"Timeless" is a highly ambitious word to pin on a designer handbag. The very concept and phenomenon of an It bag is proof in itself: "It," in fashion insider speak, translates loosely to "now," which in turn equals changeable, fickle, and fleeting. Play the synonym game. Think of the past decades' equivalents and then fast forward a mere five years closer to the present. Chances are, those said purses, wildly, passionately coveted in 2001 then dubbed painfully passe in 2006, are officially considered relics of a bygone era.
Sounds dramatic, but don't even deny that it's true! Few are lucky enough to have been graciously given an Instagram-fueled renaissance in the same way as Dior's ubiquitous-again Saddle and Fendi's fresh, sleek take on their Baguette...though it's important to note that the pair's undeniable, resounding return comes hand in hand with 2019's version of logomania and, simultaneously, the style scene's current obsession with the strange, gaudy noughties Sex & The City's Carrie Bradshaw memorably navigated with widely watched flair.
We digress. The point is that only a teeny tiny number of high-end bags are truly, completely worthy of the word "timeless," and one of them is–drumroll, please!–the Chanel Classic Flap, a.k.a the revered 2.55, famously named for its February 1955 creation date. We have a crowned winner, folks! Available in a myriad of colors, sizes, and textures, it's overwhelmingly enduring, universally loved and near unrivaled. It's the investment piece of investment pieces. You've desired it in single and double-tongued iterations, in quilted caviar leather and chevron lambskin, in funky tweed and rainbow tinted PVC, in hues ranging the full spectrum from blindingly vibrant to no-nonsense sombre. You're certainly not alone in lust—below, we list down 18 megawatt celebrities who are just as irreversibly smitten.
How Celebs Are Wearing Their Classic Chanel Flap Bags
1. Heart Evangelista
Heart's clearly been on a grand ol' double C kick, even going so far as to adorn her flowing mane with glittering logo brooches and the label's signature white packaging camellias. Brilliant.
2. Lovi Poe
We've spied Lovi toting hers to her travels, VIP events in the city, and even to long photoshoots! A companion of the most dependable sort.
3. Kryz Uy
While Kryz very recently just dished on all the expensive name-brand purchases she deeply regrets, the number of times she's carried her beige baby implies that it's absolutely no remorse buy. They'll be together for life, we're sure.
4. Jennie Kim
Jennie of popular K-pop girl group Blackpink happens to be a Chanel muse, so don't be surprised if a scroll through her feed displays her in a veritable showcase of Karl Lagerfeld-approved looks. She's sat front row at several of the late great's runways, after all!
5. Jisoo Kim
Fellow Blackpink member and vocalist Jisoo is ready to show that even a gauzy, bloom scattered frock and grosgrain ribboned straw sun hat is ideal Hawaii attire. Pretty, fast, and easy on the 20 kilogram luggage allowance. Vacation peg!
6. Kelsey Merritt
Check out a rosy, beaming Kelsey grinning for the paparazzi flashbulbs after a fated trip to the Victoria's Secret HQ in New York. The innocence! Just weeks later, it'd be announced that she would walk the anticipated VS Fashion Show, changing her career's course forever. Fond memories.
7. Jessica Jung
We're infinitely eyeing Jessica's slew of polished, ladylike looks–often involving a pair of crisp white pants and a tailored tweed jacket. Call it a hobby.
8. Sunmi
Outspoken soloist and Siren singer Sunmi has zero shortage of drool-worthy designer arm candy. Still, she keeps returning to her favorite Jumbo. A hefty, steadfast love worth dedicating an entire album to.
9. Anne Curtis
Nothing sets off a head-to-toe noir outfit off to perfection like a big, bold cobalt 2.55, says the ever shop savvy Anne. That bucket hat is a quick street smart touch.
10. KC Concepcion
It might be observed that KC's most well-known purse is actually her searingly bright violet Hermès caryall, but every so often she takes her mini vitamin Cs out on a whim, too.
11. Pia Wurtzbach
Pia is constantly on the go, and few companions fit like a missing puzzle piece into her busy lifestyle like her sturdy Classic. It pairs flawlessly with both winter and summer 'fits! So, are you splurging yet? We hope to hear a resounding yes.
12. Dominique Conjuangco
Another gal with evidently lots and lots of Chanel to spare, Dominique took this sugar sweet blush iteration on a sunny day traipsing 'round London. Jolly good, as our British mates do say.
13. Arci Muñoz
Unfailingly the coolest headbangin' rocker chick in town, Arci's raw, distressed denim and slouchy silhouettes turn the Flap on its traditionally elegant head and towards the screamin' heavy metal stage.
14. Yam Concepcion
Yam is 100% fluent in the essentials: a little black dress, delicate barely-there jewelry, a Mona Lisa smile, and a tasteful touch of Madame Coco. Win.
15. Jinkee Pacquiao
Give your trusty LBD a break and go for its scarlet sister. Jinkee proves that crimson doesn't always necessarily register sultry—pick a demure shift shape and team with chunky white kicks for laidback Sunday brunchin' goodness.
16. Maja Salvador
This is obviously a happy family snap, but we've zoomed in to Maja's chill tourist OOTD: a lavender crochet tank top, satisfyingly baggy blue jeans, and a jean jacket loosely slung 'round the waist. She finishes with platform brogues and enormous dark, bug-eyed sunnies.
17. Erich Gonzales
Off to The Aivee Clinic for a blissful day of the uninterrupted pampering you deserve? Make like Erich and arrive in casual monochrome. On Wednesdays, we wear B&W.
18. Chiara Ferragni
While Italian entrepreneur slash influencer slash model mom Chiara has built an empire from her glittery namesake label and her blog, The Blonde Salad, you'll notice that she literally never tires of lugging around her black 2.55. You may spy a trendy bag on her arm every now and then (fun iridescent Louis Vuitton duffels and a certain giant, exotic-skin tangerine Birkin among them); nevertheless, she always bounces back to her fave. We're hoping you're convinced to splurge by now.
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