Chanel Quilted Bag-Never Let You Down

Timeless, classic, elegant and visible. All these words describe the legendary fashion house of Chanel. While the Chanel name comes at a high cost, many women find a Chanel quilted bag a worthwhile investment. Chanel quilted bags are not only practical but also high-grade fashion accessories.
The Famous Chanel Quilted Bag
Just the words are enough to conjure up its luxurious image. The Chanel quilted bag is synonymous with class and resplendence. Its simple shape conveys sophistication and minimal details lend a timeless beauty that makes this handbag universally appealing. The brand’s popularity among women of all ages speaks to the designer’s incredible versatility and place in the annals of fashion history.
Based on a design by designer Germaine Guerin, the bag was born in February 1955 and given the name 2.55. With the chain shoulder strap and thick, sumptuously quilted leather, this handbag quickly became a favorite. When designer Karl Lagerfeld took over the house of Chanel in 1983, he reinvented the bag time and again. Different leather colors, embellishments and even changes to the chain were often imposed to create a fresh, modern look.
In celebration of the bag’s 50th anniversary in 2005, Chanel re-released the bag with just the slightest change in construction. Instead of the original’s mademoiselle clasp, the new version had a simple and diminutive turn-lock clasp. It was enough to amass an even greater fan base for the bag.
The 2.55 is available in two sizes. The smaller size is ideal for everyday use, while the larger size is perfect if you tend to pack a lot and usually carry tote bags. Bear in mind that small frames may be overwhelmed by the larger size, but it’s worth paying a visit to the Chanel store and determining which suits you best.
The Little Details
The original 2.55 has a fairly intriguing history behind it-something that can always be counted on when Coco Chanel’s name is involved. The bag’s dark brown lining was chosen as a nod to the color of the uniforms she wore at the orphanage where she grew up. The zippered compartment on the interior flap was where Mademoiselle Chanel hid her love letters from Hans Gunther von Dincklage, a Nazi spy she had an affair with.
Even the outside pocket has a story: it was where she stored extra money. One of the bag’s most eye-catching details is its gold chain strap. This was inspired by the chains used to hold keys by the caretakers at Mme. Chanel’s orphanage’s convent.
Of course, the bag would truly be “just another bag” if not for that quilted leather. This material was inspired by Mme. Chanel’s fascination with horse racing. The quilted style was her way of paying tribute to the coats worn by jockeys.
Leather Types
Caviar leather is Chanel’s most practical choice for everyday purposes. The scratchproof surface means you won’t worry about causing any untoward damage to your precious bag, and it’s easy to care for. The lambskin leather is undeniably luxurious, and many women feel it’s as practical as caviar for regular use. If, however, your bags tend to suffer much wear and tear, you might wish to stick with caviar (which, incidentally, looks and feels equally luscious to the touch).
Chanel Quilted Purse Styles
A quilted Chanel bag has widespread appeal.
Reinterpreted over the years, the bag has enjoyed great popularity with everyone from trendy gals to the world’s most sophisticated women. With so many styles to choose from, there’s bound to be something to appeal to nearly everyone.
?The Fall/Winter 2008-09 collection features a true collector’s item. The metallic calfskin flap bag is gloriously shiny in a deep shade of gunmetal and thick silver chain straps. It comes complete with a matching mini 2.55 bag, something that’s sure to delight the young fashion maven in training or the avid Chanel fanatic.
?The Fall/Winter 2008-09 pre-collection includes an intriguing version of the classic bag. It’s made with aged, quilted calfskin in brown, which lends it a slightly rugged look to balance the overall glamour of the piece. The matching chain strap keeps it all in one smoldering color family.
?The same collection also includes a much more classic variation of 2.55–the simple flap bag in gray quilted lambskin. The silver chain is entwined with gray leather, which produces a noticeable yet low-key effect.
?You can never go wrong with the one that combined it all. The classic flap bag in black is a worthwhile investment that goes well with everything and matches with any outfit beautifully and easily. If the supple leather and simple details don’t attract you, its versatility will make you surprise. This bag can be found in the Chanel Classics collection.