PRELUDE
The whole idea of Chanel seems rather mysterious. It seems rather difficult to find much information regarding their bags. To make matters worse, it can be even more embarrassing to ask the sales person at the local Chanel boutique on the prices for a particular bag. Some people automatically assume that if you have to ask, then you probably can't afford it. Well, screw that! This I think is absolutely absurd which is why I have decided to write this post. I hope you find it useful.
Above- My black classic flap paired with my dainty-looking Valentino heels
INTRODUCTION
Chanel Black Classic Flap or should I say "Chanel Black Caviar Large/Medium Classic Flap with silver hardware" to be exact . I have had this bag for a while now and I would say that this is one of the most versatile & durable designer bag which should continue to remain fashionably chic for years to come. The classic flap comes in a variety of material and sizes. The two commonest leather sold are the lambskin and caviar. Lambskin is luxuriously supple and buttery but is of high maintenance and susceptible to wear and tear (especially scratches). On the hand, caviar has a grainy feel but it is extremely durable and is able to withstand considerable bashing (not that I would recommend bashing one's precious purse).
INTRODUCTION
Chanel Black Classic Flap or should I say "Chanel Black Caviar Large/Medium Classic Flap with silver hardware" to be exact . I have had this bag for a while now and I would say that this is one of the most versatile & durable designer bag which should continue to remain fashionably chic for years to come. The classic flap comes in a variety of material and sizes. The two commonest leather sold are the lambskin and caviar. Lambskin is luxuriously supple and buttery but is of high maintenance and susceptible to wear and tear (especially scratches). On the hand, caviar has a grainy feel but it is extremely durable and is able to withstand considerable bashing (not that I would recommend bashing one's precious purse).
PRICES & SIZES
There seem to be a degree of confusion regarding the sizes of the Chanel classic flap. From what I understand, the caviar classic flaps comes in the following sizes (here in ascending order of sizes & prices -as of Nov 2010, which I bet have increased yet again by now):
Baby (UK)/Mini (US) 6.5" X 5" X 2.5" 1450 Euro
Small 9" X 5,5" X 2" 2300 Euro
Medium/Large 10" X 6" X 2.5" 2450 Euro
Jumbo Single Flap 12" X 8" X 3" 2550 Euro
Jumbo Double Flap 12" X 8" X 3" 2700 Euro
Maxi Single Flap 13" X 9" X 4" 2750 Euro
Maxi Double Flap 13" X 9" X 4" 2950 Euro
In general, lambskin leather is slightly more expensive than the caviar but there is no price difference between gold or silver hardwares.
BAG FACTS
There is even more confusion with the Medium/Large size. Even within the London city itself, Chanel in Harrods call the 10" X 6" X 2.5" bag as the medium size whereas the Chanel in New Bond St refers the exact same bag as Large. Thus, although they refer to the same bag size, different boutiques call it differently.
The medium/large classic flap has also been referred to as the "Bag of 7 pockets", namely:
Inside Front slip pocket X 1
Inside back slip pockets in a row X 3
Inside back zipped pocket X 1
Inside hidden zipped pocket on the bag closure flap X 1 (allegedly where Coco Chanel secretly kept her letters)
Outside back slip pocket X 1
I would love to show you some pics of the pockets but unfortunately I am currently away (very far away) from my wardrobe. So, if you may, just try to imagine it.
MISCONCEPTIONS
Like many people, I used to think that these classic flaps were known as 2.55 bag. However, I was later informed by a sales person at a local Chanel boutique that strictly speaking 2.55 refers to the reissue version (with the rectangular original madamoiselle lock). The 2.55 refers to the date Feb 1955 and the term 2.55 reissue came about on the 50th anniversary of the bag in 2005 during which Karl Lagerfeld revived the bag and made it with the signature madamoiselle lock . The bags with the CC turn lock (which was introduced by Karl Lagerfeld in the 80s) are simply called the Classic Flaps.
WAYS TO WEAR
The medium/large size is a fairly good size bag. It can be adjusted as a double chain strap worn on the shoulder or as a single chain. Here are a selection of some old photos in my collection showing how I wore the bag:
Dressed up with a simple tube grey Alexander Mcqueen dress for a dinner function
Dressed down with an informal but cute floral mini dress
If one prefers, it can also be held like a clutch without much awkwardness.
PRICE TRENDS
I took the liberty at compiling the price figures of the Chanel Classic Flap (Medium/Large Caviar) for the last few years. Prices quoted here are based at London, United Kingdom in British Pound currency (£). Looking at the trends on the graph, I think I am better off investing on a purse than the shares/stock market.
So, that is the summary on the Chanel Classic flap, Medium/Large Caviar in particular. If you have found this useful, you may be interested in reading my previous entry on the Chanel Jumbo Flap (Click on this link: CHANEL JUMBO BEIGE)
MISCONCEPTIONS
Like many people, I used to think that these classic flaps were known as 2.55 bag. However, I was later informed by a sales person at a local Chanel boutique that strictly speaking 2.55 refers to the reissue version (with the rectangular original madamoiselle lock). The 2.55 refers to the date Feb 1955 and the term 2.55 reissue came about on the 50th anniversary of the bag in 2005 during which Karl Lagerfeld revived the bag and made it with the signature madamoiselle lock . The bags with the CC turn lock (which was introduced by Karl Lagerfeld in the 80s) are simply called the Classic Flaps.
WAYS TO WEAR
The medium/large size is a fairly good size bag. It can be adjusted as a double chain strap worn on the shoulder or as a single chain. Here are a selection of some old photos in my collection showing how I wore the bag:
If one prefers, it can also be held like a clutch without much awkwardness.
PRICE TRENDS
| Date | Price |
| Apr 2008 | £1,510.00 |
| Apr 2009 | £1,625.00 |
| Jan 2010 | £1,660.00 |
| July 2010 | £2,025.00 |
| Aug 2010 | £2,045.00 |
| Nov 2010 | £2,110.00 |
| Jan 2011 | £2,140.00 |
So, that is the summary on the Chanel Classic flap, Medium/Large Caviar in particular. If you have found this useful, you may be interested in reading my previous entry on the Chanel Jumbo Flap (Click on this link: CHANEL JUMBO BEIGE)
