Paco Rabanne issues update of iconic chain handbag

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In collaboration with Comme des Garcons’ Rei Kawakubo, Paco Rabanne has reissued his iconic 1969 chain-metal handbag, le69. The original bag was one of many pieces incorporating metal in Rabanne’s rebellious couture line, sported by fashionable women such as Audrey Hepburn, Jane Birkin and Donyale Luna.

The handbag comes in nine iterations, including steel, natural horn, stingray leather, warm brown vegetable-dyed leather, matte wine-colored suede, metallic powder pink suede, black rubber, perspex and aluminum. It signifies the first stage in the relaunch of Paco Rabanne’s fashion house, further details for which are expected to be announced at Paris Fashion Week in February.

Currently, le69 is available for purchase in the United States only at Comme des Garcon in New York. Phone orders from other states are welcome, and it is rumored that select stores in Los Angeles will be carrying the line later this year –- this might be worth holding your breath for.

Prices range from $965 to $2,200.

-- Raha Lewis