What is a fashion blog without once mentioning Chanel?
Right now, I am preparing to open L.S. Illustrated boutique on Etsy.com and I am thinking of what kind of illustrations I would like to put up. I really, really wanted to do Chanel piece, because, although it is a bit cliche for me to say… it’s classic. But how do I portray Chanel in a way that is different, not just an image of a bag, or black and white?
I immediately thought of the quilted pattern that is so iconic. Yes…do that. Make the entire picture quilted.
Then, I began to do a little research on this Chanel 2.55 bag and there was so much more to it than I initially thought!
Like:
- The lining’s burgundy colour represents the colour of the uniforms at the convent where Coco Chanel grew up.
- There is a zippered compartment at the inside of the front flap. That is where Chanel is rumoured to have stored her love letters in her original bag.
- The bag has a quilted diamond or herringbone pattern on the exterior. Using a running stitch, this gives the bag shape and volume. The pattern is believed to have been inspired by several sources: by jockeys’ riding coats, the stained-glass windows of the abbey at Aubazine, as well as by the cushions in Chanel’s Paris apartment.
And my favourite
–Chanel, recognising that the modern women needed to have their hands free while attending social functions, designed a double chain shoulder strap, something common in downmarket products, but rare in luxury circles at the time. The chains were attached by leather-threaded chain inserted though eyelets. The caretakers of the convent she grew up at hold the keys at their waist dangling from the same type of chains as the 2.55 shoulder strap chains.–
The modern woman. She recognized what women needed in fashion and made it stylish.
That is why I needed to do an illustration on Chanel. I dream to be as smart as that lady 
Now to explain the gigantic logo on the illustration…
I watch Gossip Girl and am in love with the Prada Marfa painting on the Van der Woodsen’s wall. Those who watch will know what I am talking about! It is just a humungous “Prada” on a canvas and I love it. Hence, giant C’s! :p
Happy Monday!!
