Introducing our Closet Confidential series, where we delve into the world of handbag enthusiasts’ collections. To begin, we’re thrilled to feature Laura, also known as @theccspy, a celebrated Chanel collector renowned for her effortlessly chic style. In this exclusive conversation, we explore all things Chanel, delving into her fabulous collection and beyond. Discover the stories behind her customized Chanel bags and gain insight into the artistry that defines each one of these masterpieces.
Image courtesy: @theccspy
From vintage finds to contemporary accessories and one-of-a-kind customized Chanel. Laura’s collection is a living testament to her profound connection with the essence of all things Chanel.
Join us in getting to know @theccspy as we uncover all things Chanel.
Among your fabulous handbags, which Chanel bag holds the most special place in your collection?
My first bag holds the most special place in my collection as it was my initial foray into a Chanel boutique. It is the 2004 bowling bag which I have kept in pristine condition. I had no idea of what to expect when entering a Chanel boutique or what bags were available, apart from classic flaps, as social media wasn’t what it is today! I went with my husband to spend a lovely day in London and entered the boutique with such anticipation, that I was ready to make my first purchase. My bag was £650!! I also bought some pink ballerinas I still wear to date.
Image courtesy: @theccspy
Can you share your latest handbag addition to your amazing collection?
The latest addition to my collection has been the sequined bag from the LA collection. I pre-ordered this bag in particular because I love all the writing on it: Paris/COCO/Cambon/Chanel. Recently, I have bought more fabric and sequin bags. I find that lately, I enjoy the intricacies of tweed and sequin bags over leather ones.
Read also: Chanel Cruise 2024 Handbags: A Closer Look at the Bags
Image courtesy: @theccspy
Image courtesy: @theccspy
While we know you love sequin and embellished pieces, what is your go-to classic?
On a day-to-day basis, I wear my mini 22 with pearl strap bag and ‘Denimpressiom’ flap the most. They are carefree, if I am traveling they are very easy to pack and they go with any outfit.
Read also: Update: The Chanel Bag the PurseBop Girls Couldn’t Leave Paris Without
Image courtesy: @theccspy
Image courtesy: @theccspy
Now that 24S has finally landed in boutiques, are there any bags that you’re currently coveting?
I am coveting the camera bag from 24S, in black. I saw, in one of your posts, that the lens opens to reveal a mirror and that made me want it even more!
Read also: Chanel Spring-Summer (24S) Bags Have Arrived
Image courtesy: @harpersbazaares
Your hand-painted ‘just a drop of no. 5’ Classic Flap is a work of art. Could you walk us through the creative process behind this unique piece, sharing inspiration and the steps involved in bringing it to life?
The inspiration for my painted bag came from a bag that belongs to my dear friend @lisabouvierbrewer, and which is customised with music badges and a David Bowie patch.
I’m from the DIY generation! In the 80’s if I couldn’t find a t-shirt I wanted from a particular band, I grabbed a vinyl, copied the cover, and painted it onto the t-shirt myself, so I thought, why not do this with a bag!
I mentioned that I was looking for a bag to customise to my friend @classiccoco and she sourced a bag for me that had seen better days. The bag had been painted over using normal acrylic paint and it was peeling and cracking. I decided to paint the iconic image from the Chanel fall 2001 sweatshirt, as it is inspired by Lichtenstein and I love pop art. I did some research on how to paint and treat leather and bought the necessary materials, leather cleaner, paint remover, primer, leather paint, and acrylic finisher or sealant topcoat. It is very important to first clean the leather thoroughly before painting and to prime it so the colors adhere and don’t peel. It is also paramount to paint very thin layers, otherwise it will definitely crack. The sealant will protect the design from scuffs.
Image courtesy: @theccspy
We love your most recent Chanel project. Can you share the story behind your embellished flap?
Last March, Chanel invited me to Dakar to visit 19M and learn about the inspiration behind the Dakar collection. We were taken to beautiful spots and I was particularly stricken by the landscape, the brown trunks of the baobabs, the hues of orange and brown, and the beautiful light the sun cast over the different soils.
This trip inspired me to hand embroider a vintage jersey classic flap bag with beads, in orange, brown, gold, red, and white, with very subtle nude glass beads to reflect the light. The Mona Lisa pocket has the same pattern but I changed all the orange beads for green creating an effect that is fluid and reflects a moving landscape.
Image courtesy: @theccspy
Image courtesy: @theccspy
Image courtesy: @theccspy
How much time has the hand-beading taken for this particular bag?
The bag I was working on was a birthday present from my friend @classicoco. I received the bag in April 2023, I started on it a couple of months later. I did a design that I didn’t love so I took it apart and started again. That made me lose a bit of time. The bag was finally complete in February 2024.
Image courtesy: @theccspy
Image courtesy: @theccspy
When customizing Chanel bags, what fuels your creative process? Is it about reviving tired bags, expressing creativity, or infusing a personal touch into each creation?
I am a person driven by meaning, everything I buy, especially when it comes to Chanel, has to have a meaning behind it and it is the same when I customise the bags. When I find a bag to restore I love the fact that the item was discarded by someone because they saw no more life in it or no more value and I can turn it into something unique and perhaps, even covetable. This not only resonates with Coco’s own approach to her clothes, she used to adapt them and restore them so that she could wear them again and again. It also gives me the opportunity to enjoy the process of making the abstraction that “a Chanel bag is forever” into concrete action. By the end of the customization process, it gets a second life and it is reborn to be used again. Therefore, reviving tired bags is for me the most important aspect and the true meaning behind customizing.
Image courtesy: @theccspy
Do you seek out vintage bags specifically for your projects, or do you primarily work with bags already in your personal collection?
I would never work on a bag that is in good condition so I haven’t used any of my bags. I have only used vintage bags which needed a second lease of life.
Image courtesy: @theccspy
Can you share any insights into any upcoming plans or ideas for your next customization project?
After my beading project, I would like to find a mini and restore it using different fabrics. To be honest, inspiration usually comes to me once I am holding the bag as I find its imperfections fuel my creativity.
Image courtesy: @theccspy
Image courtesy: @theccspy
Finally, do you have any words of wisdom for those who are just starting their Chanel collection?
I live by two mantras:
Never buy into trends. Buy timeless pieces that you will wear again and again. With Chanel, I find that older items, even vintage ones can be combined with newer pieces because the colors or codes chosen for the collections will still match more recent releases.
Buy ONLY what you love. Don’t buy because of external influences. If you consistently buy what’s yours, you will never get tired of your purchase. You will also be able to build a wardrobe and style that will be immediately recognizable to others as yours.
Image courtesy: @theccspy
Read related articles:
Breaking News: Global Chanel Price Increase 2024
Chanel Spring-Summer (24S) Bags Have Arrived
Chanel’s Marvelous Minaudières: Exploring the Miniature Masterpieces
Chanel Spring-Summer 2024 (24P) Bags are Here
Is Chanel Patent a Good Investment?
All the Chanel Bags from the Barbie Movie
Love, PurseBop
XO
Updated: March 29th, 2024
Comments
1 Responses to “Upcycling Chanel Flaps into Masterpieces with The CC Spy”
Hello my name is Vivian Marcus from the United State, i’m so exciting writing this article to let people seek for help in any Break up Marriage and Relationship, Dr Kachi brought my Ex Boyfriend back to me, Thank you Sir Kachi for helped so many Relationship situation like mine to be restored, i was in pain until the day my aunt introduce me to Dr Kachi that she got her husband back with powerful love spell with help of Dr Kachi So i sent him an email telling him about my problem how my Boyfriend left me and cheating on me because of her boss lady at work i cry all day and night, but Dr Kachi told me my Boyfriend shall return back to me within 24hrs and to me everything he asked me to do the next day it was all like a dream when he text me and said please forgive me and accept me back exactly what i wanted, i am so happy now as we are back together again. because I never thought my Ex Boyfriend would be back to me so quickly with your spell. You are the best and the world greatest Dr Kachi. if you’re having broke up Ex Lover or your husband left you and moved to another woman, You do want to get Pregnant do not feel sad anymore contact: [email protected] his Text Number Call: +1 (209) 893-8075 You can reach him Website: https://drkachispellcaster.wixsite.com/my-site