Chanel’s latest campaign for the Handbag 25 is a bold celebration of movement, elegance, and musical synergy, enhanced by expert music supervision that seamlessly ties fashion and pop culture together. Initially introducing Dua Lipa as the face of Chanel’s iconic handbag collection, the campaign continues its journey with Jennie representing its second chapter. Both artists embody contemporary sophistication and boundless energy.
Last January, the Chanel campaign revealed Dua Lipa as the new face of the House for its Handbag 25 campaign, with music supervision provided by Creaminal. In this first chapter, a film alternating between sequences filmed in the streets of New York and a studio photoshoot, the British pop star embodies the spirit of the campaign, which celebrates movement, freedom, contemporary elegance, and energy.
A few months later, the campaign takes a thrilling turn a few months later with the introduction of Jennie as the face for the second phase, where the streets of Manhattan serve as the backdrop for a film brimming with spontaneity. At the same time, Jennie hums a fragment of the song “She Drives Me Crazy” by the Fine Young Cannibals, while Gordon Von Steiner’s masterful direction infuses each frame with visual storytelling.
While Jennie has been an iconic figure for Chanel since 2017, after receiving an invitation from the legendary Karl Lagerfeld, this campaign marks the first collaboration between Dua Lipa and Chanel, coinciding with her prominent appearance at the Spring-Summer 2025 fashion show of the renowned fashion house.
In this context, the selection of these exceptional talents makes perfect sense, as the Handbag 25 beautifully embodies the concept of freedom of movement. Indeed, designed with the modern individual in mind, this accessory is a versatile daily companion that symbolizes dynamic and timeless elegance. Thus, it aligns seamlessly with the vibrant lifestyles of both pop stars, perfectly reflecting their unique artistic expressions and commitment to fashion.
The connection between these two pop icons extends far beyond the campaign. Their collaboration reaches into the realm of music, as Jennie’s debut LP, Ruby, features a track co-written with Dua Lipa titled “Handlebars.” This poignant pop ballad, which speaks to the ache of heartbreak, was released in March and marks a new chapter in both artists’ musical careers. The album also features appearances from luminaries such as Childish Gambino, FKJ, and Grammy-revelation Doechi…
One of the standout elements of the campaign is the inclusion of the iconic ’80s hit “She Drives Me Crazy“. This legendary track, with its infectious rhythm and unmistakable snare drum sound, has firmly established itself in pop culture history. Released in 1989, it dominated the charts globally, and its vibrant energy continues to inspire artists across various genres. Moreover, its impact transcends generations, influencing both emerging and established musicians.
For instance, the influence of She Drives Me Crazy extends even to the mega pop star Taylor Swift. The singer explained that she shifted from friendship into working with her producer Jack Antonoff when discussing the particular snare drum sound, which they drew inspiration from for Taylor’s song “I Wish You Would”.
Similarly, Dua Lipa, a big fan of the track, shared that she knew the song by heart and adored its invigorating energy and electrifying feel. In this way, this musical reference perfectly embodies the essence of the Chanel Handbag campaign, which pays tribute to freedom, audacity, and rebellious spirit.