Watch These Stylish Gen Zs Make The Chanel 22 Bag Their Own
The Chanel 22 is a bag for the times and the next generation of luxury consumers not only because of its name (a nod to its launch year), but also because of how it allows its wearer to feel utterly free. Together with the French maison, FEMALE introduces this new house signature on a cast of models who embody Gen Z’s love for mixing, matching, and dressing to express self-identity.
By Gordon Ng,
Fun fact: The house of Chanel has a thing for numbers, often using them to draw enriching connections between its present and past. The name of its latest It bag for Spring/Summer 2022, Chanel 22, is a reference to the current year in which it debuted as well as N°22, the follow-up perfume to the brand’s iconic N°5 launched a century ago.
Indeed, few bags offer the same pragmatism and functionality as the Chanel 22. Its slouchy hobo form comes in three sizes: small and medium (ideal for everyday toting), and a generous large that’s perfect for travel and busier days when one has to carry around plenty. A removable pouch held in place by a snap hook offers added utility. Completing the line is an equally roomy and handy backpack.
Like artistic director Virginie Viard’s ready-to-wear, the Chanel 22 is grounded by a distinctively cool and casual mode of elegance. Every style is crafted from supple yet resilient calfskin in either a natural or shiny finish while signature elements of the brand’s leather goods are introduced in a fresh, understated way.
READ MORE: Chanel 22: The Perfect Hobo Bag For The Young At Heart
Note the bag’s flat and smooth diamond-patterned leather finish that recalls quilting; leather-laced chains in gold tone or lacquered metal for the strap, which doubles as a drawstring closure; and a medallion with an openwork double “C” logo for a charm.
In addition to timeless neutrals like black, white and navy, the Chanel 22 hobo bags are available this season in a range of playful, summery shades. This includes a periwinkle-esque purple and two shades of pink: a pretty pastel and a can’t-miss highlighter hue.
Scroll on for a snapshot of how our cast of Gen Z models pulls off the Chanel 22.
Cotton tweed jacket; matching skirt; metal choker with resin; metal necklace with strass, glass pearls and natural stones; metal and resin belt; and Chanel 22 large calfskin hobo bag. All clothes and accessories throughout, Chanel unless otherwise stated. Top, footwear and all other jewellery, model’s own
On left: Embellished tweed jacket; matching skirt; metal necklace; patent goatskin pumps; and Chanel 22 medium calfskin hobo bag. On right: Embellished tweed jacket; metal earrings with resin; metal lariat necklace (worn looped); metal and lambskin belt; patent goatskin sandals; and Chanel 22 calfskin backpack. All other clothes, socks and jewellery, models’ and stylist’s own
Cotton crepe bra top; metal choker; metal necklace with strass, glass pearls and natural stones; metal and lambskin belt; and Chanel 22 small calfskin hobo bag. Long-sleeved top, pants, shoes and all other jewellery, model’s own
Bag on far right: Chanel 22 medium calfskin hobo. All other bags: Chanel 22 large calfskin hobo. Clothes and other accessories: See other pages
Sequinned cotton jacket; matching skirt; lambskin hair tie; metal earrings; metal necklace with resin and diamante; lambskin sandals; and Chanel 22 large calfskin hobo bag. Stockings, stylist’s own
On left: Jersey swimsuit; cotton skirt; metal earrings; metal choker with resin; matching necklace; patent goatskin pumps; and Chanel 22 small calfskin hobo bag. Jacket, stylist’s own. On right: Tweed jacket with glitter; matching shorts; metal choker; and Chanel 22 large calfskin hobo bag. Top, all other jewellery and shoes, model’s own
Photography Stefan Khoo Styling Damian Huang Videography Alicia Chong Hair EC Tan & Tomoya/Itt0+Lim Makeup Vanessa Drea Models Macky, Sofia & Saima/Misc Management & Martina & Phoebe/Mannequin
A version of this article first appeared in the April 2022 Humans of Fashion edition of FEMALE