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The 10 Best Chanel Bags to Date

10/07/2019 - 04:50 PM

When someone asks you to picture the most iconic bag in our sartorial lexicon, odds are that most fashion enthusiasts [1] will think of Chanel. Sure, there are other beloved bags [2] from other high-end designers that also fall into that category, but for many, they will always stand as secondary.

Though the world has a plethora of bags to choose from today, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel first designed her classic for the modern woman on the go, and the original sentiment still stands. With longer straps so the bag could be slung over a woman's shoulder and an inside zipper pocket to store any small valuables, it had ease of wear in mind, commensurate to style.

While Chanel bags continue to fly off the shelves with demand that seems to just keep growing, the price seems to soar astronomically. Though the classic Chanel bag in 1955 held a price tag of £180 (which is roughly £2,050 in 2022 pounds), the maxi currently retails for £8,000.

Though Chanel's 2.55 top-flap shoulder bag, aptly named for its February 1955 creation date, will forever take the cake, the brand has worked hard to build an army of icons that follow suit. And, as such, they have subsequently become quite timeless all on their own.

Sure, some styles or colours come and go, but there are those true icons that will forever stand the test of time. Ahead, find the 10 most timeless Chanel bags to date — some as old as the brand itself and others, new additions.

Classic 2.55

Named after the date that it was released (February 1955), the 2.55 is, perhaps, the most iconic of the Chanel handbag army. In fact, it might even be the most iconic bag in the world. It was popularized by Coco Chanel herself, initially designed for the working girl who needed to carry around a chic bag while keeping her hands free. Since then, though, it's been worn in every size and every colour of the rainbow by nearly all the girls to know and then some.

Chanel Classic Handbag [4] ($5,600)

Boy Bag

While the Boy Bag won't ever replace the popularity of the 2.55, it's the only bag that has come close to the timeless classic. With a more modern and boxy shape, this chain-strap bag takes some cues from its older counterpart, while adding a little edgier and more youthful vibe. Since debuting in 2010, it has remained a mainstay in each season's collection, designed in countless prints, colours, textures, and more to date. Fun fact? Karl Lagerfeld named the bag after Coco's first love, Arthur Capel, whom she often referred to as "Boy."

Chanel Small Boy Handbag [5] ($4,500)

Gabrielle Bag

The Gabrielle is a much different shape than many of the other bags that have joined the forever family of Chanel. A major push for the fashion house in 2017, this hobo shape was meant to continue throughout collections to come (as it has for the past few years), as opposed to sit as a one-off with a specific capsule. It was promoted by both Kristen Stewart [6] and Pharrell Williams, boasting a double strap that reportedly allows for seven different varieties of wear.

Chanel Gabrielle Hobo Bag [7] ($4,500)

Wallet on Chain

Referred to by those in the know as the WOC, the brand's Wallet on Chain is a mini version of the 2.55 that gives the owner a little more ease of wear. Not to mention that it's a little more affordable than the soaring prices of the OG classic flap, so it's a great gateway drug to the brand's selection. Though, buyer be warned: once you start, it's nearly impossible to stop!

Chanel Wallet on Chain [8] ($2,700)

Kelly Bag

No, we're not talking about the identically named Hermès classic. Instead, Chanel also designed the top-handle structured lady bag and named it after the same Princess of Monaco who had an affinity for the shape. It's no longer in the permanent collection, but you can snag one on vintage resellers like The RealReal, What Goes Around Comes Around, and more.

Chanel Kelly Satchel [9] ($4,200)

Camera Case

The Camera Case Bag was first released in the '90s, though it was rereleased after a brief hiatus from the brand in 2013 with only slight variations on the original shape. It's a slightly more casual and easy-to-wear style than the most classic 2.55, with a more square shape and zip top.

Chanel Vintage Suede CC Camera Bag [10] ($1,225)

PVC Top-Flap

With the rise of PVC, the clear style has infiltrated the timeless Parisian fashion house by way of one of its most classic bag silhouettes. Generally seen as a Spring/Summer bag, it has continued to come back into rotation in a variety of trim colours and strap detailing over the past few years and shows no sign of slowing down.

Chanel Lambskin PVC Quilted Mini Coco Splash Flap [11] ($3,095)

Tweed Styles

Though not a single bag, per se, Chanel's army of tweed bags are absolute classics and icons in their own right. They marry the timeless 2.55 shape with Coco Chanel's affinity for tweed knits, ranging from pastel pink and seafoam green to deep navy and bright red. There have even been metallic and sequinned versions of the weave.

Chanel Classic Handbag [12] ($6,300)

Wicker Lunchbox

One of the newest arrivals on the team, the wicker lunchbox only just debuted for Summer 2019. That said, it has quickly taken hold, largely due to its totally seasonal charm and whimsical shape. Each season seems to hold a few unique styles that are here for a moment and then gone, and this one is going to be widely searched for in vintage stores for decades to come, mark our words.

Chanel Vanity Case [13] ($8,900)

Lego Clutch

Inspired by a child's Lego block, the aptly named clutch is a more recent addition to the Chanel family. Debuted in 2012, it seemed at first to simply be the statement bag of the season, destined to be left as a sought-after relic from a single season past. Quickly becoming one of the top sellers for the brand, it has remained in rotation ever since. Now coming in a range of colours, finishes, and even now-trendy clear Plexiglas, it's that youthful something extra Chanel-lovers have been adding to their wardrobes, whether they're wearing denim shorts or a black-tie gown.

Chanel Coco Lego Clutch [14] ($5,300)


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