Created by founder Gabrielle Chanel in 1955, Chanel’s signature quilted 2.55 flap bag was named after the year it debuted The first-ever handbag featuring a chain-link shoulder strap (as opposed to the traditional clutch silhouette), it offered women a refreshing sense of liberation as a hands-free style.

Left: Chanel Mini Reissue 2.55 Black Quilted Calfskin, Right: Chanel Classic Medium Flap Black Quilted Caviar

Named as Chanel’s creative director in 1983, designer Karl Lagerfeld updated the 2.55 with a woven leather chain strap, along with a turn lock closure emblazoned with the brand’s double C logo. By 2021, Chanel’s Classic Flap bag was rebranded as the 11.12 (signifying A01112, the original flap bag’s official code).

Vintage 24K Gold Plated CC hardware

As one of Chanel’s renowned Métiers d’Art studios, the double-flap bags are painstakingly made by hand at the Ateliers de Verneuil-en-Halatte just north of Paris. Artisans train for at least four years, and each double-flap style requires 15 hours to produce.

Since its inception, Chanel’s Classic Flap bag has evolved into an assortment of sizes. With both square and rectangular silhouettes, the mini’s dimensions are 8L x 2.75W x 5H in and  6.75L x 3W x 5H in. As the largest style, the maxi measures at 12.9L x 3.9W x 9H in; small, medium and jumbo-sized iterations are also available.

Introduced in 2010, Chanel’s mini shoulder crossbody flap bag has soared in popularity. With a double-C turn lock and woven leather chain strap, its diminutive size and single-flap capitalize on fashion’s mini bag trend. Offered in both seasonal palettes and neutral hues, the caviar leather versions in particular are virtually guaranteed to increase in value over time. Regardless of size preference, each Chanel flap style is rendered in various types of material, although caviar and lambskin are the most coveted versions. 

Regarded as the most luxurious Chanel leather, lambskin feels sumptuously soft and smooth. Treated minimally to retain its original properties, lambskin also absorbs dye more effectively and comes in a vast array of colors. Based on pebbled calfskin, caviar leather imparts a subtle dimensional effect along with a sturdy, durable sensibility. Moreover, caviar leather’s renditions span from shiny to soft and matte; its finishes include patent, glazed and iridescent. Discontinued in 2018, Chanel’s caviar mini flap bag has emerged as one of its most coveted styles in the resale market. 

CHANEL Classic Mini Square Flap 18B Black Quilted Caviar Light Gold 

CHANEL Classic Mini Rectangular Flap 21B So Black Quilted Lambskin 

CHANEL Classic Mini Rectangular Flap 18C Blue Quilted Caviar Silver 

CHANEL Classic Mini Rectangular Flap 18B Ivory Quilted Caviar Silver 

CHANEL Classic Mini Rectangular 17C Turquoise Quilted Caviar Light Gold 

CHANEL Classic Mini Rectangular 17C Black Quilted Caviar Light Gold 

Just as Chanel’s Classic Flap bags’ colors vary greatly, so does its hardware. The most prevalent hardware finishes comprise polished gold tone, silver tone and ruthenium (and in some instances, a combination thereof). Select seasonal and limited-edition offerings consist of light gold, antique, brushed, or matte gold tone hardware, along with unexpected variations (i.e., matte silver tone, black and iridescent or even plexiglass and enamel).

Aesthetic preferences aside, one fact about Chanel handbags remains steadfast: They’re certain to increase in value over time, and have emerged as an increasingly relevant means of diversifying investment portfolios. Because Chanel deliberately restricts supply, raises prices frequently and maintains esteemed status in the luxury industry, Chanel bags remain in demand on the resale market. Each season, rare and limited-edition styles in like-new condition sell for more than their original retail prices; at the same time, Chanel’s gently used leather bags also maintain their retail value. In that sense, splurging on a Chanel flap bag is well worth the investment. Explore our curated collection of Chanel 

CHANEL Classic Medium Flap 22A Iridescent Emerald Green Quilted Calfskin Light Gold

 CHANEL Classic Medium Flap 15C Pearl Beige Quilted Caviar Matte Silver 

 CHANEL Vintage Classic Medium Flap Black Quilted Caviar 24K Gold Plated 

CHANEL Classic Small Flap 19B White Quilted Caviar Light Gold 

CHANEL Classic Small Flap 19S Iridescent Pink Quilted Caviar Light Gold 

CHANEL Classic Small Flap 20B Red Chevron Caviar Light Gold