Snob Essentials

Chanel 2.55

September 20, 2005   / Other

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There are two bags you need to know about, the Birkin is one and the other, the Chanel 2.55. A typical Chanel handbag you say? Well, helllooooo, it’s called an icon! History was made when Coco Chanel introduced this bag in February 1955 (as in, 2.55). Coco wanted a shoulder bag to free up her hands. Hey, she had other things to carry. The quilts were inspired by jackets worn by jockeys (yes, jockeys). This classic is being reissued for this season in white, black and silver, which we love the most. For the collectors out there, this is a must.

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131 comments

  2. THANKS LOVE…I need the 226…isnt that the original that COCO made? Is it impossible to find? sigh…I’m a late bloomer…I love this little gem and as the saying goes, “better late than never!”

    Thanks for being so informative with everything.

    Reply

  7. I am drooling over a Chanel Large 2.55 in Black.

    Does anyone know when will Chanel reissue this version?

    BTW I am completely addicted to this website

    Reply

  9. “i think the 2.55 is aweful. I don’t understand what all the fuss is about!?”

    You spelt awful wrong.

    It’s a classic, timeless bag. That’s what the fuss is about.

    Reply

  14. Do you think there is any difference in quality in the 2.55 bags from the older vintage ones in “excellent” shape to the new ones? Or any significant design changes?

    Reply

  15. I just got a medium black Chanel classic. If Im not wrong, there are two types of leather used, caviar and lambskin. caviar has the grainy texture while lambskin is much softer to touch. however, the lambskin material needs high maintenance and easily scratch too.

    the vintage chanel in store right now still have the original chanel logo clasp while the reissue version is just plain clasp. Good luck Lisa in your purchase 😀

    Reply

  17. I LOVE this bag…

    i am choosing between the classic 2.55 and the larger style.

    The small one is beautiful, chic, i love it…but i will mostly use it at night and can fit the bare min. The larger one is the perfect size for day or night but its so long and im afraid it looks too bulky on me. they are so much alike just one bigger than the other! aah im torn.

    I have the petit shopper so im used to the convenient size.

    xx

    Reply

  18. Hi people. Must admit i love this blog. I’m about to get the chanel 2.55 for my sister and I, does anyone know the style no for the medium size in black grainy leather with the gold hardware. Thanks all x

    Reply

  19. hey everyone,

    i bought a large beige Chanel caviar leather classic purse with double chains in silver…i really regret it! wish i bought the 2.55 instead 🙁

    Reply

  21. Does anyone know the best way to find an ’07 Dark Silver 2.55? I really like the coloring on last year’s version better than the current spring ’08 Dark Silver. Thanks! =)

    Reply

  22. Hi people, I’m from Malaysia. I really adore this Chanel 2.55, especially lambskin in black with silver chain, though lambskin is a bit hard to maintain. i have a baby one in black n i’m thinking to get a medium one. Does anyone knows how much its selling in London or Paris? cuz i might be asking my friend’s help to get for me in London or Paris. where is cheaper by the way? the price in malaysia is much much more expensive.

    Reply

  24. I know the 2.55 is the standard as far as Chanel goes but I like the classic flap bags better. I just like the leather interwoven w/ the chain. There seems to be something more youthful about the classic flap. However, as I expand my collection I am sure I will buy a 2.55. I love the history behind the bag & why it is designed the way it is. There is something nostalgic about the 2.55. It is just a special bag that none other compare to because of CoCo’s special little touches. Gosh-all this talk makes me want to go buy one!

    Reply

  26. I want to buy the chanel bag sooooo much..

    But I’m still thinking to buy the small 2.55 or the large one with silver.

    I am 20 years old,which one is more youthful and better to use??

    Advise please

    Reply

  27. Another question:

    It’s now june and I see every designer bags or clothes are in sale.

    I went to the chanel store, but only the shoes were in sale.

    And the bags were not in sale, does the 2.55 and the rest of the bags will be sale too??

    Reply

  29. I have just come home with the chanel 2:55 in purple, I got the last one! It’s absolutely beautiful and the most perfect bag I have ever owned.

    2:55s are never or very very rarely in sale because they never need to be, the current season colours always sell out.

    Reply

  31. HAI GUE DARI INDONESIA,GUE SANGAT SENANG CHANEL 2,55 TAPI MASIH BINGUNG BEDAKAN ANTARA CLASIC ATAU 2,55 AND GUE MAU TITIP BELI DI NEGARA LAIN TAPI BELUM TAU UKURAN AND PRICE.TOLONG DONG?

    Reply

  34. Hi,

    I am from Singapore, I have a brand new black caviar medium classic double flap for sale. A friend bought it from USA for me in Aug (US$2350 before tax), but its the wrong size (I already had the medium size). The price tag is still on with the dust bag. But it does not have the box as she discarded it for ease of packing. I am willing to let it go at S$3750. This is at the same rate as US$2350 with tax and currency conversion. I believe the current Singapore retail price is S$4050. Let me know if anyone is interested. Thanks !

    TT

    Reply

  36. Hi, I’m selling my 2.55 reissue (with mademoiselle lock, not CCs), black with gold hardware. 226 size. Chanel price increase on Wednesday, so I’m selling for £1300 which is a bargain! Please let me know if interested.

    Reply

  37. Hi, I have a brand new Chanel 2.55 black metallic in size 228 (the largest size ) going for S$4,000, with paper bag, box and full papers. Current retail price is S$5,910. Anybody interested please contact me.

    Reply

  38. Sorry forgot to add that it is 100% authentic as bought from Chanel boutique and price is in Singapore dollars. Will not declare tax/duties if ship overseas. Hope to find a new home for this lovely bag 🙂

    Reply

  39. Hi, i just got my 2.55 bag medium size lambskin from Bangkok airport…

    after conversation it is at S$4,100..

    luv it very much…

    the sales person told me that the price is going to increase in Nov.

    think it’s abt 12% more..

    Reply

  41. I am totally in L.O.V.E with the chanel classic in black and beige caviar. Prefer the classic as i personally find the adjoined C clasp and chain is what makes the 2.55 a 2.55! Coco Chanel totally designed it to a perfection. Problem is i’m just 16! Looks like i’ve still got years to come before i get it and as you knw year by year the price would keep getting higher and higher. The 2.55 would probably cost me 10 times in the near future. I do not wish to resort to a fake one. sobs.

    Reply

  42. The 2.55 was actually based on a design by Germaine Guerin who had a shop at 243 Rue St. Honore, as noted in Vogues’ The Chanel Century May 2005…

    Reply

  44. Does anyone know how much the Chanel classic lambskin flap handbag is worth now? Please let me know as i am selling mine. I heard the prices have risen.

    Reply

  49. Hi,

    i’m selling my chanel bag!

    It’s a 2.55 reissue in metallic silver with stripes on it!

    it’s brand new and very rare to find and i think that it’s actually sold out…

    orginal price was 3.825,91 USD and i’m selling it for 2000USD, serious offers are always welcome!

    I have the box and the chanel shoppingbag and all the cards etc. It’s 100% authentic!!! i’ve purchased it at the chanelboutique ! Here’s a slideshow: http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k213/Aicha1990/?action=view&current=35d036d0.pbw

    For more pictures or information: sweet_obleu_star@hotmail.com

    Reply

  50. Hi,

    i’m selling my chanel bag!

    It’s a 2.55 reissue in metallic silver with stripes on it!

    it’s brand new and very rare to find and i think that it’s actually sold out…

    orginal price was 3.825,91 USD and i’m selling it for 2000USD, serious offers are always welcome!

    I have the box and the chanel shoppingbag and all the cards etc. It’s 100% authentic!!! i’ve purchased it at the chanelboutique ! Here’s a slideshow: http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k213/Aicha1990/?action=view&current=35d036d0.pbw

    For more pictures or information: sweet_obleu_star@hotmail.com

    Reply

  54. I have all three of those colors ^^ black, white and silver 🙂

    Besides my orange croc birkin 2.55 is my fav bag of all time!

    Reply

  55. I’m interested in buying the white medium 2.55 bag. Would anyone happen to know the current prices in the USA so I can compare? Thank you!

    Reply

  56. I’m interested in buying the white medium 2.55 bag. Would anyone happen to know the current prices in the USA so I can compare? Thank you!

    Reply

  57. I bought a vintage lambskin chanel XL jumbo on ebay…i suffer from OCD so i lighting wiped it with a wet cloth using (water only) and the black ink on the bag transferred onto my hand n cloth…is this meant to happen with vintage chanel? is it meant to happen with any chanel bags?

    pls help..thanks

    Reply

  59. Oh no, that doesn’t sound good. Are you sure it was genuine? Because if it was a bag meant for everyday use, and you used it in the rain surely it would be completely ruined? I hope thats not the case for you.

    Does anyone know the price for a medium 2.55 black chanel bag with gold chains, in English pounds?

    xx

    Reply

  60. hi i just wanna know is their diff names to all the 2.55 chanel bags? Cuz some have longer chains or double flap?

    ive seen diff name like reissue?

    Im in love with chanel but i dunno with the diff names

    and how much would a small chanel lambskin cost in australia?

    Reply

  66. Hey guys,

    I absolutely love my Chanel 2.55 but I gonna sell it now for $2000. I bought it about a year ago so of course it is used. I handled it with GREAT care though. if you u are interested and want to see pictures, just eMail me.

    cliche@live.de

    xo

    Alana

    Reply

  67. I’m thinking of getting a Chanel Reissue 226 in Dark Silver, any advise on whether it’s easy to maintain? I know the Lambskin is difficult cos the leather will scratches.

    Reply

  70. dear Chanel lovers,,

    I am a reseller of authentic chanel handbags, jewlery and clothing. I have new,used and limited edition items.

    please drop me an email if interested.

    thx 🙂

    Reply

  72. glued can be seen on my bag where the chanel logo is. is it a defect? does anyone have the same prob? mine is genuine fr paris store.

    Reply

  74. HI! I’M SELLING MY AUTHENTIC CHANEL 2.55 IN BLACK. Burgundy leather lining inside with multiple open pockets.

    Twisted CC Golden lock closure.

    Made in France

    Serial#1688698 matches Auth card

    9″Lx 2.5″Dx5.5″H with 9″ double leather strap drop or 17″ single strap drop.

    ALSO HAVE AN AUTHENTIC HERMES BIRKIN.

    EMAIL ME AT aydrriana@gmail.com IF INTERESTED.

    Reply

  81. I have a chanel purse that I have never seen before, even in the replicas. Would someone take a look if I sent a picture and tell me if it’s real?

    Reply

  90. Hi Esther, i am from Singapore as well. I too have a black caviar medium classic double flap with silver chain for sale. A friend bought it from overseas for me last year hence i do not have the box but do have the dust bag and cards. I’m getting the large one that’s why i’m thinking of selling my medium one. I’m selling it at S$3000. Believed the current Singapore retail price is S$4200. Let me know if you are interested. Or anyone who is interested. Thank you…

    Reply

  91. Hi,

    I’m also from Singapore and are interested in your Chanel 2.55 medium black Caviar! Is it still available?

    Reply

  93. Hi, I want to sell my new 2.55 black distressed leather small as it is the wrong size, singapore boutique selling at $4,750. Want to sell at $4,200 Can meet at taka to verify it in the boutique. Sorry no box included.

    FYI, if anyone of you is buying on behalf of friend should you go overseas, please do make sure you know the product as the staff may not be honest about the size of the bag that you may be purchasing for your friend. I am one of them!

    Pls email if interested at loveanteo@hotmail.com

    Thks

    Reply

  94. Hi, am in Singapore and desperately looking of the reissue 2.55 in black or even the black metallic reissue in 2007 is even better…jumbo or large would be great too….anyone willing to sell?

    Reply

  95. Im so in love. I have finally got my bag. After much deliberation I finally went for the chanel calfskin reissue 2.55 jumbo bag. Its calfskin, so wont mark easily, with the gold chain and madmoiselle clasp. I havent yet bragged to my friends, I dont think I could justify the price. So im glad I can share it with you guys.

    I got my bag in Selfridges, in London. I was there for the wkend. Let me tell you, they are not helpful staff (until you pull the money), so, know what you want b4 u go in there. And dont be afraid to ask to see their whole entire stock and walk away to decide. I did.

    Actually I went to the Chanel shop on bond st (twice, and my little boy puked up in there), went upstairs in selfridges (once), went to the chanel bags downstairs in selfridges (twice), went back the next day with my mind made up , only to be told “sold out”. So I repeated the whole process again, joking!! Na, it was a sunday and I had to get back. So pressure was on, staff huffing and puffing, people waiting to be served, time was ticking. In case you were wondering, I was going to buy the patent leather jumbo, cc clasp with silver/patent straps, beautiful.

    When you spend that much money you want to be sure you are getting the right one, yeah?

    To be honest, I am still wondering if I have. Its only because of the hassle I went through to get that bag, that I wont part with it. But im kind of thinking about the large 2.55 in caviar, cc clasp with gold intwined straps. Why? Because when you spend that kind of money on a bag, you want people to know its a chanel bag. So yeah, to summarise, the reissue 2.55 is the “not in your face, chanel bag”, you will only know its a chanel bag when you open the bag to whip out yr purse/phone. Only then there is a big cc embroided inside the red flap. But then because its not the same as the copies, or “wanna be” bags, there is no mistake that the reissue 2.55 in madmoiselle clasp is anything but the original.

    Thank you for letting me share my story with you guys, it feels great to get it off my chest. As I said, my friends wont relate to this, they’ll judge me.

    I cant wait til my next adventure, I got to get the purse to go with my bag.

    Reply

  96. Got my 2.55 reissue black jumbo bag, caviar, gold straps, at long last. I must ahave annoyed the staff at Selfridges London, and I know I annoyed the staff at Chanel Bond st (my little boy puked up in there). Just got to say, dont be afraid to ask to see the whole entire stock b4 making your purchase. And know what you want and have an alternative in case they are out of stock. I wanted the 2.55 large, caviar, gold/leather intwined straps with the CC clasp. The patent leather in silver straps was beautiful, but sold out. Was considering selling my bag, but because of the palava I went through to get my bag, I am going to stay faithful.

    Reply

  97. Thank you for letting me share my story with you guys, it feels great to get it off my chest. As I said, my friends wont relate to this, they’ll judge me.

    Reply

  98. Mei

    i m going london next week too. am contemplating to get a channel 2.55 bag. how much do you get yours for? i am only beginning to learn about the 2.55 bag. have not owned any channel bags. u mention u got the jumbo bag. how many sizes are there?

    i m from singapore. anybody out there know whats the price like in singapore for the bag mei bght in london?

    Reply

  99. I went to Vegas for a weekend and I noticed that a lot of the girls had the baby chanel quilted cc clasp bag. They were beautiful and I fell in love. I probably can’t afford the calfskin one, is the caviar cheaper? I want to get my hands on something that’ll never go out of style.

    After reading all these comments, I learned a lot! And Mei, your story, I wouldn’t part with it either after all that trouble, it now has sentimental value! 🙂

    Reply

  100. Hi..i am selling my new 2.55 black reissue bag (gold hardware) 227 jumbo size.

    Singapore boutique selling at S$5,800. I am willing to sell at S$5,400.

    Its a total brand new bag with box and auth card with it.

    realised its too big for me..i am going to get the size 226 instead.

    .

    Reply

  101. Hi all…Selling Chanel Medium flap, Caviar with SHW…as i find its too small…used less than 5times (to attend wedding dinner only),as good as new!!

    Comes with everything, papberbag,box,dustbag,card & receipts.

    Retails SGD 4330

    Selling for SGD 3700

    Reply

  102. Are you people nuts? Think of all the good you could do if you spread half of that to people in need. You must be millionaires.

    Reply

  103. my bf wana get me a bag i choose chanel 2.55 but i’m still thinking which colour to buy n gold or silver chain? plz advise.

    Reply

  104. Just because the writer disagrees and said the bag was AWFUL doesn’t mean you have to criticize the spelling. This website is supposed to be about handbags, not spelling and grammar. And, by the way, this is an AMERICAN SITE; therfore, SPELT is not correct (it’s “spelled”). Stop trying to make yourself look good–you made a mistake while trying to correct one! Get over yourself!

    Reply

  106. Hi there

    I have a brand new Chanel Medium flap, Beige Lambskin for sale.

    Comes with box and dustbag.

    Please contact me asap if you are interested.

    Reply

  107. I have a brand new 2.55 small in luxurious lambskin for sale, has everything, i.e. box, card, dustbag…. Bought in Rome in April this year. Selling for SGD3800 only, a lot less than sg boutique.

    Please contact me at bebefund@hotmail.com if you’re interested to view it.

    Reply

  109. hi…just want to let it out from my chest! i love it, i am so in love with it. i just got my 2.55 classic mademoiselle lock from the one and only chanel boutique in my country at rm12890 or pound sterling 2,478. i know i can get cheaper in italy but i cant just wait for unconfirmed trip nx year. ah so relief!

    Reply

  110. I am in Singapore and have a brand new small classic flap 2.55 for sale. A friend just bought it for me a week ago but its the wrong size. It is still in its original packaging complete with authenthication card, dust bag and box. If you’re interested, please email me at chrissychan75@gmail.com. Willing to deal ONLY via meet up.

    Reply

  113. Hi,

    I’m looking to buy a chanel 2.55 classic flap – with silver hardware , pref. Medium or large

    Its cheaper to buy o/s so If you know anyone selling please contact me 🙂 thanks!

    Reply

  115. Hello, Ladies

    Can anyone tell me the price of the Chanel large size flap bag in calfskin in US? I am in Canada. Want to get one. The price here is $4080 before tax. I am thinking if I should go across the boarder for it. Thank you. Really appreciate it.

    Reply

  116. i haf a brand new 2.55 medium caviar flap bag. reason im selling its cos my parents bought the wrong size for me. r u interested? im from kl,malaysia btw

    Reply

  118. about a month or two ago. i asked about the price in south coast plaza Irvine CA.

    M/L, I think it was $3000 before tax

    Jambo $3500 before tax (im very sure of the price cus that was the price I paid last summer with tax)

    today, I also got myself a second Jambo today in Paris France (first one stolen : (

    I paid 2700euro with 13% VAT (351euro tax back: )

    fyi…the M/L is 2500 euro

    Reply

  119. about a month or two ago. i asked about the price in south coast plaza Irvine CA.

    M/L, I think it was $3000 before tax

    Jambo $3500 before tax (im very sure of the price cus that was the price I paid last summer with tax)

    today, I also got myself a second Jambo today in Paris France (first one stolen : (

    I paid 2700euro with 13% VAT (351euro tax back: )

    fyi…the M/L is 2500 euro

    Reply

  121. I had two questions:

    1. is there ANY way to get my hands on a 2.55 that was made BEFORE 1980?

    2. Is there any way for me to buy the authentic reissued 2.55 size 228 made in year 2005?

    Reply

  123. Hi there, I am selling my Chanel Bag, bought from Emporium Shopping Center in BKK on May 2010. It is classic Chanel 2.55 Caviar leather with gold chain. I am currently in BKK so if anyone interested to buy, send me email kimigoofy@gmail.com

    I have box / dust bag / authentication card. Hardly been used, condition is great.

    Reply

  127. I love this handbag.
    Despite being introduced in 1955, it look more contemporary than the Timeless Classic flap.
    Understated, chic, elegant and tasteful, it’s emblematic of the House Chanel and the original design as created by Coco herself.
    I have it in the 225 size (small) in black aged calf skin with gold hardware. It’s my one and only Chanel bag.

    Reply