PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANEL
Created in 1955 by the visionary Gabrielle Chanel, the 2.55 handbag stands as an icon at the house of Chanel. Its quilted exterior and distinctive flat-link chain strap are synonymous with sophistication and elegance. Yet it is the Mademoiselle turn-lock clasp that bestows upon this accessory a final, inimitable touch.
The pioneering handbag liberated women from the constraints of carrying their belongings in hand. Mademoiselle Chanel herself articulated this response to the impracticality: “Tired of carrying my bags by hand and losing them, I slipped a strap over them and slipped them over my shoulder.” This simple yet profound innovation ushered in an era of effortless utility.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANEL
Following the original design principles, the maison continues to craft the 2.55 handbag as if it were a garment, by constructing it from the inside out. Whether you sling it across the body or over the shoulder, it gracefully follows the body’s contours.
Today, the classic style primarily comes in aged calfskin and gold-tone hardware, although Chanel consistently introduces seasonal variations. For example, exploring materials like jersey or alternative quilting patterns like the chevron.
Sizes start with the Mini 2.55 (SGD7540) that measures a petite 20 cm wide and 15.5 cm high. Then what follows is simply the 2.55 (SGD15,680) handbag, slightly wider and taller at 24 cm by 16 cm. Finally, the Large 2.55 (SGD16,900), which comes in at 28 cm by 19.5 cm, comfortably holds a notebook and more than a day’s worth of essentials.
To top it off, every 2.55 handbag is eligible for the maison’s dedicated Chanel & Moi care programme. This exclusive service helps preserve the beauty of your Chanel heirloom, ensuring it remains a cherished possession for generations to come.
