True or False. Is This Bag Iconic?
The Chanel Flap bag is undeniably one of the most iconic type of Chanel handbag and we have the late Karl Lagerfeld to thank for it. Even though the Classic Flap otherwise known as the “2.55”, was created in February of 1955, Karl decided to do a re envisioned version in the 1980’s to modernize the brand, giving it a new sense of purpose after the death of Coco Chanel in 1971.
Mr. Lagerfeld’s took over as Chanel’s creative director in 1983 and immediately got to work. Though he didn’t invent the Chanel Classic Flap, the changes took Chanel into new heights. Before we dive into his renditions — we first need to learn about its origins. The original 2.55, which was the brand’s first shoulder bag featured a rectangular clasp named the Mademoiselle lock after Coco Chanel, seeing as she was never wed.
Karl knowing the effects the bag held, symbolizing the liberation of fashion for women — begin to rework the bag pushing Chanel to the top of the luxury fashion food chain. He took his knowledge from his time working at the Fendi leather accessories department and replaced the rectangular clasp with the CC logo interlocking — adding the infamous leather-woven chain. As of this year, Chanel’s 2.55 turns 70, you can dive into more history of the Classic Flaps here on the Women’s Wear Daily site on How Coco Chanel’s Vision Redefined Handbags Forever.
Karl Lagerfeld keep the ship running at Chanel all the way up until his death. He saw Chanel as art that he could constantly make and move with the times, keep it from dying all while continuously honoring Coco Chanel’s legacy but making it his own. He made sure we never forget that the double-C turnlock you see on every Chanel Flap today — is his.
Jonathan Ramirez 