Is This the New Chanel "It" Bag? Meet the Chanel 19

Photo courtesy of Chanel

For decades Karl Lagerfeld brought our imaginations into the future one collection after another. As a tribute to his legacy, the “CHANEL 19” bag is here. And it comes as no surprise that the Chanel 19 is this season’s most coveted piece of the collection.

To commemorate Karl’s life and his iconic decades as Chanel’s creative director, the Chanel 19 is named in memory of the day he died (February 19, 2019) as well as Coco Chanel’s birthday (August 19, 1883). A legacy of their Chanel journey from beginning to end. It is also named for the date of its creation, 2019, much like that of Coco’s 2.55 which was made in February of 1955. Both bags pay homage to Coco and Karl, the heart of the brand.

Photo courtesy of Chanel

Chanel 19 by Karl Lagerfeld in his last Chanel runway (Fall/Winter 2019) is introduced in black, beige, ivory, dark red, pink, blue and green, as well as several tweed options to match the ready-to-wear collection.

The bag comes in three sizes as well as a belt bag option. It is made of an elegant, soft supple leather that is relaxed and takes on a shape with one’s movement and lifestyle. Its long strap makes it practical as a cross body, and the functional top handle gold chain allows for a quick grab on the go.

Photo courtesy of Chanel

Moreover, the Chanel 19 incorporates many of the house’s codes, including the double CC turn lock, iconic interwoven chain and leather, and diamond quilts. It is also available in all of the house’s four hardwares (silver, gold, aged gold and ruthenium).

The oversized diamond quilts give it a fresh modern feel, and the bag takes on both the masculinity of the Boy Bag’s hardware features and the femininity of the Classic Flap with its leather and chain CC clasp, which resembles the chain on the iconic bag.

Photo courtesy of Chanel

Karl Lagerfeld envisioned Chanel pieces being worn and lived in by people who appreciate and believe in the beauty and craftsmanship of his creations. The practicality and neutral style of the Chanel 19 embrace his philosophy, and the bag takes on its own life as it lives with you from day to day. The significance of the silhouette and its story are sure to be re-issued in future collections.