There are some brands that are indisputably luxurious, both in terms of brand positioning and the stock that they produce and sell. Chanel is a brand that not only speaks to modern day luxury and the demand for pieces that last a lifetime, but also has the benefit of a rich and varied history.
Named after its founder, Coco Chanel, whose own ideas and creations have transformed the world of fashion for women and men alike, this is a brand that is always at the forefront of new trends – often carving out new ideas and styles ahead of the rest of the market.
With that in mind then, what are the pieces that are most coveted from the Chanel range? While little black dresses, Chanel suits, and pieces of jewellery are always exquisitely crafted and incredibly popular, perhaps the most compelling section of the Chanel repertoire is its bags.
Here are some of the signature features of the Chanel Classic bags, plus a little backstory behind their design, release, and rise in popularity.
The Chanel Classic bag has remained a cornerstone of the Chanel range since it was first introduced to the market by Coco Chanel herself in 1955. Named the 2.55 bag in recognition of the month and year of its release, the 2.55 Classic bag was designed to be as functional as it was stylish – built on the back of soldiers’ satchels that could be worn over the shoulder.
As we go through the key features of the Chanel 2.55 and subsequent Classic bag collections, you will see how integral this bag was to the handbag market. However, it’s important to note first and foremost that Chanel herself was responsible for this bag and the way it transformed women’s accessories.
When we talk about the Chanel Classic bag collection, there are several iterations we need to mention. The first is the aforementioned 2.55, which was designed and launched by Coco Chanel herself. Then, when Karl Lagerfeld came in as Creative Director for Chanel in 1983, he relaunched the 2.55 as the Classic Flap bag – embodying many of the original features, but with some changes.
Here are some of the signature features that epitomise the Classic bag collection, from its earliest creation right through to the modern-day designs that still fill the market today.
It is impossible to look at any Classic bag and not immediately recognise the quilted material. In fact, we would go so far as to say that this is one of Chanel’s staple trends, which has contributed towards a transformation in the market ever since.
Inspired by the racetrack jackets worn by men, Coco Chanel used quilting as a mark of trend and of timeless style. The quilted effect adds texture and makes the bags look both more elegant and more of a statement – and remains a design trait that is still very much a part of the Chanel Classic bag repertoire today.
The long shoulder strap is something that we alluded to earlier in this article – however, as it’s one of the most integral features of the Classic bag collection, it’s worth considering in greater detail.
Not only is the handle of the Chanel 2.55 and subsequent Classic bag collection long and functional, but it also boasts a chain finish. The earliest Chanel 2.55 bags had a simple chain strap, while later versions of the Classic bag see a strip of leather woven through the chain. The addition of leather is an example of how Lagerfeld and other designers have modernised the 2.55 yet retained the same approach to function, practicality, and of course the timeless look of a bag that can be dressed up or down with ease.
Now to the design and structure of every Chanel Classic bag. Classic Chanel bags are available in a range of sizes to suit all occasions. These start from the smallest Mini Square, measuring just 17 cm in width, and range right up to the Maxi bag at 33 cm in width.
In between these two extremes sit a variety of bags that all boast the same core features but with their own unique uses and benefits.
A minor but notable feature of Chanel’s original 2.55 bag is the secret pocket built into the inside lining of the bag. This was supposedly added by Coco Chanel herself as somewhere to hide love letters, with different Classic bags boasting different levels of storage inside the bag’s structure.
Choosing the right bag as a buyer has as much to do with practical use as it does availability and style. Coco Chanel was driven by a desire to create and introduce accessories and trends that she thought bridged fashion with function, and is credited with some of the trends that we still lean on today.
Whether you are drawn to the vintage 2.55 Classic bag models or are keen to invest in a more modern Classic Flap bag from Lagerfeld’s era and beyond, there are several key features that mark cornerstones in the Classic bag collection and in Chanel’s approach as a designer.
Of course, the benefit for investment buyers and collectors is that the Chanel Classic design is recognisable and synonymous with popularity and a rich, coveted status. The quilting, long strap, and distinctive shape of the bag mean that people know what they’re looking for, which means that every new release attracts attention and demand.
However, if you know where to look, you can find exquisite Classic bags in countless colour palettes and variations, available to buy on the second-hand market. Make sure to always check the authentication information before buying a pre-loved luxury bag, dealing only with reputable boutique sellers and shops.
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