In Homage to the Black Chanel Bag

A symbol of sophistication, class, and elegance, the Chanel bag has maintained its popularity across generations. Originally an innovation of the established Coco Chanel in 1955, the public wasted no time establishing the Chanel bag as a cultural fixture meant to define those of a higher social class. Interestingly enough, Coco Chanel had pulled inspiration for the original Chanel bag - known as the Chanel 2.55 - from those outside of her high class sphere when searching for a solution to having to carry her purse in her hand at all times. Soldiers packs were her primary influence in the 20s, and 30 years later she debuted the iconic flap bag.

Since its debut in February 1955 - the source reference for the bag’s name - Chanel has developed the Chanel purse as both a cultural creation and response. One of the most notable configurations across the bag’s different forms has been the black Chanel bag. Coco Chanel was well known for her many contributions to fashion. One of her most notable innovations was her ‘little black dress and a string of pearls’ silhouette. Audrey Hepburn herself donned it as Holly Golighty in Breakfast at Tiffanys, but it is often forgotten that the end of the story saw Golighty holding a black Chanel 2.55 by its gold metal chain handles. The Chanel black bag may be a lesser known cultural motif, yet the maison pays the black Chanel bag its dues through beautiful configurations over time and across various Chanel bag models season after season.

Black Chanel bags are the most sought after with the highest monthly search volume versus any other Chanel bag color. Like the LBD, the black Chanel bag in the classic flap model is an iconic luxury fashion staple. A Chanel Black Lambskin Classic flap with gold hardware is instantly recognizable for its timeless design and association with Coco Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld. A Chanel black bag has been a perennial favorite for generations. Our specialists have detailed their favorite black Chanel bags perfect for any season.

Usually believed to be the first shoulder bag, the modern silhouette of the Chanel Classic Flap bag was actually released in 1986 under Karl Lagerfeld. It differs slightly from the Chanel 2.55 primarily in two realms. The first regards its innovative chain, as the black Chanel flap bag tends to feature a leather-woven chain while the Chanel 2.55 boasts a standalone metal chain. While the foundation tends to remain the same across Chanel bags, there are small variations that may serve as references. An excellent example is is the 2014 Chanel Black Quilted Westminster Embellished Imitation Pearl Chain Medium Flap Bag Gold Hardware. Here, the traditional leather-woven chain is complicated by twists of smaller, finger gold chains periodically interrupted by imitation pearls. It can be read as an homage to Coco’s little black dress and string of pearls. Additionally, the softened edges of the black Chanel bag adds a feminine touch that speaks to the ethos of the LBD.

Initially released in 2010 as an answer to the rise of the micro-bag, the Chanel mini flap bag has been consistently sought after each season for years. Micro-bags are meant to be thrown on with almost every outfit and is a perfect way to store necessities without sacrificing style. For Chanel, the shrunken down classic Chanel black bag silhouette is so high in demand that people are more likely to find themselves on a waitlist if they want a new purchase. At Sotheby’s Marketplace, we have an array of Chanel black bags available for immediate purchase, including Chanel black mini flaps in a range of materials in excellent option. Rather than the usual lambskin diamond-stitched quilting, Chanel opted for an Alligator material that gives this black Chanel purse a uniquely reflective quality as a result. Black, tonal leather lines the inside for a final, sleek touch making this a possible closet staple.

Commercially hailed as a more androgynous and edgy Chanel bag silhouette, Karl Lagerfeld innovated the design for the Chanel boy bag back in 2011. His primary source of inspiration was the classic hunter’s cartridge bag. One can’t help but recall Coco Chanel’s original inspiration for the flap bag design being a soldier's bag, making Lagerfeld’s design an homage on multiple levels. The name ‘Boy Bag’ also hailed from Arthur ‘Boy’ Capel, supposedly the love of Coco Chanel’s life. A modern retelling of Coco Chanel’s success story, the Chanel Boy Bag boasts a single flap secured by a ‘lego-box turnlock’ to maintain the rectangle motif throughout the bag’s design. A chunky, gold chain replaces the traditional leather-woven one often associated with Chanel bags, as well as a fully adjustable strap. At Sotheby’s Marketplace, our Chanel 2022 Black Chain Quilted Lambskin Small Boy Flap Bag Gold Hardware is part of our curated selection of Chanel Boy bags available for immediate purchase. The black Chanel purse features an exaggerated faux-quilted diamond print, composed of both single and leather-woven gold chains. Gold hardware is artfully integrated throughout the model, making it an excellent and creative addition to your black Chanel bag collection!

Amongst the older iterations of the Chanel Flap bag, the Chanel Wallet on Chain was yet another Lagerfeld design that beautifully reiterated the values of the Chanel maison. For this Chanel bag, the focus here was on functionality. The Chanel Wallet on Chain, or WOC, was meant to have the instant functionality of a wallet with the elegance of the Chanel bag. The interior features 6 slots for Credit Cards and a larger compartment for other necessities, as well as a zippered pocket in the back for holding cash. Its 24 inch chain allows for crossbody wear as well. Sotheby’s Marketplace’s Chanel 2018 Black Quilted Aged Calfskin Paris Rue Cambon Lucky Charms 2.55 Reissue Wallet on Chain Gold Hardware is an excellent example of the minimalist, yet classy silhouette this Chanel black bag offers. Its Paris-inspired charms adorn the front, adding a youthful spirit in contrast to its close resemblance to the Chanel 2.55. The now-traditional interlocking CC turnlock is replaced with the original Mademoiselle turnlock here. It creates a beautiful contrast of past and present, speaking volumes to those that are attuned to the history of the maison and the classic black Chanel bag.

The Chanel 19 represents the end of the Karl Lagerfeld era of leadership at the Chanel maison. Released in 2019 - named in homage to the Chanel 2.55 - the Chanel 19 took the silhouette of the Chanel 2.55 and the Classic Flap Bag and created an option for a youthful, more relaxed clientele. It is a design whose every detail maintains motifs and pays homage to the Chanel bag. The chunky chain-link shoulder strap features aged gold, ruthenium, and silver in its tri-colored hardware in the name of versatility. It dons an exaggerated diamond-quilt stitch and a relaxed silhouette, conjuring a plush look that inverted what is traditionally expected of a Chanel bag. Finally, the interlocking CC turnlock creates a motif of the leather-woven chain by curving the former into the two Cs on the front flap. Black Chanel 19 bags are often available at Sotheby's marketplace in a range or sizes and materials. It boasts versatility across both jewelry accompaniments and stylings with the tri-colored hardware and black color, making it perfect for any occasion.

Complete Guide to Collecting Vintage Chanel Bags

Complete Guide to Collecting Vintage Chanel Bags

Sotheby's always has a curated selection of black Chanel bags on its Marketplace, available for immediate shipping. Browse black Chanel bags in discontinued exotic materials, limited edition runway styles and vintage lambskin styles. There is also an assortment of modern black Chanel bags modern in leather, canvas and boucle from recent seasons in pristine or like new condition. You can also contact a Salon Associate in New York to learn more about viewing and purchasing black Chanel bags at Sotheby's. Chanel black bags at Sotheby's are priced similar to current retail from around $5,000-$10,000. If you have a black Chanel bag in pristine condition to sell, you can contact a Handbag Specialist to learn more about your selling options.