The instantly recognizable Chanel logo symbolizes the height of luxury fashion, adorning everything from the buttons on tweed jackets to the iconic turn lock fastening of the Classic Flap bag. Among the most famous house codes, the interlocking CC logo is a quintessential emblem of luxury fashion. Today we look at the history of the Chanel logo, from its early influences to its modern significance.
The Origins of the Chanel Logo
As with most aspects of Chanel lore, the exact meaning behind the logo is up for debate. Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel designed the logo herself, and the most obvious interpretation is that the interlocking CC monogram serves as a signature for her name. Some theorize that one of the C’s may represent Arthur “Boy” Capel, Chanel’s lover throughout the 1910s (and for whom the Boy bag is named). Whether or not Chanel intended to only represent herself with her CC logo, or to pay tribute to her late lover, the French designer was likely inspired by the monogram of Catherine de’ Medici. The practice of royalty using a unique monogram to signify their name was common throughout Medieval and Renaissance Europe. When Catherine de’ Medici served as queen consort of France from 1547-1559, her monogram consisted of two interlocking C’s topped by a crown. Virginie Viard, the current creative director of Chanel, held the 2020/21 Métiers d’Arts Collection at the Chateau de Chenonceau, also known as the “Château des Dames,” where Catherine de’ Medici once lived. Viard stated, “We don’t know if Coco was directly inspired by her, but it is highly likely because she so admired Renaissance women."
Coco Chanel was also likely inspired by Aubazine Abbey. The 12th century monastery turned convent was home to an orphanage Chanel lived in as a child. The stained glass windows of the chapel feature intricate interlocking circles, which are thought to have inspired the typeface of Chanel’s interlocking CCs.
The Chanel Logo in Fashion
Regardless of her exact influences, Coco Chanel began including her CC monogram on the packaging of Chanel beauty products in the 1920s. The 2.55 bag, Chanel’s breakout handbag from 1955, is the first to include the stitched CC logo on the underside of the inner flap. The logo then began appearing on buttons, the silk lining of jackets, and costume jewelry. When Karl Lagerfeld became creative director of Chanel in the 1980s, he revitalized the brand by playing up signature house codes, like tweed, chain links, and, of course, the CC logo. Lagerfeld redesigned the 2.55 bag, creating the Classic Flap bag with the bold CC logo clasp. The interlocking CC logo was stitched onto the outside of bags, dangled from layered chain belts, and worn around the neck as a striking gold pendant. The CC logo came to convey a playful luxury, a signifier of the highest form of fashion that still had a sense of fun.
The Chanel Logo at Luxury Garage Sale
The ubiquity of the Chanel logo ensures that there is an option that suits your style. Make a fashion statement with a vintage 1990s CC pendant necklace or a jewel encrusted CC brooch. For a more understated look, choose a pair of Chanel ballet flats with a subtly stitched CC logo cap toe, or a classic tweed jacket with CC embellished buttons. Browse Luxury Garage Sale’s ever growing selection of Chanel pieces, or contact a personal shopper.
Luxury Garage Sale is an upscale resale company specializing in high-end women’s fashion from designers like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Authenticity and excellent service are always guaranteed. Shop handbags, shoes, clothing, and more at up to 90% off retail prices.
