In the Spring of 2017, Chanel put the entirety of its marketing resources towards releasing a new line of handbags, and collectively, for better or for worse, the handbag world took notice.
Debuting with massive fanfare and the mission of targeting a younger consumer base, the Gabrielle was unlike anything we’d seen previously from the late Karl Lagerfeld and the house of Chanel. A relaxed hobo, the Gabrielle embodied an effortlessly cool, contemporary vibe, and though it took some time to gain the momentum the brand hoped for, eventually, it became a go-to for celebs.
Despite its acceptance amongst stars, the Gabrielle failed to win the hearts of die-hard Chanel fans (unlike the Boy Bag which was the brand’s first foray into modernity and met with immediate praise). The Gabrielle received mixed reviews from many, but still, reappeared each season in new colors and novelty iterations like tweed and metallics.
The Puzzle of the Gabrielle’s Popularity
The Gabrielle Bag had the makings of a bag that could reach It-status, but despite all that, it never really took off. Two years after making its debut, I wondered if the Gabrielle could stand the test of time, but even then it was hard to tell, as two years is a short amount of time in the handbag world. However, in late 2021 I mused on the Gabrielle once again, as my bag-radar had me convinced the Gabrielle would soon reach its fate. At the time, it seemed that the Gabrielle’s popularity was trending down, and even its prices on the resale market were falling below retail value, but Chanel was actively still producing the Gabrielle bag, and it was still actively on Chanel’s website as well as readily available in boutiques.
Late last year, rumors began swirling that the Gabrielle was finally being discontinued, and while it’s no longer listed on Chanel’s website, it’s not exactly…dead, if you will. Five years after making its grand debut, the Gabrielle isn’t an active part of the collection. Our source at Chanel explained that the brand is no longer offering new renditions of it for each collection, but all carryover versions (black/black, black/beige, and black/white) remain available for order at the discretion of buyers. Though rare, it will occasionally appear in boutiques from time to time.
However, all signs do point to the Gabrielle eventually joining the handbag graveyard alongside its older siblings the GST, the Medallion Shopping Tote, and more fan-favorites that have been put to rest. Have you spotted the Gabrielle in stores recently?
Out of any Chanel bag, this one is the only one I would get.
As a lover of the Cartier trinity ring, anything with mixed metals will always catch my eye.
It was fugly, never looked right. Always bashed and crinkled.
This is my all time favorite bag. I use it year-round except when wearing light summer clothing since mine’s black. Wearing the straps in a V actually distributes the weight better than any crossbody bag AND it looks so chic. I’m sad to see it discontinued.
Yes.. the straps in a V = a dream
I own one and still love it.
Me too- I love the mixed metal hardware and versatility of the bag, the different ways it can be worn, and how it can be worn as an every day bag.
I love the way you can wear this bag. Ive never seen a similar style. I just dont like the hobo style and the strap that spells out chanel.
i find this bag very ugly. What’s with the stiff af base and slouchy top? Id rather have the Dior saddle bag but that’s a different story.
Last week I bought one in very nice green colour, the SA looked at the label and said it’s from the very last collection. He might be wrong as he was newly employed but I am pretty sure it’s not discontinued still…
Truly the best Chanel bag for me, I’m not a big fan of the logo mania and this has almost nothing except the zipper pull. If you’re not familiar with this bag, you wouldn’t even realize it is Chanel. I wear it everything, mine even got a bit wet from the rain and still looking brand new. It can be used on both formal and informal occasions, and if discontinued, I’d be very happy also to be one of the og owners!
I have the wicker version of this bag and I get so many compliments. Aside from the mixed metals, what I love most is the fact that this bag is less likely to be knocked off, like other Chanel styles (flap bag, 21, 22, WOC, etc). If you see someone wearing the a Gabrielle, it’s certain to be authentic. I know it wasn’t as popular as other styles, but it’s sooooo wearable, comfortable, and chic.
I have seen spot-on replicas of the Gabrielle (both large and small and in different leathers/fabrics and even So Black), Classic Flap, Boy, Coco Handle, and Trendy CC bag (even the So Black version) from third-party IG sellers for $250 and up, and I’ve seen dupes of it on a site called Bag Inc that also carries dupes of the Classic Flap, Boy, 19 and 22, and a few WOCs. Amazon also has (and occasionally still get) dupes of the Flap, Boy and even a dupe of the 19 tweed houndstooth black & white and tan & black bags (which I own).
The double chain strap was hard for me, as much as I loved the structure of the bag, I need more of a “grab and go” bag. (Currently carrying an Hermes Evelyne in etoupe with gold hardware that I was able to buy in Paris last summer…but that deserves its own story!) Might have to surf the resale market and then take it to my favorite shoe repair and see if we can’t alter those chain straps a little. Has anyone attempted this?!
I have it in HOT PINK and with the mixed metals its so unique and fun! I love that it actually fits things unlike many other styles! ha
That bucket back pack is very nice and different….
Hey Everyone,
So I’m actively looking for a small Gabrielle Bag and I’m wondering how much would you buy one for if you were me? I’ll put a picture of the one I’m looking at listed at 2800.00 is that a good price it looks super clean
It’s not discontinued since i just saw 2 black small Gabrielle in Vienna Chanel store. I didn’t ask for it price which i should have.
I was in Chanel store in Vienna this morning (Nov 2, 2023) and they 2 black small Gabrielle. I didn’t ask for the now price but pretty sure they’re not discontinued.
I absolutely love my Gabrielle. Bought a medium in silver when it first came out in 2017 and was lucky to get it an “introductory” price if $3700. Because of the color I mostly wear it in the spring and summer. I also agree with another post that it’s one of Chanel’s designs that is likely not to be knoffed off. This pic is from when I first purchased it.