Everything You Need To Know about the most famous accessory in fashion history.
One could say that the CHANEL 2.55 is the eighth (fashion) world wonder. Why? Because it is a work of art, making it undoubtedly the most famous accessory in fashion history. But what makes the CHANEL 2.55 It-bag so unique? Here are some fascinating facts about the surprising past of the bag and Gabrielle’s personal influence on it.
The original CHANEL 2.55
A rectangular shape made of quilted leather, with an all-chain strap and the Mademoiselle lock – these are the most popular characteristics to identify the original CHANEL 2.55 bag. It was designed by Gabrielle Chanel herself in February 1955, at the age of 71. It wasn’t one of her first designs, but it was the creation that dominated the fashion scene for many years to come. The name of the accessory refers to the date and year the bag was created – a wonderful number combination that still hasn’t lost its spark until today.
What was the inspiration behind the CHANEL 2.55?
To understand why the CHANEL 2.55 BAG has increased in value in the past +60 years, one has to look at the handbag designs of the late 18th century. Handbags at that time were designed for the elite, the wealthy and mainly society ladies. The shape was boxy, and neoclassical, lacked in feminine silhouettes and didn’t allow women to walk hands-free. They were carried either on the crook of a woman’s arm or with both hands. It was one of the many reasons why Gabrielle was so eager to design a bag that could be better – classy, lightweight yet easy to carry around.
CHANEL 2.55 characteristics
The Exterior
It is no secret that the CHANEL 2.55’s elements have their roots in Gabrielle Chanels’s humble beginnings. Before its big debut in 1955, the CHANEL bag’s previous version, worn by the Gabrielle Chanel since the 1920s, was initially made of quilted wool. Gabrielle was always known for being very fond of equestrian sports and attended horse races frequently.
For the debut in February 1955, she opted for firmer materials, primarily black quilted leather with a diamond and herringbone pattern.
It is where she took inspiration for the exterior of the 2.55 – specifically jockey jackets and saddle blankets, to make up the soft silhouette. However, for the official debut in February 1955, she opted for firmer materials, primarily black quilted leather with a diamond and herringbone pattern. It proved to be a timeless material that would suit its wearer’s style and taste, no matter the occasion.
The Interior
The interior of the traditional Chanel 2.55 unveils the true charm of the It-bag. It is inspired by Coco Chanel’s memories, mainly the convent orphanage where she was raised.
The traditional CHANEL 2.55 is widely known as a Double Flap Bag, meaning it consists of an exterior flap and interior flap, plus a spacious compartment. The interior of the bag features a subtle burgundy red, inspired by Gabrielle’s Catholic school uniform. Another surprising little secret awaits on the inside of the front flap – a zip pocket that was added by Gabrielle to store secret love letters.
The Mademoiselle Lock
Many believe that the interlocked CC closure had been the original hardware since its debut in 1955. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s, that Karl Lagerfeld added the signature CC closure. The traditional lock of the Chanel 2.55 is known as the ‘Mademoiselle Lock’, an elegant rectangular clasp, referring to the fact that the female designer never married.
CHANEL 2.55 Reissue
The Reissue is a recreation of the classic CHANEL 2.55 from 1955 by Karl Lagerfeld. This term is mainly used to describe the models that were launched as part of the 50TH ANNIVERSARY of the brand in 2005. The Reissue commemorates the original and features the same details as the original bag, like the iconic Mademoiselle Lock and an all-metal chain strap.
However, since the launch of the 2.55 in 1955, newer models of the It-bag were released, featuring many variations to the iconic design. This includes everything from fabric to change of the chain strap and closure. It has often caused confusion among CHANEL fans.
Double Flap vs. Single Flap
The CHANEL 2.55 classifies as a Double Flap Bag. The same can be applied to the Classic Flap and the Reissue model. However, there was a time when 2.55 bags featured a single flap – with only the exterior flap closure and a spacious single compartment. They were discontinued in 2014, as they were being seen as deviating from the original. Since then, the double flap has become a standard element and a must-have feature in CHANEL bags.
CHANEL 2.55 vs. Classic Flap vs. CHANEL 2.55 Reissue
Here are some of the most significant differences to look out for:
CHANEL 2.55 (since 1955)
The CHANEL 2.55 has the following characteristics:
- Has the iconic Mademoiselle Lock
- Features the signature all-metal-chain
- consists of exterior and interior flap compartment, classified as double flap
CHANEL Classic Double Flap (introduced 1983)
The CHANEL 2.55 Classic Flap has the following characteristics:
- Feature the popular CC turn-lock that was designed by Lagerfeld
- The leather-interwoven chain strap
- Caviar or lambskin leather as exterior
- Also classify as double flaps
CHANEL Reissue (introduced 2005)
The CHANEL Reissue is a recreation of the classic CHANEL 2.55 from 1955 by Karl Lagerfeld.
- Has the iconic Mademoiselle Lock
- Features the signature all-metal-chain
- consists of exterior and interior flap compartment, classified as double flap
