I can’t remember exactly how old I was when I first set my sights on one day purchasing a Chanel bag. A Chanel Classic Flap in caviar leather in a playful lilac hue, to be precise. And for years I have imagined closing the signature flap, turning the famous CC lock, and swinging this diamond-quilted icon over my shoulder.
When I first dreamt of this style as a teenager a decade ago, Chanel bags were by no means a bargain. Around the early 2010s, a medium Classic Flap would have set you back around $3,000. Quite a hefty dent in the savings of a teenager. But if I had known what that same style would be worth in 10 years (and had a few thousand to spare), I would have made the plunge and perhaps be living off of my shrewd investment now.
Since then, the heritage Parisian label has launched a campaign of relentless price increases occurring up to three times a year. The house’s most sought-after styles now tout an eye-wateringly high price tag that would have been unrecognizable to consumers a mere decade ago, my teenage self included. And so, the arrival of the day I purchase my dream Chanel bag is seeming increasingly unlikely.
With the emergence and rapid growth of the luxury resale market in recent years, there are new avenues for purchasing Chanel bags at a more affordable price point. However, the first-hand market’s price increases have had a knock-on effect on the cost of pre-loved styles. And so, Chanel bags remain increasingly unattainable for many consumers, whichever way they opt to purchase.
This prompts the question – Have I given up on my dream Chanel bag? And am I the only one?
Price Increases
Let’s look at the facts. Chanel bags have increased in price exponentially in the last few years.
And while other major heritage labels, including the likes of Hermès, Dior, and,Louis Vuitton, have also elevated their prices, no other bags have fallen prey as much as Chanel’s classics.
Last year alone there were three Chanel price increases, with the last installment seeing the cost of some styles rise by over 15%. Over the past decade, the price of my dream Chanel bag, along with a slew of other equally desirable classics and fan-favorite styles, has risen well above the inflation rate. A medium Classic Flap is now $8,800 – around three times the price it was a little over a decade ago.
While top economists quarrel over whether real estate, stocks, or gold is the best investment, Chanel has been using exquisite leather, its classic interlocking CC emblem, and signature diamond stitching to craft not just lust-worthy bags but financial assets.
This has made Chanel’s bags desirable for a whole new reason. And with prices increasing while styles remain just as sought after, it has set the label apart from other designers that once shared Chanel’s price point and has worked to align Chanel with a different tier of luxury brands.
Dare I say, Hermès?
There’s no denying that Chanel’s price increase strategy resembles that of Hermès. The price of signature Hermès styles like the Birkin and Kelly has risen remarkably since the early 2000s. And now the price of Chanel bags is closer to the region of Hermès classics than the likes of Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Fendi.
There have long been rumblings within the designer bag fandom that Chanel’s price increase strategy is an attempt to align the brand with Hermès. Many interpret these price increases from Chanel as a not-so-subtle jump to try and keep up with Hermès’ pricing strategy and affiliate itself with the prestige and status of its competitor. And as of June 2022, Chanel has begun implementing a quota system similar to the one Hermès notoriously uses to limit the supply of its classic bags.
Chanel once ranked in-between Louis Vuitton and Hermès in terms of attainability for shoppers like me hoping to save up their pennies to one day splurge on a holy grail purchase. But now, Chanel has become more unattainable than ever. And that seems to be the label’s goal.
The Pre-Owned Avenue
The designer resale market was once a safe haven for me and many others looking for a bargain (in terms of luxury, at least). When I first discovered second-hand designer items on sites like Vestiaire Collective and The RealReal, it opened up a new layer of the luxury fashion industry. Pieces I once thought were far out of my reach became attainable.
Chanel bags have always been an integral part of second-hand luxury. Consumers who no longer find the rising prices of Chanel bags attainable once flocked to the resale space in search of a better deal. But shoppers like myself are now facing staggering Chanel price increases on the pre-owned market as well.
Relentless price increases along with the growing awareness and popularity of second-hand designer goods, mean pre-loved Chanel is no longer the bargain it once was. Five to ten years ago, second-hand Chanel Classic Flap bags would range from around $2,000 to $3,000. But now that figure has increased to $5,000 to $9,000, depending on the condition, material and color.
With the introduction of the Chanel Classic Flap quota system hiking up the resale value of the bags even further, it looks like the cost of Chanel bags on the secondary market will only increase in forthcoming years.
Turning To Other Brands
While scrolling through pages of pre-owned Chanel bags on luxury resale sites and learning about the news of Chanel’s recurring price increases, it’s hard not to be tempted by another luxury brand offering new and interesting styles.
Chanel’s storied heritage and enduring designs are a huge part of the label’s appeal to eager-eyed shoppers like myself dreaming of one day buying into the famous designer. But today, more luxury brands are vying for the attention of consumers, especially those of us seeking a lower price point, than ever before.
Cult-favorite labels such as Telfar and Jacquemus have exploded in recent years and the popularity and ‘It’ bag status of their signature handbags like the Telfar Shopping Bag and Le Chiquito has certainly caught my eye.
Diesel’s new celebrity-approved 1DR style and emerging classics like the JW Anderson Bumperbag are also among the more affordable cohort of designs I’m starting to consider instead of Chanel’s increasingly costly designs.
There’s certainly still a place in my heart for my Chanel Classic Flap in lilac caviar leather, even if it remains hypothetical. With my hope of one day owning the style waning, I’m increasingly turning to alternative brands that offer more attainable designs. But whether or not there will always be a Classic Flap-shaped hole in my luxury wish list remains undetermined.
I can actually afford a Chanel bag at the current prices but would never give them that kind of money for their bags. The quality just isn’t there. It’s a big cash grab and nothing more on their part. I have started buying lesser known pre owned bags and have been really happy with both the price and the quality. I recently got a Moynat and a Loro Piana bag and both are beautiful, well made and a great value (both were under $1000 used). Good luck Chanel, because I truly feel people are over your greedy price gouging.
Agreed! Fendi bags are double the quality, and they don’t does not insult customers with unjustified prices. Chanel used to use 24K gold for their hardware, this was when the bags were half the price. People who buy bags for $$$$ don’t like to be ripped off any more than people who buy bags for $$.
Completely agree. I feel like they look tacky but I realize that is an unpopular opinion. I love Faure le Page and Polene.
Agree. I have Delvaux and Loewe really happy with their quality. Loewe is more fun though.
The quality of Moynat has made me hesitant to purchase a Chanel, especially at that price point. I would rather spend elsewhere, despite seeing some beautiful Chanel bags.
Remembering Coco Chanel was a Nazi spy always makes me feel better about not having one of her bags 💀
(I have some chanel perfumes though, I’m not trying to shame anyone)
That’s why I mainly only bought from Lagerfeld’s collection and seasonal pieces. Not a fan of Coco herself for the same reason.
Girl – I feel you. It absolutely GUTS me that someone who was so outspoken about women’s independence and self determination chose to fall on THAT side of that bright line. I can’t get that out of my mind everytime I see the logo.
Not shaming anyone either. Chanel is now owned by the Wertheimers and is the only luxury house with a brown female CEO (the first non-family CEO).
My closet is 20% Chanel because the suits and jackets are impeccable. But I can’t look that double CC in the eye.
The price increases on the bags just insult my intelligence though. I saved for two more years and went to Hermes.
I can finally afford a Chanel. But the leather quality makes this bag less compelling to own, I’d rather save the money I would’ve spent on Chanel and spend it on a Birkin/Kelly instead. They’re only $1000-2000 more than a double flap now.
I was going to purchase a Chanel Diana pre-loved this Summer for about $2,800. However, I realised
a) I do not personally agree with the way they have hiked their prices
b) It is just a bag, and at this time/age I would rather save it or travel
c) Most importantly, there are other bags that are cheaper and of equal quality and I also have enough bags. I have my eye on the Celine Pico belt bag, I own Coach bags and YSL bags which are of good quality and that is enough for me
You couldn’t PAY ME to wear a Chanel bag, especially a classic flap. It’s so basic now and is almost a direct representation of zero style. Also the quality is so terrible it’s actually a joke that they have the audacity to price the bags the way they do. Hermès at least has that superior quality to back up their brand/prices.
The more expensive and hard to get an item is, the less I want it. Chanel seems to be traversing down a path toward becoming too stuffy and elitist, there are so many other designers making beautiful quality pieces for a fraction of the price
As much as I’d love one, at the end of the day it’s just a handbag. There are more worthwhile things to spend money on.
I don’t like any current Chanel offerings and the news I see of their prices make me roll my eyes and affirm my decision to not buy a handbag from them… BUT come on “better things to spend money on” is a bit of a silly comment on a purse blog imo. I mean I get what you mean, but at that point none of us should be on this site, following a purse fashion blog and commenting on it etc is by design a frivolous activity.
If you get what I mean, then why do you sound angry?
I own many bags from different brands, the fact that I buy bags doesn’t mean a lack of awareness for the value of money. Especially a Chanel bag price that can equal a car or an apartment in some countries.
Dang. I’m feeling so lucky that my dad worked for Chanel for 20+ years in the 80s and 90s. I have my moms hand me downs and my grandmas classic flap that he got for a discount (I assume) back then!
I think most people are just bitter because they are priced out but would be first in line for a free Chanel bag.
Who wouldn’t take it if it were free? Since people are willing to pay 5 figures for something worth at most $500. I’m happy to pick up free Chanel bags and resell them on the kool-aid drinkers for easy money.
And I’m not one of those “bitter” people. I spend my money on good food, holidays, and a jewelry collection in the 6 figures. And still have plenty more.
Still think Chanel’s pricing strategy and “story” are BS, but hey, if you want to continue paying to drink the kool-aid, you should. Please don’t think you’re any superior for that.
Oh, and I’ve owned 2 “classic” bags (Jumbo, Medium, both black) before. Couldn’t understand all the hype so I tried twice. Each time I figured within a week that it was nothing special, so-so quality, not even a good closet basic because, no, Chanel “classics” do not actually go with everything. That’s just a marketing invention that did work very, very well.
I highly respect Chanel’s marketing department
Then there are those, who don’t find a C flap the least bit tempting.
The only way I would ever own a C bag is by getting it for free, as it’s not worth much more to me.
My guess is quite a few people got priced “into” Hermes because at this point you can just add money and get Hermes. They lost interest rather than got angry.
I think commenters here who cannot afford a classic flap are frustrated by Chanel’s insensitive, daft tactics. I too am offended by the company’s sheer lack of effort in not seeming like complete a-holes with all their scandals in the past year, despite owning three bags at this point.
Susan, what an awful thing to say. You obviously have no filter. Even if you are correct, (which you are not as you cannot assume that whoever is bitter cannot afford a Chanel bag) there is a thing called tact and empathy, both of which you appear to lack. How sad for you; I recommend you see a therapist. You sound so shallow and pathetically unhappy. Good luck to you and all of you luxury bags.
Exactly. If you’re too poor for Chanel, just say so. No need for the 200+-word essay.
She’s saying she now feels too poor when she didn’t before.
So, something has changed.
That’s a valid point of view.
It’s okay to be nouveau riche…but you try not to make it so obvious.
I’m a reissue girl by heart and would never be caught dead with a classic flap so I don’t know where you’re getting your assumptions from.
not sure why you think the reissue makes you any better sartorially; still the same crap leather quality and frankly most of Chanel except some seasonal bags is incredibly blah and boring at best, veering on tacky (all those chains)
and yes, I can more than afford to have one – speaking as someone who can comfortably buy 5 figure items as and when I want
Eh, I think it’s very hard to know how “most” people feel in either direction. Maybe Chanel is selling fantastically and price increases aren’t to try to match revenue but just to take advantage of the high popularity, maybe they’re increasing prices to try to make-up for lost sales in quantity, we just have no idea. Or maybe most buyers are loyalists, maybe most buyers are “university graduation present” sort of family gifts or “I got this with my first good paycheck” folk or whatever. We just don’t know.
For me personally, I keep liking a tote or something from Chanel a little bit, but never enough to pull the trigger. I feel the same about a couple Dior items. I genuinely can’t even remember the price because my personal limit for caring about that is “if you really are going to use it, under 1k don’t think about it, more than 10k don’t buy even after thinking” lol. So if the bag is 3 or 4k I genuinely won’t even remember. I’m fortunate enough that I can afford 10k bags once or twice a year and it won’t affect my savings.
I still don’t think Chanel pieces I’ve seen are worth the Chanel price *for me personally*. If I were given for free (and without a line it’s too cold right now for lines outside), I’d give it to my sister whose style more fits with that sort of chevron/preppy look. I wouldn’t scoff and say no to it just to make a point, that’s just stupid. I also wouldn’t say no to a Birkin which is a bag I absolutely hate, I can find someone who loves it to give it to, it’s “free money”!
Yes I agree, if they have a long waiting list for the bags of course they can see it fit to raise prices with demand!
Does it make you feel superior to make the ridiculous assumption that people “are just bitter because they are priced out” of buying Chanel? What a really tacky and bougie thing to say!
I agree with you KD. It was a tacky and classless thing to say. Remember, money doesn’t buy you class.
The truth hurts, doesn’t it?
Sorry it hurts to learn you’re bougie.
Maybe you should look in the mirror. You’re the one passing judgement on others and calling people derogatory names. 🤷🏽♀️
You set the tone for this discussion when you posted “I think most people are just bitter because they are priced out…”. You can’t say “most people” because that sounds like a judgment vs. an actual fact.
For ex: I purchased 2 Chanel flaps when they were $3,600.00 and today they are still in excellent condition. Why would I buy the same bag today for $8,400.00? Can I afford it? Yes, but do I want to spend $4800.00 more for the same bag today? No. That would be financial suicide and just plain stupid. I put my money into brands that stand behind their bags and provide excellent quality, like Hermes. Chanel does not offer the same quality despite charging, in some cases, the same price as an Hermes Birkin. Why would I spend that much money for crap?
Lastly, if Chanel wanted to stupidly give me a bag would I accept it? Sure, who wouldn’t since it’s worth something to someone. However, I’d only turn around and sell it to purchase a Birkin.
Yes and then resell it right away for the cash value. Maybe I’ll keep a free one from karl lagerfield or earlier era when the quality was still good and design was fun.
True, I currently own a medium classic flap with real 24k gold hardware in pink Sakura and it was made in 2003-2004 and I love it to this day. The quality is still there!
You’re not wrong. But their quality has effectively declined steeply for decades :/
Ha, I agree! I purchased several Chanel bags a few years ago and I cannot believe how much the same bags cost today! Still love my Chanel bags and it is possible I will buy another, who knows!
You are the majority, despite what this website and Instagram projects. I was lucky to get one classic flap in store in September 2020 before all the price increases, but I saved up for 3 years.
Chanel’s new elitist stance to only offer classic flaps based off how much you buy and only offer to those with previous purchase histories is just their way to keep the outsiders looking in… and to make them feel like they’re outside of it all with no way in. It’s a bit sad, amongst all the reasons you named, but especially because the quality hasn’t improved either :/
I’ve been debating this issue recently, too. During our recent move three of my Chanel bags (2 jumbo classic flaps and 1 medium) were stolen. (Luckily, my 4th, a 2:55 which was my favorite, wasn’t.) Insurance has reimbursed me but now that I actually have to consider whether I want to replace them, I realize I don’t:
#1. Current quality is nowhere near what it was, even seven years ago when I’d bought my most recent Jumbo. I can comfortably afford them, I just don’t want to.
#2. I’d gravitated towards the Reissue because the CC started to feel tacky to me. With so many replicas out there, it still does.
#3. I’m old enough to not mind a “mature” look — I just turned 72! — but something about the CC logo feels as though I’m trying too hard.
#4. Similarly, I prefer bags without brand names or noticeable logos on them. So I’ve become an Hermès enthusiast, along with being a fan of Delvaux and Loewe.
All that said, it’s a personal choice. If you love Chanel and want a classic you should save up for it, buy it, and enjoy wearing it. Until you don’t, when you can consign it and most likely recoup the money!
You summed up my feelings exactly. Ten years younger than you but have arrived at the same conclusions and haven’t been using any of my “loud” bags including anything with the CC lock (still love my Reissue). Being under the radar, not trying so hard – admittedly I used to – and not caring what others think has been a revelation as I’ve gotten older.
So there IS an advantage to getting older, LOL! Seriously, though, it’s important not to care what others think (easier said than done, if we’re honest).
No one in my group of friends would ever know what my bags are, or what they cost, so it’s really about what appeals to me. Unfortunately, I still love to shop!
I was obsessed with Chanel until a couple of years ago. The constant price increases combined with a steady decline in quality made me explore Hermes and I couldn’t be happier.
People really need to stop making bags actual dreams. It was cute a little bit ago but it’s not all that people make it seem.
No you wouldn’t be living off your investment from then because it would’ve only been a few thousand. No it wouldn’t be swinging off your shoulder in a dreamy fashion with you carefully turning the turn lock closed. Maybe the first time after that, it’s just a bag to carry your crap in. It’s making a lot of people feel some type of way if they don’t have the next best thing and it’s tiring and empty.
Stop selling bags as some type of investment and dream. It’s nothing of the sort. You’ll be just fine if you don’t buy that plastic covered overpriced leather.
I was planning to buy a Chanel medium classic flap when I turn 30 years old but my mom convinced me to buy it when I was 25. I bought one of the last collections that still used real gold plating for their hardware at $2600 (with tax). I’m glad I listened to my mother as I would have also been priced out if I waited 5 more years.
Im trying to do the same with hermes before im 40 yrs old. But chanel keeps getting in the way. Ive always loved chanel ever since i started my bag collection 15yrs ago. I cant justify the price anymore. Agree mother knows best! I always ask her opinion before i buy she always gets it right.
Mother always knows best.
It’s hard to get by price but let’s be honest they are still mass produced. It’s not that hard if you have the money. Just follow their tacky swing tactics…like texting 200000 SAs
I cringe and feel embarrassed to wear Chanel because of the saturation of super fakes and dwindling quality. It’s like crying out loud in public “scam me please”.
Totally agree.
although iconic and among the most coveted bags in the world,
the price and relentless increases make me pause. Sure, I could save up, tap into my savings, or even charge it. However, the price is astronomical when you really think about it.
I could take a trip, do some home improvements, or apply that money to college tuition. I think I’d even feel better investing it into a piece of jewellery.
With so many inspired looks out there to choose as an alternative , I have to ask myself if the double C’s on the front for everyone to see, are really worth 6,000.00
I’ve always wanted a Chanel bag but it was always out of my price range. Since the crazy price increases I know I would never purchase one at retail for that price so I managed to score a vintage mini (not classic) flap bag and it’s perfect. It’s 24k gold plated, buttery soft lambskin and in great condition for 30+ years vintage. So never say never! It’s possible to find some great deals and vintage is better quality anyway!
Vintage Chanel quality is exquisite. I have a lambskin Diana flap from 93 that is in glorious condition.
I have a vintage 30+ year old Chanel bag, too. It was 1/3 of the price of current bags and it looks pristine. Why can’t Chanel go back to the time when they made excellent, quality bags? What happened to their business model?
It wasn’t a business model back then. It was a standard of prestige and pure luxury .
I have and have had a number of various Chanel bags, including the iconic flap bags. I dont get the obesssion, really. The quality 15 or 20 years ago was evident. Now, not so much. I’ve sold a number of the Chanel bags though I kept the ones that were “artsier” looking designs and not that staid CC turnlock flap bag. The price increases aren’t justified, especially when anyone with any knowledge of macro-economics understands that when global inflation subsides and various foriegn currency plays and market volatility settle down, prices should decline. But we all know Chanel won’t reduce its prices. Corporate greed — again!
Is my heart supposed to break for a teenager who couldn’t afford a Chanel bag 10 years ago?
Anytime I see the Classic Chanel with a Cartier Love, I start to cringe. Chanel quality is never there, Cartier is overpriced, both overexposed too. Yes it’s a perfect blend of classic and modern, but it has been styled, re-styled, and overstyled. I’ve had both at some point and I’ve sold it off after a few years of not wearing them. It’s become too generic and too “knocked off”. It’s weird to say it about such expensive items, but they’re basic…
Fashion nowadays is super playful and nonconservative. With colors, textures, and mixes.. the iconic classics seem outdated and strictly propped up for brand value. I felt like when I wore those things I was marketing for them and advertising myself as a person who followed fashion/trends rather then comfortable defining my own style.
Totally agree! The saturation of these items and others (hello Neverfull) has made them generic. I also think the prices of these goods are getting to a point where the companies almost seem to be testing what the limit is of what people are willing to pay. Personally I worry about the future a lot with climate change and am trying to limit my consumption. I don’t see myself wanting to own multiple Chanel flaps or similar (have cut down to one 19 bag and one flap in burgundy and that’s enough for me).
Climate change is very daunting for me as well. I only own two Chanel bags and two other luxury bags from other fashion houses. However, I am at purse peace and am moving onto jewelry. Once I get my Vancleef and arpels necklace and my Cartier bracelet, I will be good for a while. Lusting over material things can indeed be exhausting haha
I bought my dream Chanel handbag about 4 weeks ago (28 years of desire finally fulfiled). I spend three long days and nights almost vomitting at the amount of money I spent and whether it was worth it – literally had at least one sleepless night. But I got over it lol – I’ve ticked it off the old bucket list and am loving it in everyway – but I also know I won’t be running back anytime soon to grab another. I suppose it all really comes down to what ‘value’ means to each individual and ‘ethics’ for that matter. Each to their own.
Unfortunately you’ll find it much easier and acceptable to lay out big $$ for future purchases after the first big one.
Soooo many people have Chanel Classic Flaps, especially black ones. I can’t believe it really appeals to the mass to pay through their noses to look like everyone else.
From 2013 to the summer of 2018, I bought a Chanel bag (or two) every year and then in 2018, I had buyers remorse for the first time over a camera bag and decided to stop buying for a while because the prices were nuts. I can still afford the bags and may buy Chanel bags again in the future (never say never) but for now, I have not seen anything tempting enough to make me rethink my current stance.
I’m not a huge Chanel fan. I would like to have a pink Reissue and a pink Trendy CC. However, most of their bags just read old lady to me. Not my style.
And, yes, I’ve give up on trying to purchase. Not worth the energy.
It cannot be luxury and all exclusive if people can snap it up on a whim, whether you haved saved, been impossibly frugal, worked hard and scrapped by. Airing out your frustration in an op ed over a silly bag only screams poor me. I got my first mini flap as a gift from my then older bf who could certainly afford it and it certainly doesn’t feel like it’s worth the money in material and whatever savoir faire craftsmanship Chanel touts.
For all intents Chanel is a status symbol and the has Kaiser mentioned in a documentary that the clientele come from backgrounds they wouldn’t dare disclose publicly. My ex turned out to be a corporate psycho and a crook so really the happiness and illusion works as long as you believe it. It is not as good as an asset class vs Hermes bags and i don’t believe in them.
Take a break from consumerism tbh
I have a large Chanel collection. But the last several Chanel bags I purchased were stitched poorly, crooked flaps, very disappointing. So I returned. It has caused me to appreciate and turn to Fendi.
Hermes (although I have a couple birkins, Evelyn) is kinda d lady looking.
With all the price increase on Chanel right now, i will not buy anything unless they come up a design that’s hard to resist. I’m fine with what i have now, Large single flap caviar in black, a Boy bag patent black, caviar black wallet on a chain, a nice navy blue shoes and my white ceramic watch with diamonds.
I would like to own one but when the quality is worse than everything else and it is more expensive I want to cry :,( Maybe save it for Birkin money?
I bought some flats recently to test the brand and it has been the most stressful shopping experience of my life. Flaws and the same item sent back to me. And no one to answer to me from Chanel when I reached out over a week ago.
Thank God I’m not into Chanel…
I only get fun seasonal pieces that I really like, and the prices for those are not completely crazy yet. The cf bags always felt too formal for me so I never bothered with them. Probably by the time I feel old enough for them I’d just go for Hermes instead. I do regret not getting a caviar mini rectangular when I had the chance like a decade ago.
Chanel’s strategy of recent constant price hike (really very hefty ones the last two years) is to create exclusivity and ensure top luxury experience reserved only for the very wealthy who wants to be seen owning iconic pieces exclusive to them only.
These are really statement pieces to “show” and “flaunt”. Much the same way, why would anyone want to carry a $20k Birkin if not to say, ” See, I am rich”
The good thing on the flip side is that this creates scarcity which in turns ensure the value of the bags for existing or potential owners is not eroded but in fact increase in value. So those owners who have purchased these bags earlier pre 2021, would have “profited” substantially from the almost 70% price increase in this last two years.
Going forward, chanel’s strategy will continue to price out the majority for their iconic products, which means only the top percentile of the consumers with higher purchasing power will be the ones purchasing .
However, to fill in the gap of consumers who is priced out, Chanel has also introduced their seasonal pieces at more palatable price points.
These weatlhy are also repeat customers with recurring purchases almost monthly basis, who buys a whole multitude of products under Chanel , n not just the ocasional bag here and there over a few years.
For the majority, we would perhaps just buy the aspirational classic flap and thats it for the rest of our lives. Obviously these are not the preferred customers of CHanel. They are going for top spenders who have the discretionary spending power who dont mind splashing a few hundred thousands of dollars in a year
are you an SA or what?
there is nothing luxurious about the experience from what I’ve heard from friends who still purchase
there is nothing comparable to Hermes bags in quality – it’s been absolute sh*t for years.
it’s all well and good to price demographics out to maintain exclusivity, however given that quality is now bad enough and the price premium is so grossly inflated that counterfeit bags apparently look better than the real mccoy, the joke’s on whoever who is still purchasing
Bit like The Emperor’s New Clothes and I much prefer to be clothed in truly rare items, like unheated Burmese rubies, than be naked with Chanel tattooed across my body
as for value – again, when the counterfeits are better in quality, I don’t think any bag that doesn’t, have say, the dried blood of a chanel artisan on it as proof of authenticity, will maintain any value in the long run.
May i also add these wealthy are also impervious to economic conditions . In fact during economics downturn, these group buy even more luxury goods. So Chanel is going after this group of consumers who make up about 40%of their revenue. Recent fashion show at Senegal where the population per capita income is usd 3,600 thereabouts, is testament that Chanel is only going after the top 1% percentile weatlhy population .
For existing owners of Chanel bags, please hold on to yours , they will worth more in value years down the road and prices will be too sky high to buy new ones by then. I am holding on to mine
My biggest issue with them is that super fakes often look like they are made of better quality than the real thing.
You’d have to defy every strand of logic in your brain to pay for that.
I love Chanel bags, and I’ve always wanted one for as long as I can remember. Lucky enough to now have three vintage pieces in my collection. The first one I bought when I turned 30, to “ease” the pain of aging lol as I promised myself that I want to gift myself a designer bag on every birthday after 30 to keep “softening” the blows of aging :p Doesn’t always have to be a Chanel bag of course. There are so many well known and lesser known designers and luxury brands left to explore that would fit all kinds of budgets, tastes and styles. I wouldn’t want to limit myself by being a “brand loyal”. That said, Chanel does have a very special place in my bag loving heart. And the search for that one vintage Chanel bag at a condition and price point I am willing to afford, is certainly a great exercise. And ultimately the reason why (aside from the ridiculous price increases and declining quality), I would never buy a new Chanel bag from the boutique. Forever vintage Chanel ❤️
My nephew is a manager at Chanel. She said business flourishes exponentially during and after pandemic; she gets so many calls each day from desperate customers waiting to buy new bags.
I personally never like the Chanel flap. They look dated, boring and boxy. In addition, they are not even scarce or exclusive. If one goes to an upscale Asian restaurant, there’ll be so many ladies carrying the same Chanel basic flap bags, especially the black one. I always feel bad for them since these people are duped to spend so many $$ over a simple leather bag which screams entry level. Without the double CC logo, this bag is unnoticeable and worthless.
For me, to be exclusive means catchy style, limited production and bags made with exotic materials. With a Chanel budget, one should be able to find a one of a kind custom bag that can truly wows!
I’m lucky that I can afford a Chanel bag occasionally. Last year I bought one of the new season white bowling bags online from a Chanel boutique in Hong Kong. When it arrived I thought it was a fake. The quality was so poor I refused to believe it was authentic until I took it to a local boutique to check the hologram. Evidently it’s real. The zipper doesn’t slide smoothly, the hardware is light and feels cheap compared to older Chanel bags I have. It doesn’t feel “substantial”. I won’t buy another Chanel bag, or clothing. Even the costume jewelry is so bad now. In the past, if you bought a classic pearl necklace, the logo was embellished on both sides. Now it’s flat metal with machine marks on the reverse. In Canada those cost about $2,000.00. They aren’t any better made than the costume jewelry for sale at the department stores. Farewell Chanel, it was nice knowing you.
Sometimes I wonder why I bought Chanel bags as they don’t really look that impressive. Luckily I entered the market quite early, if now, I will not spend $10k on one bag. I guess there’re some believes that instill to our mind that Chanel is the must-owned and good-invested brand, but why? The must owned idea is the propaganda they advertise and the investment part is questionable especially there are so many pre-owned on market nowadays. The only difference is if you really want it, then buy now is definitely cheaper than later. But you surely can’t earn money from buying Chanel bag, so it is not a good investment just a good excuse to buy it. 😜