With a legacy dating back to 1955, when Coco Chanel created the 2.55 handbag, CHANEL bags have remained a symbol of chic and modern fashion.
In homage to their timeless appeal, the brand’s new Iconic Handbag campaign draws inspiration from French cinematic history, paying tribute to Claude Lelouch’s 1966 film A Man and a Woman, a story of intense passion and desire. Starring Penélope Cruz and Brad Pitt it’s sophistication and simplicity at its finest.
Penélope Cruz has a deep appreciation for A Man and a Woman. She finds it visually revolutionary and admires the film’s ability to remain modern despite being made on a small budget with a crew of only 10-15 people. Cruz believes that the film’s modernity is due to Lelouch’s unique vision and unexpected directorial choices.
“The more you know about how they are made and what it takes, the more you value the effort and the talent. I think that’s why wearing a CHANEL bag can make you feel that way. It’s everything that is behind it – creating something new all the time, but at the same time, keeping the essence of CHANEL 100% intact.”
Brad Pitt’s features alongside Cruz in the black-and-white campaign, photographed and directed by Inez & Vinoodh, which brings French sensuality to life. The visuals are as timeless as the CHANEL bag itself, providing the same feeling you get from A Man and a Woman.
The original film features star Anouk Aimée carrying her own favorite CHANEL bag, highlighting the brand’s lasting influence. It’s also set in Deauville, the same seaside resort where Mademoiselle Chanel opened her first hat boutique in 1912. Cruz, who expresses her love for Deauville, sees this campaign as a natural collaboration.
"What is very mysterious and very interesting about the way claude lelouch portrays that connection and that love story is that you can feel the danger of it. They know they are already falling deeply in love with each other.”
