Chanel 101 - All About Coco!

The Chanel 2.55

In February 1955, Coco Chanel introduced a handbag - one with double flap, mademoiselle closure and metal chain. It became popularly known as the 2.55 flap bag.

The term 2.55 or 255 refers to all flap style bags including variations of the original. The original 2.55 details include:

Burgundy lining which represents the colour of the uniforms at the convent where she grew up.

A zippered compartment at the inside of the front flap. That is where she was rumoured to have stored her love letters in her original bag.

An external pocket on the outside of the bag where she presumably stashed extra money.

Recognising that the modern women needed to have their hands free while attending social functions, Coco designed a double chain shoulder strap, something common in downmarket products, but rare in luxury circles at the time. The caretakers of the convent she grew up at held the keys at their waist dangling from the same type of chain used for the 2.55 shoulder strap.

A front lock called “the Mademoiselle Lock” (in reference to Coco Chanel never marrying).

Quilted diamond or herringbone pattern on the exterior. Using a running stitch, this gives the bag shape and volume. The pattern is believed to have been inspired by several sources: by jockeys’ riding coats, the stained-glass windows of the abbey at Aubazine, as well as by the cushions in Coco’s Paris apartment.





The Chanel Classic Flap

In 1983, Karl Lagerfeld joined the house of Chanel as Artistic Director (Chief Designer). It was believed that while Coco Chanel designed the interlocking CC logo she didn’t use it much in her designs. It was Karl Lagerfeld who introduced the interlocking CC closure on the flaps. The term Classic Flap commonly refers to the flap with the interlocking CC logo closure, chain with interwoven leather, and a more rounded shape to the outer flap. The Classic Flap comes in many sizes: Maxi, Jumbo, Medium, Mini and Baguette. All Classic Flaps, with the exception of the Medium Flap (which is double flap), is single flap.

Serial Number

The serial number of the bag can be found on the hologram sticker inside the bag, which should correspond with the number on the authenticity card.

The serial number of the bag gives an indication of the year in which the bag is manufactured.

8-digits

13XXXXXX series - 2009 to now
12XXXXXX series - 2008 to 2009
11XXXXXX series - 2006 to 2008
10XXXXXX series - 2005 to 2006

7-digits

9XXXXXX series - 2004 to 2005
8XXXXXX series - 2003 to 2004
7XXXXXX series - 2002 to 2003
6XXXXXX series - 2000 to 2002
5XXXXXX series - 1997 to 1999
4XXXXXX series - 1996 to 1997
3XXXXXX series - 1994 to 1996
2XXXXXX series - 1991 to 1994
1XXXXXX series - 1989 to 1991