The Story Behind The Chanel Graffiti Collection
The Chanel Spring-Summer 2014 runway show marked the debut of the iconic Chanel Graffiti Collection. This collection featured rainbow-colored skirts, unconventional tweed suits, and vibrant bags. The entire collection was inspired by the arts which was culturally relevant in 2014. The Chanel canvas bags, which featured an airbrushed Chanel logo and colorful rope zippers, were among the standouts from the collection. Ten years later these bags continue to be some of the most sought-after, and unique bags ever created by Chanel.
The History of Graffiti
Graffiti has a unique way of bridging the gap between art, culture, and luxury fashion spheres. The medium first gained popularity as a rebellious form of street art in 1970s New York. Artists such as TAKI 183 began tagging buildings around the city. This was during a time of immense social and economic unrest in New York City, which led to graffiti being seen as a form of rebellion and resistance. In the 1990s, there was a shift in the perceptions of graffiti; the innovative art form started to provoke positive discourse amongst the conventional art scene. Flash forward to the early 2000s, graffiti art is everywhere from music, fashion and the luxury art world.
Graffiti Becomes High Fashion
Chanel bags have historically been known for their simplistic, yet pristine, quilted leather. So the decision to utilize graffiti was a surprise to many. However, this choice is just one of the many examples of Karl Lagerfeld’s impact on the brand. He tapped into contemporary culture and applied modern style to traditional foundations. This collection was especially popular with celebrities. Miley Cyrus, Khloe Kardashian, Bella Thorne and Lily Allen were all photographed with the Chanel Graffiti Backpack.
Unexpected And Always Iconic
When the canvas backpack hit stores in 2014 it was priced at $3,400. At the time this was shocking for long-time clients of the house who were accustomed to paying $3,700 for a small leather Boy bag in 2014. Today, on the secondary market, the Chanel Graffiti backpack sells for about $15,000. Other highlights from this collection include the Chanel Graffiti Messenger Bag 2015, and the Chanel Graffiti Cabas Canvas Tote.
It’s clear how this youthful streetwear-inspired bag has cemented its place in the fashion books. Chanel’s Graffiti Collection exemplifies how fashion can transcend boundaries and support creative expression. The Chanel Graffiti backpack is a modern Chanel icon.
