To me, traveling in style really means having a great bag when you go through security. It doesn't need to be screaming logos, but should convey a sense of quality and sophistication that means business. If you're looking for just such a carryall, let me direct you to the Chanel Limited Edition Black Patent Leather Grande Sac Weekend. This style is particularly special because the company doesn't often release large-sized bags. Debuting during the Spring/Summer season of 1990 (one of the brand's most famous collections), Claudia Schiffer was carried the bag everywhere. (Here she is above modeling for Chanel.) It became the supermodels tote of choice in the 1990s, and it hasn't been produced since.
We have this highly sought-after bag in four great materials: Black Patent Leather, Black Caviar Leather, Black Lambskin Leather and Chocolate Lambskin Leather.
Want another option: The oversized flap bags fit an aspiring fashionista to a "t". Highly collectible because of very limited runs, your first option is the Jumbo Flap Bag: Only released about once every five years, it is sure to sell out immediately. Rarer still is the Weekender Flap collection, produced for roughly only two years in the mid-1990s and not available since. Due to the materials needed and the craftsmanship required to manufacture these large carryalls, they became too expensive to produce and were discontinued.
If you're lucky enough to get your hands on one of these collectors items, make sure you know how to keep them in top condition. If at all possible, limit sun exposure and avoid contact with moisture and cosmetics. Also, because the leathers and colors are delicate, light colored bags should not be worn close to dark colored leathers, and vice versa. When not in use, store in the protective dust bag.
To get a better sense of our huge Chanel collection, click on these smaller categories for simple shopping:
