Chanel - the 2.55, the Reissue and the Flap
image from addicttochic.com
Claire Mahoney
We often get questions about the most coveted Chanel bag the 2.55 - the Reissue and the Classic Flap. But which is which? Are all three names associated with the same bag? What's the difference? We've compiled a reference guide to sum up all those queries :)
image from Vogue.com
The 2.55
Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel herself designed the bag in February 1955. This being the 2nd month of the year '55 hence the name 2.55. The bag is comprised of a leather which has a worn appearance and the chain strap is a jewellery like chain. Most notable is the bags lock, a rectangular twist lock known as the mademoiselle lock. .
The Classic Flap
When Karl Lagerfeld became head of Chanel during the 1980's he replaced the bags rectangular Mademoiselle lock with an interlocking CC lock. The strap was also modified too. Instead of just plain jewelry hardware, it was interwoven with leather. This is know as the 2.55 classic flap
Black classic flap in quilted durable caviar leather.
Single flap with silver tone hardware
Signature CC front twist lock closure opens into a spacious compartments with a patch pocket and zipped pocket
Adjustable silver tone chain and woven leather shoulder strap
The ReIssue
Then in 2005 Largerfeld redesigned the 2.55 (which was then the classic flap) to commerate 50 years and it featured once more the original mademoiselle lock and jewelry chain Coco had originally designed. This has become to be know as the 2.55 Reissue.
Chanel black leather 2.55 Reissue handbag Double flap with mademoiselle twist lock closure.
Gold tone hardware.
Chain strap which can be worn long or short CC leather logo embossed in stitching on interior of bag
Two interior slip pockets
RRP €4,990
Although...
Technically, the name Reissue would only be associated with a bag that was produced after the original. However, the 2.55 bags with the mademoiselle locks have come to be known as The Reissue and bags with the interlocking CC are known as The Classic Flap, but both bags are the 2.55. Hope that has cleared up any confusion on the most coveted bag!
Claire x
