, take a look at the classic models of medium size.If you are accustomed to carry with you a lot of all sorts of things or your job requires it, look at the big models - Chanel Bowling Bag and Chanel Shopping.
For those who carry only lipstick and a mobile phone, small bags will fit.
It can be a variety of clutches or a miniature version of Chanel Boy.
the cloth
In terms of practicality in the first place are models of genuine leather. With proper treatment, they will serve you almost indefinitely, and they are also easy to care for.
Varnish models look very impressive, but not always suitable for everyday wear. Sometimes patent leather can make the look vulgar or it will just be inappropriate to look with a casual or sport-chic style. But the evening look, she will give a touch of sophistication and boundless luxury.
Fabric bags are quite popular, they are durable, stylish, great for everyday wear. It is difficult to take care of them, to clean the bag, without spoiling, it will have to give to dry cleaning.
Look interesting denim bags - they are present in almost every line. This is a modern and quite practical material that will perfectly fit into any casual style. True, this is the least versatile bag that does not fit business and evening looks.
Colors and prints
Since the rule that a bag needs to be selected for shoes is not valid for a long time, you can buy a model of any color you like.
Girls who still love the classics should opt for a black, white, beige or brown accessory.
If you can afford a lot of bags and prefer not to limit yourself to strict frames, you can pay attention to the bags of red, blue, green, pink.
As for prints, they are always incredible, and sometimes they are real works of art. Most of them are dedicated to the very house of Chanel, Paris and the great Mademoiselle.
How much is?
The average cost of the popular Flap bag models, which include 2.55, Boy, 11.12, is 3,000–5,000 €.
A small clutch can be purchased for 1,000–1,500 €.
Exclusive models from limited collections are much more expensive, their cost usually reaches 10 000–12 000 €.
As you can see, the original can not be cheaper than 1000 €. Therefore, if you are offered a supposedly original accessory is much cheaper, explaining that with a super-unique sale, you probably have a fake.
How to distinguish from fakes?
The first thing to note is that the brand’s products are never sold in various online stores selling allegedly original “remnants”, “goods with a small marriage”, etc. All illiquid goods are immediately destroyed by the brand itself. Therefore, you can buy the original only in the official boutique of the fashion house or from an authorized Chanel dealer.
The exception is bags that belong to the category Chanel Vintage. These are models from past collections that have already been visited by another owner, but either were not worn or were very short in time, therefore wear marks on them are hardly noticeable and insignificant.
They implement their various online platforms with a good reputation, which guarantee the authenticity of products. But in order to be sure that you are not buying a fake, you should get acquainted with the details that need attention:
Material and appearance
Perhaps there is no need to say that materials of the highest quality are used for sewing. Most often it is matte calf or lamb skin.
If the bag is shiny, this is the first sign of a fake!
Also used is granular and patent leather, leather of various exotic animals, canvas, denim, fabric (wool, tweed, jacquard), fur and others.
All seams are neat and even, stitches are thick, especially for quilted bags. The seams on the valve, the front and the back of the same, as if there are "butt joint". In no case can they be interrupted - this is only possible with fakes.
Inside view
Depending on the model and collection, the interior design may vary. However, all handbags have similar features. The main thing is the presence of the logo, which can be embossed or stamped. If the logo is missing, then stamping under the color of the fittings is necessarily present.
The label also has the inscription Chanel Italy or Chanel France, of course, the country of origin on the plate and label is the same. In no other country do the bags of this brand are made. If you are told that the fashion house is in Paris, and sewing bags in China is a blatant lie!
Serial number and card
The number is absolutely present in all bags of the brand. On the old models, it will be seven-digit, and on the new - eight-digit. Remember that finding it is not so easy, usually it is hidden in the bowels of the product, and the fakes are located in plain sight.
Each bag comes with a certificate, even if you buy a vintage bag, the seller must provide it. If he refers to the fact that the card is lost, you should not buy an accessory.
The certificate is a black card with gold inscriptions and a serial number extruded on it. Its design has not changed since the 90s, so it can not look any different. Naturally, there can be no blurry letters, curved typefaces or misprints.
Fittings
Buttons, buckles, and other accessories usually have an inscription stating that it was made in Paris. For its production, depending on the model, gold or silver is used.
The famous castle with crossed letters SS made of copper or nickel with gold. It is durable and rather weighty.
The chain pen in style and color is combined with other metal elements. They are always made in the same color, and even small differences in shades are unacceptable.
Reviews
Most owners of handbags from Chanel speak of them in an enthusiastic way. They say that it is impossible to find flaws in the products, and consider them ideal.
Most often leave feedback on the classic models, which, according to the girls, are suitable for any clothing.
Owners of bags that are more than two or three years old say that with careful handling, the product does not lose its attractive appearance, there are no scuffs and other signs of wear. Of course, skin is skin, and in time they will still appear, but this will not happen soon.
According to the girls, Chanel bags have no flaws, and they do not even consider the high cost a minus, because it is always nice to invest in such a high-quality and universal thing.
What to wear?
Since today the assortment of Chanel handbags is diverse, consider the classic models that are most popular. As has been said more than once, they are suitable for almost any image, but the best, perhaps, look with classic clothes in the English and French style. It can be prim smooth skirts, shirts, pullovers and, naturally, tweed suits. Jewelry is always discreet and elegant, well, if the color of the metal will match the color of the accessories on the bag. There will be an extra small hat and scarf.
For a more sophisticated, romantic look, a silk closed dress, a light cardigan thrown over the top, and medium-heeled pumps will fit. Classic bag perfectly fit into this image.
Do not think that modern casual style does not have to carry a legendary bag. It will easily complement the image, which consists of skinny jeans or leather leggings, a shirt or a sweater-oversize jacket and leather jackets.
It is impossible not to mention the elegant style to which Chanel handbags fit perfectly. A little black dress, graceful pumps, a classic jacket, straight trousers and a silk blouse, a string of pearls - all this will look great in company with a sophisticated accessory.
Spectacular images
British supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley demonstrates a trendy look, complemented by Chanel 2.55. Cropped flared jeans with a wide belt, a light silk blouse, classic combined pumps.The image is completed with stylish sunglasses, a necklace and a silk scarf tied to a bag.
Another British girl - it-girl Alex Chang loves Chanel handbags. One of her spectacular looks is a suede miniskirt, a white shirt, and sandals on a small platform. Look complements the red 2.55, matched to the lipstick. No wonder Alex is considered an icon of style.
It’s not necessary to carry a Chanel bag with a little black dress, take an example from fashion blogger Camila Coelho and choose white! Deaf at the top, legs showing a short dress looks great with suede model Chanel Boy. The image is complemented by a necklace and sunglasses.