Purseonals: Chanel Reissue 227

This edition of our Purseonals series is on my Chanel Reissue 227 Flap Bag, which I wanted for so long. Vlad got me this bag for my birthday a few years ago, and the story is so sweet that I have to share it before we dive into the bag’s specifics.

For that birthday, Vlad surprised me with a car service for the day in NYC. I would get in the car and not know where we were going. He first took me to my favorite breakfast spot, and our next stop was a spa for a facial and massage. Later in the day, the car took us to Chanel and Vlad told me pick whatever bag I would like. It was like a fairytale; there was this 227, a version that can be hard to track down, waiting for me.

I’ve been carrying my Chanel Reissue 227 more and more and have grown to love it and know it much better, so it seems like a great time to include it in my Purseonals.

Aesthetics

This bag is not only one of the most iconic bags of all time, but also one of the most stunning. Many people confuse it with the Classic Flap, but I love the aesthetic of the Reissue more. The Chanel Reissue was reissued (hence its name) in 2005 based off a house staple from 1955. My personal style is a bit more laid back (I love a good pair of jeans and a simple top), and my look works perfectly with this bag every single time.

The classic quilting and lambskin against the pewter hardware combine so nicely. The hardware has the Mademoiselle turnlock closure, and the chain shoulder strap does not have leather intertwined like it would on the Classic Flap. I’m actually obsessed with this hardware and leather combo; it’s my ideal look, and each time I carry this bag, I smile. Actually, I’m staring at this bag while I’m writing, and I just fell in love with it again.

If you are looking for a classic black bag, this one should definitely be on your list.

Usability + Functionality

One of the most recognizable aspects of this bag is the flap top, but that also makes it a little tricky to get into. You first need to unclasp the lock (which isn’t that hard, truth be told), and once you get the top flap open, you will find another flap with a snap closure. I never use the snap, but that means there are two flaps to get into the bag.

However, once you open the top flap, you will find a slide pocket, which is a great place to store your cell phone. The second flap reveals the interior, which has two open pockets and a sizable storage compartment. The interior of Chanel bags delight me, with maroon leather and interlocking CC stitched in tonal thread.

The back of the bag has a flat pocket that will hold some cash or your valet ticket. I can actually slide my cell phone in this pocket, but I started to get paranoid that my phone would stretch out the leather and make it bulge. That would be my own fault, and I’m a bit too Type A to do something that I think will mess up my bag.

I love the flap closures because it makes this bag safe to hold your personal belongings, but it also requires a couple more steps to get in and out of.

Quality + Construction

I’ve had one minor snafu when it comes to this bag, which I shared with you already: two screws came loose on the bag’s closure and the hardware panel fell off. I’d be much more upset if the stitching was coming undone or the leather was showing wear easily. However, I still believe screws on a bag should stay tight, and I’ve never experienced this issue before, not on a contemporary or luxury designer bag.

The screws coming loose aside, this bag has been amazing. I got the bag over two years ago, and the leather still smells brand new, the corners don’t show wear, the interior is flawless and the bag has held its shape wonderfully.

I know some people thought my story of the screws falling out of my bag was a bit over the top, but I did want to tell you what happened because I had never experienced it before. If it weren’t for the screws falling out, this bag would easily get five stars; since I’ve never had that same sort of problem with any other bag, I had to bump it down to 3.5 stars.

Value

This category continues to be hard for me for every bag I review. It’s hard to take out my bias, because certain bags hold a bit more of my heart than others. The fact is that Chanel bags are really expensive, and this bag is no exception. When I bought this bag almost 2.5 years ago, with tax it was over $5,000. That is a lot of money for a medium-sized bag. (It’s a lot of money for a large bag, too).

Chanel prices continue to rise, and the classics are not cheap. For me, a lot of the value of this bag comes with its staying power and resale value. I’m not planning on selling this bag ever, but if I ever did, I could recoup a good amount of money, if not all of it. I can’t say the same for most other bags.

It’s been ten years since we started PurseBlog, and I still have sticker shock when it comes to many designers. The Chanel Reissue 227 is currently $6,000 without tax. I’m glad I bought mine before the prices jumped, and they’ll only continue to rise.

Staying Power

The Chanel Reissue has become an icon, alongside the Chanel Classic Flap. The Reissue has a modern edge to it, combined with every bit of classic beauty the Classic Flap is known for. A black bag is a closet staple, and this is probably one of the best-looking black shoulder bags you could get.

I don’t see this bag going out of style; it will continue to be a powerful design that has made a secure place in the accessory world for years to come.

Total

Overall, my Chanel Reissue scores right above 4 stars.

The rating would be higher had I never had issues with the screws on the front hardware of the bag, which definitely bumped the score down and needs to be noted. This bag is a personal favorite, and the more I carry it, the more I fall in love with it. I know it’s very expensive, but it’s one of those bags I’m so happy to have, and I hope it ages beautifully and I can pass it down if I have a daughter someday.

If you’ve been thinking about getting this bag, do it sooner rather than later; the prices will probably go up again soon.