As promised, here’s the next installment of my love letter to the CHANEL Spring-Summer 2019 Prêt-à-Porter collection. While my first post was dedicated to the incredible garments, this will be highlighting the downright lust worthy accessories that were also shown during the recent presentation.
There seems to be an ever-revolving cabal of designer “it-bags” that dominate the fashion world each season. However, a CHANEL bag is one of the few that has consistently stood the fickle test of fashion time. From fantastical minaudières to the downright iconic 2.55, a CHANEL bag is one of the most sought after designer bags in the world. I still remember purchasing my first CHANEL bag – the Classic flap style with the delicate interlocking “C”s – and what a rush it was. I wasn’t just purchasing a bag, I was taking home a bit of fashion history and a piece of one of the most legendary Maisons in the world. So many of CHANEL’s dedicated clients have a similar story to tell, and continue to have a deep attachment to the House and its amazing pieces. The Spring-Summer 2019 collection brings with it an amazing selection of bags and accessories that only add to in an incredible body of work from Karl Lagerfeld for the House of CHANEL.
The 11.12, a contemporary take on the Classic Flap bag, is shown in tweed and braid, with some even featuring intricate embroidery. As for the Classic Flap, they are done in terrycloth and feature absolutely show-stopping oversized bead handles. The BOY CHANEL, a style that since its release has been a beloved favorite, is done as a saddlebag in leather, featuring tweed patchwork. There are also large beach bags that come in denim and straw, and chic little multicolor net bags that lend themselves to being the ideal summer bag which will undoubtedly give the wearer an injection of instant French girl chic to their look. There are also leather and wicker camera cases, as well as whimsical minaudières in the shape of seashells and petite beach balls. These fantastical minaudières have come to be a staple of each collection and draw directly from the season’s theme, resulting in bags in the shape of everything from perfume bottles, gas cans, playing cards, powder compacts, and more. However, even in such a fabulous selection of bags there was a standout. The “side packs’, carried as a pair and crossing over each hip cemented the belief that there is absolutely no such things as too much CHANEL.
As for accessories, the “more is more” maxim of the “side packs’ carried over to logo-loving pendants and belts that were styled along layers of beaded necklaces and sautoirs. With XXL cuffs at the wrists, and relaxed mules with small plexiglass heels or cork soles at their feet, models also donned double visor caps and wide brimmed straw hats that are just achingly elegant.
Just as with my first post, it proved incredibly difficult to select photos to accompany my admittedly gushing words. In fact, I could have very easily included every single photo that the CHANEL team sent over because the collection is Just.That.Good. Let’s just say, that I have my little eyes on a few pieces, and am thinking that Spring-Summer 2019 might just be the right time to make another special CHANEL purchase.
Photography via CHANEL
