10 Things Every Handbag Lover Should Know About Chanel Flap Bags
Categories:Other BrandsThe Chanel Classic Flap Bag is undisputedly one of the most important accessories in the history of fashion, and its creation, along with those of its 2.55 Flap Bag predecessor and Boy Bag descendent, are filled with historical fashion lore. There’s also a lot of confusion and misinformation about the bags, as well as their details, differences and origins, though, so we set out to debunk or confirm what we could.
Below, we’ve created a primer, including a handy guide to the differences between the 2.55 and Classic Flap, what makes a bag a “Reissue” and where Coco Chanel got her inspiration for several of the designs’ most iconic details.
[Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on February 11, 2016.]
1. The 2.55 is the Original Chanel Shoulder Bag
Coco Chanel designed her first bag in 1929, but like all the others available to upper-class women during the era, it was hand-carried and cumbersome. In February 1955 (thus the 2.55 moniker), she debuted the shoulder-carried version and changed handbag history. For the first time, it was acceptable for women of considerable social status to carry a bag on their shoulders.
2. The Signature Double CC Lock Didn’t Debut Until the 80s
It’s hard to imagine a handbag market in which most Chanel flap bags aren’t festooned with interlocking CC locks, but until Lagerfeld added them to the bags and spun off the Classic Flap in the 1980s, Chanel’s flap bags bore the logo-free Mademoiselle Lock the 2.55 Flap Bags hold today. The Mademoiselle Lock gets its name from the fact that Coco Chanel never married.
3. The Leather-Woven Strap Came Later, Too
Chanel’s first bags had all-chain straps, but the story goes that Coco subbed in leather-filled straps when resources were scarce; over the Chanel Flap Bags’ histories, several different types of chains have come and gone. Classic Flaps only use leather-woven chain straps, though, and modern 2.55s only use all-chain straps.
4. The 2.55’s Interior Was Inspired by Orphans
More specifically, the shade of burgundy leather that has long been used to line the original flap bags (as well as some Classic Flaps) was chosen because of the uniforms worn by Coco and her fellow charges at the convent orphanage where she was raised.
5. Chanel Flap Bags Owe Several Debts of Inspiration to Men
Chanel’s signature quilting was purportedly inspired by the jackets worn by male stablehands that Coco was particularly fond of. Also, Chanel’s most recent flap bag line, the Boy Bag, was named after and inspired by Coco’s longtime lover, polo player Boy Capel.
6. 2.55, Classic Flap and Reissue All Refer to Slightly Different Things
Chanel’s Flap Bags have one of the more confusing taxonomies in handbag history. First and foremost, the Classic Flap refers to the Flap Bags with CC locks that follow the design conventions Karl Lagerfeld debuted in the 1980s. The 2.55 refers specifically to Coco Chanel’s original design with the Mademoiselle Lock, but is often used as a catch-all term to refer to all Chanel Flap Bags that use the brand’s traditional structures. A Reissue is a 2005 version of the 2.55 that Karl Lagerfeld reintroduced as an exact recreation of the original. Technically, Reissues are only those bags from 2005, but the term is often used as an easy way to refer to all recently made 2.55s.
7. The Distinction Between a Double Flap and a Single Flap is Important
The double flap/single flap distinction is something about these bags that evaded my understanding for a long time, but I dug into it and parsed it out. Traditionally, 2.55s and Classic Flaps are both Double Flaps, which means they have both the exterior flap closure and an interior flap compartment. The 2.55s have always been this way, but at times, Classic Flaps have been made in certain sizes that have only the exterior flap with an open interior. When that’s the case, they’re called Single Flaps. As far as I can tell, Single Flaps were discontinued a couple years ago, and all 2.55s and Classic Flaps are now Double Flaps. Single Flaps are still widely available on the resale market, though.
8. A 2.55 Flap Bag Only Cost $220 in 1955
In 2014, Racked took a deep dive into how much Chanel bag prices have skyrocketed over the years. Plain leather versions can now retail for as much as $6,000; that increase surpasses the rate of inflation just a bit.
9. The Hidden Zipper Compartment Has a Special Back Story
Under the top flap, Chanel bags have a weird little zipper compartment that you won’t find in bags with similar structures from other brands; as the story goes, Coco hid it there to have a secret spot to stash her love letters. She was having a rather torrid affair at the time.
10. Chanel’s Flap Bags are a Pretty Decent Investment
Because Chanel constrains its supply, regularly raises prices and has a long history as a luxury favorite, Chanel bags are a favorite on the resale market. Hard-to-find seasonal versions in like-new condition regularly sell for above their retail prices, and even gently used bags in regular leathers tend to hold their original value very well. There’s relatively little risk in splurging on a flap bag. Happy shopping.
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CHANEL GLITTER FLAP BAG
Categories:Other Brands
Here’s another fabulous piece not featured on the Chanel website. We love this bag because it’s so adorable and functional as well.
The overall color of the design is pink, but it’s created with a glittering-effect like little stars. The shinny-effect enhances when you point some lights on it, and this is also the reason why it is a perfect evening item.
The size is small and it’s made with Chanel’s famous Woven Leather Chain. If this bag was made in single colors, it wouldn’t really get noticed when you are out at night. The glittering is really what’s all about. Choose this bag as your evening companion and it will help you flaunt everywhere you go.
And besides, it’s Chanel. Every fashion-obsess loves Chanel.
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CHANEL CUBA MINI CLASSIC FLAP BAG
Categories:Other Brands
The new Mini Bags in the Cruise 2017 Collection are cute, but not as cute as the Chanel Cuba Extra Mini Classic Flap Bag. Here’s what you need to know…
Are you wondering what new Extra Mini Classic Flap Bags are going to be available for this season? Well, you don’t need to guess anymore, check out the Cuba Culture inspired version.
Crafted in tri-color, the front flap is made in green while the bottom part is painted in soft-pink color. The combination is so delicious that it reminds me of my favorite ice cream mix – green tea and strawberry ice cream.
Below the front flap, you will find the signature CC logo and it is stitched on the black leather in the background. If you want a limited edition Extra Mini Classic Flap Bag not its only available for this season, then go hunt at the Chanel boutiques as soon as possible. Also check for other colors too.
Tags: bag Chanel Flap Mini classic Cuba
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CHANEL PEARL QUILTED FLAP BAG
Categories:Other Brands
One of the most beautiful bags we’ve spotted for the Cruise 2017 Collection is the Chanel Pearl Quilted Flap Bag and we needed to share this.
We know that Chanel moves fast, the previous collection was launched not long ago. But we’re here to get you prepared. So introducing the Chanel Pearl Embellished Flap Bag.
When Pearl meets Chanel, some magical things can happen, like this bag – irresistible and obsessive, made for you to hunt it down.
The bag seems to be made from knitted work, while the pearls are attached to it, creating a new beautiful pattern. When looking closer, the pearls are even put on the CC clasp on the front. This is a gorgeous handbag indeed.
It also appears to be that this bag is from the Classic Flap Bag Collection, but in a new style.
Now, we do not know the style code, size and the prices. But we will keep you updated.
And let us know what you think about this bag in the comment section.
Tags: bag Chanel Flap Quilted Pearl
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Chanel F/W16 Massive Boy Chanel Flap Bag
Categories:Other Brands
IMAGE: CHANEL
Formally, Chanel doesn’t make something for the boys, effectively save for some RTW items that should be specifically ordered, or the tiniest of necktie alternatives that doesn’t really matter. However that hasn’t stopped the extra fashion-forward of males amongst us to purchase what we’ve got deemed match for our personal use, from the sneakers (keep in mind these espadrilles and runway sneakers that had been all the fashion?) to zip clutches and even chosen wallets, particularly the lengthy zipped ones?
Properly, right here’s one thing else from Chanel’s Fall-Winter 2016 assortment that I believe each the boys (and the women) can love, the Massive Boy Chanel Flap Bag, which isn’t precisely because the identify describes. Extra a tote bag than the rest, this roomy grained calfskin leather-based magnificence measures a superb 33 cm throughout by 30 cm, with further lengthy handles that can permit one to hold it over their shoulders with ease. Nice for work (are you able to think about this as a briefcase as an alternative?), it additionally helps that it is available in Black with attractive gunmetal , each on a part of the handles and on the now-iconic Boy Chanel crest. Its worth? Properly, SGD5700 if you wish to be precise, however with Christmas simply across the nook, why not, proper?
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THE COLORS OF THE CHANEL MINI CLASSIC FLAP BAG FOR THIS SEASON
Categories:Other Brands
The Chanel Mini Classic Flap Bag is a timeless piece from Chanel but did you know that there are new colors available for this season? Chanel heard all your pleas and requests ladies so it’s now bringing you these stylish and plush Mini Classic Flap Bags in several rich shades that you can choose from.
With its beloved thick diamond quilting effect and its interwoven chain strap, it’s no wonder that the Mini Classic Flap Bag remains a true classic up to this date. The classic CC logo and clasp is still there which is an absolute no-brainer beauty!
For this season, the Chanel Mini Classic Flap Bag is available in the colors of plum (dark violet), royal red, black, and flesh nude color.
As per August 2016, the price is $2700 USD, €2250 euro and £1910 GBP. The size is 5.3′ x 6.7′ x 3.1′ inches, available via Chanel boutique.