When you picture a Chanel handbag, the chances are that you are envisioning something with quilted fabric, a long chain-link strap, a flap-style front, and the interlocking CC logo clasp holding the flap closed.
Well, did you know that this is a culmination of years of history from inside the house of Chanel?
The Classic Chanel bag as we know it today derives from a model that was first created by Coco Chanel herself back in 1955, and which has undergone several changes throughout its history. It has been revolutionised by structural design changes, enhanced through collaborations and brand partnerships, and features in countless TV appearances and movies.
But where did the Classic bag begin, and what role does history play in the luxury market’s favourite bag today?
Coco Chanel’s Influence on Luxury Bags
As the founder of Chanel, Coco Chanel herself needs very little introduction.
She is known, even today, as being a revolutionary in the world of fashion and design, constantly pushing the boundaries of what had been done before and creating staple pieces that are still very much a part of modern styling today.
Just some of the innovations that she came up with include the Little Black Dress and the rollout of full tailored suits for women – though it’s her contribution to the handbag market that we’re touching on in this article.
That’s because it was Chanel’s design of the 2.55 that really transformed the market. In February 1955, she introduced a handbag that was compact and small in shape, but which took inspiration from soldiers’ shoulder bags to include a long strap. Her vision was for women to be able to carry around a handbag for all their possessions, while remaining hands free. What’s more, her bags contained small pockets for lipstick and (in her words) love letters, refining her designs by the requirements that she had and that other women responded to.
The 2.55 was an instant hit. The quilted design, flap front, and twisting clasp remain core characteristics of the Chanel line of bags today – though the original 2.55 has seen a few changes in becoming the Chanel Classic bag.
What Is the Chanel Classic Bag?
The core characteristics of the Chanel Classic bag include its compact size, the structure that combines the padded body with a chain-link shoulder strap, and the interlocking CC clasp at the front of the bag. Pockets line the inside of the bag to maximise the availability of storage space, taking inspiration from Chanel’s own affinity for different pockets to hold all of her personal items and belongings.
The Classic bag, as it is today, is a staple not just across the Chanel brand and collection but in the luxury market as a whole. Not only is it incredibly functional and practical for modern users, but it derives from the innovative and creative mind of Coco Chanel herself, and has been enhanced over the years by subtle yet definitive changes and adjustments.
How the Classic Bag Has Changed Over the Years
When we compare Coco Chanel’s original 2.55 bag with the Chanel Classic as it exists today, there are several clear changes – and some more subtle ones. Perhaps the most notable change that Karl Lagerfeld made when he reinvented the 2.55 for the modern market, releasing it as the Chanel Classic, was the interlocking CC clasp.
Prior to this, Chanel bags used a straight, twisting square lock, which was stylish and easy to use but was not as memorable as the CC logo quickly became. Lagerfeld also made the woven strip of leather in the chain strap a standard across the Classic bag collection – whereas, prior to this, it had only been included in select 2.55 bags.
The final change that came about as a result of Lagerfeld’s reinvention of the 2.55 bag was the inclusion of different textures. The diamond quilting was the norm across every 2.55 bag, whereas Lagerfeld rolled out a new chevron design on some bags to create different finishes and to suit different materials.
But it doesn’t end there. When discussing the history of the Chanel Classic bag and how it has become the brand’s most famous bag, we can’t ignore the countless limited editions and exclusive pieces created in partnership with designers, collaborators, and other brands.
From runway collections to celebrity collaborations, when looking at the history of Chanel and the Classic bag, it’s important not to overlook the role that other designers and big names have played in elevating the reputation of these pieces.
Should You Invest in a Chanel Classic Bag Today?
A Chanel Classic bag takes the hallmark design principles of Coco Chanel’s 2.55 bag and infuses them with a few modern details. The end result is a timeless bag that is reminiscent of Coco Chanel’s earliest idea but with the kinds of details that only improve the design and make it even more relevant on the modern market.
With both vintage 2.55 bags and modern Classic bags available on the market, finding the right investment is as much about availability as it is about personal preference. But don’t be fooled into thinking that the wide variety of models available means you will be spoilt for choice.
Chanel remains one of the most popular and sought-after luxury brands in the world, with every available bag met with incredible demand among buyers from all walks of life. Limited supply means that getting your hands on an authentic Chanel Classic bag is not easy, with prices at an all-time high among the retail and second-hand markets.
Visit your local boutique luxury reseller to browse available Classic bag designs, to explore trade-in opportunities, and to discover the differences between different Classic models and sizes.
