Ultimate Bag Guide: Classic Chanel

Chanel Re-Issue 2.55

Despite Coco’s famed success originating in the early 20^th century, the brands cult creation, the Classic Chanel, didn’t drop until the 1980s, when Karl Lagerfeld stepped into steer the helm of the fashion powerhouse.  

Taking inspiration from Coco’s infamous Chanel 2.55 (which by this point, was nearly 30 years old), he crafted the Classic, which we still adore to this day.

Considering investing in this highly sought-after bag, or just wanting to indulge in brand secrets? Look no further as we have curated the Ultimate Bag Guide: Classic Chanel’s for you.

History:

The 2.55 was crafted by Coco when she found herself in a world of secrecy and romantic rebellions. She needed a secluded area to shield her intimate love letters, and where better then on the back pocket of a handbag? 

Furthermore, Coco was progressive within her era. She recognised women’s desire for practicality, without compromising style. The 2.55 hosts a mademoiselle chain to sit on a woman’s shoulder, whilst the flap lid conceals internal contents without jeopardising the shape of the bag.

Whilst seasonal variations have always been produced, the core design of a classic hasn’t changed much, which is why generations of Chanel admirers continue to invest in Classics. 

If your collection already hosts a Classic and you’re looking to make money, discover how you can secure hassle-free payment. 

Size:

Classic Chanel’s come in 7 size variations:

Extra Mini:

6.7” x 3.9” x 3” 

Mini Square:

6.5” x 5” x 2.5”

Mini Rectangle:

8” x 5” x 2”

Small:

9.3” x 5.7” x 2.6”

Medium:

10” x 6.3” x 3”

Jumbo:

11.8” x 7.9” x 3.9”

Maxi:

13.4” x 9.1” x 3.9”

Typically, each size goes up roughly 1.5 inches in height and 1 inch in width. The medium is the most sought-after size, which is your preference?

Price:

Chanel price increases used to be an annual occurrence. Not anymore ladies.  

2021 witnessed two price creases by July and rocked the world of fashion lovers everywhere. 

Mini Square:

As of July 2021, the Mini Square retailed for £3,100, but in 2020 it retailed for £2,800. Within 1 year, this mini design has increased in price by over 10% within 12 months. 

Mini Rectangle:

As of July 2021, the Mini Rectangle retailed for £3,200, but in 2020 it retailed for £2,900. Within 1 year, this mini design has increased in price by over 10% within 12 months. 

Small:

As of July 2021, the Classic Small retailed for £5,200, but in 2020 it retailed for £4,600. Within 1 year, the small design has increased in price by over 13% within 12 months. 

Medium:

As of July 2021, the Classic Medium retailed for £5,700, but in 2020 it retailed for £5,000. Within 1 year, the medium design has increased in price by over 14% within 12 months. 

Jumbo:

As of July 2021, the Classic Jumbo retailed for £6,300, but in 2020 it retailed for £5,500. Within 1 year, the jumbo design has increased in price by over 14% within 12 months. 

Maxi:

As of July 2021, the Classic Maxi retailed for £6,900, but in 2020 it retailed for £6,000. Within 1 year, the maxi design has increased in price by over 15% within 12 months. 

If you’re looking for an investment handbag, look no further. 

Classic Chanel’s originally sold for £200 in 1955 and more recently £2,000 in 2010, on average they increase between 13-15% year on year, so there’s never been a better time to secure or sell your Chanel!

Materials & Colours:

Classic Chanel’s are commonly crafted out of Caviar or Lambskin leather. 

Chanel curate seasonal variations that come in an array of leathers and colour ways. The most sought-after colour (unsurprisingly) is black. Not only will it hide inevitable dye transfer and marks, but it truly is the classic tone that will interchange every woman’s outfits seamlessly.

An interesting ethical progression is that since 2018 Chanel have stopped the production of exotic handbags, as they recognise there’s no moral way to source these skins.

Instead, they continue to tease personality and practicality, curating eye-catching designs in a range of colours. 

Hardware: 

The original 2.55 design hosted a mademoiselle chain, but this has evolved to an interlinking chain that hosts a leather strap braided between each link. 

Furthermore, the transition of the lock system is by far the most striking difference between the 2.55 and the classic. Originally, Coco’s design hosted a twist-lock clasp which was simple in design. Karl’s creation of the Classic in 1983 welcomed the iconic CC lock that is adored to this day. 

Pre-2008, the quality of the hardware was premium in nature. It’s noticeable that the hardware on Classics was crafted with 24-karat-gold-plated hardware, resulting in a richer tone than contemporary designs. 

Chanel CC interlocking Classic Hardware vs Chanel Re-Issue 2.55 hardware.

Unique Designs:

Variations are standard practise for Chanel. 

Seasonally, they craft a small range of embellished, colour clashing and utterly eye-catching designs.

Below, you will see examples of their Suede classics, electric embellishments, and metallic wonders, which is your favourite? 

Examples of Unique Chanel Designs

Celebrity Fans: 

The list of celebrity fans is truly endless.

Over the decades, Classics have consolidated their status as a symbol bag and continue to reign supreme over alternative designs. 

So much so that Cara Delevingne, Heidi Klum, Miley Cyrus, and Karlie Kloss (among many others) regularly adorn their outfits with a classic. 

Celebrities that wear Classic Chanel's

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