A Guide To The Most Iconic Chanel Handbags

In the illustrious world of fashion, Chanel stands as a timeless symbol of elegance and luxury. The brand, founded by Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel in 1910, has since become synonymous with sophistication, a reputation upheld through the consistency in craftsmanship and a distinctive style that defies the ebb and flow of fashion trends. 

Among the many exquisite creations from the House of Chanel, its handbags hold a special place in the hearts of fashion aficionados across the globe. Chanel handbags are not mere accessories; they are a statement, a splendid blend of tradition and contemporary design ethos. The embodiment of Chanel's commitment to quality and aesthetic appeal, these handbags carry with them a rich history as well. 

Over the decades, they have graced the arms of the elite and celebrated figures in society, becoming emblematic of refined taste. Through this guide, we delve into Chanel's most iconic handbags, exploring what makes each of them a coveted treasure, and the celebrities who have been charmed by their allure.

Chanel 2.55

The Chanel 2.55, a timeless piece of elegance and innovation, was conceived by the revolutionary designer Gabrielle Chanel in February 1955, hence the name 2.55 representing the month and year of its creation​​. 

The inception of this iconic bag stemmed from Coco Chanel's frustration of having to carry handbags by hand, often misplacing them during social gatherings. Her ingenious solution was to design a bag with a shoulder strap, a feature that was groundbreaking at the time, offering both convenience and style to the modern woman of the era​​.

Chanel's equestrian spirit and practicality were the driving forces behind the bag's design, which boasts rows of flat metal links allowing for ease of movement, and a quilted texture inspired by the equestrian world that Gabrielle Chanel cherished so dearly​​. The distinctive diamond quilting, inspired by jockey's riding coats and the cushions in Chanel's Paris apartment, along with the double chain strap reminiscent of her caretakers' keychains at Aubazine where she spent her childhood, and the rectangular Mademoiselle clasp lock referencing her never having married, all collectively contribute to the bag’s exquisite and thoughtful design​​.

The Chanel 2.55 continues to be a symbol of luxury and a cherished possession among many, including celebrities like Rita Ora and Rachel Bilson. Rita Ora was spotted at the Electric Cinema in Nottingham Hill, London, glamorously donning a yellow Chanel 2.55 shoulder bag, demonstrating the timelessness and allure of this iconic creation​4​. Rachel Bilson has also been seen embracing the elegance of the Chanel 2.55, further establishing its status as a cherished item among the fashion-conscious elite. 

Through the years, the Chanel 2.55 has transcended being merely a fashion accessory to becoming a statement of elegance, luxury, and a reflection of its bearer's sophisticated taste.

Chanel Classic Flap BaG

The Chanel Classic Flap Bag was introduced to the world by Karl Lagerfeld in 1983 when he took the helm as the creative director of Chanel. He aimed to reinterpret the brand's iconic 2.55 Flap Bag, resulting in the creation of the Classic Double Flap, which was later rebranded as the Chanel Classic Flap Bag. 

The redesign was an instant success, embracing the iconic features of the 2.55 while introducing a fresh aesthetic emblematic of the Chanel brand. Key features of this bag include a leather-woven chain and a Double C turn-lock closure, both of which have become synonymous with Chanel's enduring style​.

This new design, also known as the 11.12 handbag, retained the essence of the original 2.55 but added a modern flair that quickly captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts globally. The iconic chain, in gold and silver-tone metal interlaced with leather, along with the CC Clasp and double flap design, embodies the timeless elegance and sophistication that Chanel represents​.

Hilary Duff is among the celebrities who have a penchant for the Chanel Classic Flap Bag, showing a particular liking to the brand's vaunted flap bags. Her collection includes multiple versions of the Classic Flap and Boy Bag, showcasing her fondness for Chanel's timeless designs.

Chanel Boy

The Chanel Boy Bag is a modern icon of the Chanel brand, designed by Karl Lagerfeld. The bag was introduced in Chanel's Fall/Winter 2011 collection, making a bold statement with its structured shape and distinctive hardware. 

The name "Boy" was inspired by Arthur Capel, whose nickname was "Boy," a great love of Coco Chanel and a major influence on her life and work​. The design of the Boy Bag is a departure from Chanel's classic quilted leather designs, featuring clean lines, a rectangular shape, and a bold, chunky chain strap. It is also adorned with a unique lock design known as the "Boy Lock."

Many celebrities have been captured flaunting the Chanel Boy Bag, reflecting its versatile appeal and modern aesthetic. Miley Cyrus was seen sporting the bag, showcasing its modern and edgy design​​. Rihanna, too, has been spotted with the Chanel Boy Bag, exemplifying the bag's edgy yet elegant appeal​. This bag is a blend of Chanel's timeless elegance and a more modern, edgy aesthetic that appeals to a younger, fashion-forward audience. It embodies a bold, independent spirit while retaining the luxurious craftsmanship and high-quality materials synonymous with Chanel.

Chanel Grand Shopping Tote

The Chanel Grand Shopping Tote (GST) is a symbol of both timeless sophistication and practical elegance. Its design showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and distinctive style that Chanel is renowned for. Whether crafted in classic caviar leather, neutral canvas, or luxurious lambskin, this tote bag is a perfect blend of fashion and function, making it a hot pick among fashion aficionados around the globe.

One of the well-known personalities spotted carrying the Chanel GST is British singer and media personality, Myleene Klass. The Chanel Grand Shopping Tote is a versatile accessory, making it a favourite among celebrities who often have to transition from casual daytime outings to more formal evening engagements​​.

On the other side of the Atlantic, American actress Eva Longoria was also seen with the Chanel GST. She was spotted leaving dinner donning the classic tote, pairing it with a bodycon dress, black Louboutins, and a blazer. The occasion highlighted how the GST complements a chic evening ensemble, embodying the blend of sophistication and modern style that Chanel stands for​​.

This iconic tote, with its spacious interior, silver chain handles, and the emblematic double CC logo on the front, encapsulates the enduring allure and luxurious aesthetic that Chanel has been celebrated for over the decades. Through its notable owners and its classic, elegant design, the Chanel Grand Shopping Tote continues to affirm its place in the annals of fashion.

Chanel Gabrielle

The Chanel Gabrielle bag, introduced in Spring 2017, merges a modern spirit with a touch of classic elegance, embodying a blend of practicality and beauty. It was fashioned with inspiration from the shape of augmented reality glasses and binocular cases of gentlemen, making it a unique piece in Chanel's collection​​. The Gabrielle bag comes in various sizes including Small Hobo, Hobo, Large Hobo, and a Backpack version, catering to different preferences and needs​​. This particular design was created to pay homage to Madame Coco Chanel, offering a stylish yet functional choice for many​.

Among the celebrities who have been spotted with the Chanel Gabrielle bag are Lily-Rose Depp and Kim Jennie. Lily-Rose Depp, an ambassador for Chanel, was featured alongside British actress Cara Delevingne in a 2017 campaign promoting the Chanel Gabrielle bag, showcasing its elegance and versatility​. On the other hand, Kim Jennie, a member of the South Korean music group BLACKPINK, has been seen with the Chanel Gabrielle Hobo Bag, which is part of a collection designed by Karl Lagerfeld, adding a modern yet timeless aesthetic to her style​​.

Chanel Perfume Bottle Bag

The Chanel Perfume Bottle Bag, an iconic creation by the brand, made its debut in the Chanel Cruise 2014 collection. The bag's design is a tribute to the iconic Chanel No. 5 Perfume bottle, reimagined as a clear, plexiglass clutch. The unconventional design quickly became a sensation among fashion trendsetters and is especially popular for special occasions, rather than everyday use due to its distinctive style​​​.

This unique fashion piece links back to the history of Chanel No. 5 perfume, which was launched by Gabrielle Chanel in 1921 and remains a celebrated symbol of the brand. The perfume's release on the 5th day of the 5th month of 1921 at the label’s boutique in Paris marked the beginning of its journey into iconic status, further amplified as celebrities and artists, like Salvador Dali and Marilyn Monroe, expressed their affinity for it. This historical connection was then encapsulated in the creation of the Chanel Perfume Bottle Bags, which are not just fashion pieces, but also a homage to Chanel's century-long history and its enduring legacy in the fashion world​.

Several celebrities have been spotted with the Chanel Perfume Bottle Bag, showcasing its appeal among high-profile individuals. Notable names include Rihanna, Miroslava Duma, and Miley Cyrus, who have each owned a variation of this distinctive bag, illustrating its enduring appeal among the fashion-forward crowd​​.

Chanel Exotic Skins Bags

There were a variety of Chanel handbags made with exotic skins across a range of designs. Chanel's decision to halt the use of exotic skins was announced in New York, on the eve of its pre-fall Metiers d’Art show at the Met. The brand declared that it would "no longer use exotic skins in our future creations," marking a significant shift in its material sourcing policy​​. This announcement was made by Chanel's President, Bruno Pavlovski, who emphasised that the future of high-end products would be shaped by this new direction​​.

The exotic skins that were once used by Chanel in the creation of their luxury bags included materials like crocodile, snake, lizard, and stingray. However, due to ethical concerns and a movement towards more sustainable practices, the brand decided to discontinue the use of these materials.

There were various models and designs created by Chanel using these exotic skins, each reflecting a unique aesthetic and luxurious appeal. The use of exotic skins was often associated with premium quality and exclusivity due to the rare and distinctive textures they offered. A few different celebrities managed to get their hands on these bags before they were discontinued like EJ Johnson with her Chanel Alligator Flap Bag, Selita Ebanks who owns a Chanel Quilted Python Flap Bag as well as others such as Alessandra Ambrosio.

Explore Our Range Of Chanel Handbags

Delving into the timeless elegance, rich history, and celebrity allure of Chanel handbags unveils a narrative richly woven with luxury, innovation, and unique fashion ethos. Each Chanel bag encapsulates a part of a magnificent fashion legacy that continues to shape modern style narratives. By exploring these iconic handbags, one not only appreciates the artistry and innovation embedded in luxury fashion but also discovers a realm where style transcends time.

Embark on a journey of elegance with Rich Diamonds' exquisite collection of designer handbags. Explore our range to find a piece that resonates with your style and stands the test of time.