Chanel Gabrielle Review – Love But Not at First Sight

FIrst, a little information about the Chanel Gabrielle bag.  

Gabrielle was introduced almost exactly one year ago.  She was released for Spring 2017 (after previewing at the October 2106 show) and was Chanel’s first new model in several years.  Gabrielle (Coco Chanel’s true first name) was a theme of 2017 – with the bag and a perfume. 

This collection seemed different from the classic Chanels – perhaps younger and more casual. According to designer Karl Lagerfeld, she was less feminine – singer/actor Pharell was the first man featured in a Chanel bag ad campaign, with Gabrielle. Depending upon the fabrication (quilted leather, tweeds, exotics), it was also slightly less expensive.

Ultimately, Gabrielle was not just one bag but an entire style collection including hobos, purses, backpacks and shopping bags. But the first to hit the collective conscious (and stores) was the hobo – a zip-top north-south bag with three (yes, three) straps including  gold, ruthenium and silver (yes, it swung all ways on the metal-matching).  For some it was confusing – shown with carried on the shoulder with an extra strap across the body. For others, it was refreshing – contemporary and hands free with options.