Your Guide To Finally Purchasing That Iconic Chanel Handbag—With Prices!

Every bag enthusiast dreams of having at least one Chanel bag. For a first-time buyer, the options are endless! Which design? In which color? In what metal finish or material? And the size? It’s okay to be overwhelmed. The beauty of a Chanel bag is that it’s an iconic design but can be greatly personalized to the liking of the wearer. If you don’t know where to begin your Chanel handbag journey, or looking to invest on your next one, let this simplified guide be your entryway to the world of Chanel.

Even with the host of options, it’s easy to breakdown the most iconic handbags of Chanel. We’ve trimmed this simple guide to the must-have handbags you can look into first.

MUST-HAVE BAG DESIGNS

2.55

Created by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, herself, in Feb of 1955 (hence the name), the Chanel favorite stood the test of time and still remains an icon today. Its recognizable rectangular shape is well-loved, and the quilted texture—an ode to Coco’s love for equestrian—is definitely a covet-worthy iteration of this classic. The devil is in the details: the signature metal chain are linked together elegantly and the “Mademoiselle” turnlock is a hardware that sits well with the bag’s design.

Classic Handbag

Often referred to as Classic Flap bag, this design has also grown to be a well-loved piece from Chanel’s lineup. Created by then Creative Director Karl Lagerfeld in 1983, the Classic Bag is his reinterpretation to update the 2.55 bag. The “Flap” feature ensures ease of access done so effortlessly to not get in the way of your bag-related tasks. Its updated chain also is a new favorite. The gold- and silver-toned metal are interlaced with leather for that recognizable touch. 

Boy Chanel

This boxy design of the Boy Chanel was a welcome surprise to the Chanel lineup. Also created by Karl Lagerfeld, the sturdy bag was named after Coco’s first love, Arthur Capel. The bag is a vision of its own. It has a boyish allure in its sleek lines and graphic clasps. The chains are bigger and more masculine. This bag is perfect for those looking to add attitude into their wardrobe.

Chanel 19

Consider this the younger sister of the 2.55, the Chanel 19 bag was created by Karl Lagerfeld alongside Virginie Ward, the current creative director of the brand since Karl’s passing. The Chanel 19 comes with a chunkier chain strap and much softer, slouchier in structure than the 2.55. Notice the XL version fo the CC clasp, too! If you’re up for a more relaxed look, this must be the bag for you.

Gabrielle

What might be the wildcard in the classic handbag selection of Chanel, the Gabrielle is one to covet, too. Named after the founder, the Gabrielle has a light body and a stable base it a seemingly boat-like shape. The double metal chain provides opportunity to style and restyle the way you wear the Gabrielle: crossbody, as a handbag, double crossbody, and more. It’s also the first official design to be marketed for both men and women. 

CLASSIC VERSUS SEASONAL

It’s easy to get misguided by the Chanel design you might have seen months ago but no store carries it today. The Classic section of Chanel are staples—they are here to stay. Often classified with their no-fuss, faithful to the original design, these pieces are classics and are available year-round. The Seasonal offers, though, are here, well, for a season. The Classic gets an updated makeover offering new colorways, or material or even chain designs. It’s an exciting and more thematic take on the bags you’ve grown to love, but they come and go.

Considered as the Holy Grail of Chanel’s, there is also the annual Métiers d’Art collection which means ‘art professions’. The special collection celebrates the craftsmanship of the artisans and specialists in the ateliers that Chanel works with. The bags are called demi-couture, bridging ready-to-wear bag designs and couture. While the bags aren’t one of a kind, the techniques used are at par with the way they do couture. 

SIZES AND MATERIAL

Once you’ve selected the classic Chanel design for you, consider the size you’ll be needing. Most designs are available from Mini to Large and beyond. The price point also varies depending on the size.

Each design and size also comes with a selection of materials. Leather selections may include aged or grained calfskin, smooth leather, or even the coveted caviar leather. The Tweeds and Fabrics selections have options for wool, velvet, sequins, tweed, and more. Each design also comes with a distinct matching of chains and hardware.

So yes, the world of Chanel can be quite complex. The beauty lies in the knowledge that there is the perfect Chanel handbag to your liking. 

For more information, visit Chanel.com

Note: Prices may vary from country to country.