Style Staples is a monthly series where we dissect the best luxury bags to invest in. In this edition, we take a deep dive into all of the Chanel need-to-know silhouettes to add to your forever closet.
Is there any handbag more iconic than a Chanel bag? Peer into any fashion collector’s wardrobe and you’ll find one (or two, or three) Chanel handbag. One of the best designer handbags, undoubtedly, Chanel is renowned for its timeless design, impeccable craftsmanship and iconic status in the fashion world.
While the brand constantly reinvents its offering each season, Chanel handbags are typically identifiable by their signature quilted design, statement CC clasp, and chic chain strap. Each piece is meticulously crafted from the finest materials, including lambskin, caviar leather, and tweed – ensuring durability and longevity. With classic silhouettes such as the Flap bag and the Boy bag, Chanel bags transcend trends, making them a timeless investment that retains value over time.
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Its practical design and endorsement by influential fashion icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Karlie Kloss and Princess Diana ensure a Chanel bag is always in rotation. What’s more, Chanel bags maintain their value at resale, with many iconic pieces increasing in value, too. In fact, Chanel recently raised the prices of their sought-after handbags in March this year. The classic Flap now retails for more than US$10,000, while the Mini square and rectangular flaps are up 6% and are now priced at US$5,000 and US$5,200 respectively.
With their regular price hikes and timeless allure, Chanel bags are known to be one of the best style investments. Considering the fact that they’re expensive and there isn’t ever a Chanel sale, it’s crucial to think about such a purchase – whatever the price tag – with great consideration before pressing ‘check out’ or swiping your credit card.
So, which Chanel bags will actually give you a bang for your buck? Here are all the forever favourites to consider investing in.
Chanel 2.55
Invented in February 1955 and designed by Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, the iconic 2.55 – named after its birth month and year – is considered the most famous accessory in fashion history. It has a classic rectangular shape made of quilted leather, with an all-chain strap and the ‘Mademoiselle Lock’, which is an elegant rectangular clasp. The 2.55 now comes in different kinds of materials, hardware and sizes. Shop here.
Chanel Classic Flap
The Classic Flap, or the 11.12, is known as Karl Lagerfeld’s redesign of the 2.55. Lagerfeld replaced the ‘Mademoiselle Lock’ with an interlocking clasp comprising the letters ‘CC’ – the brand’s logo and Coco Chanel’s initials. The Flap has been interpreted each year, resulting in a wide variety of designs, colourways and fun elements like denim and pearls. Shop here.
Chanel Boy
Inspired by Coco Chanel’s masculine and androgynous flair, the Boy is also characterised by the rectangular, roomy shape of its predecessors. However, it takes on an edgier vibe as evidenced by the punk-like details, like the chunky chain strap, distressed hardware and chevron exterior. The Boy comes in an array of sizes from large to wallet-sized in numerous colorways. Shop here.
Chanel Gabrielle
The Gabrielle was the first bag to be featured in a unisex fashion, making it one for the books. Debuted in 2017, the bag’s slouchy yet structured shape makes it extremely versatile for both men and women. The Gabrielle is marked by its boho shape and long calfskin shoulder strap and features an easy zip closure that makes storing one’s belongings a breeze. Shop here.
Chanel Wallet on Chain
The Wallet on Chain is basically a mini version of the Flap but without the double flap feature. It is characterised by the iconic leather-woven chain strap and handy flap at the back as well as the emblematic (and enigmatic) zipper flap on the interior of the flap closure. The bag is said to have been where Coco Chanel stored her secret love letter. Shop here.
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