Deauville, A Source of Inspiration
It was 1913, and Coco Chanel consecrated her love for the Normandy coast with a storefront. Located on Rue Gontaut-Biron in Deauville, Chanel’s first fashion boutique would forever alter the course of fashion history. It was in Deauville that she fully embraced sporty style, offering clients fisherman-inspired striped jersey sweaters and beach pajamas along the boardwalk. This seaside resort was also Coco’s most treasured vacation spot, where she often traveled with the love of her life, Boy Capel. From the idyllic blue skies to the warm ocean breeze, Deauville was Coco Chanel’s ultimate source of design inspiration. A century later, it seems only fitting that the House of Chanel would pay homage to this lavish spot on the French seaside with an iconic, modern bag.
Chanel Deauville Tote, A Hit Since 2012
Refined yet casual, there is no better bag to honor this glamorous destination than the Deauville tote, first introduced for the Spring-Summer 2012 collection. Received to incredible demand, the Deauville quickly expanded color, hardware, and material options to suit any season or occasion. Adorned with two intertwined chains, leather straps, the iconic interlocking CC logo, and “31 Rue Cambon” (the address of Coco Chanel’s apartment and first boutique), this tote is an ode to the luxury brand’s rich history. The spacious tote is equipped with large zipped pockets and a key clasp, ensuring that no personal belongings be misplaced. Designed as the ideal beach bag – able to hold all the oceanside necessities one may need – the Deauville is functional in all variations. Available in Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large, the only obvious difference among these tote offerings is that the Small does not have the additional leather handles that the larger sizes do. Instead, it is carried by the classic woven Chanel chain shoulder straps for a lighter wear.
Originally, and most iconically, the Deauville was crafted in a soft canvas fabric which embodied the slouch of a typical beach bag. But, the tote can now be found in materials ranging from denim and caviar leather to raffia (a fiber derived from palm trees). The Chanel Deauville Leather tote is best recognized for its firmer structure and smooth, luxurious exterior. In 2020, Chanel released the ultimate limited-edition Deauville tote. Launched in only black and Ecru beige, this version features the prominent logo in imitation pearls. Considering its unique features and rare nature, the Pearl Deauville is set at a premium price.
Despite the Deauville tote’s relatively recent debut, it is consistently trending and has proven to be a great investment piece. A sought-after house staple, the Deauville is destined to make any woman look effortlessly chic and ready for her dream vacation.
