The most stylish Bags
The epitome of French chic – Hermes and Chanel!
Chanel:
When the fashion world talk about the ultimate status sybol they are talking about Coco Chanel’s 2.55 chain bag, the epitome of style.
The year of its birth – February 1955 – gave the bag its name: it is made from silk, lambskin,calfskin or fur in a combination of colours. Although over time the bag this iconic bag has been updated, it is still is one of the worlds most recognisable and sought after handbags.
It has inspired many imitations: this never fazed Coco Chanel, who would have been upset if her designs had not been imitated!
By 1980, a Channel bag was one of the most coveted fashon symbols. Many of her designs were influenced by a love of horse racing. In fact the the quilted style was reminisent of the coats worn by the race track boys. The 2-55 contained a secret compartment flap which was reputed to contain her love letters.
Tired of holding her bag in her hands, losing a number of and watching Socialites juggle theatre programmes and champagne glasses , Mlle. Chanel made the thin double chain shoulder strap.
In 2005, Karl Lagerfeld, who took over Creative Leadership, revived and re-issued the design in its original form. The relaunched version has out performed the original 2.55. The 2.55 is more famous today than ever!
Hermes:
Designer, Thiery Hermes, founded his saddlery firm in Paris in 1837 adding over the years other equestrian goods, boots, jewellery, house décor items, perfumes and silk scarves.
His grandson, Emile, added luggage.
At the turn on the century, the Corporation realized that the horse, was being superseded by other forms of transport and diversified into luggage trunks and bags.
1930s saw the opening from the Paris Store, as well as the initial couture collection. The renowned Hermes silk scarf inspired by the scarves worn by Napoleon’s soldiers, became very popular. Scarves, for both men and women are still just one of Hermes’ most favorite products.
The popular sac-a-depeches co-designed by Actress Jane Birkin (later to be re-named the Kelly bag right after Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco) was added to the Hermes items, and was instantly a resounding success.
The ‘Kelly’ bag was the forerunner of the status bag, and these days has the longest waiting list inside the history of accessories. It is an example of classic beauty, lasting model and well-known layout.
In excess of the years, Hermes has become a name synonymous with luxury, creating only the highest top quality luxury goods worn by celebrities.
The Author lives in Spain with her Son and runs a small internet business selling Purse Hooks or Handbag Hooks and Purse Accessories.
