Hey Boy, Hey Girl

When I went in to see Chanel’s press day a few months ago, they asked me with a vaguely tentative tone, what I thought of their new “Girl” bag, introduced for S/S 15 and championed by Karl Lagerfeld.  It’s certainly a bag that inspires a “Love it/hate it” reaction judging by the comments on Purse Forum (yes, I only seem to have one source of info where bags are concerned…).  But seeing as I am a lover of similarly divisive foodstuff equivalents like Marmite, oysters and sea urchin, I am, as you guessed, decidedly in the “Love It” camp.  Whilst the bag has been christened as “Girl”, it actually has more of a boyish air, what with its tie-up-yourself straps and postman’s satchel slash record bag feel.  The name is perhaps in reference to tomboy girls who might hang around Camden in Doc Martens and a bag that gets slung around the body rather than say a 2.55 that politely sits on one’s shoulder looking all fancy with its chain hardware.  And its deliberate kitschiness with the body of the bag taking on the shape of a classic Chanel jacket or cardigan is precisely what draws me to it.  Like the S/S 14 art student rucksack, it calls to me with its unapologetic slouchiness.  Just call me contrary.  I like it.  Deal with it.

Perhaps the best thing about the Girl though is the fact that it sort of amalgamates into an outfit depending on how you wear it and so it becomes less bag but more outfit accoutrement that happens to be able to hold phone, wallet, keys and other gubbins such as a Bluetooth keyboard (essential in my case when working on the go).  So when Chanel asked me to have a play around with their Girl, I gladly accepted.  It was touted as a challenge but a quick dip into my current wardrobe favourites (sunlight = less layers) and the Chanel Girl finds herself being tied up all over the place, ever so easily.  Worn as a rucksack, a longer cross-body, a shorter under-the-arm pouch or a bum bag (or hip apron if you will), like I said, the Girl is more of a garment slash accessory.  It’s the sweater that you “nonchalantly” tie around your waist that can double up as a bag.  This is a 2-in-1 that actually has some serious mileage in it.  Just wait until the colder weather come around again, as the layering cogs in my brain are already beginning to turn… 

Worn with Eo To To jacket, Tome jumpsuit and Celine slip-ons

Worn with Etre Cecile dress, J. Kim belt and Nicholas Kirkwood flats

Worn with Bliss & Mischief shirt, Coach skirt and Pollini wedges

Worn with J. Kim x Masterpeace top, Marques Almeida jeans and Chanel sandals