Chanel’s Rise & STALL: Defects, Difficulties & Deflection (formerly the 19 tote saga thread)

[gail13]

Here we are eight months later and my SA has confirmed for me that a majority of the seasonal bags are bonded leather, with a hint of lambskin or calfskin somewhere on the bag so they can call it leather. Corporate has confirmed it, but they are not to discuss it. Does the brand image support this pricing of bags made of leather scraps? If they are taking this short cut on bags, what is happening with RTW and shoes?

Found online:
Bonded leather is actually a mix of both real and fake leather. It is made from the leftover scraps and fibers made from processing genuine leather mixed with a polyurethane binder. These fibers are then rolled together using adhesives to bond them onto a paper backing. Some manufacturers may add an additional coating of polyurethane to the bonded leather and emboss it so it has the texture of real leather. Most bonded leather is comprised of only 10-20% genuine leather. Some manufacturers market bonded leather as real leather, when it in fact only contains a small percentage of genuine leather.

 

[PurseCloset]

Here we are eight months later and my SA has confirmed for me that a majority of the seasonal bags are bonded leather, with a hint of lambskin or calfskin somewhere on the bag so they can call it leather. Corporate has confirmed it, but they are not to discuss it. Does the brand image support this pricing of bags made of leather scraps? If they are taking this short cut on bags, what is happening with RTW and shoes?

Found online:
Bonded leather is actually a mix of both real and fake leather. It is made from the leftover scraps and fibers made from processing genuine leather mixed with a polyurethane binder. These fibers are then rolled together using adhesives to bond them onto a paper backing. Some manufacturers may add an additional coating of polyurethane to the bonded leather and emboss it so it has the texture of real leather. Most bonded leather is comprised of only 10-20% genuine leather. Some manufacturers market bonded leather as real leather, when it in fact only contains a small percentage of genuine leather.

Thanks for sharing this info. I am so done with Chanel now. Its crazy at this price point we are getting lower quality.

 

[DME]

Thanks for sharing this info. I am so done with Chanel now. Its crazy at this price point we are getting lower quality.

Oh, but the seasonal bags are often half the price of the classics, so they’re a steal! #sarcasm

 

[Bagatha Christie]

Here we are eight months later and my SA has confirmed for me that a majority of the seasonal bags are bonded leather, with a hint of lambskin or calfskin somewhere on the bag so they can call it leather. Corporate has confirmed it, but they are not to discuss it. Does the brand image support this pricing of bags made of leather scraps? If they are taking this short cut on bags, what is happening with RTW and shoes?

Found online:
Bonded leather is actually a mix of both real and fake leather. It is made from the leftover scraps and fibers made from processing genuine leather mixed with a polyurethane binder. These fibers are then rolled together using adhesives to bond them onto a paper backing. Some manufacturers may add an additional coating of polyurethane to the bonded leather and emboss it so it has the texture of real leather. Most bonded leather is comprised of only 10-20% genuine leather. Some manufacturers market bonded leather as real leather, when it in fact only contains a small percentage of genuine leather.

I’m amazed that they told you the dirty truth tbh. I hope the SA doesn’t get in trouble for chasing it up and being honest.

 

[mzbaglady1]

I look forward to the day when one of these bonded leather bags are dissected on a social media platform. I can hear the cries of denial. LOL

 

[rainbowneko]

Went to red app and did some digging on this PU issue posts by china netizens to reinforce the fact that there's quality issue with chanel bags these days (yup, previously i have posted somewhere earlier in this thread):
1. apparently the "PU leather" issue has been around for quite awhile - commonly seen in gabrielle bag and backpack's chain. Found more than one post about this matter upon searching in the red app (chinese social media).
2. seasonal crossbody camera bag with coloured chain - look at the chain
3. allegedly someone in the comment section mentioned that: "finally saw PU leather posting here. my friend who is working at the factory that the fashion house uses PU for some part of the leather, the hardware have changed to more environmentally friendly but at the same time the hardware oxidises easily".

fyi: i have removed their names to protect their identities (no affiliation to any of them either)

 

[sparklywacky]

I look forward to the day when one of these bonded leather bags are dissected on a social media platform. I can hear the cries of denial. LOL View attachment 5746097

Maybe we could all tip-off @tanner.leatherstein on Instagram to dissect these seasonal bonded leather bags! That’s what he does on his page.

The more tips/messages he gets could encourage him to actually dissect these bonded leather bags. Lol.

 

[BorntoRunandShop]

Went to red app and did some digging on this PU issue posts by china netizens to reinforce the fact that there's quality issue with chanel bags these days (yup, previously i have posted somewhere earlier in this thread):
1. apparently the "PU leather" issue has been around for quite awhile - commonly seen in gabrielle bag and backpack's chain. Found more than one post about this matter upon searching in the red app (chinese social media).
2. seasonal crossbody camera bag with coloured chain - look at the chain
3. allegedly someone in the comment section mentioned that: "finally saw PU leather posting here. my friend who is working at the factory that the fashion house uses PU for some part of the leather, the hardware have changed to more environmentally friendly but at the same time the hardware oxidises easily".

fyi: i have removed their names to protect their identities (no affiliation to any of them either)
View attachment 5746191View attachment 5746192

View attachment 5746205

Yikes. Speechless. So disappointed too.

 

[gail13]

I’m amazed that they told you the dirty truth tbh. I hope the SA doesn’t get in trouble for chasing it up and being honest.

We have been talking about it for a long time and it's commonly known in the industry by seasoned SA's. What we need to remember is that some of the long time employees are not happy with these developments. They do not like the quality issues or all the rules that make it harder for their good clients to purchase.

Just heard about another SA's VIP client who was banned for buying too much. She is not a reseller.

 

[waterlily112]

Here we are eight months later and my SA has confirmed for me that a majority of the seasonal bags are bonded leather, with a hint of lambskin or calfskin somewhere on the bag so they can call it leather. Corporate has confirmed it, but they are not to discuss it. Does the brand image support this pricing of bags made of leather scraps? If they are taking this short cut on bags, what is happening with RTW and shoes?

Found online:
Bonded leather is actually a mix of both real and fake leather. It is made from the leftover scraps and fibers made from processing genuine leather mixed with a polyurethane binder. These fibers are then rolled together using adhesives to bond them onto a paper backing. Some manufacturers may add an additional coating of polyurethane to the bonded leather and emboss it so it has the texture of real leather. Most bonded leather is comprised of only 10-20% genuine leather. Some manufacturers market bonded leather as real leather, when it in fact only contains a small percentage of genuine leather.

I feel like most of us have suspected it, genuine leather just doesn't peel and crack like bonded/pu leather do. Sad to see the direction that Chanel has headed to. I genuinely love some of their designs but all the quality issues really going to hold me back from purchasing any more bags from them.

Went to red app and did some digging on this PU issue posts by china netizens to reinforce the fact that there's quality issue with chanel bags these days (yup, previously i have posted somewhere earlier in this thread):
1. apparently the "PU leather" issue has been around for quite awhile - commonly seen in gabrielle bag and backpack's chain. Found more than one post about this matter upon searching in the red app (chinese social media).
2. seasonal crossbody camera bag with coloured chain - look at the chain
3. allegedly someone in the comment section mentioned that: "finally saw PU leather posting here. my friend who is working at the factory that the fashion house uses PU for some part of the leather, the hardware have changed to more environmentally friendly but at the same time the hardware oxidises easily".

fyi: i have removed their names to protect their identities (no affiliation to any of them either)
View attachment 5746191View attachment 5746192

View attachment 5746205

I wonder what year they've started switching to a more environmental-friendly options for the hardware. I suspect they meant recycled silver & other metals? My most recent bags by Chanel is the urban spirit lambskin backpack (2016) and the heart belt bag (2022), haven't notice any tarnishing in hardware or peeling in the straps yet.

 

[mzbaglady1]

Maybe we could all tip-off @tanner.leatherstein on Instagram to dissect these seasonal bonded leather bags! That’s what he does on his page.

The more tips/messages he gets could encourage him to actually dissect these bonded leather bags. Lol.

I already left a couple of comments on this guy's IG and youtube channel. I really don't want to see this guy's account get shut down when he exposes some of the high end and powerful designers dirty little secrets.

 

[Tina1010]

I already left a couple of comments on this guy's IG and youtube channel. I really don't want to see this guy's account get shut down when he exposes some of the high end and powerful designers dirty little secrets.

I like learning from him. He has deconstructed a pink Chanel wallet I think and said it was heavily processed. In his recent videos he spoke about the price increase, you can watch that too. Surprisingly he said Polene bags are of really great quality, great craftsmanship, great hardware, superior than any of these other brands, but too bad I am still a fan of the classic Chanel styles.

 

[katlina]

Went to red app and did some digging on this PU issue posts by china netizens to reinforce the fact that there's quality issue with chanel bags these days (yup, previously i have posted somewhere earlier in this thread):
1. apparently the "PU leather" issue has been around for quite awhile - commonly seen in gabrielle bag and backpack's chain. Found more than one post about this matter upon searching in the red app (chinese social media).
2. seasonal crossbody camera bag with coloured chain - look at the chain
3. allegedly someone in the comment section mentioned that: "finally saw PU leather posting here. my friend who is working at the factory that the fashion house uses PU for some part of the leather, the hardware have changed to more environmentally friendly but at the same time the hardware oxidises easily".

fyi: i have removed their names to protect their identities (no affiliation to any of them either)
View attachment 5746191View attachment 5746192

View attachment 5746205

The issue with these is that you have no idea if these are actually fakes you are looking at.

Let’s wait and see!

I Love all of my bags, have never purchased seasonal styles and know that mine are the most beautiful leather inside out so.. I’ll enjoy these for now ❤️

 

[katlina]

Here we are eight months later and my SA has confirmed for me that a majority of the seasonal bags are bonded leather, with a hint of lambskin or calfskin somewhere on the bag so they can call it leather. Corporate has confirmed it, but they are not to discuss it. Does the brand image support this pricing of bags made of leather scraps? If they are taking this short cut on bags, what is happening with RTW and shoes?

Found online:
Bonded leather is actually a mix of both real and fake leather. It is made from the leftover scraps and fibers made from processing genuine leather mixed with a polyurethane binder. These fibers are then rolled together using adhesives to bond them onto a paper backing. Some manufacturers may add an additional coating of polyurethane to the bonded leather and emboss it so it has the texture of real leather. Most bonded leather is comprised of only 10-20% genuine leather. Some manufacturers market bonded leather as real leather, when it in fact only contains a small percentage of genuine leather.

Where is the actual proof though?

Here I can confirm that my SAs say the opposite. It’s word versus word so how would we know

 

[hijulisa]

Went to red app and did some digging on this PU issue posts by china netizens to reinforce the fact that there's quality issue with chanel bags these days (yup, previously i have posted somewhere earlier in this thread):
1. apparently the "PU leather" issue has been around for quite awhile - commonly seen in gabrielle bag and backpack's chain. Found more than one post about this matter upon searching in the red app (chinese social media).
2. seasonal crossbody camera bag with coloured chain - look at the chain
3. allegedly someone in the comment section mentioned that: "finally saw PU leather posting here. my friend who is working at the factory that the fashion house uses PU for some part of the leather, the hardware have changed to more environmentally friendly but at the same time the hardware oxidises easily".

fyi: i have removed their names to protect their identities (no affiliation to any of them either)
View attachment 5746191View attachment 5746192

View attachment 5746205

I have an older style gabby hobo (from 2018 maybe?), and a gabby backpack from 2020. So far the chains have held up well. I hope that the chains I have were weaved with real leather before they switched to this PU leather