Chanel is inarguably one of the most coveted designer brands in the world. Dating back to 1909, the French fashion house is not only known for its identifiable double-C logo, but for the elegance and freedom it represents—Coco Chanel was one of the first designers to free the woman’s body from the constraints of corsets and ill-fitting dresses, after all.
But aside from Chanel’s free-spirited and relaxed take on femininity, the brand, now helmed by Virginie Viard, is equally known for its well-made handbags that have proved to be a timeless wardrobe staple for every fashionista. Given its many designs through the years though, it’s hard to settle on just one. That said, you can never go wrong with the classics—and yes, the chain bag is one of them.
Classic Chanel Bags You Won't Regret Splurging On
Here are all the ultimate Chanel handbags to consider investing in:
1. 2.55
Touted as the “original Chanel shoulder bag,” the 2.55 was created in 1955 (hence the name) as an update to Coco Chanel’s handbag designed in 1929. She added straps for practicality. “I got fed up with holding my purses in my hands and losing them, so I added a strap and carried them over my shoulder,” she reportedly said in Coco Chanel by Justine Picardie. It is said that the burgundy lining was inspired by the habits worn by the nuns in the convent she grew up in, and the chain straps were inspired by their belts, or the harnesses of horses. Even the famous quilted leather is said to have been inspired by her love of horseback-riding. The 2.55 now comes in a wide variety of material (from leather totweed), hardware, and sizes.
Aged Calfskin & Gold-Tone Metal Black, $10,800 (approximately P633,214), CHANEL, chanel.com
2. Flap Bag
Not to be confused with the 2.55, the Flap Bag was designed by Karl Lagerfeld and debuted in 1983 as his interpretation of the original 2.55. What distinguishes the Flap from the 2.55 is the CC lock. The 2.55 features a rectangular lock known as the Mademoiselle lock. Since Karl Lagerfeld popularized the ubiquitous CC logo in the ‘80s, the Flap Bag has been interpreted each year, resulting in a wide variety of designs, colorways, and fun elements like denim and pearls! It is also called the Classic Handbag.
Large Classic Handbag, $11,700 (approximately P685,848), CHANEL, chanel.com
3. Boy
One of the most recent yet wildly popular releases from Chanel is the Boy. The bag was inspired by Coco Chanel’s masculine and androgynous flair, which was influenced by her beau Arthur Capel whom she fondly called Boy. Although the Boy is still characterized by the rectangular, roomy shape of its predecessors, it takes on an edgier vibe as evidenced by the clean, angular lines, boxy silhouette, and rustic-effect hardware. It comes in everything from modern ruthenium-finish metal hardware on gritty black, to classic gold-tone metal paired with fresh pastel hues.
Large Boy Chanel Handbag, $7300 (approximately P427,977), CHANEL, chanel.com
4. Wallet on Chain (WOC)
Chanel has a range of tiny Flap bags and 2.55’s, but perhaps a design that’s a classic in its own right is the Wallet on Chain, which is basically a mini version of a Flap Bag but without the double flap feature. It’s also characterized by the handy flap at the back and the emblematic (and enigmatic) zipper flap on the interior of the flap closure, which is said to have been where Coco Chanel stored her secret love letter. Of course, it has that iconic leather-woven chain strap, a compromise reportedly created by Chanel when chains were scarce.
Classic Wallet on Chain Lambskin and Silver-Tone Metal, $3350 (approx. P196,405), CHANEL, chanel.com
5. Gabrielle
Another recent release but warmly received piece is the Gabrielle, which made its debut only in 2017. Marked by its boho shape and long shoulder strap, the Gabrielle was the first bag to be presented in a unisex fashion, making it one for the books. In true Chanel style, the calfskin shoulder strap is built with two chain straps that makes its functionality all the more chic. It features an easy zip closure that makes storing your belongings a breeze.
Approximate price: A classic black Gabrielle costs $4300 but can go upwards of $5000 for limited edition designs.
Aged Calfskin Quilted New Medium Gabrielle Hobo White, $3000 (approximately P175,893), CHANEL, fashionphile.com*
6. Gabrielle Small Backpack
Chanel may be a fashion house that has stood the test of time, but it isn’t one to avoid experimenting with modern styles with a playful touch. The Gabrielle Small Backpack is a prime example. Taking the slouchy appeal of the Gabrielle, this backpack version is in the form of a drawstring style looped with the brand’s leather-woven chain and brandished with a CC logo front and center. Its hands-free fun has garnered a following of celebrities around the world.
Aged Calfskin Quilted Small Gabrielle Backpack Black, $3960 (approximately P232,501), CHANEL, fashionphile.com*
7. Grand Shopping Tote (GST)
Chanel’s Shopping Tote stands out as one of the brand’s most iconic and timeless bags, featuring the signature quilting, double C motif, spacious interior, and split chain handles. Available in three sizes—Petite, Grand, and XL—it’s the Grand Shopping Tote, or GST, that has captured the most attention and commands high prices on the resale market. Though it was never released in special editions, the GST frequently appeared in seasonal colors, with black and various nude shades being the most coveted. Over the years, a wide array of colors have been produced, adding to its classic appeal and enduring popularity.
Caviar Quilted Grand Shopping Tote, $3145 (approx. P184,392), CHANEL, fashionphile.com*
8. Medallion Tote
A beloved staple from the early 2000s, the Chanel Medallion Tote remains highly coveted even years after its discontinuation. Fortunately, this iconic bag is still readily available on the resale market. Named for its signature charm zipper pull, the Medallion Tote boasts perfect proportions—measuring approximately 12.5 x 10 x 6 inches with a 6.5-inch handle drop. The size is ideal, offering ample space for essentials with room to spare. Unlike most tote bags, this one features a zipper closure, a much-appreciated detail. Crafted from Chanel’s iconic caviar leather, it stands out as one of the most durable leathers available. The leather-lined interior makes it slightly heavier than your average tote, but that's just the weight of luxury.
Caviar Quilted Medallion Tote Light Pink, $1945 (approx. P114,036), CHANEL, fashionphile.com*
9. Chanel 19
The Chanel 19, the last major creation by Karl Lagerfeld, also pays homage to the 2.55 bag. Debuting in March 2019 for the Fall/Winter collection, it was a joint effort between Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard. Unlike the Classic Flap and 2.55 Flap, the Chanel 19 boasts a more relaxed shape while still featuring Chanel’s signature motifs, such as the chunky chain top handle and an adjustable strap with three interwoven chains in silver, aged gold, and ruthenium. The exaggerated diamond quilting adds a touch of casual chic to its design.
Available in small, medium, large, and maxi sizes, as well as in Wallet on Chain, Flap Clutch, and Flap Wallet styles, the Chanel 19 sees new variations each season. Materials range from Lambskin and Goatskin to Tweed, Denim/Cotton, and Limited Edition Sequin or Silk. While most versions feature the three hardware colors, there are also editions with black hardware and other limited variations. Plus, it’s priced more affordably than the Classic Flap Bag.
Chanel 19, $6600 (approx. P386,961), CHANEL, chanel.com
10. Chanel 22
Named after the year of its introduction, the Chanel 22 debuted during the Spring/Summer 2022 collection and quickly became a favorite among fashion enthusiasts. Designed by former creative director Virginie Viard, this bag features a square shape, drawstring closure, and a chain-and-leather strap. Chanel describes it as "a genuine ally for daily life" with a magnetic button, drawstrings, an inside zipped pocket, and a removable pouch for essentials like keys, wallet, and phone. The oversized Chanel 22 sparked a trend, selling out rapidly at boutiques and in the resale market. Available in materials such as calfskin, tweed, velvet, and sequins, the Chanel 22 is offered in small, medium, large, and large backpack sizes.
Chanel 22 Handbag, $5800 (approx. P340,056), CHANEL, chanel.com
*Note: We would like to clarify that some of the prices mentioned in this article have been sourced from authorized resellers and not directly from the brand's official website. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, it is important to note that prices may vary depending on the reseller and the region. We encourage readers to visit the official brand website or consult authorized resellers for the most up-to-date pricing information.
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