Chanel Launches Ad Campaign For Classic Flap Handbag

PARIS, FRANCE — French luxury house Chanel is launching a new advertising campaign for its signature 11.12 bag featuring models and friends of the house, including budding actress Zoé Adjani, the niece of Isabelle Adjani.

The advertisement was shot in the Paris neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, by legendary photographer duo Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin. The campaign titled “The Chanel Iconic” also features Anna Mouglalis, Rianne van Rompaey, Imaan Hammam and Louise de Chevigny.

Toting versions of the 11.12 in different colors and sizes, they pose in locations including the empty terrace of the Café de Flore. Inez & Vinoodh recently shot the film for Chanel’s fall collection in the same area, at the famed nightclub Castel.

Commonly known as the Classic Flap bag, the 11.12 is a reinterpretation of the 2.55 bag launched by founder Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in 1955. It crested in popularity under the house’s late creative director Karl Lagerfeld after he took over in the 1980s.

Among the most significant differences between the two bags is the clasp. The 2.55 features a rectangular lock, while the 11.12 comes with a double-C turn-style lock. While the 2.55 has a chain-link strap, the 11.12 comes with a metal chain interwoven with leather.

Finally, the 2.55 is made from aged calfskin, while the 11.12 is available either in a smooth lambskin leather, of the type usually used by glove-makers, or a grained calfskin known as “caviar,” in addition to other materials drawn from Chanel’s ready-to-wear collections, such as jersey, tweed, velvet, silk and denim.

“It is a truly timeless bag, which remains as modern and chic as ever,” de Chevigny said in a statement. “My mother used to have one, and when I was younger I would steal it from her. At first to play with and then when I started going to parties, it was a source of pride.”

Photos Credit: Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin