About Chanel Purses
There are few more high-status handbags than the Chanel purse, the vision of the great French fashion designer Coco Chanel. Although she died in 1971, her legend lives on in the reputation and exquisite quality of her work. Does this Spark an idea?
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Identification
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The Chanel handbag is made from fine quilted leather, and has a chain shoulder strap. The effect is one of simplicity and elegance.
History
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In 1909, Chanel opened a small Paris shop from which to sell ladies' hats. She soon expanded her line, marketing a perfume (the famous Chanel No. 5) and clothing. When her first handbag was introduced in 1955, it was so popular that she had to turn down requests, says website DesignerHandbags. (See References 1.)
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Logo
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Some Chanel bags feature the double "C" logo on the lock, from the initials of Coco Chanel; others have what is the called the "Mademoiselle" lock (because Chanel never married).
Features
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In addition to the lock clasp and chain strap, a Chanel bag has a lining, a zippered compartment on the inside of the front flap, and a back outside flap.
The Original
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According to fashion website StyleFrizz.com, the first Chanel bag is sometimes called the "2.55 bag", simply because it was introduced in February 1955. (See References 2.)
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