These Are the 10 Most Iconic Chanel Bags of All Time

Is any handbag more iconic than a Chanel bag? I vividly remember shedding a tiny tear upon receiving my first Chanel classic. It felt as if it had been passed down from the hands of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel to Karl Lagerfeld and then me. With the long shoulder strap freeing women's hands and the zipped pouch ideal for keeping secrets, it was not only a symbol of fashion but of femininity and freedom as well. Excuse the drama, or don't. Chanel deserves it.

Since the inception of Chanel in 1910, the luxury brand has continued to grow alongside women as we have gained more rights and power and continued the quest for equality. Chanel is a symbol of strength, and it just so happens that Chanel bags are incredibly chic and enhance any outfit. One can look back at history to trace the evolution of Chanel, and that's just what we've done below with the 10 most popular Chanel bags.

1. Chanel 2.55

When Gabrielle Chanel created the 2.55 in February 1955 (hence the name), it created quite a scandal. It was the first women's bag to come with a shoulder strap, leaving women free to do as they pleased with their hands, including shoving them in their pockets, for instance. It was considered a sign of rebellion, and women were thrilled with their newfound freedom. Another hidden fun fact about the bag: The secret zip pocket installed inside was originally intended for storing secret love letters, as Coco Chanel did when she was reportedly in the midst of an illicit affair herself.

Fast-forward to today, and the 2.55 is still a household staple, worn by the likes of Blake Lively and Sarah Jessica Parker. Nearly every member of the social elite owns a 2.55.

2. Chanel Classic

Also referred to as the 11.12, Karl Lagerfeld's 1980s update on the 2.55 stayed true to the original form while giving it a decadent flair signature of the decade. The most noticeable change came in the form of the updated lock—now featuring the iconic CC—that we have since come to know and love.

It's called the classic for a reason. It's a simple statement in everyone's closets, from my own to Kristen Stewart's. When you think of a Chanel bag or see one on the arm of a celeb, there's a good chance it's an 11.12.

3. Chanel Boy

Launched in 2011 by Karl Lagerfeld, the Chanel Boy owes its name to Gabrielle Chanel's first love, Boy Capel. The Boy quickly won the hearts of 2.55 and classic owners with its more androgynous, rock ’n’ roll feel. In fact, the masculine edge of the Boy pays homage to Chanel herself, who was always pushing the boundaries of femininity and style.

Celebrities who seek to do the same today, such as the Miley Cyruses and Stella Maxwells of the world, can often be seen sporting the Boy everywhere from the streets to the red carpet.

4. Chanel Grand Shopping Tote

The Grand Shopping Tote (also known as the GST for short) is likely the roomiest style in Chanel's history. To the disappointment of many Chanel lovers, the GST was discontinued in 2015, which has only made it more coveted by true fashion girls.

With plenty of room for the many necessities women carry on a daily basis, the bag rose to the height of popularity in the early to mid-2000s with reality stars from Paris Hilton to the entire cast of The Hills toting the bag on their arms. Today, it's a rare vintage find, making it an instant buy for anyone in the know.

5. Chanel Gabrielle

With the name paying homage to Gabrielle Chanel, the bag launched during Chanel's S/S 17 show and became an instant classic, as it was the first bag to be featured as unisex fashion.

Furthermore, the long strap and slouchy-but-still-structured shape make it extremely versatile for everyone. That's likely why the icon of classic style, Meghan Markle, has been seen many a time with the Gabrielle slung over her shoulder while sporting her typical men's shirt and jeans.

6. Chanel Gabrielle Backpack

Take the Gabrielle, but make it practical. That's what Chanel did with the backpack version of the more classic handbag above. With backpacks coming into fashion in recent years, Chanel continues to release updated versions of the Gabrielle Backpack, including in its 2019 summer collection.

Given its natural school-girl flair and easy, effortless practicality, the backpack has become a chic addition to outfits for Penélope Cruz, Cara Delevingne, and more.

7. Chanel Wallet on Chain

Yet another popular style, the Wallet on Chain is perfect when you're looking to leave your GST at home. Surprisingly roomy, the WOC holds all the essentials while remaining compact and rigid. It's likely the bag's chic practicality that has made it such a favorite among classically stylish women such as Eva Longoria and Keira Knightley.

8. Chanel Vanity Case

Although not necessarily what one would call a classic, Chanel's Vanity Case nevertheless made waves when it debuted on the runway in the '90s. Modeled after a jewelry box, this Chanel bag is a must-have for avid collectors. Anyone can see why trendsetters such as Katie Holmes or model Winnie Harlow have been spotted sporting this trendy style.

9. Chanel 22 Bag

In the long history of this French fashion house, there's no shortage of iconic bags worth investing in. But, if you want to invest in a newer silhouette, look no further than the Chanel 22 bag. Created by Virginie Viard, the oversize shoulder bag was released in 2022 to honor the 100th anniversary of the house's signature second fragrance, No.22. Though newer, the signature Chanel elements (e.g., quilted leather, a gold-lettered moniker, and chain straps) have already solidified the style as a must-have among a-listers like Selena Gomez and Lindsay Lohan.

10. Chanel Camera Case

Last but not least, the Camera Case. With a similar purpose to that of the WOC or the Gabrielle, the Camera Case provides a small, structured leather pouch meant to be toted over the shoulder and across the chest. Ariana Grande and Ashley Benson love this tiny tote, adding it to the collection of must-have iconic Chanel bags.

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated by Jasmine Fox-Suliaman.