Chanel 2.55

"I am not allowed to have a favourite bag because I have to create the next one. I have to like to keep it alive," says Karl Lagerfeld of the eternally quilted Chanel 2.55 handbag. And keeping it alive is just what he has so seamlessly succeeded in doing, with reincarnations in everything from shiny metallic finishes to double-wide sizes to sequin embellishments.
The original bag was born in February 1955, hence the 2.55 name, out of Mademoiselle Chanel's vision. The first model debuted the chain shoulder strap.
Today, this version, along with many to follow, has been honoured with a traveling art exhibition called "Mobile Art". Havin stopped in New York's Central Park, the show featured the work (sculptures, videos, photographs) of 20 artists-of-the-moment all with the 2.55 as inspiration.
From buttoned-up beauties like Jacqueline Kennedy and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, to hip downtown girls like Kate Moss and Mary Kate Olsen, the look works for everyone.