If owning an authentic Chanel bag is on your wishlist, then you’ve come to the right place.
From vintage models to luxury collaborations, modern statement pieces, and simple but elegant everyday bags, the Chanel collection is diverse and exclusive – with pieces for all types of buyers. But how do you choose which Chanel bag is right for you, and what do you need to consider before parting with your money?
In this article, we’re sharing our advice on things to consider before buying a Chanel bag – taking into account everything from the logistics of your purchase to the finer details of your chosen bag.
1) The History and Story Behind Your Dream Bag
One of the great things about Chanel is the incredible story at the heart of both the brand and its different collections – not to mention the founder of the brand and her own commitment to becoming the best in the business.
Coco Chanel was herself a revolutionary designer and spearheaded some of the most memorable concepts in the world of modern fashion. She came up with the staple Little Black Dress; she bridged men’s clothing with the women’s market through formal suits and casual trousers; and she designed the 2.55 bag, which remains one of Chanel’s most coveted bags, even today.
What all of this tells us is that owning anything from the Chanel brand means that you own a piece of style and fashion history. And so, when buying a bag, it’s important to consider the history and the story behind your dream bag. For example, if you’ve always wanted to own a classic Chanel Flap bag, you should know that this bag is Karl Lagerfeld’s evolution of the original 2.55, which put quilted bags and shoulder straps on the map for the accessories market.
2) The Size of the Bag
Chanel is a brand that has continued to evolve with the times, developing new styles and releasing new sizes of its most iconic bag in line with market demand and with the preferences of its consumers.
When buying a Chanel bag, you can opt for anything from a small shoulder bag, a statement clutch, or a larger everyday bag complete with different pockets and storage compartments. Paying attention to size means first deciding how you want to use your bag and whether you want it to become a part of your everyday style, be used exclusively for special occasions and events, or remain in its box as a long-lasting investment piece.
If you are someone who likes to carry multiple accessories around with you, including a phone, keys, purse, and other personal effects, then it’s important to make sure that the bag you buy enables this. This should also influence your decision about whether to opt for a shoulder bag or handheld bag, and whether you want your bag to be fitted with a clasp and flap or open cleanly from the top.
3) The Materials Used to Make the Bag
When it comes to buying any luxury accessory, buyers need to be aware that different materials come with different price tags. What’s more, Chanel was one of the first brands to announce a ban on the use of exotic materials and animal skins – preferring to source its materials in more sustainable ways.
As a result, bags that are made with exotic skins are often more expensive due to the modern day ban on using these materials to create new bags. It gives bags made using these materials an air of exclusivity that only serves to push the demand and price tag even higher.
While we’re talking about material, it’s also worth noting things like colour and how the material and main body of the bag is complimented and enhanced by the hardware that’s used. Some colour palettes are more coveted than others, while Chanel is also known for exercising its position as a luxury brand to secure high-value collaborations and partnerships.
If you’re really looking for something that will stand out and give you an edge on the market, both as a buyer and a potential future reseller, then exploring the different collaboration bags can open a world of new aesthetics and finishes.
4) Where to Buy and How Much to Spend
The final thing that buyers need to consider before committing to a Chanel bag is how much they want to spend and whether they buy from a reputable reseller, a private seller, or an auction.
The consistently high demand and market growth around both new and preloved Chanel bags means that every bag on the market is met with a plethora of potential buyers. Whether it’s a classic Chanel or one of the more unique creations, the high demand and correlating low supply means that finding an available authentic Chanel is rare. Having said that, there are pros and cons to buying through all of the aforementioned outlets.
Buying from a reputable reseller offers you a choice of different bags based on your budget and preference. With onsite valuation checks and the reliability of a secure reputation on the market, most local resellers in London combine passion with expertise and can help find the perfect bag for you within your budget – and while giving you the chance to view and handle a selection of options.
An auction can culminate in a good price, though drives high competition, while buying from a private seller removes the element of competition but can be risky if you don’t understand and recognise all the signs of an authentic bag versus a counterfeit model.
So, our advice is simple. Familiarising yourself with the signs of an authentic bag and taking the time to identify the features you need from your purchase are all must-haves when it comes to buying a Chanel bag for your own collection.
