Chanel flap bags

The Chanel Flap Bag revolutionised women’s fashion when it was introduced in February 1955 by Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel. Also known as the Chanel 2.55 — reflecting its creation date — the bag ushered in an era of hands-free elegance.

The groundbreaking design featured a pioneering shoulder strap, along with elegantly arranged compartments and diamond quilting. A further signature detail of the bag was its burgundy lining, inspired by Chanel’s childhood uniform at the Aubazine Abbey convent in France.

The Flap Bag evolved under Creative Director Karl Lagerfeld. He debuted the Classic Double Flap Bag in 1983, which introduced the Double C turn-lock closure. Subsequent designs by the luxury house have also paid homage to the original Flap, with both the Mini Flap and Chanel 19 weaving heritage with innovation.

Whether it’s the original 2.55 design or modern-day variations, the Chanel Flap Bag remains a defining cornerstone of the house’s timeless sophistication and style.

A CHANEL PINK AND WHITE WOOL BLEND SUIT WITH A CHANEL NAVY LEATHER CLASSIC FLAP BAG

THE SUIT LABELED 'CHANEL BOUTIQUE' AND THE HANDBAG LABELED 'CHANEL', BOTH PROBABLY 1980S-1990S

TWO QUILTED 'CLASSIC FLAP' BAGS,

CHANEL, LATE 20TH CENTURY,

AN AUBERGINE LIZARD FLAP BAG AND AN OVAL MAROON LEATHER BAG

BOTH LABELED 'CHANEL', THE LIZARD BAG CIRCA 1989-1991, THE LEATHER BAG PROBABLY 1970S-1980S

A NAVY BLUE LEATHER CLASSIC FLAP 2.55 BAG

LABELED 'CHANEL', PROBABLY 1989-1991

A CHANEL RED AND NAVY WOOL BLEND SUIT WITH A CHANEL NAVY LEATHER CLASSIC FLAP 2.55 BAG

THE SUIT LABELED 'CHANEL BOUTIQUE' AND PROBABLY 1980S, THE HANDBAG ALSO LABELED 'CHANEL' AND PROBABLY 1991-1994