The perfect companion for your elegance
Chanel is without doubt one of the most well-known and revered brands in the fashion industry. While all Chanel products have a story behind them, there’s one in particular that has an intriguing past dating all the way back to 1955. This is the classic flap bag, an elegant luxury shoulder bag designed by style icon Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel.
Mademoiselle Coco and the 2.55
At its debut, the classic flap bag was instantly recognised as an innovative and groundbreaking design. Coco used lambskin leather and chose the matelassé weaving technique to give the bag a quilted effect – the resulting diamond pattern was supposedly inspired by jockey jackets or possibly church windows. Her luxury creation featured a lengthy chain shoulder strap and a rectangular metal ‘Mademoiselle’ lock. Coco named it the ‘Chanel 2.55‘, a calendrical reference to February 1955, the month of its launch.
A voguish metamorphosis
In the 1980s Karl Lagerfeld, the high fashion and runway designer, refashioned the bag. He transformed the original design by adding a rectangular crossbody with three unique elements: a ‘CC’ interlocking magnetic clasp fastening, a woven leather and metal strap, and an inside and external flap. This revamped flap bag became so popular that the original 2.55 was in fact discontinued for a time.
The Reissue Flap – a special recognition
In 2005, Lagerfeld brought back the 2.55 (the ‘Reissue Flap’) as a special tribute to its 50th anniversary. Recreated with the utmost precision, the Reissue maintained the exact specifications of Chanel’s original 2.55, though it did feature some minor adjustments to the strap, inner flap, and exterior leather. Buyers take note: anyone thinking of investing in a Chanel flap bag should recognise that both versions are safe options in terms of classic appeal and future value. Today, although the 2.55 refers to Coco Chanel’s original Mademoiselle Lock bag, it’s often used to refer to any Chanel flap bag with the classic design. The secret, however, is in how you style each one!
Shaping your life for every occasion
As with any handbag, it’s important to think about your bag’s intended function, its size, and how it will compliment the rest of your outfit. That’s why the classic flap bag has you covered. It’s available in different sizes (width x height x depth, in inches):
- Chanel Classic Mini Flap Bag – 6.7″ x 5.2″ x 3.1″
- Mini Rectangular – 7.9″ x 4.9” x 2.8″
- Small – 9.3″ x 5.7″ x 2.6″
- Medium – 10″ x 6.3″ x 3″
- Jumbo – 11.8″ x 7.7″ x 3.9″
- Maxi – 13″ x 9.1″ x 3.9″
In general, the most popular bag sizes are Medium and Jumbo as they are ideal for travelling. However, a Chanel mini rectangular size is perfect for carrying the bare necessities like keys, credit cards, a mobile phone and your favourite lipstick!
You were born an original, don’t become a copy
Chanel is widely recognised as among the most prestigious and desirable labels on the planet. Regrettably, it is also known for being one of the most widely replicated brands. As a consequence, an increasing number of bag lovers are investing in previously owned handbags, especially the much-coveted Chanel classic flap handbag. The key, then, may be to put your trust in the ‘pre-loved’ luxury market where you can rely on the experience and knowledge of specialists with an eye for authenticity.
Chanel’s flap bags standing the test of time
Chanel’s flap bags, the epitome of timeless elegance, are a must-have for any true fashion connoisseur. Before buying, the shrewd purchaser will have done their homework. For example, it is known that their retail price consistently goes up, with shoppers having already seen a 5–10% increase this year. Purchasing a previously owned Chanel bag can result in a significant reduction in outlay, making it more affordable. Furthermore, it will increase in value over time and thus has the potential to save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds. With its iconic quilted design, the 2.55 represents the embodiment of luxury and refinement. Can you really afford not to give a pre-loved Chanel Classic Flap bag a place in your wardrobe?
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
