Quote by Coco Chanel
“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different”
Inspiration: Feminist before the time, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel had the idea of creating a shoulder bag inspired by military bags at the time, which would allow women to have their hands free rather than cluttering up with a bag in their hand.
In February 1955, Gabrielle Chanel gave birth to the famous model 2.55, which she named in reference to its date of creation. Scandal, it was the first bag for women to come with a shoulder strap – a detail that offered freedom from the impractical constraints of the clutch. It was considered rebellious, even uncouth, but women were enraptured the practicality it afforded. Chanel herself loved the way she could slip both hands into her coat pockets, striking a free, determined pose. The 2.55 was a revelation, and instantly became a house icon.
An It-bag among all the it-bags, with a luxurious aura, the accessory continues, 65 years later, to attract the favours of fashionistas… and has even inspired another cult bag from the Parisian house, the Classic flap. In 1980’s Karl Lagerfeld created a remix of the original 2.55 while keeping the same style to the original design as per Chanel photos above, he simply added his special touch by replacing the original Mademoiselle twist lock with an instantly recognisable interlocking CC lock, plus the interlaced chain with black leather instead of the chain.
Lifestyle: To own and carry a Chanel bag is to adopt a history, a philosophy in which freedom as well as practical and aesthetic sense are inscribed. Gabrielle Chanel has always designed her creations according to her life style and to her needs, thus shaking up codes and traditions. The shoulder straps and the multiple pockets illustrate this desire for emancipation.
Style: The Chanel bag is more than a fashion statement. It is a signature, a reflection of the personality of the woman who wears it. Whatever it is, it never goes out of fashion anywhere in the world, crosses eras and generations, defies trends even. The epitome of style, timeless.
Since the quilted flap bags exist in various sizes, various colours and material, classic calfskin leather, caviar leather, used leather, tweed, jersey, denim, fur, exotic skin etc.
What is a Chanel reissue?
The term classic flap commonly refers to the flap bag with the interlocking CC closure and the leather interlaced chain. In February 2005, Karl Lagerfeld re-design the 2.55 – exactly as Coco Chanel had made in 1955, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the 2.55. It came to be known as the Reissue.