Your First Chanel Bag: Classic Flap, 2.55 or Boy?

There are some exclusively sacred and unshakeable things that will never go out of fashion. Casablanca movie or Ford Mustang, in every sphere of life there is at least one name that makes our hearts beat faster. In the world of bags, of course, the first name to come to mind is legendary Chanel. The house of Chanel doesn't seem to lose its popularity, and many of its pieces have obtained their classic status and became timeless.

Here is a thorough review of the 3 most popular classic Chanel bags to help you choose your first one!

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Chanel 2.55 

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Truly iconic bag for each person who understands fashion. Chanel 2.55 was created by Coco in February 1955, hence its name. The bag was revolutionary at the time because it was different from other female clutches. Coco Chanel added a long chain to her clutch making it possible to wear a bag on the shoulder, not in hands. The designer said that the chain allowed her to put both of her hands in the pockets of her coat.

The design of Chanel 2.55 holds many secrets related to Coco's life. The noble maroon colour of the interior was inspired by the uniform children were wearing in the orphanage where Coco was raised and the little zip pocket hidden from the sight was designated to carry love letters. Chanel 2.55 is the only iconic bag with another kind of lock. It's called Mademoiselle lock and refers to the fact that Coco never married.

In 2005 for the 50th anniversary of the iconic 2.55 bag Karl Lagerfeld created a copy, known as reissue. The only difference between them is the time of production and the type of leather used -  Karl's version looks more vintage and worn. Reissue bag is represented in 4 sizes.

Want this fabulous bag that revolutionized the fashion industry? We have a gorgeous limited edition 2.55 Reissue Flap Bag and a Silver Calfskin 2.55 Reissue 227 at Bagaholic!

Still hesitating? Check our video review.

Chanel Classic Flap Bag

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This legendary bag was introduced by Karl Lagerfeld shortly after he was appointed creative director of Chanel. He was working at this position for more than 35 years, and at the very beginning of his career he literally helped Chanel house to raise from the ashes.

Browse all Chanel Reissue bags on Fashionphile

Karl was the one who created the signature CC lock, which became later the main symbol of the whole Chanel fashion house. Now it's almost impossible to imagine Chanel products without the monogram, however, until the release of Chanel flap in the 1980s it didn't appear anywhere.

Classic flap bag has some minor changes compared to the original version created by Coco herself, but claimed enormous popularity and became one of a kind. The bag lovers call this item just simply the bag, indicating its status.

Classic Flap by Karl is represented in 7 sizes making it a perfect accessory for any occasion.

The current prices for Classic Flap bags are represented here:

• Chanel Classic Flap Bag EU Price List
• Chanel Classic Flap Bag US Price List
• Chanel Classic Flap Australia Price List

Fascinated by this timeless design? We have a Chanel Jumbo in our online store! And if you're buying a preloved Chanel, don't hesitate to order professional Chanel authentication services.

Chanel Boy Bag

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This kind of bag was introduced to the public only in 2011 but became a success in a moment! Chanel Boy bag got its name after Arthur Capel, a polo player who had a long affair with Coco and was a great inspiration for her. Karl Lagerfeld paid a tribute to the designer's life and passion for men's fashion creating the Boy bag.

Browse all Chanel boy bags on Fashionphile

For all Chanel-lovers the bag came out as a sensation and disappeared from the shelves with a speed of light. Though having the significant features of all the Chanel bags it is still unique and memorable. Coming in four sizes only and being the latest of the classics, it still highly valued in the fashion society. The design was inspired by a cartridge bag (made for hunters) but the bag still looks luxurious in every single detail!

Fell in love with this modern classics? We have it in stock in medium size!

What are the differences between Classic Flap, Boy and Reissue?

Choosing your perfect bag among three of the icons is not easy. They might seem to be alike but true bag-lovers know the difference. Belonging to various times and dedicated to various parts of Coco's life, the bags alter in small details:

• chain
• lock
• number of compartments

The chain is what made Chanel 2.55 iconic and unique back in 1955. Coco was tired of holding her clutch in the hands, so she added a long chain to wear her bag on the shoulder. Making Chanel Flap bag Karl Lagerfeld decided to add a leather strap to the chain to make it look more elegant. In Boy bag (as if proving the name) this chain is thicker and seems to be heavy.

The lock of Chanel bag is the sign that makes it different from other fashion houses products, it's the seal and symbol of the industry. Until 1980s the famous monograph with double C wasn't represented on the bag, so the very first Chanel 2.55 have Mademoiselle lock instead. Paying respect to the legendary item Karl Lagerfeld didn't change the lock on reissue bags, so we can find CC lock only on Flap Bags and Boy bags.

The interior of the bags are quite different too, starting with the minimalistic Boy Bag with one large compartment only with a zipped pocket at the backside, while the very first bag designed by Coco herself had a tiny zipped pocket under the flap (rumours say she kept her love letters inside). 

Sizes and Prices of Chanel Bags

It goes without saying that the real Chanel Bag won't be a cheap buy. When it comes to affording one of the classics there's no room for sales or bargaining, you just know that you are paying for that bag. Chanel fashion house makes numerous variations of the bags but only legendary items stay in high demand, hence the price. The price differs depending on the size and material, here are the prices for the basic designs. 

The prices are increasing annually, so it's better to invest in the luxury bag right now. All the prices and sizes are represented on the Chanel official website as well as lead you to the local boutiques. When buying a new item it's better to consult the website to learn more about the real and current cost of the desired item.

Why Chanel Flap bag is a good choice?

Well, first of all, Chanel bag is a luxurious addition to any outfit, it immediately shows the owner's status and taste. Almost 100 years have passed since the very first invention of Chanel Bag by Coco but they are still in high demand, meaning they will never go out of style. As the designer herself loved to say: fashion might fade, but the style remains. Her remarkably stylish bags are the primary desires of every woman of taste.

Now it's easier to choose your first Chanel Bag because the fashion house has plenty of options available. But going for classics is a wise move. They will last longer and would perfectly keep pace with the times.

If you want some tips on how to save up for your first designer bag, check out our article. 

Still don't know which one of these three Chanel classics to choose? Watch our video with a thorough and detailed comparison.

Is Chanel Purse a Good Investment?

If you ask yourself if a Chanel Bag a good investment, the short answer is definitely yes. If you have an opportunity to afford a classic bag now, don't hesitate, do it now. Chanel fashion house does not have sales, they usually tend to raise the prices for the bags, especially for the iconic items like Flap bag of noble black or beige colors or infinitely popular 2.55. It even can be a better investment than buying a house. Boy Bag (considered to be relatively new) has increased in price by almost 50%, and the legendary Chanel 2.55 was sold for $220 only at the time of the first introduction. There's no denying that buying a Chanel Bag today you'd get many benefits from it in the nearest future. In the history of the fashion house there were zero cases of a price drop, no annual sales or offers on handbags. That means Chanel owners know the market and know the value of their own product. The new bags continue to disappear from the shelves at the speed of light, and used items are also insanely sought-after by purse addicts.

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