Chanel Bags

Spotlight On Chanel Bags

The year 1955 unleashed the success of Chanel bags with the introduction of the famous quilted pattern handbag. This handbag, labeled the 2.55 model, boasted a delicate quilt pattern crafted with petersham and a jersey lining. By February of 1955, the bag had soared in popularity, but due to its slow and careful manufacturing process, many purchase requests had to be denied because of a low supply. The unmet high demands for these handbags only emphasized the exclusivity of Chanel bags, an exclusivity that continues to this day.

Despite the death of Coco Chanel in 1971, the Chanel brand has persevered in the fashion world. By 1983, German designer Karl Lagerfeld took hold of the haute couture design, fueling inspiration for the timeless styles of Chanel.

Defining Characteristics of a Chanel Bag

Whether a handbag, clutch, or tote, Chanel bags have a distinct look that remains true to the brand. The iconic characteristics include:

• Quilted Stitching
• Tweed Fabrics
• Gold Chains
• The Double Inverted "C" Logo
• A Boyishly Feminine Quality

These bags employ a plethora of high-quality materials including lambskin, printed canvas, calfskin, silk, and even exotic skins like python and ostrich. Certain leather styles are crafted so intricately they are said to require more than one hundred manufacturing options during the production process.

Chic Chanel Styles

Over the decades Chanel has manufactured nearly every conceivable bag style, including:

• Shoulder Bags
• Totes
• Clutches
• Hobos
• Flap Bags
• Box Bags

The most popular styles still feature quilted leather styles that display the Chanel logo. The Holiday 2006 Collection provided fans with totes and hobos glowing with bold graffiti and street prints.

The 2.55

The Chanel 2.55 evolves every season, being manufactured in different colors and featuring a variety of embellishments. The Spring 2007 2.55 model hit the runway sporting a motley assortment of decorative charms such as butterflies and stars.

Paris Fashion Week: Victoria Beckham with Katie Holmes carrying a Chanel handbag.

Teensy Models

Chanel is famous for its teensy boxy handbag models, some of which fit daintily in the palm of your hand. Whether shaped like a diminutive box or a Christmas ornament, these itty bitty accessories play up delicate and feminine outfits. Spring 2006 introduced the Chanel swirl pattern bag, a tiny shell-like box which hung sweetly from a chain. Too cute!

Celebrities and Chanel Bags

Celebrities love there Chanel bags. There's no doubt Chanel holds a high name in Hollywood. Celebrities are frequently spotted carrying their favorite seasonal Chanel item. Madonna provoked the Chanel craze by carrying a Chanel bag shaped in the style of a video tape. Rachel Bilson has been seen around Southern California sporting her classic Mahogany 2.55 model. Other celebrities who are clear Chanel fans include:

• Mischa Barton
• Natalia Vodianova
• Paris Hilton
• Katie Holmes

The fact that Chanel's handbag styles have been found on the arms of America's younger generations is a testament to the classic nature of Chanel.

Authentic Chanel Bags

Chanel Bag Mademoiselle Purse Brown Suede Handbag

Due to the pernicious nature of the replica industry, it is nearly impossible to purchase genuine Chanel merchandise online. Authentic Chanel bags will be accompanied by an identity card which guarantees that your bag is a genuine Chanel product. More importantly, the card contains a number that will be written on the inside of the product.

Chanel bags should be purchased from any nationwide Chanel retailer in order to guarantee the authenticity of the product.

Caring for Your Chanel Product

Worth every penny of its steep price, Chanel merchandise is manufactured using materials that will stand the test of time. Keep your Chanel bag in prime condition by limiting sun-exposure and avoiding contact with moisture and cosmetics. Also, due to the color migration phenomenon, light colored leather Chanel products should not be worn close to dark colored leathers. In order to preserve your Chanel bag, it is also recommended that the product be stored in its protective dust bag (all authentic Chanel bags will come with a dust bag).