Chanel brand was founded in 1910 by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel with a store in Paris's Rue Cambon, where she started out selling hats. She later began making clothes. Nowadays it is one of the most famous and expensive luxury brands in the world.Chanel has designed a wide range of products over its long history. The question is: how do you choose the perfect Chanel bag for you?
Let's start looking into the most famous collections/lines: Flap Bags, Boy Bags, Coco Bags, Tote Bags, and Vanity Bags.
Chanel Flap Bags
There is no question that one of the most iconic handbags throughout history is the Chanel flap bag. Since its introduction, there have been countless designs made and there is the possibility to be confounded or finding wrong information. With the following, we try to make clear the topic.
Chanel Flap Bags history
The history of Chanel flaps goes back to February 1955 when Coco Chanel launched the first version of her famous double flap bag. The double chain allowed for hands-free use of bags, an innovative feature at the time, and made them easy to carry while keeping femininity. The original Chanel Flap became widely known as "2.55" because of its release year.
Over time, numerous variations of the original 2.55 designs have appeared including single flaps, different sizes, and the use of inter-woven leather through the chains.
Karl Lagerfeld impacted in 3 different key moments to reinvent the original creation. In the 1980s he introduced the "new family" with the famous interlocking CC logo. In 2005 revisited the original Chanel Flap to celebrate 50 years of the eternally chic bag (giving birth to the "2.55 Reissue"). In 2019 together with Virginie Viard reimagine the Chanel classic bag giving birth to the Chanel 19 Bag. It was the last major handbag Karl Lagerfeld designed.
Chanel Classic Flap Vs Chanel Reissue Flap
There is some confusion regarding the terminology used to describe Chanel flap bags.
The 2.55 is referring to Coco Chanel's iconic bag that she originally designed in 1955. The classic flap refers to bags that feature the iconic interlocking CC lock design that was first introduced in the 1980s.
However, it is quite common for 2.55 to be used as a term that encompasses all Chanel flaps using the traditional structure.
A Reissue flap is a term used to refer to a 2005 version of the Chanel 2.55 which was recreated by Karl Lagerfeld for the 50th anniversary of its original release. It is popular to use these words to refer to all recently made 2.55s even if not technically correct. Following a couple of images of products at Tabita Bags store.


Differences between a Double Flap and Single Flap
Both the Classic Flap and the 2.55 bag are typically double flaps, which means they both have a flap compartment inside and a flap closing on the outside. 2.55 bags have never deviated from this pattern, but the Classic Flap bags have occasionally been produced with just one flap.2014 saw the end of single flap bags, and all 2.55 and Classic Flap bags are now double flaps.
The Hidden Zipper Compartment
The hidden zipper compartment beneath the top flap is a Chanel signature feature. According to the story, Coco Chanel designed the compartment as a place to hide her love letters because she was having an affair at the time of its design and it was here that she hid the love letters. This pocket is popularly referred to as the "love letters pocket".
Chanel 2.55 bag
As previously stated, the Chanel 2.55 bag could be the most iconic of all Chanel bags. The bag's main feature is the long, thin strap that allows it to be carried over the shoulder.
The original design of the 2.55 bag is still available today, but there have been numerous modifications, upgrades, and special edition versions released over the years. Every season, new colours, fabrics, and embellishments are added. As a result, the 2.55 bag is one of the most adaptable in terms of design and material in the entire Chanel collection.
The bag's core design includes seven pockets, two of which are inside pockets, one of which is a smaller middle pocket designed to store makeup accessories, and an outside pocket found at the back of the bag, designed for quick access, the so-called 'Mona Lisa's Smile' pocket, an hidden inner pocket, where Coco Chanel kept her love letters.
Chanel 11.12 bag
The 11.12 is a notable model of Chanel bag that gained notoriety for being the first to have the interlocking double CC lock. The 11.12 purse, created by Karl Lagerfeld as a reinterpretation of Gabrielle Chanel's original 2.55, also has a woven leather chain strap. Again, the 11.12 bag offers a lot of design, material, and colour options.
Chanel 19 bag
This handbag is slouchier than the 2.55 or the 11.12. Its strap is composed of a trio of chains. The bag features also a chain handle. It is normal for luxury brands to take some success elements and exaggerate them. Here it has been done on the diamond quilting and CC clasp, revisited in a bigger size.
Chanel Boy Bags
Inspired by the cartridge bag, which was a popular hunting accessory at the time, the Boy was named after Coco Chanel's lover (Boy Capel).
Under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld, The Boy was introduced at the right time (in 2011-2012). Women of all ages took a particular interest in Chanel when usually its signature garments and accessories were designed for an older audience. With its casual feel and rock/biker attitude, it has been a bold move to tone down the French House formalities. Nothing like the Boy bag has ever been made before by Chanel. It was a risky move, but it turned out to be a very successful one.
Quilted or chevrons leather are most commonly used for Chanel Boy bags, but they're not the only option. Seasonal pieces may be made from different materials. Practicality and fashion go together when it comes to the Boy bag. It frequently comes in gold or ruthenium-tone hardware and has an adjustable chain strap with leather components.
It has been made in five different sizes throughout its history and is now available in three sizes (mini, small, and large). The most popular line is the structured, rectangular-shaped chain shoulder bag. The Boy line includes also Chanel Totes models, that have different shapes and structures but always with the common large rectangular CC squeeze-lock clasp at the front giving it an industrial/rock vibe.
One of the advantages of the second hand market is the bigger choice in terms of variants. See for example this beautiful Pink Chanel Boy Bag at Tabita Bags in Switzerland. Among the rarities in the resale market see this Chanel Boy Woc Clutch at Tabita Bags shop.
Chanel Boy in Black Leather and Gold hardware at Tabita Bags

| Size |
Measurements in Cm |
| Mini Boy(Seasonal) |
15 x 9 x 7 cm |
| Small Boy |
20 x 12 x 8 cm |
| Medium Boy (Old medium) |
25 x 15 x 9 cm |
| Large Boy (New medium) |
28 x 18 x 9 cm |
| Large Boy (Discontinued) |
30 x 21 x 10 cm |
Chanel Mini Bags
The fashion industry is captivated by the tiny handbag trend as the size of highly desired purses continues to get smaller. Mini, micro, and petite purses are all the rage because they are really adorable, even if sometimes pretty impractical.
Some Chanel mini bags can accommodate daily necessities, while others can only carry a credit card. See for example this original pre-owned Mini flap bag at Tabita Bags. Despite this, the history of these bite-sized bags dates back to the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s. In order to encourage women to boldly accept their physique, long skirts were cut into miniskirts, and nylon stockings were substituted with tights. Bag silhouettes also decreased along with the size of clothing, adding to the modern woman's evolving sense of style.
Among the Chanel Mini flap bag, one worth mentioning is the Chanel 2.55 Reissue Mini Bag which with a roughly 20 cm side can accommodate a phone, makeup, and a few other necessities.
Chanel Wallet on Chain (WOC)
The Chanel Wallet on Chain (WOC), which is stylish and adorable, is evidence that the finest things frequently come in little forms. It is designed to resemble a miniature Classic flap and maintains much of the distinctive Chanel look in a small but stylish package.
The WOC is the ideal little companion for a night out or for light travel. It holds your most important belongings like your phone, credit cards, and keys. It goes with practically any outfit and can be carried like a clutch in your hand or slung over your shoulder.
Chanel Tote Bags & Chanel Shopping Bags
If you prefer a purse with a roomier design than the micro bag trend that is now dominating the catwalk, Chanel's shopping and tote bags are perfect for you. If you don't like to travel light, a large bag is ideal for storing all of your favourite items.
Although Chanel stopped making its famous Grand Shopping Tote in 2015, there are still a ton of other large bag alternatives available. The quilted leather shoppers have a genuinely classic charm, while the canvas shoppers offer another universe of possibilities.

Chanel Vanity Case
The Vanity Case, one of Chanel's more recent releases, has quickly gained popularity. This boxy bag has a top handle, a longer chain shoulder strap, and a secret CC padlock with its own key. The interlocking Cs are imprinted on the front of the bag. A concealed expanding accordion design with two open compartments and a zipper in the middle is made accessible by the double zipper that wraps around the top and sides of the bag. Three sizes of the Vanity Case are available: Small, Medium, and Large.
Coco Chanel Bags
One of Chanel's most popular designs today is the Coco Handle.
The trapezoidal shape of the Coco handle makes it recognizable from a distance. It differs from the Classic Flap and resembles the Hermes Kelly more due to its unique form.
Many of Chanel's signature features are present, starting with the iconic twist clasp with the interlaced CC emblem, along with the useful addition of a handle.
The body is made of quilted leather, with a style that continues to reference the timeless design of the Chanel Flap bag. Chevron quilting is also a possibility. Both styles are timelessly fashionable and in high demand.
The Coco Handle contains a useful external rear pocket, like the Classic Flap for quick access to a phone or credit card while on the go.
The traditional leather and interlaced chain strap are there, along with an extra leather piece at the top for a more comfortable shoulder carry. The availability of the long chain and the handle make it a very versatile bag.
In terms of variants, it comes in a wide range of materials and seasonal and evergreen hues.
There are four sizes available. the Mini can fit your on-the-go necessities like cards, sanitiser, and lipstick; the Small size gives a bit more space. There is enough space in the Medium to carry everything you need for the day. The Large is roomy and can accommodate everything you need to transport you.
Vintage Chanel Bags
Karl Lagerfeld gave the Chanel brand a contemporary attitude and new viewpoint when he was appointed creative director of the company in 1983. Karl Lagerfeld was deeply influenced by Coco Chanel's classic designs and frequently referred to her design archives. The most well-known vintage Chanel bags are those that he created in the 1980s and 1990s that are thus charged multiples of the original retail price.
One model worth mentioning is the Vintage Chanel Diana, which was one of the favourite purses of Lady Diana. It is a discontinued bag and the models in good condition are really desired in the second-hand market. See this beautiful Black Chanel bag at Tabita Bags.