Photo sourced from vogue.sg
Oh, the pure delight of browsing for a Chanel handbag! With a plethora of choices available, ranging from the bag's material to its color and the variety of hardware options, the possibilities are boundless.
To aid you in your quest for the ideal Chanel bag, we've categorized and presented the various types of hardware provided by the esteemed luxury brand. From the renowned CC clasp to the chain strap and the assortment of hardware colors, delve into this guide to explore your handbag hardware selections.
Hardware history
The gleaming CC clasp adorning the front of a CHANEL CLASSIC FLAP or BOY BAG stands as one of the most iconic hardware elements in the history of handbags. This unmistakable emblem was first introduced by Karl Lagerfeld in the 1980s, earning it recognition as the quintessential 'classic' Chanel aesthetic.
Prior to this, the Chanel 2.55 featured a simple twist-lock clasp, now known as the Mademoiselle Lock in homage to Coco Chanel's unmarried status. This twist-lock design can still be found on the 2.55 REISSUE, offering a minimalist alternative to the adorned Classic Flap. Meanwhile, on Boy Bags, the CC emblem is affixed to a rectangular metal plaque, elevating the bag's hardware to a heightened level of aesthetic distinction.
The Chanel Mademoiselle lock & chain strap
In the 1920s, Coco Chanel introduced the inaugural Chanel flap, which originally featured a single flap design. Transforming a clutch by adding a strap, Chanel pioneered the creation of the first carryall, marking a significant milestone in handbag history.
The Chanel CC Turn-lock & leather chain strap
Taking inspiration from the iconic 2.55 bag, Karl Lagerfeld embarked on a reinterpretation journey in the 1980s. He replaced the Mademoiselle turn-lock with CC hardware, and transformed the all-metal chain strap into an interwoven leather and chain strap, adding a fresh and contemporary twist to the classic design.
The Chanel CC Plaque & chain strap
The Boy bag draws its name from Coco Chanel’s enduring relationship with her longtime lover, Boy Capel. Available in various sizes, one consistent feature is its iconic hardware. The rectangular CC push-lock plaque not only adds substance to the bag but also maintains its signature appeal. Moreover, the thicker chain strap provides an extra touch that adds to the allure of the Boy bag.
Shiny gold hardware
The timeless combination of black leather and shiny gold hardware on the Classic Flap remains a coveted choice among collectors worldwide. Renowned for its elegance and luxury, the shiny gold hardware exudes a classic charm that appeals to many, making it a top preference for those contemplating their first Chanel bag purchase.
Matte/brushed gold hardware
Brushed and matte gold hardware exudes a softer, subdued gleam, lending a more feminine touch to handbags. Pale gold, in particular, complements lighter-colored bags, including pastels, light metallic finishes, and softer hues like white and cream. Resembling a champagne hue, pale gold adds a sophisticated elegance to these bags.
Pale gold hardware
Chanel's pale gold hardware offers a refined and understated elegance, with a subtle yet luxurious shimmer. It pairs exceptionally well with Chanel bags in lighter tones such as pastels, metallic finishes, and soft neutrals like white and cream. The pale gold hardware imparts a timeless sophistication, elevating the overall aesthetic of the bag with its subtle champagne-like hue.
Antique gold hardware
Commonly found on Boy Bags, antique gold has an aged, vintage quality that many Chanel fans adore. Antique gold hardware typically has a slight patina finish (the subtle green film formed naturally on copper and bronze) and a brassier tone.
Shiny silver hardware
Shiny silver hardware embodies a cool and understated elegance that appeals to many collectors. Its polished finish adds a touch of sophistication to Chanel handbags, making it a sought-after choice. Shiny silver hardware stands out particularly well on bags with jewel tones, vibrant pops of color, and classic tweed materials, enhancing their overall allure and complementing their vibrant or textured surfaces.
Ruthenium hardware
Featuring a more antique and distressed look to shiny silver, Ruthenium has a matte appearance. Ruthenium has a gunmetal tone and a lived-in feel, and it can often be found on Boy Bags due to its edgier look. It is considered the casual, rustic alternative to shiny silver.
So black hardware
Like Hermès, Chanel has a So Black line of handbags which are TREASURED BY COLLECTORS: jet-black leather, matched dramatically with shiny black metal hardware. The brand also produces another So Black variety with blackened Ruthenium hardware.
Incognito hardware
Incognito hardware is a discreet and understated option that offers a subtle elegance to their handbags. This hardware features a tone-on-tone design, where the color of the hardware matches closely with the color of the bag's leather or fabric, creating a seamless and cohesive appearance. The "Incognito" hardware is designed to blend seamlessly into the overall aesthetic of the bag, providing a refined and sophisticated finish without drawing too much attention. This subtle yet stylish hardware option appeals to those who prefer a more understated and minimalist look for their Chanel handbags.
Iridescent hardware
First released in 2016 on a line of Iridescent Boy bags featuring dark metallic leather, Chanel's iridescent, patinated hardware features a reflective finish similar to the rainbow effect of an oil slick.
Since then, the iridescent hardware has been used on certain metallic and rainbow Boy Bag styles and even Classic Flaps – though these seasonal renditions are rarer to find.
Plexiglass/Enamel hardware
Chanel's iconic double CC logo can be presented in different styles, including being inlaid with enamel or crafted entirely from plexiglass, often in tonal, block colors for seasonal bags. This unique approach to hardware adds a playful and vibrant touch to Chanel handbags, particularly when paired with brightly colored designs, creating a pop-art aesthetic that exudes a sense of fun and whimsy.
One standout example of this creative use of plexiglass is found in Chanel's limited-edition Lego clutches, which are highly coveted by collectors. These eye-catching clutches are entirely crafted from plexiglass, featuring a brick-like design reminiscent of Lego blocks, including the oversized CC emblem. This innovative approach to design showcases Chanel's ability to blend luxury with playfulness, resulting in unique and sought-after pieces that make a bold statement in the world of fashion.
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