11 of the Most Iconic Chanel Products

As one of the most iconic fashion houses in the world, Chanel has produced a number of unforgettable pieces. From clothing and accessories to handbags and shoes, most of Chanel's products are made to look timeless. Here, we list down Chanel's most famous and iconic products throughout the years.

1. Chanel Tweed Suit

Chanel's most iconic piece of clothing has to be the tweed suit. First produced in the 1920s, Coco Chanel's concept for the suit was to mix masculinity with feminity. She did so by using tweed, a fabric that wasn't typically seen as luxurious. To date, the tweed suit has been worn by equally iconic women such as Romy Schneider, Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, and Anna Wintour, to name a few. Under the late creative director Karl Lagerfeld's tenure, tweed was seen season after season in numerous styles including dresses, playsuits, blazers, trousers, and even mini skirts. 

More: 25 Coco Chanel Quotes Every Classy Woman Should Live By

2. Chanel No. 5

For almost 100 years, Chanel No. 5 has been essential in every woman's boudoir. Compounded by Russian-born French perfumer Ernest Beaux, Chanel No. 5 was one of the first fragrances to mix natural and synthetic ingredients. It's been said the Coco Chanel herself picked the fifth sample Beaux presented her with which is where it takes its name from. One of the perfume's most famous fans is Marilyn Monroe, who famously said it was all she wore to bed. Chanel No. 5 now holds the distinction of being the best selling perfume of all time.

3. Chanel Classic Flap

In the 1920s, Coco Chanel grew tired of carrying handbags. She conceptualized a bag that would free up her hands while being stylish. Thus, the Chanel flap was born. It wasn't until 1955, however, after her successful comeback that the bag would be updated and named the 2.55. Through the years, the classic flap has been done in different styles with added colors, embellishments, and different kinds of fabric.

4. Chanel Reissue 2.55

In 2005, during the 50th anniversary of the 2.55, Chanel released the Reissue 2.55 which was an exact copy of the original flap bag. The Reissue is characterized by the rectangular twist lock and the chain, inspired by what the orphanage guards from her childhood used as key chains. Previously, the name Reisssue was only used for bags made for the celebration, but through time it had been used for bags with the original lock and chain. The Chanel Reissue 2.55 comes in different sizes, colors, and materials as well as in seasonal offerings.

More: 10 Things You Should Know About the 2.55, Chanel's Most Iconic Bag

5. Chanel Slingbacks

Two years after she created the 2.55, Chanel introduced two-tone shoes. The beige slingback style was conceived to have a contrasting black toe cap to shorten the foot and elongate the leg. She referredtoit as "the height of elegance." The Chanel slingback would become a classic for years to come, but it was largely forgotten up until 2015. For his Fall/Winter 2015 show, Karl Lagerfeld reintroduced the slingbacks in several variations: goatskin and grosgrain, suede and grosgrain, metallic lambskin and fabric, and more.

6. Chanel Ballerinas

From the invention of the two-tone slingbacks came the Chanel ballet flat with a cap toe. The cap toe, as Coco Chanel reasoned, would allow her to play sports and gallivant without it being visibly obvious. The classic Chanel ballerinas feature a CC stitching on the cap, a ribbon, and a simple heel. Through the years, the ballerinas have been done in metallic tones, patent, suede and quilted leather.

7. Chanel Pearl Necklace

Along with clothing and accessories, Coco Chanel is also a force in the world of jewelry. In the '30s, she hired influential Italian jeweler Fulco di Verdura to become the house's head designer of jewelry. But it was her innovative use of costume jewelry that is remembered up until today. At the time, costume jewelry was only worn by those would couldn't afford fine jewelry. Chanel resisted this and mixed fine and costume jewelry, making it a trend among fashion and society circles. Today, the Chanel pearl necklace is one of the brand's most iconic pieces of jewelry.

More: 9 Things You Didn't Know About Pearls

8. Chanel Earrings

In the '90s, the double C appeared on just about everything: Handbags, necklaces, shoes, and brooches, to name a few. Its use in earrings, however, has proven to be popular for the house. Using metal, resin, and strass, Chanel continues to make timeless logo earrings that can elevate any outfit.

9. Chanel J12

Launched in 1999, the Chanel J12 was one of the house's first forays into watchmaking. A unisex watch, the J12 uses black and white ceramic and titanium. Currently, it's available in 33mm quartz as well as 38 and 41mm automatic. In its recent redesign, the J12 has been updated with a new dial, bezel and crown, and numerals. The Chanel J12 counts Emma Watson, Nicky Hilton, and more as fans.

10. Chanel Wallet on Chain

The Wallet on Chain, also known as the "WOC," is a favorite of Chanel's fans. It's been hailed as one of the brand's most versatile bags since you can use it as a crossbody, shoulder, messenger, clutch, and a wallet. The Wallet on Chain has been made in a variety of styles, colors, and materials with differing flap closures and designs.

More: 11 of Chanel's Most Memorable Runway Shows

11. Chanel Boy

Chanel's latest icon is the Boy bag. Though a recent release, the Boy was fully designed with Coco Chanel's heritage in mind. The Boy takes its name from Chanel's first love, Boy Capel. An English polo player, Capel became entangled with the fashion designer in 1909. It was introduced in 2011 by Karl Lagerfeld, and was an immediate success for its boxy design and utilitarian feel. The Boy uses a chunky crossbody chain, antiqued hardware, and Chanel's brick logo lock. It comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large as well as a Wallet on Chain style.