Ever wondered what is a Chanel 2.55 and what is a reissue? Is a Chanel Classic Flap the same as a 2.55?
Coco Chanel designed her first bag in 1929. In February 1955 she changed handbag history. "I was fed up with holding my purses in my hands and losing them, so I added a strap and carried them over my shoulder" Coco is reported as saying in Coco Chanel by Justine Picardie. For the first time it was considered acceptable for a woman of considerable social status to carry a bag on their shoulder.
The bags were made with the mademoiselle lock, so named because Chanel never married, and the double CC lock didn't appear until the 80's, under Karl Lagerfelds watch.
So, what's what?!
2.55: Coco Chanels original design with Mademoiselle lock and metal chain.
Reissue: 2005 special edition that Karl lagerfeld reinstated as an exact recreation of the original to celebrate Chanels 50th anniversary (most people refer to all 2.55's as Reissue, but it correctly refers to only those manufactured in 2005).
Classis flap: flap bags with CC lock and metal & leather strap that follow the designs of Karl Lagerfeld from the 80's.
Want a brief resumé?
1910: Gabrielle Chanel opens her first shop in Paris Rue Cambon selling hats
1925: Coco Chanel designs the interlocking cc logo
1929: Coco Chanel designs her first handbag with chain straps and jersey quilted fabric for herself
1955: Aged 70 Chanel releases the first 2.55 flap bag for sale with quilted leather and metal straps
1971: Coco Chanel dies
1983: Karl Lagerfeld joins Chanel as artistic director and designer of ready to wear, haute couture and accessories
1984: Karl Lagerfeld redesigns the CC lock, creates the 'Classic' flap bag with an interlocking CC turn lock and woven/chain straps
1986: serial numbers are added to all bags
2005: Chanel releases the original 2.55 for it's 50th anniversary and calls it the reissue 2.55
Want one?! Have a look at our Chanel bags.