The Five Most Classic Luxury Handbags in History

The Five Most Classic Luxury Handbags in History

by | Feb 16, 2023 | Luxury Industrial Complex

You can be sure these timeless luxury icons will never go out of style.

The luxury handbag world is vast, with both new handbag brands and new designs from storied luxury houses popping up season after season. Each year, there are countless silhouettes on the market, and consumers are blessed with more options than ever.

While consumers often pay attention to what’s new and trendy, demand will always remain for the tried and true classics – the ones that have stood the test of time. It’s those classics that have helped to shape fashion history contributing to the luxury accessory world we know (and love) today.

So whether you’re new to the world of designer bags and looking to purchase your first one, or are making it your goal to collect all of the classics, today we thought it would be fun to break day the 5 most luxury classic handbags in all of modern handbag history.

The HERMÈS Birkin

We’re kicking it off with one of the most elusive bags of handbag history, the unmistakeable HERMÈS Birkin.

If you love luxury handbags, you likely know the story of the Birkin’s creation, whether you own one or not. In the early 1980s, HERMÈS CEO Jean-Louis Dumas sat next to Jane Birkin on an airplane. In-flight, the duo discussed what would make a good carry-on bag after Jane Birkin was seen fumbling with hers.

One sketch on an airplane sick bag, and in 1984, the HERMÈS Birkin was born. To this day, it spawns waitlists and sells at a premium on the secondary market. It is still widely considered the world’s ultimate luxury bag.

LOUIS VUITTON Speedy

Like it or not, the LOUIS VUITTON Speedy will forever be classified as one of the most classic bags in handbag history, as well as one of the most recognisable. Dating back to the 1930s, the Speedy was conceptualized as LOUIS VUITTON’s first daily hauler and was largely based on another one of the brand’s classics: The Keepall. First introduced in the 30 size, the Speedy 25 was later added in 1959 at the request of none other than Audrey Hepburn. The actress was then photographed carrying her Speedy time and time again.

The Speedy’s range is vast, offering multiple sizes from ultra-petite to extra-large and a wide array of materials and colors. Of course, the brand’s monogram is ubiquitous and has an important history. The LOUIS VUITTON Monogram was already copyrighted in 1896 when it was invented by Louis Vuitton’s son Georges.

Combining Louis Vuitton’s initials with abstract floral shapes, the creation of LV Monogram was a radical move, as prior to this creation any initials typically seen on a trunk were usually the carrier’s own.

The Lady DIOR

The youngest handbag on our list, few other new handbag designs of the last 30 years have been able to stand the test of time in the way that the Lady DIOR has. However, it was basically destined to become handbag royalty since it was named after British royalty herself, the late Lady Diana, Princess of Wales. Few bags boast the versatility of the Lady DIOR, and its classic shape makes it an ageless icon.

Unmistakably DIOR, the Lady DIOR pays homage to the history of the House. While the bag’s charms are an ode to the lucky charms Christian Dior always kept with him, the staple Cannage motif traces back to the Napoleon III seats the House used to set up for guests at fashion shows. Reinvented season after season and forever a beloved choice for handbag lovers of any age, the Lady DIOR has cemented its place among other revered bags of its caliber.

CHANEL’s Classic Flap Bag

If you thought we’d leave out the CHANEL Classic Flap, you thought wrong.

Known by most as the CHANEL Classic Flap, the bag also goes by the CHANEL 11.12 and is one of the most widely recognizable handbags of all time. The name 11.12 comes from the original style code given by CHANEL to the Medium Classic Flap (A01112), the OG of the Classic Flap family. The original was derived from the CHANEL 2.55 bag and came to be what we know it as today in 1983, when Karl Lagerfeld added the now-signature interwoven CC turn lock to the bag.

Despite hefty price increases, the demand for the CHANEL Classic Flap shows no signs of slowing down. It has remained one of the handbag world’s most sought-after shapes thanks to its status, reinvented repeatedly.

GUCCI Bamboo

While not a specific bag exactly, GUCCI Bamboo deserves a place on this list as few elements of handbag history are as recognizable and inventive as the curved handles of Gucci Bamboo.

The patented method of creation was developed in 1947 by GUCCI craftsmen who realized there was a specific process to heat and bend bamboo in such a way that it would retain its shape once cooled.

The process is detailed and thorough, and you can be sure that each and every Bamboo piece used for a handbag has been hand-chosen by a specially trained artisan who will then mold the bamboo over a fire to bend it into shape. As the bamboo heats up, it softens, making it malleable.

Artisans have meticulously crafted GUCCI’s Bamboo Handles this way for generations. And while GUCCI Bamboo is easily one of the House’s most emblematic symbols, it also happens to be one of the handbag world’s most classic bags, remaining a mainstay for the House since the 1940s. A GUCCI Bamboo bag is one of the most timeless bags a handbag lover can buy.

CHANEL 2.55 vs. Classic vs. CHANEL 2.55 Reissue

CHANEL 2.55 vs. Classic vs. CHANEL 2.55 Reissue

by | Feb 9, 2023 | Luxury Industrial Complex

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.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel with her original 2.55 Bag

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 CHANEL 2.55 COMES IN BOTH DIAMOND- AND CHEVRON-QUILTED LEATHER. 

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. 

CHANEL 2.55 lamb dark red

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 vs Timeless Flap Bag

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.

Chanel 2.55 Handbag Tweed Pink

A FALL/WINTER 2014 SQUARE CHANEL 2.55 BAG MADE FROM PINK TWEED

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 2.55 Reissue 225 Lamb Rose Handbag Silver Mademoiselle Lock

CHANEL 2.55 225 LAMB ROSE

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