1983 CHANEL Vintage Archival Iconic Timeless 2.55 Navy Blue Double Flap 24k GHW W/Box

REF: CVC180401203-PFR0326

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An Archival Iconic Fashion Piece from 1983, stunning piece – One of The Very First Timeless Double Flap Diamond Quilted Hand Bags Designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Handcrafted in lambskin leather, diamond quilted. This double flap is in dark navy blue colour, double famous iconic Mademoiselle gold chain strap, 24k gold-plated large vintage turn-lock (distinguishable by a heavy, rich gold shine and just introduced by Karl Lagerfeld in 1983) with the stamp on the CC logo turn-lock. The interior is lined in burgundy red gros-grain fabric inspired by the uniform Coco Chanel wore in a convent. Two compartments, one front pocket, one compartment with two slit pockets, one zipper pocket on the interior top flap and one half moon exterior pocket at rear. A “Must-have”, very rare, one of the first truly vintage Chanel 2.55 bags produced in 1983 in dark navy blue colour, a highly sought after, investment collector piece for your wardrobe!

The Story Behind: KARL LAGERFELD CHANEL ARTISTIC DIRECTOR 1983-2019

In 1983-1984, Karl Lagerfeld introduced the CC turn-lock, transitioning from the original 2.55 “Mademoiselle” lock. Karl Lagerfeld modernised Chanel by introducing modern elements to the classic iconic quilted bags by adding his own design as well as the iconic interlaced leather-chain and the interlocking (turn-lock). His first fashion show was for the Fall/Winter Ready-to-Wear Fashion shows in Paris in 1984.

Coco Chanel why she designed the 2.55 Bag and with which material: The burgundy colour lining represents the colour of the uniforms at the convent where Coco Chanel grew up. There is a zippered compartment on the inside of the front flap and this is where Coco Chanel is rumoured to have stored her love letters in her own original 2.55 bag. At the rear side of the 2.55 bag there is an half moon pocket was designed to keep money inside. Mademoiselle Chain Strap: Coco Chanel realised that modern women needed to have their hands free while attending social events therefore she designed a double-chain shoulder strap for ease of ware. To design her shoulder strap chain Chanel found inspiration from the caretakers of the convent where she grew up as they were holding their keys at their waist dangling down and this is where the inspiration for the Mademoiselle chain strap comes from. Coco Chanel original lock: The original 2.55 bag was designed originally with a front rectangular lock called “the Mademoiselle Lock” (in reference to Coco Chanel never marrying). The 2.55 bag has a diamond quilted or herringbone pattern on the exterior. Using a running stitch to give a beautiful shape and volume. Apparently this design-pattern is believed to have been inspired by several sources: by jockeys ‘riding coats’, by the stained-glass windows of the abbey at Aubazine where she stayed, as well as by the cushions in Chanel’s Paris apartment.