The Chanel Classic Flap bag was introduced by Coco Chanel in February 1955 in a move that was seen as revolutionising handbag design. Before its introduction, women's bags were generally handheld clutches. Coco added a strap that allowed the freedom of a hands-free bag. The Chanel flap bag was designed to be elegant, classy and a symbol of practical luxury and soon adopted the name 2.55, after its birthday.  Throughout the years the bag has been through a variety of different designs, but all keep the same iconic rectangular shape. The Chanel classic flap is one of the most significant designer products in the history of fashion and certain features of the bag represent parts of Coco’s life like the secret pocket hidden within the flap where she hid love letters. Its name is interchangeable with the 2.55 – and 2.55 Reissues are the 2005 versions that Karl Lagerfeld introduced when he was Chanel's creative director. His changes created the Chanel Classic Double Flap, distinguished by its leather-woven chain and addition of the iconic CC logo. The updated design was a big hit and is renowned as a timeless designer accessory piece.