DESIGNER 101

Chanel 101:
The 19 Bag

By Ann B, Jul 12, 2021

Chanel introduces its newest icon: The Chanel 19 Bag.

Named after 2019, the year it debuted, the Chanel 19 is a contemporary reimagination of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s legendary 2.55 Bag. The differences? A slouchy structure, a trio of chains, a leather-and-chain interlocking CC clasp, and enlarged diamond quilting. 

The History of the Chanel 19

The Chanel 19 Bag may have been unveiled in March 2019 for the Fall/Winter 2019 collection, but it’s already on its way to reaching icon status for a number of reasons. It was the last major handbag Karl Lagerfeld — along with current Chanel creative director Virginie Viard — designed for Chanel before he passed away just a month before, in February 2019. 

The 19 Bag is Viard and Lagerfeld’s reimagining of a Chanel classic,  paying homage to the 2.55, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s first shoulder bag, which is named after February 1955, the date that it made its debut. Chanel designed the bag in a rectangular shape with a chain strap, a groundbreaking design because it enabled women to hang the bag from their shoulders, leaving their hands free to do things other than hold a bag. The 19 Bag also takes elements from the 11.12 or Classic Flap, Lagerfeld’s original tribute to the 2.55 bag — and the introduction of the iconic CC clasp —that was released in 1983, his first year with Chanel.

The 19, which is named after 2019, the year that it debuted, has a more contemporary feel than its predecessors. Lagerfeld and Viard made the handbag, which comes in five sizes, slouchier than the 2.55 or the 11.12. Its strap is composed of a trio of chunky chains in three finishes —  silver, aged gold, and ruthenium. The bag also comes with a gold chain handle. Like several other luxury labels, it updated the classic 2.55 by exaggerating the 2.55’s original diamond quilting. It took Lagerfeld’s CC clasp, substituting the metallic Cs for two extra-large interlocking Cs in the combo of chain and leather matching the bag’s primary material. 

Celebrities Wearing the Chanel 19

Even though the Chanel 19 was just released a few years ago, the bag has already been spotted on a number of celebrities, including Cardi B., Katie Holmes, and influencer Tamu McPherson.

Tamu McPherson

Influencer Tamu McPherson in a Chanel 19 bag. Courtesy Yahoo.

Chanel 19 Investment Value

Chanel 19, as a new signature design for the French house, has been increasingly sought after in the resale market, due to its casual chic style and limited quantity. On average, Chanel 19 can sell up to 100 to 130 percent of the retail price, depending on size, color, material, and bag silhouette. Most of Rebag’s Chanel 19 bags are sold in 30 days, making it one of the best sellers at Rebag. The best selling Chanel 19 style on Rebag is Medium 19 Flap Bag in Quilted Lambskin.

Sizing

Chanel 19
Wallet on Chain

7.5″W x 5″H x 1.5″D
3″ handle drop
24″ strap drop

Chanel 19
Maxi Flap Bag

13.5″W x 8.5″H x 4″D
6″ handle drop
13.5″ strap drop

Chanel 19 Materials

The Chanel 19 is made in a wide variety of materials, including lambskin leather, jersey, goatskin, denim, tweed, cotton canvas, printed silk, and shearling. 

Chanel 19 Range and Special Editions

Chanel 19 Round Clutch with Chain Quilted Shearling

Chanel 19
Flap Bag Quilted
Goatskin Maxi

Chanel 19
Large

Courtesy Chanel

Chanel 19
Sequins

Courtesy Chanel

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