“Above all, the CHANEL 25 symbolises freedom of movement — just like its original predecessor.”
Twenty-two. It has become one of my favourite numbers. I love its sense of symmetry and the soothing spirit that it exudes. My first son was born on the twenty-second day in January. And it has become something of a lucky number for me personally.
In numerology, the number 22 equates to a Four — which celebrates creativity and leadership, with a streak of rebelliousness. My eldest son instantly comes to mind, but so too does a certain designer: Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, for whom the number 22 was also an important symbol. A woman of incredible creativity and leadership, Coco was also a rebellious couturier who was not afraid to push the boundaries of what women wear.
The perfect case in point: pockets. They may sound simple in the context of our modern wardrobes, but when Coco first started adding pockets to her garments in the 1920s, it was considered a revolutionary move. One that took its inspiration from menswear tailoring and one that also allowed women to free their hands.
Above all, pockets were { and are } utilitarian. For Coco, they represented a place to store one’s treasures, rather than carrying around a cumbersome clutch bag — as was the norm for that time. Come 1955, though, the designer had developed an even roomier solution for a woman’s personal treasures — one that would still keep her hands free, while also making an accessory statement at the same time. To this day, the 2.55 handbag remains one of the most iconic symbols of the House CHANEL.
Twenty-two. It has become one of my favourite numbers. I love its sense of symmetry and the soothing spirit that it exudes. My first son was born on the twenty-second day in January. And it has become something of a lucky number for me personally.
In numerology, the number 22 equates to a Four — which celebrates creativity and leadership, with a streak of rebelliousness. My eldest son instantly comes to mind, but so too does a certain designer: Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, for whom the number 22 was also an important symbol. A woman of incredible creativity and leadership, Coco was also a rebellious couturier who was not afraid to push the boundaries of what women wear.
The perfect case in point: pockets. They may sound simple in the context of our modern wardrobes, but when Coco first started adding pockets to her garments in the 1920s, it was considered a revolutionary move. One that took its inspiration from menswear tailoring and one that also allowed women to free their hands.
Above all, pockets were { and are } utilitarian. For Coco, they represented a place to store one’s treasures, rather than carrying around a cumbersome clutch bag — as was the norm for that time. Come 1955, though, the designer had developed an even roomier solution for a woman’s personal treasures — one that would still keep her hands free, while also making an accessory statement at the same time. To this day, the 2.55 handbag remains one of the most iconic symbols of the House CHANEL.
Fashioned with a quilted chain shoulder strap, it was this particular ability to wear the bag upon one’s shoulder that was especially radical for its time.
In the 75 years since that 2.55 handbag was first released, CHANEL has created many other iconic handbags — including, of course, the CHANEL 22, which remains one of my personal favourites. And now the latest addition to this special family has officially landed: the CHANEL 25.
A variation on the emblematic codes of the House, this handbag features two signature side pockets in oversized proportions and an iconic braided chain strap. Above all, the CHANEL 25 symbolises freedom of movement — just like its original predecessor.
Twenty-five feels like a powerful number too, combining both the twos and fives that became such important symbols for Coco Chanel. If the numerology of the 22 handbag points to radical leadership, then the 25 represents intuitive spirituality and a certain spirit of introspection. Equating to a Seven in numerology, CHANEL 25 symbolises introspection — which feels apt, given its thoughtful homage to the codes of the House, first established by Coco Chanel herself.
The Double C emblem is instantly recognisable, while details including the pockets, quilting, and braided chain also make up essential elements of the longstanding CHANEL vocabulary. An ode to the Maison’s founder and the rebellious creativity that she unequivocally stood for.
Fashioned with a quilted chain shoulder strap, it was this particular ability to wear the bag upon one’s shoulder that was especially radical for its time.
In the 75 years since that 2.55 handbag was first released, CHANEL has created many other iconic handbags — including, of course, the CHANEL 22, which remains one of my personal favourites. And now the latest addition to this special family has officially landed: the CHANEL 25.
A variation on the emblematic codes of the House, this handbag features two signature side pockets in oversized proportions and an iconic braided chain strap. Above all, the CHANEL 25 symbolises freedom of movement — just like its original predecessor.
Twenty-five feels like a powerful number too, combining both the twos and fives that became such important symbols for Coco Chanel. If the numerology of the 22 handbag points to radical leadership, then the 25 represents intuitive spirituality and a certain spirit of introspection. Equating to a Seven in numerology, CHANEL 25 symbolises introspection — which feels apt, given its thoughtful homage to the codes of the House, first established by Coco Chanel herself.
The Double C emblem is instantly recognisable, while details including the pockets, quilting, and braided chain also make up essential elements of the longstanding CHANEL vocabulary. An ode to the Maison’s founder and the rebellious creativity that she unequivocally stood for.
