Chanel Handbags

We recently learned from Chanel that Christy Turlington will be the face for their Spring handbag campaign of the “East-West Bag”, as photographed by none other than Karl Lagerfeld. Christy became famous in the late 80s as a model for Calvin Klein, still pulls off gorgeous looks twenty years later. Very well done, I love it – beautiful woman in a beautiful shoot.

The new Chanel handbags come in two styles with white metal. The available colors include white with black, black with white, burgundy with ivory and brown with ivory. You certainly can not complain about lack of variety. Available around March of this year in Chanel boutiques nationwide.

Assouline was the first luxury brand that used its publications as medium by creating luxury illustrated books dedicated to fashion, photography, art and design. The Assouline Chanel Luxe Edition has been produced exclusively for Assouline and features the signature black quilted Chanel leather on the slipcase with three volumes on the inside. Also, the silver metal Chanel logo is found on the outside. The three books focus on Gabrielle Chanel’s revolutionary style which has affected the fashion world that we know today immensely. The focus of each volume is integral parts of the Chanel brand, including Chanel, Fine Jewelry, and Perfume. This piece is not just a coffee table piece, it is a luxurious mixture of fashion and books which will be a conversation starter and a collectors piece. The Chanel Edition is a luxury edition which can ultimately be seen in the black quilted leather outside, red leather inside, and high price tag. This is a perfect Valentine’s Day gift, birthday gift, holiday gift, etc. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $550.

Chanel 2.55 Reissue Wallets on Chain

More eye candy for fans of Chanel handbags! The dark silver and light silver Chanel 2.55 Reissue wallets on a chain are quite fabulous. At $1,425 they are $25 less than the permanent collection lambskin style and are the perfect day-to-evening accessory. Featuring a mock-Mademoiselle snap closure, they can be worn as a pouchette, cross-body, or just tuck the strap in to use them as a clutch. Inquire at Nordstrom Seattle, phone number (206) 628-1390.

We reported on the Chanel Cruise 2008 Trunk Show in October; revealing the Chanel Ice Cubes Bags. The Ice Cubes bags have caused quite the stir, creating a huge separation between those that love the line and those who do not. The ice cubes are designed with clear vinyl and then placed on top of metallic lambskin leather which gives it the feel of the classic Chanel quilting. Chanel has released an Ice Cubes line, including a 2.55, a shopper, and pouchette (are there any others?). While some think these bags look cheap, it is evident that Kim Kardashian loves the Chanel Ice Cubes 2.55 Bag! She was spotted leaving Prive nightclub with fiance?/boyfriend?/friend? Reggie Bush over the weekend. Kim showed off her stunning curves in a hot turquoise number and paired it with her Chanel bag from the Cruise 2008 collection. On this girl with this outfit, the bag looks stunning.

$1,650 at your local Chanel boutique or call (800) 550-0005 to inquire further.

 

Chanel L.A. Bag

Hot from the Chanel Cruise 2008 collection, a range of handbags are making their way to the boutiques. The recent and upcoming price increases for Chanel handbags is exorbitant, but Chanel fans think it is worth it. As the brand continues to evolve, their best selling handbag is their classic and timeless flap bag. A hot bag from their Cruise 2008 collection is the Chanel L.A. Bag which sports the letters LA in red across this tote with chain handle. The bag is loved by many Chanel fans already and will start to pop up in boutiques soon. $1450 through your Chanel boutique or inquire through Nordstrom Seattle.

One very commonly asked question on our Chanel Forum is on the difference between the Chanel Classic Flap and the Chanel Reissue 2.55 bags. I’ve scoured the forums this morning to educate myself, and our readers about the differences between the two. Let me start with a few historical facts on the Reissue.

HISTORY:

The lock on the Reissue is the original lock, it is called the Mademoiselle Lock as Ms Coco Chanel never married, the ‘CC’ lock was introduced to the Classic Flap Bags only in the 1980s by designer Karl Lagerfeld. The 2.55 in its name refers to the first release of the 2.55 bag in February of 1955. Coco Chanel grew up in an orphanage/convent, therefore, the double chain shoulder strap comes from when the children’s’ caretakers in the orphanage would dangle keys from their waists with the same type of chains as on the Reissue. Also, the zippered compartment on the inside of the front flap of the Reissue is where Coco sequestered her love letters, as she was having an affair at that time. The brownish red color of the inside represents the color of Coco and the rest of the children’s uniforms (the nuns’ were black with white trim: thus, the packaging on Chanel Parfum/Eau de Parfum/Eau de Toilette). The back outside flap of the Reissue actually marks where Coco would stash extra money!

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Feelin’ lucky today?

Available at your local Chanel boutique for $1,150.

Click the thumbnails above for bigger images. Opinions from the Chanel crowd?

So much for cleaning up her act. I have no idea why some females decide that Halloween is an excuse to dress like a 2 cent hooker. Sure, it was cool when you were a freshman in college, but to continue the ‘I’m a slutty ________” is downright tacky. And Paris Hilton has tainted young girls minds, dressing as Alice from DISNEY’S! Alice in Wonderland. I mean come on, isn’t anything sacred anymore. And speaking of sacred, what on earth has this girl done to her Chanel Perforated White Jumbo Flap Handbag??? GASP! Such a lovely piece has been used and abused, showing significant wear, tear, and dirt all over it. I understand that a handbag is meant to be worn, but give your bag just a little respect. Then again, when you are used to spending someone else’s money everyday in large quantities, money really has no value to you. I’m just going to keep shaking my head at this girl, and asking her to give me her handbags that she plans on ruining before they are ruined. I promise to take care of them!

For more frightful pictures, check out Paris after the jump!

Let the Chanel bags madness continue! Tonight I’d like to feature the Chanel Hollywood NS Hobo, which is straight from the runway and goes for a terrifying $3,750. This hobo is also available in a gold version.

Opinions?

Yesterday’s Chanel Ice Cubes didn’t receive too much praise, perhaps today’s contestant will have more luck. The Chanel Icons Flap Bag is available in many more colors and fabrications, this particular model goes for a steep $2,850 via your local Chanel boutique.