PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANEL
For Chanel, a bag isn’t just an accessory. It’s a love story between a woman and her most trusted companion. Transcending mere utility, Gabrielle Chanel defied convention by liberating women from the constraints of clutches and top-handle bags. This spirit of empowerment continued in 1983 when Karl Lagerfeld introduced the now-famous Classic Handbag, the first Chanel design to feature the leather-interlaced metal chain strap.
While countless variations continue to emerge over the years, its core elements remain instantly recognisable. From the double flap detailing and double C clasp to the ‘smile pocket’ at the back. Alongside even the quilted motif derived from the equestrian world, all these count as the iconic bag’s signature features.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANEL
More than just aesthetics, the true essence of the Classic Handbag lies in the exceptional craftsmanship that underpins its beauty. Using methods from couture garment construction, artisans at Chanel ateliers take over 180 intricate steps to complete each piece. This includes the signature retourné technique, where they flip the leather inside out before shaping the bag’s boxy silhouette.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANEL
Today, Chanel rechristens its timeless creation the Iconic Handbag in a captivating new campaign. Fronted by the enigmatic duo of Penélope Cruz and Brad Pitt, a sense of nostalgia abounds in a recreation of a scene from A Man And A Woman. Shot by Inez and Vinoodh, it stays true to the 1966 film’s dialogue while lensed through a modern aesthetic.
Chanel’s artistic director of fashion and long-time cinema enthusiast, Virginie Viard, pays homage to Claude Lelouch’s masterpiece with this modern-day remake. In essence, #CHANELTheIconicHandbag celebrates the timeless elegance of the bag as a forever icon of the French fashion house.
The Classic Handbag represents a rebellion against convention, a celebration of practicality and a symbol of timeless elegance. This treasured classic continues to evolve, catering to modern tastes while preserving its core essence. The result is a legendary icon forever imbued with the revolutionary spirit of Chanel.
