In the world of fashion, and beyond to be honest, there are few bags more iconic, more instantly recognizable, and more famous than the CHANEL 11.12. It has become one of the most enduring emblems of the House of CHANEL. For many a fashion lover, this is the bag that they dream of having. I know I did. When I purchased my CHANEL 11.12 over a decade ago, it felt like such a special moment and one that was an achievement. Since then, I have worn the bag countless times and it has continued to be one of my most beloved bags. It goes with virtually everything and looks just as great on me at 36 as it did at 26. I know that it will age beautifully and still be a treasured item in my wardrobe decades from now. In fact, I look forward to one day passing this very special bag on to Madam.
During the 1980s, Karl Lagerfeld championed the style. Since then, its status as one of the most iconic bags in the world has only been further cemented. The 11.12 is a reinterpretation of Gabrielle Chanel’s 2.55, a groundbreaking bag that she introduced in February of 1955 and that has also become one of the great icons of the House. While similar in size, the 11.12 differentiates itself with the double C clasp lock and metal chain interlaced with leather. It is rooted in the world, and construction, of Ready-to-Wear with its stitching and functionality. It features a bag within a bag and multiple functional pockets. And just like the the garments first designed by Gabrielle Chanel, the very ones that quite literally freed women with their corset-free structure, the chain of the bag allows the wearer freedom of movement. The bag can be worn crossbody, over the shoulder, carried in the hand, or tucked under the arm. And it not only allows for the freedom of movement, but also the freedom of expression. Over time, the CHANEL 11.12 has be done in leather, both supple lambskin and the elegant grained calfskin know as “caviar”, as well as a myriad of other materials. Tweeds, jersey, silk, denim, velvet, and silk have all been used to create this truly iconic bag.
In honour of this special bag, Inez and Vinoodh captured the bag on the arms of Anna Mouglalis, Rianne van Rompaey, Imaan Hammam, Louise de Chevigny, and Zoé Adjani on the streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
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“The 11.12 bag is the iconic bag par excellence. It is a truly timeless bag, which remains as modern and chic as ever. Fashion evolves but there is always this bag. It adds elegance to every silhouette. I like the idea that I will pass it on to my daughter if I am lucky enough to have one. My mother used to have one, and when I was younger I would steal it from her. At first to play with and then when I started going to parties, it was a source of pride.” – Louise de Chevigny
“Everybody, since you’re a little girl, knows what the classic Chanel bag looks like. It has such a history. And especially in fashion, every season everything changes so fast, it’s nice to see these classic bags that have been around for so long. Reinterpreted every time, but with the same DNA. It’s the most famous bag in the world. There is something of a fairy tale about it.” – Rianne van Rompaey
“The 11.12 bag is simply Chanel. It is one of the iconic pieces that tells the whole story, with all the elegance of the House. It looks like Chanel. I think its iconic status comes from the simplicity of the shape. If you ask someone to draw a bag, this is the one that comes to mind immediately thanks to its ultimate refinement.” – Anna Mouglalis
“I think every girl’s biggest dream is to own a Chanel bag. I was able to buy my first Chanel bag when I was 17, and I remember saving so much money for it, it was a mini version of the 11.12, black on black, and I still have it. This bag is just very chic, elegant, very feminine. When I wear it I feel effortless and powerful.” – Imaan Hammam
“This luxury, this savour-faire, it has always fascinated and touched me. The 11.12 represents CHANEL: the double C, the hidden pocket, the small pockets inside. And it suits me: I love to compartmentalize. With all the history it carries inside, it represents more than a bag: it’s like carrying Paris on your shoulder.” – Zoé Adjani
