39 - Chanel.

Chanel. Le Boy Prototype, 2011, of structured rectangular form with framed flap and oversized stitched CHANEL lettering, fitted with an aged gilt-metal interlocking ‘CC’ Boy push-lock and substantial chain-link shoulder strap with leather shoulder section, comes with the bag only. Width x Height x Depth: 20 x 12 x 5 cm Notes: Introduced by Karl Lagerfeld for Autumn/Winter 2011, the Boy Chanel offered a distinctive interpretation of the house’s handbag vocabulary. Its name honours Arthur “Boy” Capel, Gabrielle Chanel’s great love, while its design draws inspiration from a cartridge bag. The framed rectangular flap, substantial chain and graphic push-lock give it a strong, architectural character, bringing a deliberately masculine influence to a feminine accessory. The present example’s oversized stitched CHANEL lettering provides a particularly striking feature, making the house name part of the bag’s surface decoration. The emphatic lettering complements the structured outline, while aged gilt-metal hardware adds warmth and texture. Its compact proportions concentrate these bold elements into a small, sharply defined silhouette. Dating to the Boy’s inaugural year, this example offers interest as an early expression of a design that became an enduring part of Chanel’s accessories collection. It illustrates Lagerfeld’s ability to introduce a new visual identity while retaining connections to Gabrielle Chanel’s personal history.