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In 1955 at the age of 70, Coco Chanel released her first quilted Chanel flap bag, also known as the 2.55 bag. It was called the 2.55 bag because it was released on that date, February 1955. Besides the boy bag, the 2.55 Flap bag is Chanel's most famous product and one of the most iconic fashion pieces throughout fashion history. Most people consider it one of the most important accessories created in fashion. Since the creation of this bag, many iconic women have been seen wearing this bag. From Jackie Kennedy to Princess Diana, the flap bag has almost always been an iconic fashion staple. Some even say that this purse will elevate anything you are wearing and show that you are someone who has taste.
Chanel's flap bag is probably most notably known for being one of her first shoulder bags designed not only by Chanel herself but one of the first shoulder bags designed for women ever. It was a redesign of a previously made handbag because Coco said that she was tired of carrying the purse around in her hand and losing it, thus the shoulder strap for the 2.55 Flap Bag was created. It was the first time in history that it was acceptable for women to wear bags on their shoulders. Before then, women only carried handbags.
Many different aspects influenced the design of the original flap bag. Some people believe that these straps were influenced by one of two things: the bridles and harnesses of horses or from the belts that the nuns wore in the orphanage that Coco Chanel lived after her mother died. The original burgundy lining of the bag was said to come from the school uniforms that she wore at the orphanage.
When the bag was initially created, it did not feature the double C logo that we all know and love today. The double C did not appear until the 80's, well after Coco Chanel's death. Like the Chanel logo, leather woven straps came later on as well. The first Chanel bags designs were all made with all chain straps. Coco incorporated the leather straps into her designs when she found herself running short on resources for her bags. This is when the leather woven chain strap was born. Now, only classic flap bags only use leather woven chain straps, as opposed to the modern flap bags which are all chain straps.
Another aspect of the purse that had a specific purpose, besides the strap, was the zipper compartment on the flap of the purse, which was designed to hide love letters. This was more than likely inspired by the affair Coco Chanel was going through at the time. The outside envelope of the purse was simply made for Chanel or anyone else wearing the bag to store cash. The outside pattern of the bags is not a coincidence either. It came from different inspirations such as the pattern she saw on the coats of horse-riding jockeys and also just from the pillows of her apartment. It is safe to say that Coco Chanel put much thought into each little aspect of the design of the purse. The flap bag fits perfectly into Chanel's original mission for fashion, stylish, yet practical.
When this logo-less, all chain-strap bag was first debuted, it only cost $220. To be fair, that was a lot of money at the time. Now, due to massive inflation, these bags sell for as much anywhere from $3000 - $6,000. This may seem high for a bag, but Chanel bags are a good investment when buying high-end bags. Flap bags especially hold their value very well and can resale for as much if not more than the original price of the bag. This bag comes in many sizes, from the mini bag all the way to jumbo. Of course, the bigger the size means, the higher the price tag, but once again, most people would agree that it is worth it.
Not only has the Chanel bag proven to stand the test of time and become an ultimate classic, but so has the brand of Chanel overall. It is safe to say that it will not go out of style anytime soon. Anyone who loves fashion probably dreams of owning their very own Chanel 2.55 flap bag one day. It may seem like a big price tag, but again they are almost guaranteed never to lose their value, so if for whatever reason you need to sell it, you will probably get most, if not all of your money back.
The Chanel bag has become classic accessories over many generations for a reason. Not only is it just practical, but it goes with any outfit, and as stated previously, it really can make anything you're wearing look that much better. The bag exudes class and sophistication. If you are ever able to wear a Chanel flap bag even once, you can consider yourself lucky, because most people only get to dream of styling such an iconic piece of fashion.
