Why a Chanel is always a good idea
The CHANEL bag is a solid investment. Because prices rise every year, both pre-owned-with-love and new, and you don't really earn much from the interest on your savings at the bank, we prefer to spend our holiday money on luxury.
Bag with a number: 2.55
The first model designed by Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel herself in February 1955 (hence the name 2.55), is recognizable by the rectangular twist lock, also known as the ‘mademoiselle lock’. Coco wanted her hands free and designed the bag for herself. Until then, women carried handbags, which is tricky when drinking champagne and lighting cigarettes. Therefore, this original model has the characteristic chain strap, inspired by the keychain that the nuns – with whom Coco grew up – had hanging from their habits. Fifty years later, in February 2005, the bag was re-released under the name ‘re-issue 2.55’. It is still the most sought-after bag for enthusiasts and is almost impossible to get. Unless you have waitlist patience. Or go for a vintage model.
Uncle Karl
In the early eighties, Karl Lagerfeld designed a somewhat less modest, but certainly not less beautiful variant, where the lock is adorned with two crossed C's and the bag got a new name: the classic. Fortunately, he didn't change much about the model. The quilted pattern, also known as mattelassé, was inspired by the jackets of the stable boys during horse races. The famous zip pocket on the front flap of the bag, said to be where she kept her folded love letters from her lover, is still present. It's actually a shame that we don't receive love letters these days and have to make do with a WhatsApp message...
Grootte Telt
The classic comes in 5 versions (mini, small, medium, jumbo, and maxi), available in buttery soft lambskin, patent leather, and in treated calfskin: the caviar variant. Additionally, there are many variations in different materials in each collection (almost six per year!), think the famous CHANEL tweed or just plastic. Yes, really. While it used to be a bag for chic ladies, it has been an absolute must-have for every fashionista since the ’90s, thanks to celebs and our friends from SATC. No matter which version you choose, due to its timeless design, it is – even in canary yellow, fire truck red, and transparent plastic – the missing link for every style girl.. Looking for a designer vintage bag? Check out.
Text: Karin Barnhoorn, Founding Director Designer-Vintage. Designer Vintage.
