The buzz around the new Chanel bag has been building for months… We spotted them first in March, on the catwalk of the last collection created with the late Karl Lagerfeld’s input… Squishy, slouchy and cool, the models clutched them like cushions, wrapped them round their waists or slung them over their shoulders with ease. But this week, at last, the new bag from Chanel has arrived in the shops. The Chanel 19, born in 2019 and sharing it’s name with the legendary 19 perfume, is here.
With all the classic details of a Chanel bag… large diamond quilting, metal chains, a rectangular flap fastening and double C logo… the 19 has been tweaked to become the ultimate companion for Gen Z and Millennial fashion fans and GLAMOUR is here for it.
In three sizes, the fashion team fell in love with the dinky top handle carry chain that morphs into a long chain strap, interlaced with leather, and with links which change from silver through to aged gold and ruthenium (a precious metal similar to platinum.) There is also an ultra cool belt bag which feels like it has the stamp of the practicality and freedom of Mademoiselle Chanel’s original vision (she popularised trousers for women, easy jersey and menswear-inspired suiting). The double C fastener is oversized to echo our current fetishisation of logos while the extra long chain means you can wear it cross body or straight over one shoulder. Decisions, decisions.
There are only a handful of iconic Chanel bags… the Classic, the 2.55 (created in February 1955), the Gabrielle, Boy and 31… and while they all make sense in the era they were created, a Chanel bag has longevity way past its season – they never look dated – and will keep their resale value if the unthinkable happens and you want to part ways. DEVD. The Boy – for example – was introduced in 2012, when masculine-inspired trouser suits and androgyny were having a fashion moment, but still looks as fresh now, thanks to constant updates in colour and material and excellent genes.
This Autumn, the 19 comes in perpetually chic black, beige and white leather along with turquoise, emerald and hot pink to echo the colours of the catwalk collection, while the tweed variations include magenta, beige and black houndstooth and jade. For Cruise – the pre-Spring taster that arrives in store in November – there is lavender jersey and cool khaki twill.
In the fashion world, the codes of a house are what defines a label’s designs and makes them instantly recognisable. When you think of Chanel, double C logos, chain details, and quilted finishes all spring to mind. Since taking up her role as creative director after Lagerfeld’s death in February, Virginie Viard – who already had a 30 year career at Chanel and a position as Karl’s long term collaborator, has continued to bring all these iconic signatures to life linking, quite literally, a house with heritage to exactly how women live today.
