Hal Moon Flap matelassé leather shoulder bag

This piece, created between 1985 and 1995, belongs to a period when the maison produced bags with artisanal finishes and precious materials, such as soft leather and gold-tone chain interwoven with leather. The adjustable strap allows it to be worn on the shoulder or as a crossbody, adapting to different occasions. The presence of the internal tag with serial number and the gold-tone plate with Chanel Paris engraving confirms the construction care typical of those years. The Half Moon line, less widespread than other iconic models, is appreciated for its elegant silhouette and practical, compact dimensions.

The history of the Chanel Half Moon Flap bag

The Half Moon Flap is a variant of the classic Chanel flap bag, characterized by a half-moon profile that gives it a softer, more informal look. The model, introduced in various versions throughout the eighties and nineties, is distinguished by the rounded flap that covers part of the body and the CC logo closure, a symbol of the maison. The matelassé leather, worked with diamond quilting, is a tribute to the quilted jacket that Coco Chanel made famous in the fifties.

The gold-tone chain interwoven with leather, another distinctive mark, allows the bag to be carried on the shoulder or crossbody. Although not among the most celebrated models like the 2.55 or the Classic Flap, the Half Moon has its following among vintage enthusiasts for its unique shape and versatility. The production of this piece dates back to a decade in which Chanel, under the direction of Karl Lagerfeld, reinterpreted historical codes with a contemporary touch.

The Chanel maison

Founded in Paris in 1910 by Gabrielle Chanel, the maison revolutionized the female wardrobe with comfortable and functional garments, liberating women from corsets. In the twenties, Coco Chanel introduced jersey, the pleated skirt, and the famous Chanel N°5 perfume. In 1955, the 2.55 bag with chain and strap became an icon, followed by the Classic Flap in the eighties.

Karl Lagerfeld, at the creative helm from 1983 to 2019, knew how to combine tradition and modernity, keeping the maison's codes alive. The production of matelassé leather bags with gold-tone chain has always been a pillar of Chanel craftsmanship, made in France with selected materials. The Half Moon Flap, produced between the eighties and nineties, reflects that period of renewal and formal experimentation.