I have been done with Chanel for years except for vintage and this only reinforces my standing. I'm really sorry to those who bought bags and then had issues. They need to stop, regroup, and go back to whatever they were doing in the early 2000s because it's the last time the bags were truly well made and even worth a fraction of the price
Chanel’s Rise & STALL: Defects, Difficulties & Deflection (formerly the 19 tote saga thread)
- Thread starter TraceySH
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Well if that’s the case not sure why you’re so upset about me questioning your claims. I never said you were wrong, but don’t agree with all the bags being bonded. I have agreed with some of the things you’ve said, not all. You’re taking offense to comments I was addressing to other people. But still fail to acknowledge that there are plenty of well made Chanel bags. No need to brag about your million dollar spending. Eye roll.
TPF is supposed to be a place to educate and bring up other POV which is what OP is doing here. I know there are going to be plenty of people who only want to feel good about what they are buying, and thats ok. For myself, I say no to bonded leather at this price point. If people are aware of what they are buying and still get the luxury expedience, thats fine. I also have alot of experience in luxury as well as manufacturing processes and I was pretty shocked to find out how products are priced has nothing to do with quality. That little white T shirt I bought in the wholesale district for $3 can be sold at various places from $10-$300 depending upon what label someone wants to put inside.
I do not believe all SA's know or want to know what they are selling. But I have had a few long time SA's tell me not to buy this or that, trying to steer me away from things they know are not good. Luckily many of the things alot us long time Chanel clients have bought were from the best of the Karl years. To me, the new items really don't compare in terms of quality or imagination.
At this point, Chanel or the other fashion houses, can prove to us the items they are selling are worthy of the asking price. Why exactly should we pay $6k? Maybe another thread? Why is that bag worth $6k etc. Looking online at other less priced bags, its interesting other mid priced and less companies are putting out very specific details about construction, why is that?
I do not believe all SA's know or want to know what they are selling. But I have had a few long time SA's tell me not to buy this or that, trying to steer me away from things they know are not good. Luckily many of the things alot us long time Chanel clients have bought were from the best of the Karl years. To me, the new items really don't compare in terms of quality or imagination.
At this point, Chanel or the other fashion houses, can prove to us the items they are selling are worthy of the asking price. Why exactly should we pay $6k? Maybe another thread? Why is that bag worth $6k etc. Looking online at other less priced bags, its interesting other mid priced and less companies are putting out very specific details about construction, why is that?
Tracey I’m curious if you have 100% acetone? I think the mix you have would be an acetone based nail polish if I’m not mistaken. I think a pure acetone would show how the leather would react (and deglaze if there is something there?) but of course don’t hurt your bag just for our sake. I respect if acetone or flame or whatever would just be too intense!
As a long time chanel customer has this change been gradual from your view or is it a big change as of recently? Just judging by recent concerns across platforms it seems this year and the 22 is what sparked a lot of concern. I know there have always been calls for quality concern but that happens at a lot of brands. Weird stitching here and there or crooked stuff. But the leather you highlighted in the original post is just shocking and really a bummer. I haven’t bought a bag recently but I did feel my caramel lamb skin mini from February was strangely dry and waxy? So I wonder if it’s that same issue others are discussing.
As a long time chanel customer has this change been gradual from your view or is it a big change as of recently? Just judging by recent concerns across platforms it seems this year and the 22 is what sparked a lot of concern. I know there have always been calls for quality concern but that happens at a lot of brands. Weird stitching here and there or crooked stuff. But the leather you highlighted in the original post is just shocking and really a bummer. I haven’t bought a bag recently but I did feel my caramel lamb skin mini from February was strangely dry and waxy? So I wonder if it’s that same issue others are discussing.
Actually I’m so glad so many of us raising concerns over bonded leather quality issues across media or any social platform. If we don’t then who will? All we are asking is transparency of what we are paying $$$. I don’t know if anyone willing to spend $$$ for a bonded leather and for that item to break down after 1 wear.
These big companies needs to know they can’t just get away with selling “sh@t”, they should be somewhat responsible for their company reputation.
In my opinion OP is not bragging at all, she has lot of experience with chanel over the years, spending her hard earned money on luxury goods. I think she is only trying to express her opinion here for consumers like me to educate ourselves. Not just buy things so blindly but know what’s inside those materials or why things break down after one wear. Because of people like her we get to expose dirty side of dirty business.
These big companies needs to know they can’t just get away with selling “sh@t”, they should be somewhat responsible for their company reputation.
In my opinion OP is not bragging at all, she has lot of experience with chanel over the years, spending her hard earned money on luxury goods. I think she is only trying to express her opinion here for consumers like me to educate ourselves. Not just buy things so blindly but know what’s inside those materials or why things break down after one wear. Because of people like her we get to expose dirty side of dirty business.
I think lots of it is gradual. Always the issues - upside down clasps, crooked flaps, etc but the concerns about the actual composition of the leather, at least for me, started with the 19??
So money is the only way you’re judged by any house. You only attain status by spending money. And that’s all you are to them. You can’t be a VIC because you’re nice or bring them cookies. It’s a measurable status by only one thing - spending money. In that vein, status is important. It’s the only reason I’ve been able to send concerns all the way up the food chain & be on conference calls with regional directors etc. Money. That’s it.
If I speak here I speak to them. I don’t hide and just vent here, I say exactly the same things everywhere to everyone. And, usually I receive deference because…. Money.
If they decide I’m a liability because I ask questions or decide to ban me, it affects my life exactly 0%. I don’t care. I care about what’s right and what’s honest. And if I get the floor because of my status, I’ll use it.
Just wanna say thank you for being willing to be the sacrificial lamb to subject your 19 to these tests. I had to LOL at what you were putting it through. Now I will use my 19 without worry. Personally if it feels great and can withstand daily wear with reasonable care, I’m good to go. Your posts are helpful and helps us to be aware of the possibilities.
You’re not lying. They listen because you spend a lot. That’s how businesses are run. Good for you for speaking up and being honest about your concerns. Thanks for sharing what your knowledge.
I had to read this whole thread before commenting. First of all, thank you to the OP for starting this thread and putting not one but 2 of her 19s to the test.
I’ve been a legacy Camellia client for longer than just about anyone I know and I live in Palm Beach, so that’s saying something.
I am one of maybe 50 people in the world who has been allowed to custom create 2 bags. But let’s be clear, Chanel is not a leather house. They are a fashion brand. They are not a Launer, Hermes or Delvaux. Chanel didnt start making handbags until 1955 (the 255). Chanel is a couturier.
So to be hearing stories of their RTW and even some couture pieces, falling apart while they’re being tried on should tell you all you need to know about the quality of the brand.
Yes, my avatar is the Man Ray photo only because it’s beeenthat since I started on TPF almost 15 years ago and it reminds me of when Chanel stood for quality, not status.
Everything OP has stated, I can say that I too independently know to be factual. A lot of the problems started when they built the Chinese run factory in Italy so that the bags could legally be stamped “Made in Italy”.
I realize that this has little to do with OPs initial complaint but I felt some context and history of the brand needed to be added as the subpar quality of bags should be of little surprise when the product for which Chanel built the brand on, which is clothing, is barely wearable without concern of it falling apart. That should tell you something.
I’ve been a legacy Camellia client for longer than just about anyone I know and I live in Palm Beach, so that’s saying something.
I am one of maybe 50 people in the world who has been allowed to custom create 2 bags. But let’s be clear, Chanel is not a leather house. They are a fashion brand. They are not a Launer, Hermes or Delvaux. Chanel didnt start making handbags until 1955 (the 255). Chanel is a couturier.
So to be hearing stories of their RTW and even some couture pieces, falling apart while they’re being tried on should tell you all you need to know about the quality of the brand.
Yes, my avatar is the Man Ray photo only because it’s beeenthat since I started on TPF almost 15 years ago and it reminds me of when Chanel stood for quality, not status.
Everything OP has stated, I can say that I too independently know to be factual. A lot of the problems started when they built the Chinese run factory in Italy so that the bags could legally be stamped “Made in Italy”.
I realize that this has little to do with OPs initial complaint but I felt some context and history of the brand needed to be added as the subpar quality of bags should be of little surprise when the product for which Chanel built the brand on, which is clothing, is barely wearable without concern of it falling apart. That should tell you something.
It's hard to stomach the fact that CHANEL is fast fashion for the rich. I myself, like @TraceySH, have tried time and time again to convince myself otherwise, but this whole thread has made me a more conscious, informed consumer.
To me, fast fashion is churning out 8 collections a year (Spring/Summer, Fall/Winter, Spring Pre-collection, Fall Pre-collection, Cruise, Métiers d'art, Coco Neige and Coco Beach) plus 2 couture shows.
Sharing the image below to remind us all that Fashion is fashion, and not necessarily quality (or taste).
OMG I had forgotten about this one. Oh it's SOOO bad, but "everyone" wanted it at the time b/c it was CHANEL. And yeah, what IS the difference b/w fast fashion and an expensive luxury brand producing JUST AS MUCH IF NOT MORE? I know the boutiques periodically have to send back loads of old season stuff to some repository. I don't know what happens to them after that.
I envy you being around for Chanel glory days! I think that's the essence (granted it's running on fumes) that Chanel is continuing to thrive on. I would love to hear some of your stories! Do you still have those bespoke bags? I am sure they are gorgeous!!
Chanel had to make a sustainability pledge back during the pandemic when they took out a loan for $500m. I don't know why, as part of that, they DON'T have some kind of bespoke or custom order selections for CF's. Even just a small menu. Style, material, and color (choose from a finite amount) and then wait 6 months. Why not that?? Their approach seems to be anything but sustainable & items they're making are anything but heirloom.
It wasn't until recently that they cut out the western version of the RTW lines. They used to have 2, one for asian, one for western (everything was a bit longer). That's one of the reasons everything is so short now, they cut out the western line (Asian sales are more lucrative).
But, bottom line is that we will never know. They will never tell us. They will never be transparent. They will never engage directly with their clientele. They will never court or convince us to choose them over "the other guys" because.....they don't have to. They could make plastic garbage sacks, and everyone would buy them. Which, they actually have w/ the 22 so the jokes on us
Incidentally, Tracey, how has your purple Métiers cardigan held up? And your purple classic flap?
Cardigan & purple classic flap are GREAT. No issues at all! There are some amazing items in all this mess, I think you just have to look for them & be pretty careful. Remember the teddy sweater? I had 6 of them. And one day I was like...wait WHAT IS THIS...(so weird stuff has been going on for a few years for sure now). Those were all tags on, same size...look @ the lengths of sleeves...
