One Woman, A World of Fashion: The Rise of Coco Chanel

Well over a century ago, a cornerstone was laid that would become the House of Chanel.  Now, over a hundred years later, Chanel continues to be a leader in fashion innovation for women around the world. Chanel handbags continue to generate revenue and demand for savvy, fashion-conscious women, and share a rich history with the designer spanning three centuries.

Born in 1883 and orphaned in 1889, Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel defied the odds by creating a fashion empire that continues to challenge the concept of high fashion even today.  “Coco” settled on her nickname after a short career as a café singer. Using her relationships with Paris’ up-and-coming men, she launched her first boutique in 1910, selling hats to the women of Paris.  So successful was her business that within a year’s time she was designing and selling women’s garments in the Rue Cambon market. Chanel’s line of clothing started a revolution in Paris, first with design and then with how women dressed and related to their bodies.

The arrival of the little black dress in Paris brought instant fame to the House of Chanel.  Her simple designs appealed to women who had been constricted for decades by corsets and stifling fabrics.  Clingy, easy-moving jersey material brought a sexy-casual feel to even the most elegant suits and dresses. The boxy, traditional style of the “Chanel Suit” set the industry on its heels when it hit the runway in the early 1920s. Coco’s first fragrance, Chanel No. 5, led the way for the development of La Societe des Parfums Chanel in 1924. She also launched a costume jewelry line that would later be heralded as “one of the most revolutionary designs of our time” by Harpers Bazaar.

An employer of over four thousand workers and owner of multiple business sites, Chanel reached her peak in 1935. Just four years later she closed her couture house, but the boutiques continued to sell Chanel perfumes and accessories.  Her retirement wasn’t meant to be, however, and when she came back to the fashion industry, she made a big impact with the stylish and timeless Chanel 2.55 handbag. “Mademoiselle” left a mark on the industry with her signature piece, infused with several personal references from her life.  The designer had to turn away many orders due to the time-consuming and “secret” nature of the process used to create her beautiful Chanel purses. Those techniques are still in use today, in each and every Chanel product. Coco received the Fashion Oscar in 1957, along with the title of “most influential designer of the twentieth century.”

The “classic” Chanel purse has remained an icon throughout fashion history. The design marries a chain strap, woven with leather and the renowned double C logo. The Reissue of the original 2.55 offers a throwback to the era with its “mademoiselle lock” and double-chain strap.

Below are some of the more popular Chanel handbags that continue to generate demand among  today’s chic women:

• The Classic Flap: This timeless Chanel purse is outfitted with classic quilted panels, a gleaming brass double C lock, and a durable chain strap interwoven with leather.

• The Clutch: Perfect for evenings out on the town, this sleek Chanel handbag is designed with the brand’s classic quilting and secure double C clasp.

• The Shopping Bag: You can’t go wrong with this beautifully embossed Chanel handbag, embellished with a double C icon logo and a chain strap interwoven with leather. Variations include leather, woven textiles, and bags with comfort grip handles.

• The Tote: Minimal style is the hallmark of this simple tote bag. Outside, you’ll find an envelope pocket with a brass double C clasp, leather handles, and a durable closure. It’s spacious enough to comfortably hold all your essentials, even a laptop and file folders.

• The Bowling Bag: Great for the woman on the go, this Chanel purse is available in a variety of stylish hues. Classic Chanel quilting, a double C icon, and leather strap handles distinguish this trend-setting Chanel purse.