Chanel Classic Bags

Is any fashionista's wardrobe truly complete without the Chanel classic bag? 

The Chanel classic flap bag is a treasured piece of fashion history and an iconic accessory cherished by stylish women worldwide. In February of 1955, Chanel released the 2.55 bag, the first shoulder bag considered socially acceptable for women of distinction and social status to wear. Since then, this bag has undergone many brand updates. Like the Boy Bag, the Chanel classic flap bag builds upon the beauty and sensibility of the original 2.55 bag. 

Exceptional quality leathers and supreme craftsmanship remain the hallmark of the Chanel classic bag. In the mid-1980s, Karl Lagerfeld added the interlocking CC turn-lock closure to the characteristic diamond-patterned quilting and interwove the chain strap with leather matching the bag. The Classic flap bag was born.

The Chanel classic handbag retains the many storage compartments that made the 2.55 bag so functional, including the lipstick holder and the hidden, zippered compartment under the outer flap. Coco Chanel's need to hide her love letters inspired the zippered section—what will you keep in your "love letter compartment?”

Chanel Classic Flap Bags for Sale

Chanel classic bags are double flap, comprising an exterior flap with the secret zipper compartment and an interior flap closing off the inner compartments, providing additional structure. The bags come in mini square (6.5” x 5” x 2.5), mini rectangle (8” x 5” x 2”), small (9.3” x 5.7” x 2.6”), medium (10” x 6.3” x3”), jumbo (11.8” x 7.9” x 3.9”) and maxi (13.4” x 9.1” x 3.9”). Choose from various neutral shades or seasonal colors rendered in lambskin or caviar leather. Chanel classic flap bags in supple lambskin are often considered dressier than those in caviar, which has a more contemporary look and feel. Caviar leather is remarkably durable and highly resistant to scratches and wear.

Coco Chanel famously said, "A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." So, which classy Chanel bag will you choose to make you look fabulous?

Chanel Classic Flap Bag FAQs

What are the different types of Chanel classic bags?

Since its introduction, the iconic Chanel classic bag has been produced in four primary styles: the 2.55, the 11.12 flap, and the 2.55 Reissue. The original 2.55 was the first luxury shoulder bag for women and named after the month and year of its release in February 1955. The gorgeous bag had a chain link shoulder strap and the Mademoiselle lock. 

In the 1980s, Chanel’s celebrated Creative Director, Karl Lagerfeld, updated the 2.55 with the interlocking CC logo turn lock and the interwoven leather and chain strap. The 11.12, which reflected Chanel’s style code (A01112) for the Medium classic bag had a double flap whereas the Jumbo and the XL Jumbo had a single flap to make them lighter in weight. However, it sacrificed the stabilizing shape-maintaining service of the second flap. In 2014, all timeless classic bags were updated to provide the second flap. In 2005, for the bag’s 50th anniversary, the Chanel 2.55 Reissue was released. This bag brings back the Mademoiselle lock and the all-metal chain strap. It is produced in distressed leather, giving the impression of a well-worn and beloved vintage bag.

What are the key features of Chanel classic flap bags?

The key features of the Chanel classic flap bag, beloved by generations of collectors, include the iconic interconnected CC logo lock introduced by Karl Lagerfeld. The chain strap interwoven with leather is one of the most recognizable details. The quilted leather, in a diamond or chevron pattern, the “smile pocket” on the back of the bag, and the hidden love letter compartment are additional facets of this fashion jewel.  In 2021, Chanel adopted the name 11.12 for this iconic style. 

Is the Chanel classic bag a good investment?

Chanel classic bags have long been recognized as an excellent investment, often outperforming gold and the stock market. In 2020, Chanel flap bag investments realized a return of 11.8%. In 2021, returns rose to 24.5%, boosted by the scarcity of the bags designed by Karl Lagerfeld.