To say we’ve seen our fair share of Chanel flap bags would be an understatement. With our oldest bag dating back to the 80’s, and the most recent only hailing from last season, our trained professionals can spot a classic flap or a 2.55 a mile off. But what is the difference?
The Differences
- The lock on the 2.55 Reissue (below) is the original lock, it is called the Mademoiselle Lock as Ms Coco Chanel never married
- The ‘CC’ lock was introduced to the Classic Flap Bags (top right) only in the 1980s by Karl Lagerfeld when he joined the French fashion house in 1983
- The 2.55 in its name refers to the first release of the 2.55 bag in February of 1955.
- The Chanel reissue 2.55 handbag is the exact copy of the original 2.55 bag that Coco Chanel originally released on this date.
The 2.55 refers to all flap-style bags, including variations of the original (of which there have been many), whereas the term “classic flap” commonly refers to the flap with the interlocking CC closure and the leather interwoven chain.- The reissue has an all chain handle, while the classic has leather interwoven between the chain links.
- All the reissues have a double flap inside, whereas the Jumbo Classic does not.
The Similarities
- Both bags are made in leather.
- Pricing is similar for both bags (there are no real discrepancies), so the decision to buy is mainly based on preference of style.
- Both have been made in gold and silver hardware.
Images: Portero, Spotted Fashion & Ask The Monsters
