In 1955, Coco Chanel crafted the iconic Chanel classic flap bag, a beloved and desired accessory adored by women worldwide. This bag boasts a history spanning over fifty years.
Opinions on it vary – some adore it, some don’t. However, the Chanel classic bag, in its various styles, remains a symbol of elegance, femininity, and allure.
A Glimpse into the Past
The initials of the most iconic version of the Chanel Classic Flap Bag, the Chanel 2.55, hold a date: February 1955.
It’s a succinct name, reflective of Coco Chanel’s style.
Yet, the roots of this bag trace back much earlier, even back to the 1930s, aligned with Coco’s vision of fashion. Her concept focused on creating chic, understated, and comfortable clothing for a liberated woman.
The 2.55’s design evolved from this concept: a functional bag, elegant, and, above all, convenient. It lets you keep your hands free, perfect for an active, independent woman.
The Debut of the First Flap-style Chanel Classic Bag
In February 1955, the debut of the Chanel 2.55 took place. Early models featured jersey fabric, followed by soft lambskin. The exterior showcased reverse leather, adorned with the iconic diamond pattern.
A chain shoulder strap, inspired by the orphanage keychains from Coco Chanel’s childhood, adds a unique touch. Even the bag’s interior reflects her orphanage memories, in a deep burgundy reminiscent of the children’s uniforms.
Inside, a discreet zippered pocket offers a hidden compartment, while the back features a coin storage pocket. The closure is elegantly simple, rectangular, and metallic for the Reissue model, while the classic model displays the iconic double-crossed C clasp.
The Chanel Classic Bag Today
It’s no coincidence that the Chanel 2.55 has endured nearly unchanged to the present day.
In the 1980s, designer Karl Lagerfeld made subtle updates, introducing the iconic double-crossed Cs on the clasp and a leather strip woven into the shoulder strap chain, thus creating the Chanel Classic Flap Bag.
In 2005, for the 50th anniversary of the 2.55, Lagerfeld reintroduced the original 1955 design under the name “2.55 Reissue”.
The classic lines of the 2.55 have taken various forms, hues, and materials in each seasonal collection.
Today, crafting the Chanel 2.55 demands meticulous workmanship. Each bag entails 18 hours of labor and premium materials. While two-thirds of production occurs in the French Chanel factory, the remainder is crafted in Italy.
A Masterpiece, Not Mass-Produced
This is no mass-market item: each piece is akin to an artisanal creation, wholly handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail.
The bag comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large/Jumbo.
Prices surge season by season, varying significantly across models.
More than a mere purchase, it’s an investment that warrants careful consideration. I gifted myself the Jumbo Caviar double flap model for my 50th birthday, but prior to that, I visited a Milan boutique twice to try it on.
While prices rise, it’s crucial to note that the quality justifies the cost. The bag isn’t fleeting; it’s built to last for years and its value appreciates over time.
This characteristic ensures that if you choose to sell your Chanel years later, you’ll likely fetch a handsome sum.
I previously owned the medium model, bought secondhand (almost new, complete with box and invoice), and even managed to resell it at a slight profit.
Tip: You can find a treasure trove of authentic, new and pre-loved Chanel on Vestiaire Collective.
Considering the significant “investment” this entails, I’ll outline what, in my view, stand as the pros and cons of this bag.
Pros:
- It holds an iconic and timeless status.
- Its value appreciates over time, and with proper upkeep, it can yield a favorable resale price.
- The Jumbo size offers ample space and comfort.
- The Jumbo size also features a lengthy shoulder strap that can be doubled, allowing versatile and comfortable carrying options.
- Its iconic nature ensures it stands out.
- Crafted from durable Caviar leather.
- Despite its size, it remains lightweight, making it an easy-to-carry option.
Cons:
I’d like to highlight that, from my perspective, many of the drawbacks are associated with the classic model of the 2.55, specifically the medium size.
Having owned it for a few years, I eventually resold it due to limited use. Remember, these viewpoints are entirely my personal opinions!
- The medium variant presents a short shoulder strap, which even for an average-height individual like myself, hinders both crossbody and regular shoulder wear, in my view.
- Additionally, the medium version lacks ample space. Fitting essentials like a zippy wallet, keys, and a cell phone proved challenging.
- For all sizes, the delicate lambskin leather is prone to scratching. Even the bag’s chain, if in contact with the leather, can leave marks, as I was informed by a Chanel boutique salesperson in Milan.
- In terms of design, the medium Chanel classic bag (just my personal perspective!) appears decidedly traditional, even on a 50-year-old like me with a rather classic style.
Catch my detailed video review on YouTube right here! Don’t forget to enable English subtitles for a comprehensive understanding.
As noted earlier, the prices for the Chanel Classic Flap Bag are consistently and alarmingly on the rise. Nevertheless, there are fantastic alternatives available in the realm of luxury pre-owned items.
Vestiaire Collective
In this context, apart from the physical luxury vintage stores located in numerous cities, I’d also highly recommend:
Vestiaire Collective, a globally acclaimed online vintage emporium showcasing an extensive array of Chanel creations.
Tip: You can find a treasure trove of authentic, new and pre-loved Chanel on Vestiaire Collective.
As usual, I’ll end with a roundup of pictures of the Chanel Classic Flap Bag worn (all pictures are from Pinterest):
Are you a fan of the Chanel classic flap bag? Do you think it’s still a relevant and contemporary model? Share your thoughts with me!
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