Fashion Talk Over A Cup Of Tea

There is a part in the world of fashion that has portrayed women’s class and elegance for decades. This significant piece is simple, yet graceful, and has been an iconic piece for fashionistas and trend-setters all over the world. Say hello to Chanel 2.55, the quilted flap-bag by Coco Chanel.

Besides pearl necklaces and the little black dress, Chanel made traditional handbags uninteresting and tedious. 

Chanel originally designed this purse over half a century ago. Tired of carrying her handbag in her arms, Chanel believed that the modern woman should have her hands free, so that she could sip tea, read the newspaper, and most importantly, multi-task. And boom… In February of 1955 (hence the 2.55), the Chanel 2.55 became the first handbag with shoulder straps, kicking traditional hand-held bags to the curb.

Influenced by Chanel’s love for horse racing, this classic bag featured a very soft quilted pattern, the same design used for riding coats. Chanel also introduced pockets in the bag; the bag came with many compartments inside (and out). For example, Chanel used the zipper compartment on the inside of the flap-bag to hide letters she received from her secret lover; she used the outside pocket to stash her money. 

The bag’s main feature is the interlace chain shoulder strap made out of leather which was designed for comfort. Thanks to the shoulder strap, women now had their hands free. Chanel’s signature double-C logo clasp holds together the flap with the bag. Chanel 2.55 represents nothing but simplicity, style and comfort.  

The Chanel 2.55 also represents luxury. This handbag was created to be carried by a woman of class. Chanel knew that women wanted to accessorize with an iconic piece. She thought about the image the modern woman would be recognized with in the future; Coco Chanel of course came up with the revolutionary design of the Chanel 2.55. Any female that is associated with this bag is a woman of style. 

The Chanel 2.55 gives a woman a timeless look. This bag is so simple, yet so elegant. A woman can combine it with jeans or leggings and a basic top, as well as a fancy suit or gorgeous evening gown. This bag does not depend on seasonal trends; it just gets better with time, like a favorite wine. 

Chanel made the first handbag black; black is basic and will never go out of style. Karl Lagerfeld, the current owner of House of Chanel, reached out to women seeking a different color for a different mood. Now this bag is available in bright yellow, the darkest red, royal blue, and many different prints and patterns. In February 2005, Lagerfeld released Reissue 2.55, a classic remake of the original Chanel 2.55. 

From the ‘50s to today, anyone from famous celebrities to the everyday, trendy woman have been known to carry this symbolic element. Besides having “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” Audrey Hepburn is associated with this handbag. Victoria Beckham is another celebrity that has been spotted with various styles of this Chanel bag, making it the ultimate status symbol.

The Chanel 2.55 is as popular today as its first creation in 1955. Any woman with style, whether a mainstream, rich bitch or the average vintage-loving/thrift-shopping girl, can agree that this quilted flap-bag is a must-have accessory and the epitome of style.

The fashion industry has yet to produce another design that is so iconic. Until then, the Chanel 2.55 reigns over women’s closets. Chanel proves why it is important to be simple when it comes to fashion and that the simplest design will be in style forever.