Is vintage here to stay

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C

Cupofchai

Member
Jul 14, 2020
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#1
Thought it’d be nice to spark a new discussion on this topic.

5+ years ago, imo, vintage, whilst it had its lovers, wasn’t as popular as it is today. But since then, ruthenium and silver hw has moved way for 24 carat bright gold. Styles once considered grannyish (maybe a small very worn Diana) are the epitome of cool. What was once considered worn (box calf, older lambskin) is appreciated for its character and patina. Even the move towards neutrals and small bags is reminiscent of 80s fashion rather than 2000’s hobos and large pink cambon bags with silver hardware.

I am pathetically all swept up in this trend. I’d like to say that my style is separate from trends but the reality for most of us is that the fashion of the day of course unconsciously shapes our preferences.

What do you think? Is vintage so timeless that it is here to stay? Or in a decade will I regret overcommitting to the aesthetic, wishing I had a more varied collection and some more newer bags / less bright gold hardware? (Picture for eye candy, this topic is just for fun. Pictures welcome!)
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#2
I think you said it beautifully. Vintage is much appreciated nowadays. The pricing can be a steal compared to todays new pieces. Unless, you dive into the rare caviar colored Diana’s.

Vintage is timeless in my opinion and I don’t think anyone’s going to entirely stop buying them because it’s outdated.


Love your collection and here’s my one and only bag I bought last year. It’s a series 8.

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#3
I grew-up shopping and wearing vintage. My mother gave me bags a long time ago, a few Chanels included.

Maybe it's a cultural thing, but I have never given a second thought to whether vintage is in or out. In France and Britain vintage has always been more 'in' than any other (passing) fashion or trend. People scour markets and fairs for some bygone-era item that elevates their entire look. Some people put their favourite (bought new) bags away for a while if they are looking 'tired' and bring them out a decade later.

In terms of sustainability, buying vintage (as is/was) is far, far better for the planet than recycling. Plus, we end-up buying the best as the less durable models are weeded out. We are only custodians of these things for so long, we need to take real care of these things (as does Chanel). Up-cycled, re-imagined, customised etc are not the same thing since the original integrity is compromised and the changes are usually trend-led. Unless something is damaged, I don't like people messing with these incredible pieces (commercially) unless there's a good reason or to make it personal (and for keeps).

We need to be unapologetic about buying and wearing vintage, because vintage - especially Chanel, is amazing.
 
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#5
Harper Quinn said:
Loving this thread. I have my eye on a vintage SATIN Chanel mini. It’s so beautiful, around 30 years old.
Would it keep though? Is leather a better buy in vintage in terms of durability?
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I have a silk satin bag from the 1960s, it's fine. You have to careful with jewellery or rough-texture cloths (like sequin or beaded tops) otherwise the bag will be fine.

On the other hand, I have some now old Chanel satin shoes and it's noticeable the glue is not as good as with leather comparable Chanel boots and shoes. I had to get them repaired (not at Chanel). A small, more evening-friendly bag is probably not going to have that problem, I am waaaay heavier than a phone, lipstick, card and a key :D.
 
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#6
In NY, vintage has always been popular for those of us who like the look of past styles. I don’t find that restricting one’s style to current season appealing, and I prefer to mix current and past chanel seasons for a fresh look. I think it’s a bit more urban and interesting. I still have RTW from 2001, and I have owned bags since 1990. Chanel RTW and bags from different years (or decades) are particularly easy to combine bc they retain a distinct aesthetic. I would not hesitate to buy a vintage satin bag if I loved it, and I have owned older satin and embellished clutches (from my grandmother), but I treat them with care.

ETA: having said this, I do prefer my own older pieces of chanel RTW that I pair with Hermes bags, not chanel.
 
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#9
I appreciate vintage (especially vintage Chanel, I specifically went for pre-2007 CF to get gold-plated hardware) but here in Southern California, especially in LA, it's not as popular as other states/cities or countries.

I think it's a bit of a cultural thing, LA follows trends a lot, so if the trend is vintage, then that's the way it goes.

I do feel that people are exploring more vintage options, especially those who are students or young adults who have a tighter budget.

However, there are those who also are into the vintage trend but more like the re-vamped or re-vitalized styles. Like the prada re-issue or the current Dior saddle bag vs the ones from the 2000s. They are buying new items but that were inspired or based on vintage styles.

Also, there are many wealthy international students and young adults who grew up buying new or what's the latest collection, so I do see lots of new things around.

I'm not saying all of Southern California or LA is like this. I'm sure there are communities or groups where they are huge vintage fans (as I see on Youtube). This is just based on where I live and my experience.
 
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#10
In my opinion vintage will remain relevant. I think it has always been: some years more and some years less. Currently, it is on the “more” side of the swing. But even when it will eventually turn to “less” it will still be around. So I would say vintage is pretty safe if you like the look.
 
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#12
Cupofchai said:
Thought it’d be nice to spark a new discussion on this topic.

5+ years ago, imo, vintage, whilst it had its lovers, wasn’t as popular as it is today. But since then, ruthenium and silver hw has moved way for 24 carat bright gold. Styles once considered grannyish (maybe a small very worn Diana) are the epitome of cool. What was once considered worn (box calf, older lambskin) is appreciated for its character and patina. Even the move towards neutrals and small bags is reminiscent of 80s fashion rather than 2000’s hobos and large pink cambon bags with silver hardware.

I am pathetically all swept up in this trend. I’d like to say that my style is separate from trends but the reality for most of us is that the fashion of the day of course unconsciously shapes our preferences.

What do you think? Is vintage so timeless that it is here to stay? Or in a decade will I regret overcommitting to the aesthetic, wishing I had a more varied collection and some more newer bags / less bright gold hardware? (Picture for eye candy, this topic is just for fun. Pictures welcome!)
View attachment 5829610
Click to expand...
Good condition Vintage bags no matter it's LV or Chanel I think it is going to be still in high demand, some of vintage bags (here I'm only talk about Chanel bags) 90s even 80s are in like new condition, I say that because I bought them and had them in hands, otherwise I would not say that if I have no actual experience.
 
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#14
I Love Vintage Chanel So Much it makes my heart beat out of my chest...
lol.... I find the Vintage Items have a quality that cannot be obtained in todays
copy / re-issue forms...the New Bags Have no real Weight to them .
I also enjoy the Thrill of finding collection pieces so that adds to the Heart Flutter..
just my intro thoughts... <3
 
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