Choosing the right brand can be tricky, especially when you’ve got two huge names in front of you: Chanel and Hermès. If you’re trying to decide which brand is for you, then look no further. It’s going to be a difficult task, but we’re going to compare these two brands for you, so you can make a fully informed decision before purchasing, or even before deciding which one to sell.
Brand history
Each of these two brands has a pretty extensive history, one in equine and the other in perfume and power suits. Let’s find out a little bit more about their beginnings.
Chanel
Chanel was founded in 1909, which makes the brand slightly younger than Hermès. Its history is just as impressive though. The now-iconic Chanel No5 perfume cemented her success as a designer. Even today this fragrance is seen as ‘the ultimate symbol of femininity.’ The true success of Chanel No5 began when Marilyn Monroe revealed that she likes to wear a few drops of this scent to bed.
In the 1920s Chanel designed an outfit that would later be named the power suit. The original style of these suits involved a tweed jacket and fitted skirt. What made these so empowering you may ask? Well, this suit changed fashion forever. Previous to the figure-hugging power suit, women wore large dresses with volume and layers in it, meaning you couldn’t actually see their figure. Chanel’s power suit meant that women weren’t so restricted anymore, they could move as freely as a man for the first time ever. That’s how history was born.
Hermès
Hermès was founded in 1837 and originally began as a luxury leather workshop that specialised in saddles and other types of leather goods for horses and ponies. Although Hermès is known for their handbags nowadays, they didn’t actually venture into the world of handbags until 1922. Their two most famous bags are the Hermès Birkin and the Kelly. Both have a design that is reminiscent of an original Hermès bag from 1892.
Prices
Now let’s compare the cost of the two brands. Price can be a huge thing when it comes to weighing up which brand is the right one for you. Maybe you have a handbag budget, maybe you don’t. Whatever your budget is, know that both of these handbags are likely to set you back a little bit.
Chanel
In 2021, Chanel increased the price of their bags four times. Even though we’re only just through the first month of 2022, Chanel has already increased the price of their handbags. However, this time around the price rise isn’t affecting their classic styles. The affected designs are the Chanel Coco Handle, Chanel 19, the Boy bag and the Business Affinity bag. These three bags will see a price rise of anywhere between 8-12%. One thing about these price rises is that the more they keep on coming, the more demand will go up for Chanel bags on the pre-loved market. If people can’t get their hands on a brand new Chanel bag anymore, then their next place to look will be the resale market where they will be able to get their hands on the same bag, at a more attainable price.
Hermès
On the other hand, Hermès doesn’t push a price increase on their handbags, but their handbags are slightly more expensive. In fact, some of them are the most expensive bags in the world, ranging from £9,000 to half a million pounds. The most expensive bag ever sold was a white Diamond Himalaya Niloticus crocodile diamond Birkin 30 and it sold for a staggering £253,000. If this has got you worried, don’t be too scared, unless you’re looking for a Himalayan Birkin, you won’t have to pay this much for one.
Range of products
Now you’re thinking about price and the brand history of the two brands, let’s also think about the range of bags each of these brands has available to its customers. Both of these brands don’t just limit themselves to handbags. They’ve expanded their range into clothing, jewellery and Hermès even do homeware and linens now.
Chanel
Although Chanel’s main focus is on handbags, they also have an array of other items including perfume, shoes, jewellery and makeup. Their makeup range is expansive, from lipstick to cream contour. If you’re looking for a brand with versatility in the beauty sector, then Chanel is the one for you.
Hermès
Again, most people know Hermès for their bags, but they’re certainly not a one-trick pony. Hermès also sells home textiles, jewellery and silk scarves, which make for a great wardrobe staple. Hermès homeware is also extremely popular, from their china cups and plates to their sofas and armchairs. If you’re looking for a designer brand to buy homeware and a handbag from, then Hermès should be your go-to.
Where can I buy Chanel and Hermès handbags?
In order to purchase a Chanel bag, most modern styles are available in their stores, which can be found all over the world. It’s not too hard to find your dream item in a Chanel store. On the other hand, if you’re wanting to find one of Hermès’ more exclusive accessories, like a Birkin or Kelly bag, you might have less luck in securing it. Where you can walk into a Chanel store and come out with a brand new bag, it can take a waiting list and years of trying to get your hands on a Hermès bag. If you don’t want to wait, Chanel might be the right brand for you, however, the classic style of bags are becoming increasingly hard to get hold of.
The judgement
There is a lot to think about. We hopefully have answered a few of your questions and reservations you may have about either brand. Although it may be easier to get your hands on a Chanel rather than a Hermès, an Hermès bag might be the more expensive option. It’s about thinking of what you want from your handbag. Do you want the air of mystery and exclusivity which surrounds the Birkin or Kelly bags? Would you prefer a bag that could be worn crossbody as opposed to on the crook of your arm?
Regardless of what bag you choose, you will be investing in a luxury accessory that is made with utmost craftsmanship in mind. Items from these two brands will last you year upon year, and pretty much any Hermès or Chanel classic bags are bound to transcend any trend cycles.
