Everything you should know about the most famous handbag in the world
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Everything you should know near the most famous handbag in the world
CNA Lifestyle reveals the secrets backside the Chanel Flap and explains why this iconic accessory is and so much more than just a luxury handbag to women. In partnership with Chanel.
The 11:12 numberless in lambskin leather, (on the model) cashmere cardigan and Coco Beat bracelet in white gold and diamonds, all from Chanel. (Photo: Aik Chen, styling: Jasper Loh)
03 Jun 2022 06:30AM (Updated: 09 Jul 2022 05:58AM)
Few things in way, or indeed the world, have made an imprint every bit deep as the impression the Chanel Classic Flap has left on women. The handbag enjoys iconic condition unlike that of any other luxury accessory – it is non merely a mode statement or status symbol, but one that has come to carry special significance in popular civilization.
So pervasive is its influence that near everyone – fashion-conscious or not – tin recognise it, while pocketbook addicts deem it the ultimate bag to add to their collection.
Why is the Classic Flap then wildly popular and sought-subsequently? For those in the know, information technology has to exercise with its history and origins, the many stylistas and celebrities who have been seen with information technology, its versatility and functionality, and not least, its distinctively classic, elegant notwithstanding surprisingly mod design – an unmistakable mark of the legendary adult female behind it.
Anatomy OF AN ICON
Formally christened the 11.12 handbag past the make, the Classic Flap is a reinterpretation of the 2.55 bag that was designed by Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel in Feb 1955 (this date explains the numbers featured in its name).
How, then, did the eleven.12 get its numerical reference? It is said that it simply originated from the style lawmaking that was given to the bag model.
Introduced by Karl Lagerfeld in 1983, the 11.12 may look similar to its predecessor, simply in fact carries several design features that are distinctly different. The most prominent of these is the turn-lock clasp: On the 2.55, it is rectangular, while on the 11.12, it takes the form of Chanel's interlocking double-C logo. Notably information technology goes downwardly in fashion history every bit the first Chanel purse that features the interlocking double-C logo.
Apart from that, the shoulder strap is also unlike across both models. The 2.55 is given a fully metal chain strap, while the 11.12's strap has leather woven through the chain links.
Today, the eleven.12 is available in an array of sizes, from mini to jumbo to maxi, with the medium remaining arguably i of the most popular size options.
A BAG WITH COCO CHANEL'Due south SPIRIT
Like many other iconic fashion statements that Chanel herself designed, the 2.55, which the 11.12 is based on, was revolutionary at the time of its cosmos. A trend-defying design back in the Fifties, information technology literally turned the bag (designed to be carried in the hand back in the twenty-four hours), into a wear accessory.
"Tired of belongings my bags in my hands and losing them, I added a strap and wore them over my shoulder," Chanel once said.
With its shoulder sling, the 2.55 freed the hands of women – a design element that's so simple however made such a difference in its functionality. Another ingenious feature is the adjustability of the chain strap – this meant the handbag could be worn at different lengths to suit the height or preference of its possessor.
While maintaining the 2.55's luxury appeal and having it crafted out of supple lamb leather that was originally the preserve of glove makers, Chanel ensured that it was functional for everyday use and non an accessory that just served an aesthetic purpose.
Yet another applied characteristic to exist found in the bag, equally well as the 11.12, of course, is the inclusion of multiple pockets. These seven compartments, thoughtfully laid out for organising a woman's daily essentials, hide an interesting story that fans of the bag have been passing around – it is said that Gabrielle Chanel used to hide her love letters in the zip pocket located underneath the uppermost flap of the purse.
No one can really say if information technology's truthful or non, of course, but hither'south one thing nosotros are sure of – it's a story that certainly adds to the handbag's allure.
THE LEGACY OF ARTISANAL Arts and crafts
Equally well-known and well-loved as the 11.12 bag is these days, non everyone is aware of the level of skill with which information technology is made. These numberless are famed for their high prices that are known to showroom an escalating trend, of course, but in that location's a reason (multiple, in fact) why it is worth the premium toll tag.
The Ateliers de Verneuil-en-Halatte, i of Chanel'south prized Metiers d'art (a title that pays homage to the brand's small specialist artisanal workshops) is where every unmarried 11.12 purse is given its form.
According to Chanel, but artisans who take trained for four to five years and have mastered each gesture and every technique required in product are entrusted with the immense responsibility of crafting an 11.12 bag. The entire process entails 15 hours of work and upwards to 180 operations, each of which is to be meticulously and precisely carried out.
It all begins with the cutting of the material, whether it is leather or a seasonal fabric that is drawn from the current pret-a-porter collection. For every single purse, the ideal cutting points must exist accurately pinned down and so that all the pieces will meld together harmoniously. With fabrics like tweed, the motifs must exist impeccably aligned for symmetry also every bit to meet perfectly at the seams – no simple task, if you know how complicated some tweed patterns can be.
The purse is given its iconic diamond-shaped quilting via a "point droit de couturiere" stitching technique. The double-C logo is then emblazoned across the underside of the flap with needle and thread.
One distinctive characteristic of the xi.12 is how it is given structure and volume with a "handbag in pocketbook" structure technique. The unabridged bag is actually made past slotting i "bag" (which forms the interior) into the other (which forms the outside) and and so fusing the two together.
The 2 are mounted by hand, then turned the right way round using the "pique-retourne" (stitch and turn) method, which is also used past Chanel'south pret-a-porter ateliers. "Points de helpmate" stitches are then put in to agree the two layers firmly together.
The bag'due south burgundy leather interior lining is still some other recognisable Chanel signature, one that adds an elegant element of interest to the bag and is said to represent the colour of the uniform that Gabrielle Chanel wore in the convent she grew up in.
But did you know that the lining actually began equally a raspberry red earlier evolving to the burgundy that is used today?
Never ane to overlook details, Gabrielle Chanel insisted that the pocketbook – like the residual of her fashion designs – looked every bit beautiful on the inside, as it did exterior.
DISTINCTIVELY DESIRABLE
The globe'due south most famous bag clearly has no lack of fans – whether they be celebrities or women who desire to add to their wardrobe an investment accessory that will stand the test of time and trends.
Dutch supermodel Rianne van Rompaey is one of them. "Everybody, since yous're a little girl, knows what the archetype Chanel bag looks like. Information technology has such a history. And especially in manner, every flavor everything changes so fast, it's nice to see these classic bags that take been around for so long. Reinterpreted every fourth dimension, just with the aforementioned DNA. It's the most famous pocketbook in the earth. At that place is something of a fairy tale near information technology," she said.
Without a doubt, the recognisability and timeless elegance of the 11.12 are cardinal reasons behind its popularity and desirability. Only it'due south not but merely that. This bag seems to possess an unusual quality that no other luxury bag has – making information technology the ultimate bag that's right at the height of many a purse wish list.
Take it from however another supermodel fan of the pocketbook, Imaan Hammam, who sums this up and so beautifully: "I call up every girl's biggest dream is to own a Chanel bag. I was able to buy my first Chanel bag when I was 17, and I call up saving and so much money for it – it was a mini version of the eleven.12, black on black, and I still have information technology. This bag is just very chic, elegant, very feminine. When I wear it I feel effortless and powerful."
At present, what woman wouldn't want the same for herself?
Source: https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/women/chanel-classic-flap-bag-11-12-history-248786
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