There are several factors that contribute to Chanel’s popularity on the market, amongst both fashion lovers and investment buyers.
The exceptional quality and use of the finest materials available on the market is one major factor. When combined with the craftsmanship involved in designing and bringing to life each individual Chanel bag, this puts each bag on a pedestal in terms of its design and manufacturing. After all, buyers aren’t just investing in the end product, but in the process and the work involved to bring that bag to life.
Another factor that contributes to Chanel’s success and to the brand’s popularity on the market is the limited supply. People want what other people have – with this ideology increasing ten fold when it comes to celebrity ownership and the brands that are loved by celebrities.
With that said, in this article we’re sharing some of the most famous faces, and the most iconic moments, connecting celebrities with classic Chanel bags.
Celebrities and Their Chanel
Before we dive into the classic Chanel bags as seen on and around the red carpet, it’s worth noting that it isn’t just bags that have elevated Chanel as a brand to its cult status among celebrities and A-listers.
Chanel fashion and jewellery are mainstays of the celebrity world, with the brand’s designers working with countless celebrities in creating unique and one-off dresses and outfits. Celebrities also feature heavily in Chanel’s advertising campaigns, particularly around the brand’s perfume and beauty ranges.
But back to the bags…
Most Popular Celebrity Sightings Featuring Chanel Bags
The Chanel 2.55 bag is one of the most renowned when it comes to celebrity sightings, thanks to its history and influence in the luxury sector.
However, the Classic Flap bag is another major player across the celebrity market, with names like Hilary Duff, Paris Hilton, Audrina Partridge, Jennifer Aniston, and more pictured regularly with their Classic Flap bags.
Celebrities are also known for pushing the boundaries of everyday style, for example when Rihanna stepped out with a Chanel No.5 perfume-bottle-shaped clutch. This unique and limited-edition bag may not look like the most functional accessory, but it certainly makes a statement, and it perfectly offset the all-black outfit she wore it with.
Kim Kardashian used a Chanel bag in a similar way to add colour and personality to an all-black outfit – though, in her case, the bag’s prominence very much came from its bright-green tone. And then we come to unique bags like Rita Ora’s Boy Brick Clutch, which is crafted from a hard material and designed to resemble a brick. Though Rita Ora’s Brick Clutch was a bright shade of red, Jessica Biel was pictured with the same bag boasting a black and pearl exterior, and Katy Perry has been seen with another variation on the same bag – transparent with black detailing.
One thing that all of these examples tell us is that Chanel and its collection of handbags are as much an everyday accessory as they are a go-to for red-carpet occasions. For every image of a celebrity holding a Chanel bag at a glamorous event, you’ll find another image depicting a celebrity carrying a Chanel bag as they go about their regular routine.
Chanel is a modern classic luxury brand for a reason – and that’s before we consider the value and investment potential.
Is a Chanel Bag a Good Investment?
Celebrity or not, a Chanel bag is the kind of investment that doesn’t just hold (and sometimes even increase) its value, but remains a coveted must-have that will always be in high demand.
The iconic status of Chanel means that every bag is considered a good investment, though some are more famous than others. The ultimate “classic” on every Chanel lover’s wish list is the 2.55 – the original Chanel, which became the Flap bag over time, and with adaptations under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld.
The 2.55 is the original women’s shoulder bag with a flap design and clasp, brought to life by Coco Chanel herself to meet her own need for something stylish yet functional. There are multiple variations on the 2.55, with different materials, colours, and hardware options – however, the main thing to note about this bag is its direct link to Chanel’s history.
If buyers aren’t already drawn in by the high value and potential for high returns of Chanel bag ownership, then the link between each original bag and the founder herself is reason enough to invest. Coco Chanel was a visionary, and owning an authentic Chanel bag is akin to owning a piece of history from this iconic brand.
So, what do you need to look for in a solid investment bag from the Chanel collection?
Hallmarks of a Good Investment Bag
Every Chanel bag is met with high demand on the market, owing as much to the status upheld by the brand as the quality of the bag itself.
Many buyers who invest in Chanel bags do so because of the prestige that comes with owning an authentic Chanel. You only have to look at the exceptional market demand surrounding any fashion item seen on a high-profile celebrity to see the influence that prestigious figures can have on a brand or product. And, with Chanel a must-have in the A-list world, it follows that every release is surrounded by high demand and an air of exclusivity.
If you’re seeking your first investment bag and you want to find the perfect Chanel for you, here are a few tips…
- Keep it classic. While limited-edition collections and bolder styles see highs and lows in terms of demand and value, the Chanel Classic is always highly sought after thanks to its timeless design and finish.
- Only ever buy from a reputable reseller. The rise in counterfeit goods means that authentication is more important than ever before. Only buy once you have seen the right authentication certificates and proof of original purchase.
- Look ahead to the investment potential of your bag – but make sure you also choose a bag that you love!
For more advice on buying your perfect Chanel, visit our boutique store in London.