Chanel borrowed on her memories, passions, and even the tragedies in her life to create what would become the most instantly recognizable women’s handbag in all of history to date. Combining practicality with femininity, the Chanel 2.55 was born. Chanel took the concept of straps – previously only found on soldier’s bags and the heavy satchels female bicycle porters carried – and feminized the idea into a Parisian sensation. It would become, and remains today, one of the most sought after Chanel handbags in the world.

The 2.55 was introduced to Paris society in February of 1955, and Coco’s signature was all over it. Boasting the “Mademoiselle” lock, the front flap hid a secret pocket where it is believed Coco hid love letters from her admirers, and it is rumored that those letters were in fact love notes from the Nazi spy Hans Günter von Dincklage. The interior was lined in reddish/brown material, a throwback to her days in the orphanage where the children wore uniforms of the same color. Attached to the backside of the purse was another little pocket where extra money could be kept.

The chain straps gave the purse portability – women could now keep their purses on their arms while their hands were free for other things. Chanel said, “I know women, women adore chains.” The double chain is another playful nod to her life in the orphanage. The caretakers would dangle keys from similar chains for the children to play with. The 2.55 came in a variety of colors and textiles; everything from silk for evening style, to lambskin and calfskin for day to day use. Like her other designs, this Chanel purse boasted the famous “secret” quilting process that was influenced by Coco’s love of horse racing.

Karl Lagerfeld, who took over the creative leadership of Chanel in 1983, released a Reissue Chanel 2.55 in 2005 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic classic Chanel handbag. The Reissue is exactly as Mademoiselle Chanel designed it in 1955. It has two chain straps, rather than the chain and woven leather strap, and the double C clasp has been replaced with a Mademoiselle lock. The Mademoiselle style clasp is so named as a reference to Ms. Chanel’s having never married. The commemorative Reissue name was intended only for the 2007 replicas, but it’s now commonly applied to ALL of the Classic Flap purses.

The 2.55 is the “it” bag of today just as much as it was in 1955. From Katherine Hepburn to Katherine Heigle, Grace Kelly to Mischa Barton, the Chanel 2.55 handbag transcends time and style, class and culture, proving to the world that a purse can indeed be an icon. The bag has adorned the arms of movie stars and royalty, as well as the common woman who has an eye for fashion, history, and even a bit of intrigue.

Chanel’s style has been oft imitated. Designer “knock offs” can be found online, and replica Chanel purses can even be purchased from street vendors. Imitation is believed to be the greatest form of flattery, and Chanel herself said, “I would shed tears the day no one copied me.”

Borrowing on her life experiences, she combined her passion for style with her own memories, and even early childhood tragedy, to create what would ultimately become one of the most recognizable fashion icons in all of history. Utilizing the idea of straps – a notion previously used for soldiers bags and female bicycle porter’s bags – Chanel created a sensation with her feminized chain straps. The handbag designs were available for evening in silk materials and also more practical textiles suitable for day. Like everything made by Chanel, the purse boasted the “secret” quilting process that was influenced by her appreciation for horse racing. The Chanel handbag would become, and remain, one of the most sought after fashion accessories in the world.

Coco debuted the bag in February of 1955 – hence the name – and her fingerprint was firmly imprinted. She lined the inside of the bag with a reddish/brown material, reminiscent of her childhood days in the orphanage and the color of the uniforms the children wore. Another reminder was the double chain strap. Caretakers at the orphanage would dangle keys from chains worn around their waists to entertain the children. Chanel borrowed the simple but dainty chains from the nuns, stating, “I know women – women adore chains.” The chain straps allowed busy women to secure their purses over the arms, freeing their hands for more important tasks. On the back of the Chanel purse, a secret pocket stored extra money, and more secrets were tucked away inside the front flap that bore the trademark “Mademoiselle” lock. Inside that flap was another secret pocket, where it rumored the lady hid notes from admirers, the most scandalous from Hans Gunter von Dinklage, a Nazi spy.

In 2005, Karl Lagerfeld, who took over the creative design of Chanel in 1983, released the Reissue Chanel 2.55 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the handbag. The Reissue was designed exactly as Mademoiselle Chanel originally created it in 1955. Two chain straps replaced the chain and woven leather strap, and the iconic double C was replaced with the original Mademoiselle lock, so named because Ms. Chanel never married. The Reissue name was intended for the 2005 replicas of the original, but has become the common name for all of the Classic Flap Chanel purses.

Modern celebrities and timeless silver screen stars of the past have made the 2.55 the iconic bag of the century. Transcending culture and style, time and class, the 2.55 has proven to the world that a handbag can certainly be an icon. Carried on the arms of women like Katherine Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Katherine Heigel, and Mischa Barton, the Chanel handbag gained instant status. It even commands attention if you aren’t among the Hollywood elite, but one of many women who have an eye for style and fashion.

Often imitated, Chanel’s style continues to command the attention of the fashion industry. Original Chanel accessories top the market in price, but “knock offs” Chanel handbags can be found on the Internet and in busy downtown street markets. It has been said that imitation is the greatest form of flatters, and Ms. Chanel agrees this point: “I would shed tears the day no one copied me.”

What is it about a Louis Vuitton purse that serves as an unmistakable status symbol? What sets these accessories apart from ordinary versions?

Many would answer that it’s the company’s rich heritage and history that makes the difference. Launched as a small leather shop in 1821, the original Louis Vuitton store specialized in crafting fine leather luggage ware. The namesake designer, Louis Vuitton, recognized a demand among prestigious travelers who wanted premium steamer bags, flat cases, and weekend bags. (Today, the classic “Keepall” overnight bag is still one of the most popular pieces in the collection.) After establishing a reputation as a purveyor of deluxe travel goods, the designer expanded his assortment to include carry-on bags, toiletry cases, small trunks, jewelry boxes, and more. He also eventually went on to create luxury watches.

With the addition of Louis’s son Georgie, the company began offering the classic trademark monogrammed canvas for their handbags and duffels. Now a universally recognizable motif, this design made it harder for imitators to copy Louis Vuitton handbags. It wasn’t until 31 years later that the second Louis Vuitton store was opened in London. Throughout the 1900s, as demand and popularity continued to soar, the designer opened another 130 store locations throughout the world. Ensuing decades saw more growth and profits.

Unrivaled designer talent has always been a critical part of Louis Vuitton’s strategy. After a merger with renowned designer Moet Hennessey in the late 1980s, Louis Vuitton enlisted the talented services of elite designer Marc Jacobs. Production and design continued to fall under the supervisory umbrella of Patrick Vuitton. As we approach the second decade of the new millennium, Louis Vuitton purses, wallets, sunglasses, and luggage continue to generate millions of dollars in revenue each year. Many compare this prestigious design company to the likes of Prada, Gucci, and Fendi. Their fine leather ware is popular not only throughout the United States, but also in India, Japan, Korea, China, and Africa.

In spite of the latest technologies and efficiencies, all Louis Vuitton artisans continue to craft each item by hand with a remarkable attention to detail. Today, the original apprentice system is still used to train new leather workers. Painstaking craftsmanship and rigorous quality assurance techniques ensure that each handbag and wallet will serve beautifully for decades to come.

Top Picks for Louis Vuitton Consumers

Over the years, some of the designer’s classic offerings continue to enjoy steady demand:

• If you’re looking for a substantially sized, versatile bag that will travel anywhere, look no further than the Keepall-inspired Speedy bag. Four high-design styles are available, all with spacious main compartments.

• Combining iconic style and everyday function, the roomy Neverfull is one of the most popular Louis Vuitton handbags. An array of colors, patterns, and fabrics are available in three different sizes. Oversized dimensions accommodate all of your everyday essentials, while remaining sleek.

• Introduced in 1932, the ever-stylish Noe handbag boasts an attractive drawstring closure.

• For something with a little whimsy, the oyster shell shape of the Elipse Louis Vuitton handbag is sure to delight. Choose from two sizes in this unique accessory.

The first time you carry your own Louis Vuitton handbag, you’ll understand why the iconic fashion house has enjoyed such longtime acclaim!

Born in 1883, Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel built such a house, defying the odds and transitioning from an orphan to a powerful woman who would change the face of Paris fashion again and again over the years.  After a brief stint as a café songbird, “Coco” became the mistress to various wealthy men who introduced her to couture and ultimately helped subsidize her lifelong success. Her first retail establishment opened in 1910 as a women’s hat shop, catering to the women of Paris, and within twelve months, she moved into the popular market of Rue Cambon. Her line of women’s garments changed the way women dressed and related to their bodies, creating a veritable fashion revolution.

The House of Chanel became famous with the release of the little black dress, a staple in every woman’s closet even today. Simplicity was the key to Chanel’s revolution of haute couture, trading binding corsets for comfort, and introducing casually, elegant suits and dresses. The “Chanel Suit” rocked the fashion industry with its boxy and timeless look and the House of Chanel became synonymous with class, elegance, and wealth.  La Societe des Parfums Chanel was established in 1924 shortly after the release of Chanel No. 5, the company’s first scent.  In that same year, Chanel released a line of costume jewelry that Harpers Bazaar Magazine heralded as, “one of the most revolutionary designs of our time.”

Coco Chanel reached her peak in 1935 as an acclaimed designer owning multiple buildings and employing over four thousand artisans and workers throughout France. She retired in 1939 and closed her couture house, selling only perfumes and accessories at Chanel boutiques. But retirement was short lived for “Mademoiselle” (the nickname given to her by friends and peers) and she re-entered the fashion world in 1955, introducing the Chanel handbag.  The original bag, the Chanel 2.55, was infused with many personal references to Coco’s life. The bag became her signature, taking Paris, and then France, and then the world by storm. Chanel had to decline numerous orders for the bag due to the intricate artistic process, and “secret” quilting method used to create each one. The designer later received a Fashion Oscar in 1957, dubbing her, “the most influential designer of the twentieth century.”

Throughout history, the Chanel 2.55 has remained the “classic” Chanel purse.  Simplistic in design, it has a chain strap, woven with leather, and boasts the double C iconic logo on the clasp. The Reissue of the original 2.55 varies slightly; with a double- chain strap and what is known as the” mademoiselle lock.”

Below are some of the most popular Chanel handbags that continue to generate high demand among fashion conscious women today:

• The Classic Flap: Boasts classic quilted panels with brass double C lock and chain strap interwoven with leather.

• The Clutch: A rather understated, elegant Chanel handbag with the brand’s classic quilting and double C clasp.

• The Shopping Bag: A beautifully embossed double C icon logo graces the front of this Chanel handbag, with a chain strap interwoven with leather. Some shopping bags are all leather, some are woven textiles, and others offer comfort grip handles on the straps.

• The Tote: Classic simplicity defines the elegance of this preferred woman’s tote. The outer envelope pocket adorned with a brass double C clasp, leather handles, and simple closure. Large enough to accommodate files, or a small laptop.

• The Bowling Bag: This Chanel purse is quite popular with young women and is offered in a variety of chic colors. It offers the same Chanel quilting as the Classic Flap, with a contrasting double C icon on one end, and leather strap handles adorned with a chain accent.

Want to add a Louis Vuitton handbag to your repertoire, but reluctant to fork over hundreds or even thousands of dollars for the genuine article? Join the club — with almost everyone pinching pennies, not many consumers can afford to indulge. Luckily, you can enjoy the prestigious look of a real Louis Vuitton without busting your budget. In the past few years, the replica handbag market has exploded — and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the vast improvement since the days of street-corner peddling. On the modern market, you can shop online to purchase a fine LV replica that competently rivals the real thing.

The increasing demand for knockoff purses is actually somewhat ironic. As Louis Vuitton has taken measures to distingush their bags with unique logos and insignias, their efforts have only encouraged replica dealers to create more accurate imitations.

Today’s Louis Vuitton replica handbags have come a long way from the old versions, adhering to these important characteristics:

Quality: Replica purse makers are using more advanced methods of craftsmanship and more premium materials these days. All details, from the hand-stitching to the genuine leather to the durable hardware, are painstakingly emulated. Keep in mind that not all imitation purses are created equal. Beware of sellers that cut corners and use inferior materials, resulting in bags that will only need replacing in a few short weeks or months. When you choose a reputable distributor like Top 1 Handbags, your purse will reflect the same high caliber as a genuine Louis Vuitton would.

Style: These days, you can find high-quality imitations of the hottest Louis Vuitton handbags. At Top 1 Handbags, we base our product line on what’s popular in the current season, carefully selecting bags that reflect the latest consumer preferences. We offer only the most highly demanded Louis Vuitton purses, wallets, and sunglasses. Going the replica route is an especially wise choice when choosing a trendy or unconventional style, since it probably won’t be used as your everyday purse.

Authentic Touches: A good imitation purse will have all the same trappings as a genuine one, including logos, locks and keys, authenticity cards, protective dust bags, and more. You’ll be the only one who knows you’re not carrying an authentic Louis Vuitton handbag.

Durability: Don’t get stuck with an inferior knock-off purse that won’t stand up to everyday use. Reputable replica dealers use careful methods of craftsmanship and high-caliber materials, so your imitation handbag will serve you handsomely for years to come. At Top 1 Handbags, we use only the finest leathers, metals, and fabrics to withstand daily wear and tear without unraveling, fading, or scuffing.

You don’t have to be rich to display a heightened sense of style. Stay abreast of the hottest trends with a well-made, highly detailed Louis Vuitton handbag. As long as you purchase from a seller with a proven track record and commitment to quality, your bag will provide you with years of functional, fashionable service.