With the release of the Barbie movie in the summer of 2023, everyone is talking once again about the presence of luxury brands and high-end products on the big screen. And, for all those who loved the Barbie movie, you’re going to love this blog, because there’s a lot to unpack.
But it’s not just the Barbie movie that ignited a brand-new appreciation for the finery of the Chanel brand and its iconic handbags. Chanel has been referenced in and seen on the arms of movie stars in countless films as well as TV shows and red-carpet moments – cementing the idea of Chanel being a brand that encapsulates impeccable style and a high-level status.
In this blog, we’re talking about Chanel being seen in movies, specifically referencing Chanel handbags and how they have become synonymous with wealth and a high-coveted status, in both fictional movies and on the arms of the stars who made those movies famous.
Why Are Chanel Handbags So Popular?
Before we dive into the obvious fact that showcasing handbags from any designer on the big screen makes them an instant sellout among buyers, it’s interesting to break down exactly what makes Chanel such a coveted and successful brand.
For one thing, Chanel handbags are notoriously high in quality – both in terms of design and manufacturing. Thanks to the commitment of the founder, Coco Chanel, and subsequent design chiefs like Karl Lagerfeld, the history of the Chanel brand and its attention to detail and design means that even newly released models are reminiscent of the traditions that Chanel has become renowned for.
For example, Chanel was the first designer to produce a handbag on a shoulder strap for women, presenting a way for women to access their possessions while remaining hands-free. Coco Chanel herself also pioneered concepts like the Little Black Dress and made famous the flap bag, which is still synonymous with high-end design today.
Combine this with the brand’s commitment to sustainability (it was one of the first designer brands to cease using rare and exotic skins in its handbags and other products), its exclusive releases buoyed by limited supply, and the exceptional quality that surrounds every handbag, and you have a brand that has earned its place in the spotlight.
Here’s how Chanel is viewed through the perspective of the big screen.
Chanel Handbags in the 2023 Barbie Movie
If there was ever a movie that was sure to reignite the world’s obsession with all things pink and girly, it’s Barbie. And, while the film boasts all sorts of layers that we won’t get into in this blog, the fashion is unrivalled – showcasing some of the best brands, outfits, and accessories in modern film.
The presence of Chanel in the Barbie movie is fairly constant, mainly because the brand collaborated with the film producers and costume team from the off. This, paired with the fact that Margot Robbie is a global ambassador for Chanel already, means that the partnership was an obvious one – leading to a series of different looks that were pulled together by the Chanel brand.
One example is the heart-shaped Chanel bag that Robbie’s Barbie character carries, which has the interlocking CC logo clearly in shot throughout the scene. Another Chanel bag that made it into the film is a Camellia-print bag, which can be seen in Barbie’s wardrobe – not to mention the pink vanity case, which spans the bridge between bag and lifestyle accessory, and which is also part of Barbie’s capsule wardrobe.
Chanel Handbags in Other Movies
With Chanel being such a historically famous brand in the luxury sector, responsible for countless trends and fashions, it follows that the brand has appeared in movies for decades.
One of the most notable instances of a Chanel handbag being seen in a movie is in Breakfast at Tiffanys, when Audrey Hepburn’s character steps out with a Chanel Black Alligator Kiss Chain bag.
Alongside times when characters are seen with Chanel handbags, it’s also pertinent to note the number of films out there that focus on the designer herself – that is Coco Chanel and her contribution to the luxury styling industry.
These include names like Coco Before Chanel, which was released in 2008, and The Return from 2013. Tracking the life, the ups and downs, and the impeccable trends that were spearheaded by Chanel as a designer, these movies are all great examples of how the fashion and movie worlds collide.
Why Is Chanel Such a Regular Staple on the Big Screen?
Chanel as a brand has long been interested in collaborations – and it turns out that one of them is with cinema! Chanel is a huge ambassador of cinema and film, and is often more than happy to lend its looks and authentic pieces to characters, with whom the brand fits and resonates.
This is why, as you watch movies like Barbie, vintage and modern Chanel pieces are used interchangeably, with the brand quoted as having provided the producers with everything they needed to give the character the feminine high fashion and designer vibe that she needed.
Is Chanel a Good Investment?
A Chanel handbag is as much a piece of history as it is a styling staple, with the brand notorious for its timeless styles, its notable collaborations, and of course the exclusivity of each and every piece, which ensures that the price tag is high, and the demand is even higher.
If you have a Chanel bag that you want to sell, or you are looking to buy an authentic Chanel bag, the most important thing to focus on is authenticity – sourcing your bag via a reputable reseller with ever-changing stock and access to some of the best and most famous luxury brands on the market.
If you’re shopping in London and want to explore the latest and most popular collections released by Chanel, why not call into the Love Luxury boutique in Knightsbridge, where we buy and sell Chanel and other brands.