Chanel RTW ~ Reveals, Chit-chat & Info thread

[880]

find nice white tee and tank top from Wolford and Hanro. Wolford had a really cute white t-shirt, "dylan shirt," last season that goes well with CC RTW. For Hanro, I have balance v-neck tank top in white that is not transparent, a bit relaxed fit, and looks nice.

I have a question for the lovely ladies here: often times a Chanel jacket is easily paired with a simple white T-shirt. I found some round neck jackets with larger neck opening vs. crewneck t-shirts. So they look a bit awkward together. scoop neck t-shirts seem to be more rare...what do you normally wear under a round neck jacket? do you have a favorite style and brand of t-shirt to share?

the post of @peggioka above seemed to sum up a discussion of scoop neck t shirts. Other posters mentioned other brands in a variety of price points. @TankerToad and others like the wolford body suit. @periogirl28, I’m putting uniqlo on the list to try, thanks

@Brooklynite, your retail experiences below sound fabulous! I loved Wall St. H too But my SA left and I eventually moved to Madison. When I returned to H and to chanel RTW at 57 after a long hiatus, I had to get referrals for SAs that were low key, knowledgeable, who didn’t push and who got my style sensibility. agree that neither H madison nor chanel 57 is as welcoming as H Wall st or Dior or (@TankerToad ’s point, VCA).

 

[Brooklynite]

I think it’s a great coat. My SA pulls older stuff all the time. And, RTW prices are going up every year for staple items like this. It’s also hard to find ones size for some popular things (so much so that I started shopping the relatively more moderately priced Dior RTW), but I’m also waiting for sale. Having said all that, I started shopping chanel RTW when things were a fraction of the price, so dont buy anything unless it’s perfect and makes you dream at night. have fun!

@TankerToad, that’s horrible service. Ugh. Is chanel now so big that they don’t care about walk in clients? As a walk in, I just had the best experience at Dior next door on 57th st. Dior had an event going on in one of the salons and another SA later told me it was their busiest day since covid. Not only were they very nice, but the SA, the SM and another SA helping an established client (who was obviously spending a lot more than I was) all found time to pass lots of great stuff on to me in my size. Including stuff I asked for. I also hit it off with the tailor who suggested I come back for an interim fitting for a jacket bc she said things could change when she opened the seams.

What struck me about Dior was that the staff clearly worked as a team, unlike at chanel or brunello where it’s kind of up to the SA to gather all the stuff together and wheel down a rack. (my brunello SA actually said it’s like the hunger games trying to hold stuff for her clients). And, when I went back for my fitting, the SM remembered me enough to chat and say hello, and my SA was waiting to greet me on the first floor. I do love my chanel SA, but I was really floored by the level of Dior service to a random walk in. It doesn’t hurt that DH loved the Dior pieces I got and wanted to see the new look book Email. (sadly he’s never reacted that way to chanel).

I had great experience with Hermes Wall St.. I bought a decent amount of products from my lovely SA and I started as a walk in. He would pull anything for me to try including some very rare products. Everyone there was very nice to both me and my husband.
Back when McQueen was alive (may he RIP), I also had the greatest experience in the store at meatpacking district. I was even invited to attend a runway show in Paris (how I declined the invite for work, I didn't know. Kicking myself even through today.)
Balenciaga in Chelsea was another great example. They held many private events and I was able to preorder some runway pieces that were made just for me - started after SS2006 show and I simply called them to inquire about a piece, and the lady on the phone said, come by at this day and we'll have a trunk show.
In comparison, my experience at Chanel 57 street wasn't that great. The moment I walked in I felt that I was looked and judged up and down. It wasn't a welcoming store.

 

[Brooklynite]

@Brooklynite, the post of @peggioka above seemed to sum up a discussion of scoop neck t shirts. Other posters mentioned other brands in a variety of price points. @TankerToad and others like the wolford body suit. @periogirl28, I’m putting uniqlo on the list to try, thanks

Thank you so much!It's perhaps my jackets...the T-shirt from COS and Uniqlo crew necks both have too small neck openings vs. jacket necks. Splendid tank tops work well though.
I'll give Hanro and Walford t-shirts a try. Great ideas!

 

[KerriKatherine]

@880 @ari thank you! coincidentally, I managed to find a try-on pic of me wearing this jacket with dark denim when I tried it on in store. I much prefer it the way Arisa styled it with a hoodie and worn open though. Thank you for posting those pics. I would have never thought to do that but it actually looks good and quite youthful!

@ari have you managed to get some wear out of the skirt? I recall the tweed being pretty shiny but I don’t mind having one piece that’s shiny.

My try-on pic (think this was a size too small) and a close up of the tweed:

 

[KerriKatherine]

@880 @TankerToad @Brooklynite I am finding these posts about the poor service and the shift to a more Hermes like model to be quite disheartening. I am treated very well at my boutique and have been very loyal for that reason, but I doubt I’d be quite as loyal if my SA left. I genuinely value my SA’s opinion and know that she only wants me to buy pieces that I will enjoy and wear.

This isn’t an excuse for poor customer service, but I do also have empathy for what the SAs have to deal with. I have seen several examples of what I would consider rude / obnoxious customer behaviour. I am in a client-based industry myself and I would be upset if my clients treated me the way some people treat their Chanel SA. With the rise of Instagram personal shoppers and online shopping, I think people increasingly think of the SA as facilitating a pure commercial transaction and not a relationship/advisor (and the behaviour reflects that). Having to deal with this on a routine basis must be pretty draining - and when you tack that on to a shift in the business model and pandemic stressors, it’s a lot to deal with.

 

[HAllDay]

@880 @TankerToad @Brooklynite I am finding these posts about the poor service and the shift to a more Hermes like model to be quite disheartening. I am treated very well at my boutique and have been very loyal for that reason, but I doubt I’d be quite as loyal if my SA left. I genuinely value my SA’s opinion and know that she only wants me to buy pieces that I will enjoy and wear.

This isn’t an excuse for poor customer service, but I do also have empathy for what the SAs have to deal with. I have seen several examples of what I would consider rude / obnoxious customer behaviour. I am in a client-based industry myself and I would be upset if my clients treated me the way some people treat their Chanel SA. With the rise of Instagram personal shoppers and online shopping, I think people increasingly think of the SA as facilitating a pure commercial transaction and not a relationship/advisor (and the behaviour reflects that). Having to deal with this on a routine basis must be pretty draining - and when you tack that on to a shift in the business model and pandemic stressors, it’s a lot to deal with.

I have to chime in with @KerriKatherine comments about Chanel SAs. I was a little hesitant to say anything because I'm relatively new to Chanel rtw and what the hell do I know, but I have developed a really nice and sincere relationship with my Chanel SA. (Call me lucky, I suppose?) I did ask her if they hide highly sought after items in the back room for VIPs after reading all these comments about poor service and items being hoarded. She said that they absolutely are not trying to hide anything, but that those highly sought after items are usually on reserve and put in the back room until the client comes in to try it on. Typically, if you ask about a particular item, your SA should bring out the item for you to try on even if it's on reserve, but if that SA has a client who doesn't like random people trying on items that s/he put on reserve, then they will respect that client's wish.

I also asked if Chanel is shifting their business model to be more like Hermes and she also said no. But this is where her explanation gets a little murky. As many of you probably already know, there won't be reserve lists for handbags for this next season, only ready to wear. How will they allocate their handbags you ask? Well, that's where rtw/fine jewelry customers come into play. They see rtw clients are their most loyal clients as Chanel is really more about their clothing than they are about their handbags. So when each store goes to make their buys, they will keep their loyal rtw clients in mind and the handbags that these rtw clients will want to match the clothing they will buy. I still don't really understand how this will work or how this will look when they do away with reserve lists, but I can only imagine the stores will get busier with throngs of people lining up to see if they can get their hands on a bag. But my SA did say that it is all about relationship even if it may not seem like it. They don't want random one off clients. Unfortunately, she also said they are trying to price out those customers who do save up their whole life just for one bag. Sounds snobby, but they're trying to become more exclusive. To me, it does sound similar to a Hermes model to me.

Lastly, with the pandemic, Chanel inventory has been extremely low. They're only getting a fraction of what they've ordered in the stores with long lists of people clamoring to get their hands on them. You can only imagine their stress they're under when they're being asked the same question hour after hour all day long. Hermes SAs are the same-- have you noticed as soon as you mention b or k, their faces shut down and a coldness overcomes them? HAHA.

 

[ari]

@880 @ari thank you! coincidentally, I managed to find a try-on pic of me wearing this jacket with dark denim when I tried it on in store. I much prefer it the way Arisa styled it with a hoodie and worn open though. Thank you for posting those pics. I would have never thought to do that but it actually looks good and quite youthful!

@ari have you managed to get some wear out of the skirt? I recall the tweed being pretty shiny but I don’t mind having one piece that’s shiny.

My try-on pic (think this was a size too small) and a close up of the tweed:

View attachment 5065509View attachment 5065510

The tweed is gorgeous! It looks great on you, and I do like it with the hoodie!
Yes, I have worn it in summer and winter, but I always try to dress it down.

 

[Jenni_Jenn]

I have to chime in with @KerriKatherine comments about Chanel SAs. I was a little hesitant to say anything because I'm relatively new to Chanel rtw and what the hell do I know, but I have developed a really nice and sincere relationship with my Chanel SA. (Call me lucky, I suppose?) I did ask her if they hide highly sought after items in the back room for VIPs after reading all these comments about poor service and items being hoarded. She said that they absolutely are not trying to hide anything, but that those highly sought after items are usually on reserve and put in the back room until the client comes in to try it on. Typically, if you ask about a particular item, your SA should bring out the item for you to try on even if it's on reserve, but if that SA has a client who doesn't like random people trying on items that s/he put on reserve, then they will respect that client's wish.

I also asked if Chanel is shifting their business model to be more like Hermes and she also said no. But this is where her explanation gets a little murky. As many of you probably already know, there won't be reserve lists for handbags for this next season, only ready to wear. How will they allocate their handbags you ask? Well, that's where rtw/fine jewelry customers come into play. They see rtw clients are their most loyal clients as Chanel is really more about their clothing than they are about their handbags. So when each store goes to make their buys, they will keep their loyal rtw clients in mind and the handbags that these rtw clients will want to match the clothing they will buy. I still don't really understand how this will work or how this will look when they do away with reserve lists, but I can only imagine the stores will get busier with throngs of people lining up to see if they can get their hands on a bag. But my SA did say that it is all about relationship even if it may not seem like it. They don't want random one off clients. Unfortunately, she also said they are trying to price out those customers who do save up their whole life just for one bag. Sounds snobby, but they're trying to become more exclusive. To me, it does sound similar to a Hermes model to me.

Lastly, with the pandemic, Chanel inventory has been extremely low. They're only getting a fraction of what they've ordered in the stores with long lists of people clamoring to get their hands on them. You can only imagine their stress they're under when they're being asked the same question hour after hour all day long. Hermes SAs are the same-- have you noticed as soon as you mention b or k, their faces shut down and a coldness overcomes them? HAHA.

Thank you for the intel! I am a relatively new customer for RTW, but have been a loyal handbag customer for several years. I was afraid that the new H model would jeopardize my ability to get the more coveted items. However, I feel a little more hopeful that the relationship I’ve built with my SA will prevent that from happening

 

[TankerToad]

I have to chime in with @KerriKatherine comments about Chanel SAs. I was a little hesitant to say anything because I'm relatively new to Chanel rtw and what the hell do I know, but I have developed a really nice and sincere relationship with my Chanel SA. (Call me lucky, I suppose?) I did ask her if they hide highly sought after items in the back room for VIPs after reading all these comments about poor service and items being hoarded. She said that they absolutely are not trying to hide anything, but that those highly sought after items are usually on reserve and put in the back room until the client comes in to try it on. Typically, if you ask about a particular item, your SA should bring out the item for you to try on even if it's on reserve, but if that SA has a client who doesn't like random people trying on items that s/he put on reserve, then they will respect that client's wish.

I also asked if Chanel is shifting their business model to be more like Hermes and she also said no. But this is where her explanation gets a little murky. As many of you probably already know, there won't be reserve lists for handbags for this next season, only ready to wear. How will they allocate their handbags you ask? Well, that's where rtw/fine jewelry customers come into play. They see rtw clients are their most loyal clients as Chanel is really more about their clothing than they are about their handbags. So when each store goes to make their buys, they will keep their loyal rtw clients in mind and the handbags that these rtw clients will want to match the clothing they will buy. I still don't really understand how this will work or how this will look when they do away with reserve lists, but I can only imagine the stores will get busier with throngs of people lining up to see if they can get their hands on a bag. But my SA did say that it is all about relationship even if it may not seem like it. They don't want random one off clients. Unfortunately, she also said they are trying to price out those customers who do save up their whole life just for one bag. Sounds snobby, but they're trying to become more exclusive. To me, it does sound similar to a Hermes model to me.

Lastly, with the pandemic, Chanel inventory has been extremely low. They're only getting a fraction of what they've ordered in the stores with long lists of people clamoring to get their hands on them. You can only imagine their stress they're under when they're being asked the same question hour after hour all day long. Hermes SAs are the same-- have you noticed as soon as you mention b or k, their faces shut down and a coldness overcomes them? HAHA.

This is an excellent post and very is very much in line with what I’ve been seeing- I am a visible and long time Chanel customer with a bit of status (hate how that sounds - sorry ) but when a boutique hasn't looked me up in their database I sense the random SA’s were not interested in building a new relationship- and have seen others in the boutiques treated the same. I honestly think Hermès is getting better about this reserved attitude recently - but that’s another discussion. In the past, when I traveled - prepandemic- most Chanel boutiques were welcoming and interested in adding a new client; or at least pulling together looks and making special RTW orders. It feels very different now.
Lack of inventory, SA’s competing with other SA’s, pandemic protocols, it all must be difficult.
I hope this new Chanel business model works for them- because I think this is an opputunity for other luxury brands (like Dior, or a kinder gentler Hermès) to pick up new clients
Just my .02

 

[KerriKatherine]

@ari - thank you! I can always count on you for outfit inspiration. The skirt looks fab on you. I particularly like it with the plain white shirt.

@jennyy - everything your SA said is consistent with what I have heard and observed myself. RTW has always been the beating heart of the house - not the handbags. Like most, I started as a regular handbag/accessories customer (and my SA was very helpful to me even then) but I wasn't a real client until I started buying RTW a few years ago. I have been very lucky to have been able to acquire what I have, but I remember what it was like to be a young girl saving up for her dream bag (a bag that she thought she could only buy once in her lifetime). I recall being treated well when I went to buy that bag, but it would have been really disappointing if I hadn't been. The customer service that you receive at the boutique is very much a part of the luxury experience.

@TankerToad - I too am curious to see how this new business model will work for them. I've actually shopped more at Hermes this year than Chanel, and I've also started working regularly with a Dior SA for the last year. As I told my husband, Chanel is my favourite brand, but Hermes is my favourite brand right now. Since I only shop with my SA, the new business model hasn't affected me in any noticeable way, but it's the other factors that are steering me away (lower craftsmanship in recent designs, sky-high prices, too many logos).

I'm also at a saturation point to some extent - I literally have no need for another classic flap or black jacket. VV produces designs that sell, but they're far less unique than Karl's designs. While Hermes RTW is less inspired than Chanel RTW (my husband thinks it's too basic), I also feel like it's perfect for our pandemic world - it's low-key, comfortable and not flashy (she says, as she's contemplating buying a gold jacket...! )

 

[TankerToad]

@ari - thank you! I can always count on you for outfit inspiration. The skirt looks fab on you. I particularly like it with the plain white shirt.

@jennyy - everything your SA said is consistent with what I have heard and observed myself. RTW has always been the beating heart of the house - not the handbags. Like most, I started as a regular handbag/accessories customer (and my SA was very helpful to me even then) but I wasn't a real client until I started buying RTW a few years ago. I have been very lucky to have been able to acquire what I have, but I remember what it was like to be a young girl saving up for her dream bag (a bag that she thought she could only buy once in her lifetime). I recall being treated well when I went to buy that bag, but it would have been really disappointing if I hadn't been. The customer service that you receive at the boutique is very much a part of the luxury experience.

@TankerToad - I too am curious to see how this new business model will work for them. I've actually shopped more at Hermes this year than Chanel, and I've also started working regularly with a Dior SA for the last year. As I told my husband, Chanel is my favourite brand, but Hermes is my favourite brand right now. Since I only shop with my SA, the new business model hasn't affected me in any noticeable way, but it's the other factors that are steering me away (lower craftsmanship in recent designs, sky-high prices, too many logos).

I'm also at a saturation point to some extent - I literally have no need for another classic flap or black jacket. VV produces designs that sell, but they're far less unique than Karl's designs. While Hermes RTW is less inspired than Chanel RTW (my husband thinks it's too basic), I also feel like it's perfect for our pandemic world - it's low-key, comfortable and not flashy (she says, as she's contemplating buying a gold jacket...! )

Haha
Love this ! Agree Agree Agree!!

 

[Brooklynite]

This is an excellent post and very is very much in line with what I’ve been seeing- I am a visible and long time Chanel customer with a bit of status (hate how that sounds - sorry ) but when a boutique hasn't looked me up in their database I sense the random SA’s were not interested in building a new relationship- and have seen others in the boutiques treated the same. I honestly think Hermès is getting better about this reserved attitude recently - but that’s another discussion. In the past, when I traveled - prepandemic- most Chanel boutiques were welcoming and interested in adding a new client; or at least pulling together looks and making special RTW orders. It feels very different now.
Lack of inventory, SA’s competing with other SA’s, pandemic protocols, it all must be difficult.
I hope this new Chanel business model works for them- because I think this is an opputunity for other luxury brands (like Dior, or a kinder gentler Hermès) to pick up new clients
Just my .02

I think it depends on the store manager.
I recall Madison H had a new manager in the early 2010s who fired a couple of SAs who took cash bribes for Birkins. Culture has to be nurtured from within.

 

[HAllDay]

Thank you for the Hanro recommendations!! I got two different white tanks from Hanro and they are SO nice. They’re lightweight without being too thin and they lay flat on the body without being an uncomfortable body suit (sorry, I’m too old to be wearing butt floss these days). Thank you again!

 

[HAllDay]

The tweed is gorgeous! It looks great on you, and I do like it with the hoodie!
Yes, I have worn it in summer and winter, but I always try to dress it down.

You truly have the most fantastic collection of clothing. Thank you for always sharing!!

 

[HAllDay]

This is an excellent post and very is very much in line with what I’ve been seeing- I am a visible and long time Chanel customer with a bit of status (hate how that sounds - sorry ) but when a boutique hasn't looked me up in their database I sense the random SA’s were not interested in building a new relationship- and have seen others in the boutiques treated the same. I honestly think Hermès is getting better about this reserved attitude recently - but that’s another discussion. In the past, when I traveled - prepandemic- most Chanel boutiques were welcoming and interested in adding a new client; or at least pulling together looks and making special RTW orders. It feels very different now.
Lack of inventory, SA’s competing with other SA’s, pandemic protocols, it all must be difficult.
I hope this new Chanel business model works for them- because I think this is an opputunity for other luxury brands (like Dior, or a kinder gentler Hermès) to pick up new clients
Just my .02

Don’t be sorry! Thanks for keepin’ it real and the intell!