We’ve got a little change of plans today; the interview I mentioned yesterday is going to be postponed for a bit, so we’re just going to move on to the next section of Little Fashion Week. Thanks for your patience, everyone!
Coco Chanel rocking her original 2.55 handbag
February, 1955. The Chanel house was fresh from its iconic comeback. Decades earlier, Coco had designed a handbag with two thin, short straps when she’d grown tired of carrying her handbag always in her hands and had desired a way to free herself from the obligation. Now, she reinvented it. And it was named after the time of its recreation: 2.55. Nowadays the fashion house produces a newer version called the Classic Flap Bag, and while it’s become perhaps even more iconic than the original, it’s not technically a 2.55. In 2005, to commemorate the bag’s 50th anniversary Karl Lagerfeld created a replica of the original, known as the 2.55 Reissue. You don’t see the original or reissued 2.55s much, although the Classic Flap Bag is utterly unmistakable. As for the differences between the two, I guess you could argue that one is Coco’s original design while the other is, in effect, a translation of sorts by Karl Lagerfeld.
Vogue beauty director Sarah Brown’s Chanel bags surrounding a 2.55. Original or reissue? I’ve honestly no idea.
(via The Coveteur)
How to spot a 2.55: The original bag’s straps consist singularly of chain (said to be inspired by the chains caretakers wore around their waist at the convent where Coco was raised). Another quick and easy tell-tale sign of a 2.55 is the “Mademoiselle Lock” closure, reportedly named such with the knowledge that Chanel never married. The “Mademoiselle” is a basic flat lock, as above.
How to spot a Classic Flap Bag: Think of “the Chanel bag” and you probably have it. Similar to the 2.55, but the leather has a fuller look, the chain straps are woven with leather, and the bag features a double-C lock, the iconic symbol of the house of Chanel.
Despite its differences from the original, the Classic Flap Bag is still termed as a 2.55 by both the house of Chanel and its consumers, but I was fascinated to know where the original came from – I’m a stickler for the oldschool, if that wasn’t obvious. Whether or not Coco was the first to create a hands-free handbag when she first designed the 2.55 in the 1920s I haven’t discovered, but it’s a perfect example of how her practicality and keen observance guided her to creating iconic pieces that would root themselves in fashion – and Chanel – history.
We live in an era of high fashion and high technology; it’s a great time for the industry’s creative talents to connect with their consumers and admirers. But in such a fast-paced time fashion history stands a chance of getting lost in the flurry. I’m making an effort to educate myself on the stories behind fashion’s great achievements and icons, and the Fashion History series is my way of documenting what I discover and sharing it with you!
Coco Chanel images via Google; information sources: Wikipedia and PurseBlog.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
As far as I know the only differences are the ones you mentioned though some argue that some of the old 2.55 also have a different chain? I’m not sure. But the Mademoiselle lock is definitely the main feature to distinguish between the 2.55 and the reissue.
I would love to own a 2.55 but I guess a reissue would suit me just fine…
I hadn’t heard that about the old 2.55s having different chains, but that could absolutely be true! I’m still learning about all of them – it seems like everything similar is considered a 2.55 nowadays so there’s really no need to distinguish, but sometimes it’s fun to dig into the information. I wouldn’t mind having a bag of my own, either! It was my dream handbag for a while, the 2.55 in any form, but more recently I’ve started growing away from “It Bags”. I don’t know how I’d feel if everyone who saw me would know how much I had spent on a bag; the money could do so much good elsewhere, you know? But some of the It Bags, depending on the admirer, become more than just a luxury good and something deeply personal. It all depends on how you look at it, I think.
True. But I think that if I ever found a vintage 2.55 I wouldn’t be able to resist (provided I have the necessary funds of course). There’s so much history behind those bags. I think that would be a lot more fun than a new one.
Well— being the Chanel lover I am, this post is right up my alley! And between you and me I prefer the original as well….
I’m glad you liked the post! Totally agree; I love the rustic touch to the original.
Great post! these bags are so beautiful!
Chanel will always be one of the best designers. One day I hope to own one of her items!
Couldn’t agree more! Coco was one of the first designers I ever took an interest in – she had such a powerful effect on one of my favorite eras, it’s natural to love her work.
Thanks for ths post! I love learning about fashion history.
Thanks for your feedback, Lesley! I’m glad you enjoyed it as much I enjoyed putting it together. (:
What a fabulous post and original content! Love the little Chanel lesson
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it. We could all use a little extra Chanel in our lives.
I couldn’t agree more!
A quilted Chanel bag is on my dream to buy list! Thank you for sharing!
XO,
Elizabeth
I hope to one day own a true Chanel item. I know so many people who purchase the knockoffs and many of them aren’t even in true Chanel style: they’re gaudy, etc. I remember in junior high I did a report on Coco and was so excited to discover that her first name is actually Gabrielle, like me lol!
Oh, I know the feeling! I’ve seen so many designer knock-offs that aren’t replicas from collections, but just random bags with a branded sticker. That’s so fun that you did a report on Coco! She was such an interesting lady. (And I can’t imagine how cool it feels to share a name with someone like her. I don’t know anyone with my name! But Katharine Hepburn and I have the same birthday, and I always think that’s kinda neat.)