The Most Underrated Chanel Bag? | Chanel 2.55 Review

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In this video, we will be looking at one of the most iconic, legendary, classic, most underrated Chanel handbag. I am talking about the 2.55 or as well all call it after its 2005 release The Reissue. In this video I will briefly talk about its history and materials. Then show you a full review of my Chanel 2.55 in the sizes 225 Medium and 224 Mini.

Coco turned a style that once signified an individual’s social class to a style that now signifies class and elegance. The first model of the 2.55 made its appearance in the 1920s because our girl was tired carrying and losing her clutches. The handbag wasn’t released to the public until February 1955. Coco Chanel redesigned her original handbag to incorporate functionality, practicality, and comfort with elegance. It was a success and it changed handbag history as it became the beacon of modernity. However, when Chanel passed away and without its innovative creator the brand started to lose its air of luxury and exclusivity until Karl Lagerfeld took control of the brand’s creative designs.

He understood Chanel, her visions, and the power of her logo. He redesigned Chanel’s 2.55 with leather interwoven chains and replaced Chanel’s turn-lock with the now infamous CC turn lock and called it the classic flap. It became so successful that the brand pulled Mademoiselle Chanel’s 2.55 flap out of production. Fortunately, in 2005 Lagerfeld brought Chanel’s 2.55 back for its 50th anniversary, calling it the Reissue.

The Reissue comes in four different sizes: mini (224), medium (225), jumbo (226), and maxi (227). It is commonly made with aged calfskin or as it is sometimes called “distressed leather” due to its creased appearance and ruthenium or aged gold hardware. However, depending on the season Chanel releases it in different leather or fabric and hardware combinations. For instance, lambskin, grained calfskin, or goatskin leather with ruthenium, gold, or black hardware. The possibilities are endless.

The features of the 2.55 serve different specific purposes, for instance the chain strap freed women’s hands from having to carry their clutches. Coco was enamored with the Mona Lisa smile that she designed the back pocket to resemble its smile. The back pocket on the flap was where you can easily store her cash and the zippered pocket on the inside of the flaps was where she hid her love letters (in modern times, its where I like to hide the evidence). The pockets on the inside is where you can store your lipstick, compact mirror and powder.

Now let's review my 2018 Chanel Red Chevron 2.55 Reissue with aged gold hardware in the size 225 and my 2019 Black Chevron Mini with black hardware in the size 224.

Overall, I feel that the Chanel Reissue 2.55 is definitely one of the most underrated bags. It is the perfect bag for everyday use due to its versatility and functionality. It is a purse that I feel comfortable wearing everywhere without drawing too much attention because it’s one of those “if you know, you know.” I also don’t have to worry so much about babying it because Chanel already did the wear and tear for you. It is such a beautiful and classic piece that I will love and cherish. Though I am unsure about my red reissue because I don’t reach out for her as much as the its little sister. Maybe it’s because I associate red with boldness and this girl isn’t too bold.

Time Stamps

00:00 Intro
00:42 History of Chanel 2.55
01:33 Chanel 2.55 Makes its Debut
01:48 Chanel 2.55 Changes History
01:55 Karl Lagerfeld Redesigns Chanel’s 2.55
02:24 Chanel Discontinues the 2.55
02:30 Chanel 2.55’s 50th Anniversary Reissue Comes Back
02:54 Chanel 2.55 Reissue Sizes
03:14 Leather and Hardware Guide
04:12 Chanel 2.55 Back Pocket
04:21 Zippered Pocket (Best Place to Hide The Evidence)
04:31 Inside of the Chanel 2.55
04:44 2018 2.55 Red Chevron Reissue in the size 225
05:06 Leather Scratches and Review
05:36 Edge Stitched Flap vs Non Edge Stitched Flap
05:44 Bijoux Chain
05:49 Chanel Reissue 225 Mod Shots
05:57 Leather Interior
05:59 Chanel Mademoiselle Turn Lock
06:20 Chanel Hardware Comparisons
06:26 2019 Chanel Black Chevron Reissue with Black Hardware in the size 224
06:52 Leather Details of Black Chevron Reissue
07:01 Edge Stitching Detail
07:07 Chanel Mini Reissue Mod Shots
07:25 Chanel is Offering Free Chain Shorteners
07:38 Chanel Mini Interior
07:47 Folding my Chanel Reissue
08:03 Closer look at the Chanel Black Hardware
08:28 Chanel Wear and Tear
09:13 Conclusion