Chanel has played an integral role in the fashion industry for decades, rolling out new bags and accessories, clothes and other personal items since the brand was first founded back in 1910.
During the past 115 years and counting, Chanel has seen several ups and downs on the market – though some things have never changed. Throughout it all, Coco Chanel herself has remained a visionary in the world of fashion and timeless style, her bags underpinned by innovation and her name synonymous with unmatched prestige.
With that in mind then, exactly which of the brand’s handbags have proved the most popular? And how has Chanel’s story as a brand impacted the rollout and popularity of its various bag collections?
The Bag That Started it All: The 2.55
So much of what we consider today to be “classic Chanel” stems from the original 2.55 bag, designed and brought to life by Coco Chanel herself.
This bag, which has inspired several more modern iterations since, boasts a long shoulder strap, padded and quilted structure, the concealed pockets, and of course the flap clasp – all hallmarks that have become mainstays in Chanel’s collection.
The shoulder strap is one of the most notable design features of this particular bag, largely because it was the very first to appear on the female accessory market. Prior to this, all women’s bags specifically had small handles and straps to sit in the hand or in the crook of the arm. Chanel, however, took inspiration from soldier’s satchels and set about making handbags more accessible and convenient.
And so, the 2.55 was born – released in 1955 and considered a coveted vintage model even today.
The Chanel Classic Bag
Elements of the original 2.55 bag are still apparent in more modern designs today, which include the Karl Lagerfeld version now termed the Chanel Classic Bag.
This particular bag was released in 2012 and boasts the alternative name “The 11.12” – following the format of the 2.55 which references the month and year of its release.
The Classic Bag is an updated version of that original accessory designed by Coco Chanel, taking note of modern audience preferences – something that Chanel as a brand is notoriously good at.
In contrast with the original, the 11.12 or the Classic Bag has a unique interlocking CC clasp and boasts the strip of leather running through the chain strap to add to that iconic finish.
The Classic Bag has also been linked with countless collaborators and exclusive design partners, creating increasingly new and unique models to excite and entice the market.
The Chanel Boy Bag
Another bag that was designed and released during the Karl Lagerfeld era at Chanel, the Boy Bag was inspired by Coco Chanel’s love affair with Boy Capel and is a slightly more masculine iteration of the flap bag.
Boasting the same flap as the 2.55 and the Classic models, this bag has more of a boxy shape to it and marks a move away from the smooth edges and supple finished of the more feminine Classic bag.
Classic Chanel Tote
If there’s one bag that balances versatility with convenience, function, and of course effortless style, it’s the Chanel Tote. The subject of countless collaborations, the Tote bag may have been discontinued 10 years ago in 2015, but it remains a coveted staple in the wardrobes of many Chanel lovers.
This bag is incredibly simple with its wide open structure but brings in the classic Chanel traits with padded quilting and the chain strap.
Other Notable Chanel Bags
Some other bags worth mentioning, which are popular among modern buyers as well as those seeking vintage models, include:
- Chanel Leather Crossbody Bag
- Chanel Gabrielle Bag
- Chanel Wallet on Chain
All of these bags are most readily available via second hand sellers and boutique sellers, owing to the exceptional demand that surrounds the retail market. The coveted status and luxury prestige surrounding each Chanel bag means that new releases and products are soon snapped up through waitlists and by those with links to primary retail sellers.
A lack of supply to meet the demand keeps Chanel at the top of many buyers’ wish lists and only serves to push the price of these bags sky high. Add to that the quality materials, the iconic designs, and the direct link between modern releases and Coco Chanel’s own designs, and you have a brand that isn’t losing its dominance over the luxury market any time soon!
So, which Chanel bag is YOUR favourite?
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