Chanel Bags in Movies and TV Shows: The Most Iconic On-Screen Moments
Similar to our 10 Unforgettable Louis Vuitton Moments in Our Favorite Movies post, we’re here to show Chanel's iconic movie appearances, but in movies and TV shows.
While we can pad out the list with many Coco Chanel movies, such as Coco Before Chanel (Coco avant Chanel) (2009) and Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky (2009), we want to focus on where Chanel bags appear unexpectedly.
Here are some memorable Chanel bags in movies and TV shows to know!
1. Chanel 2.55 and Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
Breakfast at Tiffany's remains one of the most influential fashion characters in film history. Her black dress, oversized sunglasses, pearls, and sophisticated accessories have inspired generations of fashion lovers.
This film has been associated with a black Chanel 2.55 handbag. Whether or not it is a Chanel 2.55 or a Cartier black alligator handbag, that lasting association between Breakfast at Tiffany's and Chanel has stayed.
While the 2.55 was already an established Chanel bag, the film released helped introduce it to an even wider audience.
The bag's classic design and chain strap perfectly fit with the understated elegance associated with Hepburn's character.
2. Sex and the City (1998–2004)
Sex and the City has been prominently mentioned that is know for popularizing the Fendi Baguette. This time our focus is on Samantha's white quilted Chanel tote.
Her most memorable moment is the white quilted Chanel tote and striking pink power suit. Altogether, it's confident, glamorous, and unapologetically bold.
Chanel also appeared in the TV show, but this white Chanel tote is the most memorable, right after the "It's not a bag, it's a Baguette" scene.
3. Chanel Boots in The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
The Devil Wears Prada is practically synonymous with high fashion. It follows the main character, Andy Sachs, as she enters the fashion publishing world while working under Miranda Priestly.
One of Andy’s wardrobes is her arriving at the office wearing Chanel over-the-knee boots, with the iconic line being:
“Are you wearing the—”
“The Chanel boots? Yeah, I am.”
This scene is definitely a fashion moment for the fashion world and for Andy becoming confident.
4. Chanel Classic bags in Gossip Girl (2007–2012)
Who hasn’t heard of Gossip Girl? Well, if you don’t know, it follows a bunch of wealthy teenagers who live on Manhattan's Upper East Side who wear designer clothing, shoes, jewelry, and handbags.
One of the characters, Blair Waldorf, is obsessed with classic Chanel handbags, and she wears them throughout the series.
Another character, Serena van der Woodsen, also carried a Chanel. Her most iconic one is her large electric-blue Chanel bag.
6. Emily in Paris (2020–Present)
Love it or hate it, Netflix’s Emily in Paris has 6 seasons of Emily Cooper working in Paris as a marketer. Besides the plot, the show has an overwhelming amount of advertising and product placement.
That also includes Chanel and their Chanel Pearl Crossbody Bag worn by Emily while exploring Paris, a metallic emerald bag from the Fall/Winter 2017 collection, and a pearl-studded quilted bag from Spring/Summer 2019.
7. Barbie (2023)
You could not escape Barbenheimer in 2023, and here it is again. Margot Robbie's Barbie wears numerous Chanel pieces throughout the film.
It included the pink heart-shaped Chanel bag, which quickly became one of the most recognizable accessories in the film.
In closing
There have been many Chanel bags in movies and TV shows. While you may not have noticed these at first, now you can rewatch these classics and shows to see these Chanel bags again!
Did you notice these Chanel bags? What other bags would you like to see on screen?