Before you turn your back and yell: ‘Chanel sailor prints’ are not my type of haute couture, then give me one minute to change your opinion by explaining how stripes are tradition for the French people and how Coco Chanel got inspired.

Striped sweaters were originally navy sailor uniforms, it’s original purpose was to separate the waves from the crew. If one of the members accidentally fell of the ship, the other crew members could easily recognize and pick him up. Back in the days, surprisingly, all French navy hailed were from Brittany, the sweaters displayed exactly 21 stripes, each referring to Napoleon’s victory. They were named Breton shirts.

The sweaters were produced in cotton and wool, specially made for sailors, but somehow the workers caught on and started to wear them. Eventually it became famous beyond the military.

When Coco Chanel went to the coast, she got so inspired by the sailor outfit that she used it for her 1917 collection. Her way of designing the Breton tops were a bit different, it was worn as flared trousers, making it more feminine and applicable for ladies. By 1930, Breton stripes were lifted to a higher status, it became famous among upper class woman and the style was lifted to the haute couture status.

Nowadays we can’t live without strips, they are everywhere, in t-shirts, bags and blazers. They have become an essential. The Chanel Coco Sailor flap bag is a special edition dedicated to the history of France and Gabrielle .Chanel It’s embellished with a pearly chain that you will certainly love, and it’s removable for anyone who doesn’t like it. This bag has been featured in Chanel’s latest cruise 2014 ad campaign. Crafted from high-quality jersey and available in two sizes:

Chanel medium Coco Sailor flap bag in jersey with beige and golden chain shoulder strap and removable pearl strand.
Size: 6.2 x 10 x 2.7 inches
Style code: A90100
Price: €2.650 EUR / $4,500 USD

Chanel Small Coco Sailor flap bag in jersey with red/gold shoulder strap and black leather trim.
Size: 4.7 x 8 x 2 inches
Style code: A92051