Let me preface this by saying: I know we all have our opinions on Chanel. Some vehemently disagree with acquiring new bags, while others can’t get enough. (I fall with the latter half.) Between hasty price increases and quality discrepancies (I haven’t experienced any, but I’d be remiss not to mention them, especially when a group on tPF is adamant they exist), anything Chanel is quite the conversation starter, to say the least.
Putting that aside, I’ve been thinking a lot about Chanel’s Coco Handle Flap and the Gabrielle.
Let’s start with the Gabrielle. A few months ago, Purseblog published an article questioning whether or not the Gabrielle had the staying power to become a classic. Since its debut in 2017, Chanel continues to release numerous iterations of the soft and boxy crossbody bag. But, similar to many tPF members, I wasn’t immediately drawn to the style at first.
In fact, I had an adverse reaction to it. The small size seemed too small (as in barely fit your phone, mini wallet, and keys small), while the large felt obnoxiously big, especially for someone of my height (5’4). I did appreciate the mixture of gold and silver hardware in the chains (it adds a funky touch), and the black, gold, and iridescent versions gave me the feeling that they’d be able to rough it out in the real world. You know, stand strong against stretches or imperfections.
There was something about the Gabrielle I couldn’t quite nail. Did I like it or not? Truthfully, I’m still not exactly sure, and I know many tPF members feel the same way. There’s something about the firm and solid bottom half and lack of “feet,” coupled with the mix of chain color and grainy soft calfskin leather that gives me an uneasy feeling. Is it grungy? Is it classy? It’s as if the purse is having an identity crisis.
Regardless of how I (or other tPF members) may feel, the Gabrielle has maintained quite a presence for Chanel. Though I’m not sure how long it’ll stick around, it’s clearly in demand. (It has its own tab on the Chanel website. That must mean something, right?)
Now to the Coco Handle Flap. This one’s been around for years. It bears striking similarity to the Classic Flap, with the addition of a sturdy top handle and a thicker overall shape. The chain is a bit different (depending on the exact version, some are removable), and the hardware is slightly chunkier. Compared to the Gabrielle, this style exudes a sense of timeless class. In grained leather, it has a lower risk of noticeable scratching and scuffing too. I also find it more practical than many of Chanel’s other styles, given you can carry it by the handle, shoulder, or hands-free as a crossbody.
Though this style doesn’t have its own “tab” on the website, Chanel continues to release various versions every season. (This metallic one is a stunner.) The style comes in two sizes: small, which is about the same size as the small Classic Flap, standard, and large. The pricing is more forgiving than the Classic Flap as the Coco Handle starts at around $3,700, compared to $5,000 and up.
Right now, I’d lean more toward the Coco Handle. Though the Gabrielle has been successful thus far, I don’t see it maintaining the same kind of attraction in five to 10 years, especially on the resale market. It’s borderline too trendy, at least for me. The Coco, on the other hand, maintains the kind of Chanel feel that devotees know and love. While it might not be as impressive as the Classic Flap, I don’t see the Coco going anywhere anytime soon.
I prefer the Coco Handle, but I think the Gabrielle looks good too (apart from the huge branding on the strap).
I’ve never liked the Gabrielle, so pretty much anything wins over it LOL. But I DO like the Coco handle, it’s classic
the medium and large gabrielle is more casual if you are a busy person. smaller gabrielle can work for evening. but in general it’s not a elegant bag, it had more of the cool factor. I own a gabrielle medium and it works very well for me. holds plenty and the zipper closure on top is so convenient. i dont understand why ppl complain about the feet bcus who even put their expensive bags on the floor?!
the coco handle of course looks very classy. I get madame vibes from this bag though…also abit kelly wannabe.
but you should get whatever suits your lifestyle and rock it 🙂
I’ve never put my bags on the floor, either. It’s horrible for the bag, completely unsanitary and the reason that women do it is beyond me. However, I like feet on a bag because it can protect the corners and the bottom of the bag when I set it down.
I have a coco handle in the size small- (one up from mini) and it’s wonderful!!! I think it has some classic staying power, it’s a quilted too handle bag, nothing to trendy.
I’ve only had mine a few months, so I can’t speak to wear and tear yet, but so far I love it. 4K May seem like a lot, but most of the better LV bags start at 3, Dior the same… it’s priced better than the classic flaps. I mean a Chanel mini is 3.5k, and my small coco handle is much more versatile. I think it’s one of the better priced Chanel bags.
I have the Coco Handle and LOVE IT. It’s absolutely gorgeous. I tried the Gabrielle because I like the look of it, but I just couldn’t make the strap length work for my height (5’3″). It always felt either too long or too short – never ‘just right.’ I doubled it, looped the chain through the D-ring to shorten it, you name it…
I have to admit the Gabrielle has grown on me:) Although I will never purchase as Chanel as cracked a few brain cells when it comes to pricing….
My first impression of the Gabrielle was that it looked like a binocular case, had too many confusing chain straps, had no feet and the price, without justification, continues to rise. Therefore, a solid “No” from me.
I fell in love with the Coco Handle and purchased one a few years ago. However, I noticed that when I put it down the back collapsed under its own weight forming an ugly line. Thus, I returned it. I thought I received a flawed bag, but I noticed other women carrying them with the same issue. It is unfortunate because it is a beautiful bag and should be more structured to prevent this issue.
I’ve noticed that in the larger sizes of the Coco Handle, but my mini has held/holds its structure.
neither to me. Chanel is wayyy overpriced (we all know that “luxury” means unnecessary spending so everything in the Luxury world is overprice. But Chanel of doing too much)
in general, I wouldn’t choose a top handle which handle looks “stiff”. I have a gucci dionysus bamboo handle bag, and when a carry it as a cross-body, the handle hits my waist each time… nevertheless it’s a cute bag.
Is there a comparison? That Gabrielle looks a mess. Or perhaps it’s a bad pic? Either way I can’t understand what I’m looking at.
Both unattractive
I started liking the Gabrielle when I saw it styled on people. It doesn’t really look appealing in the promo shots at all.
Take the big honking C H A N E L off the shoulder strap and I’d take the Gabrielle.
I cannot stand the hard “butt” on the Gabrielle, but I do like the rock-n-twist on the latest versions. I dislike it less than I do the Coco Handle Flap, which is a bit too old-fashioned for my taste
The Gabrielle’s are a mess, I was so disappointed in the picture v reality. When I went in with the anticipation of buying one I thought they needed ironed. That top handled bag isn’t that great either. The handle looks like a bicycle lock.
I like my Gabrielles. The Coco handle just look like a Chanel Kelly from years back with new proportions and strap add on.