what makes them so special....

the making of a chanel 2.55 bag

6 to 15 people are working for up to 18 hours (depending on the material) on one Chanel "2.55".

In1929 Mademoiselle Chanel introduced an elegant version of the shoulder bag. Itdid already exist, in the form of a large pouch with a wide strap. Women had discovered,to their delight, that by using a thin strap they could walk around with theirhands free. A new fashion was born. From then on, Mademoiselle Chanelconstantly used this idea, until she eventually created the bag commonly knownas the “2.55” (which is in fact its “date of birth”) in February 1955.

Firstand foremost she wanted it to be functional, so she gave it a double flap whichhas a zip-fastened pocket inside it – a secret place for storing a love letteror blank notes. The three bellow pockets inside the bag and particularly thetube pocket for lipstick are equally useful.

Togive it volume and shape – “it has to have body” she insisted – it was quiltedin adiamond shaped pattern, using plain stitch, while on the garnet coloredlining (the color of the uniform she wore in the orphanage) a double C isstitched like a coat of arms. Lastly, like an artists finishing touch, therectangular clasp is gilted with gold, and the famous leather and chainshoulder strap slips easily through golden eyelets. Only details, perhaps, butnobody else had ever thought of the them. From then on the 2.55 became anintegral part of the legend of CHANEL. Today it is considered a classic amongstleather goods: It is one of the accessories that every elegant woman must own.

CyrilFoiret

The secrets of the Handbag
More information at www.chanel.com