1998 Handbag designed by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel.
On display in room 40 at the V&A.
“In 1998, Chanel released Karl Lagerfield’s ‘2005’ handbag, the descendant of the 2.55 created by Gabrielle Chanel in 1955 and still influential half a century on. Using the latest technology, its rigid lightweight polyethylene shell is clothed by hand over an aluminium frame in tight black jersey, tweed or leather. Formed to sit comfortably against the hips, its shape also recalls the female body, while its interior is a fetishistic dream, with corset-style laced mobile phone holder, zips and pockets.”
What peaked my interest in this piece is the corset-inspired lining (because I make a lot of corsets, and they interest me) and the odd shape.
I’m not sure how I feel about it being described as a, “fetishistic dream” though. I also think that saying the shape, “recalls the female body” is somewhat problematic because it assumes that all females have curvy figures. Also, the connection between the female body and fetishism is prevalent in this piece, which is troublesome to me, as female bodies are constantly being objectified. I need to see this piece in person and marinate in my thoughts a bit more, but it is an interesting conversation piece.
Samantha's RCA Process 