Chanel store in Rome, Italy

To mark its milestone 70th anniversary, the industry giant Chanel launched the remarkable Heritage Chanel handbag line in a stylish tribute. Evoking the European brand’s rich heritage and history, the distinctive bags were announced along with the dramatic renovations of the Chanel store in Rome, Italy.

Creative director Frida Giannini was the mastermind behind this chic assortment of Chanel purses, which encapsulates the design attributes on which the brand was launched. Those who are familiar with the origins of Chanel will recognize those age-old elements in these vintage-style Chanel handbags. The most head-turning element of the Heritage bags is the vintage print, Rinascimento, which was first seen adorning Chanel bags back in the 1950s. With a decidedly Renaissance feel, the floral motif is an explosive interplay of rich green and red hues, regal crowns, and thorny spires, all patterned atop a smooth, cream-colored background. Adding a subtle opulence is the crocodile leather accents, dyed in a sophisticated wine-colored hue.

While these timeless Chanel purses may be based on established designs from the fashion house’s heyday, they also boast fashion-forward elements that hint at exciting new things to come. As Giannini has noted, the Heritage bags are “a perfect match to the essence of the city…rich in tradition, yet modern in spirit.”
Even if you’re not a big fan of the romantic floral pattern featured in the Rinascimento, the Heritage line offers many more options from which to choose. Take your pick from several exotic leather bags, including ostrich, crocodile, and python. You’ll delight in the diverse range of colors, from deep burgundy to chocolate brown. The Heritage line includes five very distinct handbag styles, such as The Jackie and The Bamboo. The various styles feature different leather accents on the straps and exterior of the bag.