Chanel Information Guide
Coco Chanel
Luxury fashion house Chanel was founded in 1910 by Gabrielle Chanel or more famously known as “Coco Chanel.” Chanel revolutionized women’s fashion during the 19th century, steering away from over adorned, constrictive clothes and introducing simplistic, masculine designs. She was raised in a convent run orphanage where she was abandoned by her father after her mothers passing. Later on Gabrielle began working as a café singer, where she acquired her nickname “Coco.” She then became associated with a wealthy man named Arthur “Boy” Capel, who helped her finance her first shops.
Chanel Reissue 2.55
The iconic Chanel Reissue 2.55 Bag designed by Coco Chanel revolutionized how handbags were worn by women during this era. At this time handbags were only carried by women in their hands, but Chanel was determined to design a bag to keep womens’ hands free. She created her first shoulder bag design in February 1955, now known as the Chanel Reissue 2.55. The bag heavily influenced by her time in the orphanage featured a burgundy interior, similar to her uniform, along with a flat metal chainlink strap inspired by the keychains held by the caretakers. The iconic mademoiselle turnlock was also featured, referencing the fact that Chanel never got married.
Karl Lagerfeld
Chanel passed away in 1971 at the age of 87 years old. After her death The House of Chanel became a dying brand, running through various designers until Karl Lagerfeld was hired as creative director in 1983. After her death he became the longest and most influential designer for the brand up until his death in 2019. When it comes to Coco Chanel he said, “My job is not to do what she did, but what she would have done. The good thing about Chanel is it is an idea you can adapt to many things.”
Chanel Bags
Chanel Classic Flap Bag
In 1983, Karl Lagerfeld reinvented Chanels 1955 shoulder bag into what we know now as the Chanel Classic Flap. Lagerfeld introduced the iconic CC turnlock closure which replaced the mademoiselle closure and added the timeless woven leather chain, replacing the flat metal chainlinks. The interior remained burgundy for all black colored bags, in homage to Chanel’s original design.
Chanel 2.55 Reissue Bag
In 2005 on the anniversary of the 2.55 Reissue bag, Karl Lagerfeld reintroduced Coco Chanel’s original design to the public once more. The bag had the same flat metal chainlinks and mademoiselle turnlock as Chanel’s original design, as well as the iconic burgundy interior.
Chanel Boy Bag,
In 2011, Karl Lagerfeld introduced the Chanel Boy Bag, inspired by Chanel’s great love, Boy Chapel.
Chanel Gabrielle Bag
In 2017, Karl Lagerfeld introduced the Chanel Gabrielle Bag, named after Chanel herself.