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| French for "turning", one of the essential process of making a Perfect Chanel Bag |
Earlier this month, I was given the opportunity (like every over free willed Singaporean)
to experience first Hand the Chanel’s “Les Secrets Du Sac” exhibition, which was
nothing short of mystery, allure and sophistication. It was pure Opulence at every turn, decadence with
every adorned accessory. Is there no end to Chanel’s creative engine? In celebration of
Chanel’s 50 year anniversary since the introduction of the Iconic 2.55 Chanel
bag, the exhibition dedicated its lavish & decadent space to put on display one
of the most iconic bags in the world , of which has become synonymous with
luxury, wealth and the epitome of style. Aficionados of the Parisian Fashion
house such as yours truly will(or would have) experienced being within close
range of bags ranging from past collaborations to Special one off pieces that were,
even among other Chanel handbags, considered scandalously exotic and poisoned
with luxury. Educating every Silly Sap one step at a time about what went behind
the success story now known as the Chanel 2.55, Chanel left no room for error.
Ever since
its innovation by Mademoiselle Gabrielle Chanel herself, the Chanel 2.55 bag
(named for the month and year of its design) has made a name for itself and
stands as a symbol of how practicality and style are both one and the same. During
Mademoiselle’s time, the women of her era were accustomed to carrying big and
bulky bags( LIKE THE BALENCIAGA BAG, #justsaying) that often left their hands
occupied. It was from there that Chanel who was known for her intuitiveness,
Fashioned the first 2.55 bag, a bag that would primarily revolutionize and
change the way women carried their bags.
With its pioneering chain strap feature that freed up a woman’s hands, it
allowed versatility in presentation and comfort. Women could now use their
hands for more “practical” means. :D
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| the lambskin STILL looks so buttery, its a testimony of Chanel's craftsmanship. |
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| A Chanel 2.55 in Jersey , used by Mademoiselle Gabrielle Chanel herself. Chanel: made to last a lifetime and longer. |
Not only
does the bag free up the user’s hands, it also seamlessly compliments the
sensuality of the woman who dons it. Legendary is its quilted diamond pattern,
inspired by the jackets worn by the stable lads at the racecourse which Chanel
visited during her youth. Channeling the extravagant lifestyle of aristocracy,
Chanel prides itself with its attention to detail and creativity in design. A
testament to this would be like how Chanel only allows a skilled artisan who
has worked with them for 5 years to be commissioned to produce a 2.55 bag. It takes skill, dedication and passion for
the brand’s manifesto of sophistication and allure. Embodying true Artisan craftsmanship, Chanel
demonstrates how it’s not just the bag that makes Chanel, It’s the mystery
& heritage behind the bag
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| harlequin patterned Chanel Boy Bag, Not commonly used as the 2.55 but equally as elegant |
A special treat for all ardent Chanel Fans
would be a rare look at the 2.55 bags that Mademoiselle Gabrielle Chanel
herself used during her time as Chanel’s leading lady. Surprisingly, or rather not so surprisingly,
the bags still had its sturdy form and looked pristine, like a fine wine that’s
aged beautifully. This in and of itself shows Chanel’s dedication to workmanship,
for their bags are meant to stand the test of time. As the exhibition stretches on, it further
displays Chanel’s incredibly opulent collection of 2.55 bags in alligator skin.
For those who aren’t accustomed to such materials used in the production of
leather goods and garment, alligator skin is as exotic and as luxurious as any
bag can get. What with The enigmatic
allure Chanel’s heritage has, a bag made from such a material would be $90000+
a pop.
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| the Symbolic Mademoiselle lock, the predecessor of the double C clasp we all know today. |
Inevitably, The Highlight of the
Experience was being able to witness the creation process and the meticulous
craftsmanship that goes in to making a 2.55 bag. With an almost theatre like vibe, Chanel
prepared a mosaic of screens that depicted all at once, the 180 different
stages of making the iconic bag. The theatre was replicated to resemble the inner burgunday lining of an actual 2.55 chanel bag, HOW COOL IS THAT!!
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| Surprisingly, the quilting is not hand sown but by machine stitching, thought the stitch never overlaps the same hole. |
Essentially, it explains the 7 stages: cutting, quilting, assembly,
turning out the bag, shaping, chain and leather and finally, packaging. Every
process is precisely calibrated to ensure perfection on every surface of the
bag. Through this event wonderfully
orchestrated by Chanel all over the world, it gives people a chance to
understand why the Chanel 2.55 iconic bag, with its simple yet chic design, has
become a coveted trophy among the wealthy and powerful. It’s not difficult to
understand when such perfection to design and creativity is so clearly
manifested through items like their iconic bag.
Truly, a once in a lifetime experience.
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| Casually disturbing the Friendly Chanel Staff which my invading camera lenses :D |
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