We all know what an It bag is! Those iconic brands, with unique designs ever so often featured everywhere, we all know what popular It bags there are, Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga and more, you name it they have it. Iconic brands with unique designs featured ever so often in the pages of fashion magazines and spilling into our social media feeds? Yes, we know all about the It bags. With the most popular of It bags coming from luxury brands like Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga and more, these brands have mastered iconic looks through and through. 

With new It bag releases, we sometimes forget the uniqueness and style of older It bags. Second generation It bags are always  a spin-off or iteration of its first generation It bag, with a few differences.

Before you go picking which It bag to rent or buy, here’s a closer look at the features of these first generation and second generation It bags. 

Jump to our recommendations on the bag or read about the brands’ It bags: Chanel, Balenciaga or Dior.

Chanel

Chanel has released many iconic bags since their re-opening 1954. But the most iconic has got to be the Chanel 2.55 handbag — which has been revamped with many variations. The original 2.55, created by Coco Chanel herself has been seen on many runways and streets even until this day. 

While the first generation bags are popular, Chanel’s take on the second generation of 2.55, also known as the Classic Flap Bag is very loved as well. There are three main features on every Chanel’s It bag  — the material, strap and clasp. 

#1 Material:

A present yet overlooked feature of both the Original 2.55 and Classic Flap Bag is its material. The most sought after version comes in calfskin leather. Though not as soft as the lambskin versions of both bags, calfskin leather is known for its durability and maintenance, explaining its popularity. 

However, do note these two generations do come in lambskin as well!

#2. Strap:

A noticeable difference between the two generations of the Chanel 2.55 is its strap. Coco Chanel designed a chain strap that’s easily slung over the shoulders. A complete all-chain hardware strap, also known as the Mademoiselle chain, can be seen on the original 2.55. 

On the other hand, Karl Lagerfeld introduced the interwoven chained straps for the second generation 2.55, Classic Flap Bag, made with leather and hardware chain for a sleek and elegant finish.

#3. Clasp:

When placed side by side, a prominent feature between both 2.55 generations would be its clasp. Though both sleek and edgy — the clasp was created very differently. 

Coco Chanel had meant to keep the overall look clean and minimal with a simple rectangular turn-lock, known as the Mademoiselle clasp. It was also easy to manoeuvre, and the same can be said with the Classic Flap Bag. 

Apart from changing the strap, Karl Lagerfeld also introduced a new clasp featuring the iconic logo of Chanel. An interlocking CC clasp can be easily seen on the bag. 

What we love about both generations is their unique hardware–though different, both bags has kept its elegant and clean style. 

Try the Chanel’s Classic Flap or Original 2.55 to see if it fits your lifestyle and essentials: Join the Designer Bag Subscription Waitlist here.

Balenciaga

One of Balenciaga’s most versatile bags has got to be their Motocross. Like its name, it carries an edgy style and is great for everyday use. You may ask, is there a difference between their Motocross bags? Though there are quite a few generations and variations of the Balenciaga Motocross, there are quite a few varying features that can be highlighted between generation one, the Classic First Bag and the next generation, the Classic City, Metallic Edge Mini. 

You can look out for three different features before deciding what fits you better.

#1. Material 

It does seem like material is one of the most important aspects of any bag. The Classic First Bag comes in goatskin which is soft and supple – an ideal material for the motocross bag.

Though there’s no difference in material between the Metallic Edge City and Classic, the newer Balenciaga Classic City usually comes in lambskin. It is softer but may require more attention to care.

#2. Strap

Straps are an important feature in the Balenciaga bag. The First City comes with slightly thinner straps than the Classic City. Depending on the look and comfort you’re going for, the straps might appeal to individuals differently!

We personally love the slightly thicker straps the Classic City comes with, but we don’t deny that thinner straps are more sleek. 

#3. Hardware

One difference that most people overlook is the iconic hardware on the bag. A unique feature that differentiates the Classic First and Classic City is the studded hardware you find along the bag.

The first generation comes with large thimble-like hardware which gives the bag the edgy style. The second generation on the other hand, comes with a smaller and smoother hardware for a sleeker finish, yet as a whole, still keeping its edge. 

Try the Balenciaga Motocross Bags to see if it fits your lifestyle and essentials: Join the Designer Bag Subscription Waitlist here.

Dior

Dior is known for its pretty, feminine styles — the most iconic bag that Dior carries around the world is the Lady Dior. While the Lady Dior has no obvious second generation, Dior’s released of the UltraDior Stitched Cannage Tote couldn’t help but catch our eye on the seemingly similar features. 

They both come with unique features, yet with a simple glance, they’re almost alike. 

#1. Material

You would notice immediately the difference in material upon feeling the bag. The Lady Dior has a soft and supple lambskin leather which emphasizes more on the elegance and femininity of the bag.

The UltraDior Stitched Cannage on the other hand comes in calfskin leather — which is more durable and definitely fitting for its size. 

#2. Cannage Stitching

The iconic feature of the Lady Dior is Dior’s signature cannage stitching – the unique quilted pattern seen on all Lady Diors. 

As seen on the Lady Dior, the UltraDior adapted the pattern with a topstitched motif that was designed to look like the iconic quilted pattern. 

#3. Strap

We love the versatility of the Lady Dior as it comes with a top handle as well as a detachable strap, allowing you up to three ways of wearing it. 

The UltraDior on the other hand, comes with only a shoulder strap which doesn’t give you much of an option but totally fitting for a tote bag. A top handle or detachable strap might be too difficult to move around with!

#4. Charms

It’s almost impossible to miss the cute and pretty charms that comes with both the Lady Dior and the UltraDior! It acts as an accessory to the bag and is one of Dior’s unique features. 

A little fact about the Lady Dior — originally named as “Chouchou”, the bag was picked by former French first lady Bernadette Chirac as a gift to Princess Diana. It easily became the Princess favourite bag and Dior renamed it to Lady Dior to honour her. 

Try the Dior Iconic Lady Dior or UltraDior to see if it fits your lifestyle and essentials: Join the Designer Bag Subscription Waitlist here.

Now that you have these information, whether it’s the original or the iteration of these iconic It bags, you decide which one works best for you! Old is gold, but is newer better? 

Style Theory Recommends:

 

Chanel – Style Theory recommends:

• Rent
  • If you’re looking for a one-time use
  • If you’re unsure of which Chanel 2.55 to purchase or what it can hold, and want to take it for a test-drive. 
  • If you’re unsure about the colour and want to try if it’ll complement the rest of your wardrobe. Both the Original 2.55 and Classic Flap Bag comes in a few colours and sizes so rent from the Infinite Bags Wardrobe before you invest in one.
• Buy
  • If you’re looking for a sleek and classy bag to have for everyday use
  • If you’re looking for a sturdy bag that can hold more than just your wallet and phone. 

Balenciaga – Style Theory recommends:

• Rent
  • If you’re looking for a one-time use.
  • If you’re unsure of which Motocross to purchase because of material or what it can hold and want to take it for a test-drive. 
  • If you’re unsure about the colour and want to try if it’ll complement the rest of your wardrobe. Both the Classic First and Classic City comes in a few colours, sizes and variations, so rent from the Infinite Bags Wardrobe before you invest in one.
• Buy
  • If you’re looking for a soft bag for everyday use.
  • If you’re looking for a sturdy bag that can hold more than just your wallet and phone – able to fit an umbrella too.
  • If you’re sure and committed to loving it. 

Dior – Style Theory recommends:

• Rent
  • If you’re looking for a one-time use.
  • If you’re unsure of which generation to purchase. 
  • If you’re unsure of what it can hold and want to take both for a test-drive. 
  • If you’re unsure about the colour and want to try if it’ll complement the rest of your wardrobe. The Lady Dior comes in a few colours, so rent from the Infinite Bags Wardrobe before you invest in one.
• Buy
  • If you’re looking for statement bag.
  • If you’re looking for a sturdy bag that can hold more than just your wallet and phone but also your necessities.