Know Your Bag: Chanel 2.55 or Classic Flap?

When it comes to Chanel’s 2.55 and Classic Flap, it’s a common case of mistaken identity. Most of us tend to use the term “2.55″ to refer to the quilted classic flap and use the terms quite interchangeably due to the similar style in silhouette and design, apart from a few minor (but significant) details, but don’t forget that it’s the nitty-gritty elements that enable us to distinguish between the two!

Lauren Conrad & Model Karolina Kurkova with Chanel’s Classic Flap Bag

The numbers 2.55 symbolise the month and year in which the bag was first released: February 1955. While it’s true that both the 2.55 and Classic Flap are indeed flap bags, the 2.55 features a rectangular turnlock closure – called the Mademoiselle lock – which was originally designed by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. It wasn’t until the 1980s when Karl Lagerfeld added the interlocking Cs onto the flap of the bag as a tribute to Coco. With that, the Classic Flap was born.

Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton and Blake Lively with the Chanel 2.55

Some time after the introduction of the Classic Flap, production of the 2.55 actually stopped. It was only in 2005 that the 2.55 was revived from the Chanel archives to commemorate its 50th anniversary. Called the Reissue 2.55, it regained its status as a house icon, a title shared with its younger sibling, the Classic Flap. Technically speaking, the term “Reissue” should only be used to refer to the 2005 versions, which were exact replicas of Coco Chanel’s version from 1955. Nowadays however, “Reissue” and “2.55″ have become a convenient way to distinguish between the one with the original Mademoiselle turnlock and the Classic Flap with the interlocking Cs.

The 2.55 Reissue

Since its reintroduction, there have been minor readjustments to the original 2.55 design including the strap, leathers used, as well as the inner flap. Some come without an additional inner flap (single flap), while others come with double flaps. However, after its Reissue, the 2.55 is only available in the double flap version.

The Double Flap on the bag’s interior

In terms of the strap, the Classic Flap bag has the signature chain link straps that are interlaced with leather, whereas the 2.55 Reissue has flat tarnished-looking double chain straps and hardware. Although they’re also available in patent, canvas and an array of exotic skins, the leather versions of the 2.55 come in creased, distressed leathers to create the worn vintage look, while the Classic Flap comes in either Lambskin (smooth) or Caviar (calf leather with a pebbled-effect ), which is more scratch-resistant in comparison.

The Classic Flap in Caviar

Personally I prefer the 2.55, but which is YOUR pick? The 2.55 or the Classic Flap?

Biel spotted with Chanel 2.55 Black Flap Bag in Paris

Donning an all black outfit Jessica Biel (recently Mrs. Timberlake) was spotted with a Chanel 2.55 Timeless Classic Flap bag after a recent photoshoot in Paris. She wore a aviator sunglasses, motorcycle jacket, dress and large oversized belt with short booties. It’s been reported that she recently tied the knot with Justin Timberlake in a private ceremony in Italy, People.com has the exclusive coverage of their recent nuptials in their upcoming issue. Congrats to Jessica and Justin on their recent nuptials!

About the Bag

The Chanel Timeless Classic Flap retails for between $4,200 – $5,300 USD (excluding the mini which is $2,400) and comes in a variety of colors. The main materials are caviar and lambskin. Tide purse offer quality replica Chanel 2.55 bags,priced at $269.00. Click here to get more information.

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Chanel 2.55

Chanel 2.55 is a very classic bag. We always saw many super stars took this bag. Best material and delicate triming make this bag looks very classy. Every woman wants to have a Chanel 2.55 bag. Today let's talk about the origin of Chanel 2.55,features and its Variations.

Origin

In the 1920s, Coco Chanel became tired of having to carry her handbags in her arms and decided to design a handbag that freed up her hands. Inspired by the straps found on soldiers’ bags she added thin straps and introduced the resulting design to the market in 1929.

After her successful comeback to the fashion industry in 1954, Chanel decided to update her handbag, for the modern woman. The resulting design was called 2.55 after the date of creation, February 1955.

Features

The bag has a number of features:

• The lining’s burgundy colour represents the colour of the uniforms at the convent where she grew up.
• There is a zippered compartment at the inside of the front flap. That is where Chanel is rumoured to have stored her love letters in her original bag.
• The backside has a back outside flap for storage of money.
• Chanel, recognising that modern women needed to have their hands free while attending social functions, designed a double-chain shoulder strap, something common in downmarket products, but rare in luxury circles at the time. The chains were attached by leather-threaded chain inserted though eyelets. The caretakers of the convent where she grew up held the keys at their waist dangling from the same type of chains as the 2.55 shoulder strap chains.
• The bag originally came with a front lock called “the Mademoiselle Lock” (in reference to Coco Chanel never marrying). Since the 1980s, versions can also be supplied with a lock in the shape of a double CC logo. These called “Classic Flaps”.
• The bag has a quilted diamond or herringbone pattern on the exterior. Using a running stitch, this gives the bag shape and volume. The pattern is believed to have been inspired by several sources: by jockeys’ riding coats, by the stained-glass windows of the abbey at Aubazine, as well as by the cushions in Chanel’s Paris apartment.

Variations

Since its introduction, there have been several variations of the original design including different colour leather/fabric combinations, metal and interwoven leather straps and the lock, mademoiselle vs. interlocking CC.

Chanel released an exact copy of the original 2.55 in February 2005 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the creation of the original. Though the name “Reissue 2.55” should apply only to those commemorative handbags it is now commonly used now as a name for all the handbags resembling the original 2.55.
 
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