The birth of a Chanel 2.55

The Chanel 2.55 is named after the actual launch date; February 1955. All the features on the bag were inspired by Coco Chanel's past, life and needs.

The brown color lining's represents the color from the convent, at the
orphanage where she grew up.

Rumoured is that Coco Chanel hid here love letters in the inside compartment
at the inside front flap of the bag.

Coco used the back outside flap for the storage of money

Coco thought that the modern women needed to have their hands free while attending social functions and came up with the chain shoulder strap. The inspiration for the strap chains on the bag came from the caretakers at the convert where she grew up. The caretakers hold the keys at their waist dangling from the same type of chains as the 2.55 shoulder strap chains.

The original 2.55 came with a front lock called ''the Mademoiselle Lock'', because Coco never got married. Since 1980 the bag was made with a lock in the shape of the double CC logo that is called ''the Classic Flaps''.

The quilted diamond or herringbone pattern is created by using a running stich that gives the bag shape and volume. The pattern is said to be inspired by several sources; the stained-glass windows of the abbey at Aubazine, by jockeys’ riding coats, as well as by the cushions in Coco's Paris apartment.

On one 2.55 bag 6 to 15 people work up to 18 hours (depending on the material) to make the bag.

source: fashionoffice