The History of a Fashion Legend: Coco Chanel’s Story

A house built on shifting sand does not stand for long – unless, of course, that house is built on the shifting sand of the fashion industry.  Today, Chanel handbags continue to generate substantial demand and revenue among style-conscious women, but the designer has a long, rich history that stretches back for centuries.

Born in 1883, Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel built such a house, defying the odds and transitioning from an orphan to a powerful woman who would change the face of Paris fashion again and again over the years.  After a brief stint as a café songbird, “Coco” became the mistress to various wealthy men who introduced her to couture and ultimately helped subsidize her lifelong success. Her first retail establishment opened in 1910 as a women’s hat shop, catering to the women of Paris, and within twelve months, she moved into the popular market of Rue Cambon. Her line of women’s garments changed the way women dressed and related to their bodies, creating a veritable fashion revolution.

The House of Chanel became famous with the release of the little black dress, a staple in every woman’s closet even today. Simplicity was the key to Chanel’s revolution of haute couture, trading binding corsets for comfort, and introducing casually, elegant suits and dresses. The “Chanel Suit” rocked the fashion industry with its boxy and timeless look and the House of Chanel became synonymous with class, elegance, and wealth.  La Societe des Parfums Chanel was established in 1924 shortly after the release of Chanel No. 5, the company’s first scent.  In that same year, Chanel released a line of costume jewelry that Harpers Bazaar Magazine heralded as, “one of the most revolutionary designs of our time.”

Coco Chanel reached her peak in 1935 as an acclaimed designer owning multiple buildings and employing over four thousand artisans and workers throughout France. She retired in 1939 and closed her couture house, selling only perfumes and accessories at Chanel boutiques. But retirement was short lived for “Mademoiselle” (the nickname given to her by friends and peers) and she re-entered the fashion world in 1955, introducing the Chanel handbag.  The original bag, the Chanel 2.55, was infused with many personal references to Coco’s life. The bag became her signature, taking Paris, and then France, and then the world by storm. Chanel had to decline numerous orders for the bag due to the intricate artistic process, and “secret” quilting method used to create each one. The designer later received a Fashion Oscar in 1957, dubbing her, “the most influential designer of the twentieth century.”

Throughout history, the Chanel 2.55 has remained the “classic” Chanel purse.  Simplistic in design, it has a chain strap, woven with leather, and boasts the double C iconic logo on the clasp. The Reissue of the original 2.55 varies slightly; with a double- chain strap and what is known as the” mademoiselle lock.”

Below are some of the most popular Chanel handbags that continue to generate high demand among fashion conscious women today:

• The Classic Flap: Boasts classic quilted panels with brass double C lock and chain strap interwoven with leather.

• The Clutch: A rather understated, elegant Chanel handbag with the brand’s classic quilting and double C clasp.

• The Shopping Bag: A beautifully embossed double C icon logo graces the front of this Chanel handbag, with a chain strap interwoven with leather. Some shopping bags are all leather, some are woven textiles, and others offer comfort grip handles on the straps.

• The Tote: Classic simplicity defines the elegance of this preferred woman’s tote. The outer envelope pocket adorned with a brass double C clasp, leather handles, and simple closure. Large enough to accommodate files, or a small laptop.

• The Bowling Bag: This Chanel purse is quite popular with young women and is offered in a variety of chic colors. It offers the same Chanel quilting as the Classic Flap, with a contrasting double C icon on one end, and leather strap handles adorned with a chain accent.