Welcome to our list of the 14 Chanel Bags Every Bag Lover Should Know!
Chanel bags are some of the most iconic handbags in the market! Founded in 1910 by Coco Chanel the brand is today one of the biggest luxury brands in the world! Chanel has launched some amazing handbags throughout the years most of them designed by the legendary Karl Lagerfeld, who joined the brand in 1983. Here on this video I’ll show you the 14 Chanel bags you should know about, some are recent launches still sold by the house, others are iconic vintage styles that are still beloved by many!
This list is inspired by a Sotheby’s article, so make sure to check out their amazing vintage Chanel selection that is available for immediate purchase! You’ll find the link on the images featured!
This will be your ultimate guide to Chanel handbags! So, without further ado here are 14 Chanel Bags Every Bag Lover Should Know:
1. Chanel 2.55
In February 1955, Coco Chanel created the 2.55 Flap Bag, and history was made. The Chanel 2.55 Flap signified fashion liberation: it was the first bag made for women to come with a shoulder strap, freeing them from the constraints of the impractical clutch. Rebellious and controversial, this Chanel handbag was a revelation, and women were immediately drawn in. With an emphasis on practicality, each detail – from the adjustable chain strap to the accessible back slip pocket – caters to women’s every need.
Arguably the most famous Chanel bag of all time, the 2.55 Flap bag is a timeless icon.
2. Chanel 11.12
The Chanel handbag that would ultimately become synonymous with the brand was not created until 1983. The Chanel Classic Double Flap was first introduced when Karl Lagerfeld became creative director and decided to reinterpret Chanel’s iconic 2.55 Flap Bag. From his artistic vision came two new features – a leather woven chain and Double C turn-lock closure. Lagerfeld’s Classic Double Flap was a breakout success.
In spring 2021, the Chanel Classic Flap was renamed to the 11.12, in honor of the original Medium Classic Flap’s style code – A01112. The universal wearability and simplicity of the Chanel Classic Double Flap solidifies this handbag as an iconic statement piece. Almost thirty years later, and out of all the Chanel handbags on the market, the Classic Double Flap remains one of the most sought-after pieces ever crafted.
3. Chanel 19
Named after 2019, the year it debuted, the Chanel 19 handbag quickly rose to legendary status. Unveiled in March 2019 for the Fall/Winter 2019 collection, the Chanel 19 would be solidified in history as the last major handbag designed by Karl Lagerfeld, before he passed away in February 2019. In a collaborative effort, Largerfeld and Virginie Viard – Chanel’s current creative director – reimagined and paid tribute to the iconic Chanel 2.55 bag and the Classic Flap.
Recognized for its contemporary feel, the Chanel 19 is much slouchier than its predecessors, and the strap is composed of three chunky chains in silver, aged gold and ruthenium. Additionally, the gold chain handle and exaggerated diamond quilting enhance the Chanel 19’s casual, chic style and sought-after signature design.
4. Chanel Shopping Tote
A wardrobe staple and icon of the early-2000s, the Shopping Tote is a long-time favorite among Chanel handbag lovers. Designed in three sizes – the Petite Shopping Tote, the Grand Shopping Tote, and the Grand Shopping Tote XL – the standard Grand Shopping Tote is the ultimate classic. Best recognized for its roominess and tasteful simplicity, the Chanel Shopping Tote is only available in classic quilting. Additionally, only two hardware colors – gold and silver – were ever offered.
After the GST was discontinued in 2015, the desirability of these Chanel handbags skyrocketed. Today, the Chanel Shopping Tote is a rare vintage find, coveted among those in the know.
5. Chanel 22
Designed by Virginie Viard the Chanel 22 was presented at the Spring/Summer 22 collection. Like its predecessor – the CHANEL 19 created in 2019 – its name refers to the year of its creation. Functional and light, made of an extremely supple yet resistant leather, this bag comes in three sizes and an array of colors. Designed to be an easy fuss-free everyday bag, the Chanel 22 is more casual than the usual Chanel bag. Its interior, sophisticated and practical, closes with a magnetic button and purse-like drawstrings. It features an inside zipped pocket and a removable pouch held in place by a snap hook.
This bag has just launched but is already polemical, with some people calling it an overpriced dust bag. Nevertheless it is worth getting to know this one! It is sold for $5,300.
6. Chanel Boy Bag
Debuted in 2011 in Chanel’s Fall/Winter collection, the Chanel Boy Bag struck a chord among lovers of Chanel handbags and romantics alike, cementing a place as a mainstay in Chanel’s collection. For this handbag, Karl Lagerfeld was inspired by Chanel’s life. Arthur “Boy” Capel was a polo player and Coco Chanel’s greatest love, with whom she had a nine-year passionate affair. With the Boy Bag, Chanel offers a more masculine edge, paying homage to the radical spirit of Coco Chanel and her mission to push the boundaries of femininity and gender norms. To little surprise, this Chanel bag was met with a surge of demand, quickly becoming one of Chanel’s most sought-after styles among style icons.
Characterized by its lego-brick lock and main body framed by straight edges, the Chanel Boy Bag is admired for its versatile silhouette and unique, limited-edition versions. Nearly every season, exciting and unexpected variations of the Boy Bag are released, keeping the Chanel community on its toes and always eager for more.
7. Chanel Diana
Constantly seeking inspiration from the world around him, Karl Lagerfeld placed tremendous value in his muses, as these fashionable women helped solidify his designs as timeless classics. As such, Princess Diana of Wales, the ultimate style icon of the ‘80s and ‘90s, had a tremendous impact on Lagerfeld and the living legacy of Chanel. Produced from 1989 to approximately 1995, the Chanel Diana bag is a coveted find among vintage hunters and Diana admirers alike. This classic design closely resembles that of the Chanel Single Flap, and was sported so frequently by Princess Diana, that Karl Largefeld felt it only fitting to honor her in the name.
Following Diana’s divorce, rumor had it she didn’t like the Chanel logo, as the interlocking CCs reminded her of her ex-husband, Charles, and his new partner, Camilla. However, eventually, Diana did return to the classic brand and was often seen carrying their bags. The handbag was resurrected in the Spring 2015 collection, but the vintage Chanel Diana in caviar leather remains the most elusive and sought-after variation ever crafted. The Chanel Diana is not currently sold by Chanel, but you can find it at Sotheby’s!
8. Chanel Coco Handle
First launched in 2015 and also known as the ‘Flap Bag with Handle’ this bag is a favorite of Chanel enthusiasts. Though similar to classic Chanel styles, the Coco Handle is a fun reimagining of the iconic flap. The Chanel Top Handle features Chanel’s classic codes we all know and love, like the diamond quilting, the flap, the interlocking CC logo, and the chain strap, but with the addition of its distinctive feature: the top handle. This style has been growing in popularity with each year that passes.
9. Chanel Deauville Tote
Refined yet casual, there is no better bag to honor Coco Chanel’s first fashion boutique and favorite seaside destination than the Deauville tote, first introduced for the Spring-Summer 2012 collection. Received to incredible demand, the Deauville quickly expanded color, hardware, and material options to suit any season or occasion. Adorned with two intertwined chains, leather straps, the iconic interlocking CC logo, and “31 Rue Cambon” (the address of Coco Chanel’s apartment and first boutique), this tote is an ode to the luxury brand’s rich history. The spacious tote is equipped with large zipped pockets and a key clasp, ensuring that no personal belongings be misplaced.
Designed as the ideal beach bag – able to hold all the oceanside necessities one may need – the Deauville is functional in all variations.
10. Chanel Perfume Bottle Bag
After debuting in the Chanel Cruise 2014 collection, the plexiglass Perfume Bottle Bag was a sensational hit. Modeled after the iconic Chanel No. 5 Perfume bottle, these unconventional Chanel bags are adored among fashion trendsetters. Sported by the likes of Kim Kardashian and Rihanna, this Chanel purse shines in the spotlight. The limited availability of the Perfume Bottle Bag enhances its appeal, as it remains a coveted piece on the resale market. A modern interpretation of Chanel’s most recognizable perfume bottle, this playful conversation piece is a dream evening bag.
On the spring summer 22 collection, Chanel presented once again the Perfume Bottle bag and very limited quantities were sold this season!
11. Chanel Vanity Case
Reminiscent of the Audrey Hepburn era, the Chanel Vanity is a modern interpretation of the vanity cases women would use to carry cosmetics and toiletries during travel. First introduced in ‘90s, and reimagined in the Chanel Airlines Spring/Summer 2016 collection, the Vanity purse is both nostalgic and practical, with all the staple features of classic Chanel handbags. Much like the structure of real luggage, this Chanel purse unzips around the entire perimeter and contains numerous compartments for storage.
Novel and glamorous in appearance, but practical and versatile in function, the Chanel Vanity is a stand-out piece that belongs in every woman’s handbag collection.
12. Chanel Gabrielle Bag
In honor of Gabrielle Chanel herself, this bag is the perfect intersection of elegance and functionality. Introduced in the Spring/Summer 2017 show, the Gabrielle bag marked Chanel’s first major handbag launch since ‘The Boy’ in 2011. Inspired by virtual reality goggles, Karl Lagerfeld playfully designed the Gabrielle bag, confidently leaning into unisex fashion. The Gabrielle came in a classic hobo version, a backpack, large shopper and a more whimsical handbag shape. Further enhancing the functionality of the Gabrielle is the double straps of different lengths, transforming this Chanel handbag for any occasion.
You can still find a Gabrielle bag at Chanel stores being sold for $5,000, but the scarcity of the bag probably means it will soon be discontinued by the brand.
13. Chanel Wallet-On-Chain
Stylish, simple and chic, the Chanel Wallet on Chain, is a must-have staple for any woman on the go. Known for its versatile 24-inch chain strap and practicality of its many compartments, the Chanel WOC holds the status of a classic Chanel handbag while also being uniquely compact in size. With the wallet built into the bag, these Chanel handbags brilliantly combine small size with efficient space. Moreover, the versatility of the strap is a defining feature of this Chanel purse. The Wallet on Chain can be worn over the shoulder, as a crossbody, or even as a clutch/wallet with the strap tucked in.
Providing all of the coin, cash and card space you could need, this Chanel handbag is a functional and fashionable statement piece. Naturally, it is also among the most popular Chanel bags on the resale market, as the value of this style only continues to grow.
14. Chanel Camera Bag
Introduced by Chanel in the 1980s, the Chanel Camera Bag is an elegant reinterpretation of the camera cases used by photographers and reporters. In comparison to other iconic Chanel purses, the Camera Bag has tremendous interior capacity and depth. With a full-zip closure and crossbody strap, the Chanel Camera Bag provides ultimate comfort and protection of your belongings.
Despite its occasional release as part of the classic collection, the Camera Case is among the more elusive Chanel bags ever designed. Thus, part of the allure of the Chanel Camera Bag is its rarity, as collectors avidly seek out this timeless Chanel bag.
