The 2.55, emblematic handbag of Chanel, summarizes on its own the spirit of Coco Chanel: her obsession with freeing women. The 2.55 design was imagined when she wore her binoculars on the racecourses, hands in pockets, boyish style. With its eyelets, its leather and brass braided chains, its famous “Mademoiselle” turn-inward clasp and its padded leather, the 2.55, which stands for February 1955, shows the comeback of the Mademoiselle Chanels’ spirit.
In the 80’s, when Karl Lagerfeld brought back the 2.55 into fashion, he definitely transformed this jewel into a legendary item. He thickened the chain, decided to change the mythic clasp into the famous intertwined double C which gave an immediate visual identity, and offered it in all sizes, from the cigarette case to the tote bag. The 2.55 then became the “must have” accessory.
Both classic and timeless, this Chanel flagship item is still thrived for. Either in its electric blue version within the arms of the Gossip Girl, Blake Lively or in its spicy red version on Vanessa Paradis, the enjoyment is to be caught red-handed, as long as it is a 2.55 from Chanel !
The Chanel 2.55 bag: Key Dates
2017 : The Chanel 2.55 couldn’t miss in the iconic collection Métiers d’art.
2017 : Chanel 2.55 prices increased in May’17.
2017 : Chanel launches a version of 2.55 in Denim fabric following the new trends of the streetwear.
2014 : Isabelle Huppert wearing Chanel re-issue 2.55 flap bag.
2013 : Kate Moss is also seduced by the 2.55’s charm.
2012 : Famous celebrities becoming 2.55’s fan.
2012 : Chanel presents two revolutionary versions of the 2.55 addressed to the new generations, the «Lucky Charms» with all the good luck charms of Coco Chanel.
2011 : Karl Lagerfeld launches a capsule collection of the 2.55 encrusted with crystals and pearls.
2011 : Kim Kardashian shows a 2.55 Chanel during her travel in Toronto.
2010s : The 2.55 starts to be produced in thousands of variants. From the version vernis to the colored ones.
2010 : Lady gaga fully dressed in Chanel promotes her new album.
2010 : A more modern version inspired to the 2.55 and to its matelassage, appears in the Chanel collections.
2008 : Rihanna adopts the 2.55 to attend that year’s fashion catwalks.
2007 : Karl Lagerfeld launches a more luxurious version of the 2.55 in a limited edition named «Diamond forever». In this case the lock is adorned by 334 diamonds, a chain in white gold and alligator skin. Only 13 pieces are produced.
2005 : The 2.55 comes back on the market so to celebrate the first 50 years of this iconic bag. It appears in a flashier version and with a new name: the Timeless Classic. Karl Lagerfeld also reintroduces a version with the Mademoiselle lock. It rapidly becomes a must for all the celebrities.
1990 : After having adopted the Chanel tailors Lady Diana also becomes a fan of 2.55.
1988 : Karl Lagerfeld adds the Chanel logo with the crossed double «C» on the bag’s lock replacing the traditional «Mademoiselle lock».
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1970 : Catherine Deneuve, always classy and elegant, chooses the 2.55.
1968 : Mia Farrow is repeatedly photographed with the 2.55.
1965 : The American actress Jane Fonda, wife of the French film director Roger Vadim, is photographed with a 2.55.
1962 : Elizabeth Taylor will choose a 2.55 variant in white.
1962 : As a great Chanel’s enthusiast Jackie Kennedy is often portrayed while carrying the notorious 2.55.
1960 : Audrey Hepburn, universal symbol of class, good taste and beauty, couldn’t miss in the list of the 2.55’s enthusiasts by owning a whole collection of this iconic bag.
1960 : Brigitte Bardot, fashion icon of the sixties wears a 2.55.
1955 : Coco Chanel gives life to the 2.55 bag on February 2, 1955. The bag is conceived in a way that confers more freedom of movement to the female body. Coco adds to the accessory a long chain which allows women to bring it over their shoulder. The sources of her inspiration are the world of horse-racing with its matelassé motifs, the sofas of her personal apartment in Rue Cambon and her past at the orphanage of Aubazine.
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