When Coco Chanel first founded Chanel, the brand quickly became synonymous with not only luxury but also innovative style and statement trends.
So many of the fashions that we still hold dear today stem from ideas that Chanel brought to the market – including the Little Black Dress, women’s suits, and bags with longer shoulder straps for hands-free accessorising.
But not every Chanel collection was curated and designed by Coco herself. While many Chanel hallmark traits and features do indeed derive from her original ideas and concepts, Chanel has brought new collections and ideas to life through later designers and collaborations.
The Chanel Wallet on Chain was introduced in the 1990s in what is now known as the Lagerfeld era of design. Karl Lagerfeld was brought in as the Creative Director for Chanel in 1983, to breathe new life back into the brand and restore it to its former glory – much of which had dulled in the years following Coco Chanel’s death.
A major part of Lagerfeld’s focus on rebuilding Chanel’s status and prestige was on modernising the brand and ensuring it had what it needed to stand the test of time. You will see this in countless collections and pieces, including the Chanel Classic bag – a modern iteration of the 2.55 bag that Coco herself created.
With that said, what is the Chanel Wallet on Chain and what makes it a popular bag by modern standards?
Key Features of the Chanel Wallet on Chain
Referred to colloquially as the Chanel WOC bag, the first thing you will notice about this piece is that it looks at first glance to be a carbon copy of the Chanel Classic – but in miniature size.
Boasting a portable size that makes this piece akin to a wallet rather than a standard bag, its design and silhouette perfectly mimic the Chanel Classic and indeed the 2.55 that came before – with the flap, simple chain strap, and integrated pockets for storing different items.
The latter feature stems directly from Coco Chanel’s motivation and desire in creating each of her bags. A woman of great personality and with an eye for design flair that tapped into her own needs, Chanel loved integrating hidden pockets and ensuring that there was always a handy pouch for her lipstick and love letters.
Other features of the Chanel Wallet on Chain, mirroring the 2.55 and Chanel Classic Flap bags with added extras, include the card slots on the inside of the bag, the CC interlocking clasp, and the variety of fabrics that hark back to some of Chanel’s most popular designs.
Now, as luxury handbag enthusiasts will know, choosing a bag isn’t just about picking the style you like – it’s also about balancing trend with timeless aesthetic, finding a bag with a texture and colour palette to suit your preferences now and in the future.
So, what colours are the most popular with buyers seeking a Chanel Wallet on Chain?
Exploring Chanel’s Use of Colour
Chanel is very much a brand that moves with the seasons and explores the impact of seasonal shades and tones alongside its timeless classics.
Karl Lagerfeld was famously averse to colour in many of the fashion collections he was a part of, specifically for haute couture launches and runways – however, the bags that were launched as part of his time as Creative Director tell a different story.
Some of the most memorable Chanel innovations, since the days of Coco Chanel herself, came to life under Karl Lagerfeld. He was responsible for launching bags and fashion pieces in new fabrics and materials, notably tweed and leather, as well as lace.
When it came to bags, vibrant colour palettes were often thrown onto and against classic pieces to inject some personality, fun, and modern fire. What’s more, Lagerfeld made runway style accessible for the high street and for everyday wear – continuing the legacy left by Chanel herself, which aimed to create real pieces for real women.
Colour is just one of the ways that Chanel has always expressed itself – be it the Little Black Dress or a touch of fuchsia on a classic neutral bag.
So, which colours are most popular when it comes to the Chanel WOC?
Most Popular Chanel WOC Colours
Because the Chanel WOC bags are smaller and more compact, it follows that they can typically afford to be bolder and more vibrant in their colour.
They are but an accessory with some added function, with many buyers reaching for bolder tones to balance against their elegant everyday style.
As such, some of the most popular Wallet on Chain palettes and tones are the brighter pieces and those with added design details – for example, the bright-pink Chanel WOC with a heart emblem on the clasp, or the teal coloured WOC with quilted fabric and a double chain strap.
You will notice that, once you start browsing the Chanel WOC market and the different pieces available, there are items for every notable and popular Chanel collection. There’s a Chanel Boy WOC, countless Classic WOCs, and limited-edition WOCs.
With regard to the seasons, Chanel continues to bridge the opinion of its founder’s legacy with the consumer demand for colour and variation. Coco Chanel thought black was the reigning colour, and that white was perfect for capturing light and illuminating the face of the wearer. These tones are countered by pastels and brighter shades, according to market trends and demand. Beige is another Chanel classic, while red has become a staple that can be worn at any time of the year, regardless of the season.
To find your perfect Chanel colour match, and to explore the benefits of the Chanel Wallet on Chain as your next stylish piece, head to your local boutique reseller. They will be able to advise on the best fit for you, and help you compare different bag types, sizes, and colours.