Since its first design in the 1950s by the iconic Coco Chanel, the classic flap bag from Chanel has become a symbol of luxury. However, it is challenging for an untrained individual to distinguish between genuine Chanel bags and fake bags.
If you want to buy vintage designer goods, read our guide on what you should consider before taking the plunge.
The medium variant presents a short shoulder strap, which even for an average-height individual like myself, hinders both crossbody and regular shoulder wear, in my view.
All variants of The Flap Bag featured gold, black or silver metallic chain straps and when resources grew scarce, leather straps were intertwined and/or used as a stylish alternative.
Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker.
The placement of the CC lock should be centered both vertically and horizontally on its leather flap, with misplaced locks indicative of replica locks.
However, you can opt for a professional examination by an authentication service if you are still unsure. The quality and craftsmanship of genuine Chanel bags are worth the investment.
Having designed bags from 1929, Coco Chanel's archives include a myriad of timeless iterations that demonstrate the evolution of Chanel over the years. This bold and flat"CC" adornment is often seen on its older styles.
Handles/Strap: Chanel invented a new style of shoulder strap inspired by men’s military satchels, who wore them across their chest. The gold-linking all metal chain was light yet strong, wearable on the shoulder or across the chest, so that a woman’s hands could remain free.
Vintage Chanel bags can be identified by the distinctive leather and chain straps , which feature a link without the leather threaded through it, unlike contemporary Chanel bags that have leather straps folded back on themselves and stitched through each link.
The guide also sheds light on purchasing from official boutiques or trusted retailers to ensure authenticity , while also offering precautions for buying pre-owned items.
It’s also said that the double-chain shoulder strap was inspired by the caretakers at the orphanage Gabrielle grew up in. She chose the same chains that the nuns used to dangle keys from their waists. Regardless of the origin, Chanel wanted the chain straps to look like jewelry with the convenience of a satchel for the modern woman.
It is far easier to copyright the card than to make an entire bag of convincing quality. In an attempt to stay ahead of the counterfeiters, Chanel began using microchips in fake vs real Chanel bag 2021, with all the bag’s authenticating details digitally embedded inside the bags.
Did You Know? Since 2021, Chanel has moved on from hologram stickers and started using a microchip with a serial number in a bid to protect their products from replication and allow easy authentication.