Puffy quilts?

[chanelbee23]

Hi all, after what seems like a lifetime of lusting after a jumbo in caviar leather, I plan on purchasing one when I visit Paris this summer to take advantage of the VAT refund. I had gone in to my local boutique to try one on and was a little disappointed by the leather on the bag I saw. It had a gorgeous sheen, but the quilts were really flat. To me, part of the appeal of a classic flap is that puffy quilt!

So my question is: is the puffiness of the leather seasonal or does it vary from individual bag to bag? When I go into a boutique will I be able to ask to see a range of bags and hope that they have something with big fat puffy quilts? Or does Chanel just not make them like they used to? Please forgive my ignorance, I have no ideal about things like stock, seasonality of leather etc.

Additionally, does anybody have any recommendations for a sweet SA in any of the Paris boutiques who would be patient enough to let a newbie take her time inspecting bags until she (I!) have found the one I love? I’ve been reading up on this forum and thread about the declining quality, shoddy stitching etc have me quite worried, I’d rather take my time and inspect the bag thoroughly rather than return home and find a flaw, but I ALSO don’t want to be a “painful” client.

Thanks!

 

[doni]

If anything, Chanel quilts have only been getting puffier and puffier in recent times, particularly the caviar. One reason I like the vintage flaps is that they are not too puffy. Of recent offerings, I like the Gabrielle line because the distressed leather discourages too much puffiness. To me personally (and that is a purely a question of personal taste), the michelin man big fat quilts are not attractive at all, and can even look a little bit cheap. I don't think over the board puffiness is necessarily a sign of quality (in fact, the more you puff up the quilt, the more it can potentially hide defects in the stitching). So if the current batch is a bit less puffy, I'd say that is good news in my book!

 

[chanelbee23]

If anything, Chanel quilts have only been getting puffier and puffier in recent times, particularly the caviar. One reason I like the vintage flaps is that they are not too puffy. Of recent offerings, I like the Gabrielle line because the distressed leather discourages too much puffiness. To me personally (and that is a purely a question of personal taste), the michelin man big fat quilts are not attractive at all, and can even look a little bit cheap. I don't think over the board puffiness is necessarily a sign of quality (in fact, the more you puff up the quilt, the more it can potentially hide defects in the stitching). So if the current batch is a bit less puffy, I'd say that is good news in my book!

Oh, interesting! It wouldn’t have occurred to me (re hiding defects in stitching)
Thanks for taking the time to respond

 

[doni]

Oh, interesting! It wouldn’t have occurred to me (re hiding defects in stitching)
Thanks for taking the time to respond

Yes, I believe over puffiness used to be a red flag for a fake, as a lower stitch count results in puffier quilts.
Quilts that flatten over time is obviously a different story.

 

[OCMomof3]

If anything, Chanel quilts have only been getting puffier and puffier in recent times, particularly the caviar. One reason I like the vintage flaps is that they are not too puffy. Of recent offerings, I like the Gabrielle line because the distressed leather discourages too much puffiness. To me personally (and that is a purely a question of personal taste), the michelin man big fat quilts are not attractive at all, and can even look a little bit cheap. I don't think over the board puffiness is necessarily a sign of quality (in fact, the more you puff up the quilt, the more it can potentially hide defects in the stitching). So if the current batch is a bit less puffy, I'd say that is good news in my book!

This is exactly how I feel. Love vintage flaps too! There are plenty without "denting" (which I don't like) that also don't look overstuffed.

 

[ChanelCanuck]

Yes, I believe over puffiness used to be a red flag for a fake, as a lower stitch count results in puffier quilts.
Quilts that flatten over time is obviously a different story.

Don’t mean to hijack this thread but do you mind expanding on lower stitch counts resulting in puffier quilts and how that happens? I had the same concern as the OP, to be honest, and I brought my new caviar jumbo (from Paris, made in Italy) to my local boutique today and at the risk of sounding like a newbie (it was my first brand-new, non-vintage flap purchase) asked the SA whether the seemingly flatter puffs were normal, and he assured me that the puffs were normal and not even a seasonal anomaly. He mentioned something about the stitching with regard to the quilts but I didn’t want to bother him to explain, so I’m glad you mentioned it here!

I’m also wondering if our perception of puffier quilts are also based on other smaller bags that have smaller quilts on them? My small Coco Handle’s quilts are way puffier than this jumbo, maybe because they’re smaller?

OP, I’ve got a wonderful SA at the Rue Cambon store, I can give you her info you’re still looking. She was very patient with me and eagerly brought out almost ten bags for me to see, even though she knew I was killing time waiting for this jumbo to arrive (they seemed to be out of stock at Cambon and based on the amount of time I waited, I feel like perhaps they ran to another location to get me one??). She also offered to give me a tour of the whole store, walked me through Beauty and escorted me to the famous staircase. She was never pushy, and I swallowed my “flat quilt” worry because I got such a wonderful Rue Cambon experience that I was happy to cap it off with this bag.

Here’s my jumbo (27 series, not sure what season the caviar is from since the tag just said REV) - do these puffs seem normal? (OP, hopefully this is useful to you too since you seem to be in the same mindset as me!)

 

[aksaiyo]

I also have the 27 series jumbo, it seems this season the caviar is not as shiny, as a result, they photograph less puffy.
It also matters a lot the kind of lighting and angle you photograph at.
This is all the same jumbo:

 

[chanelbee23]

Don’t mean to hijack this thread but do you mind expanding on lower stitch counts resulting in puffier quilts and how that happens? I had the same concern as the OP, to be honest, and I brought my new caviar jumbo (from Paris, made in Italy) to my local boutique today and at the risk of sounding like a newbie (it was my first brand-new, non-vintage flap purchase) asked the SA whether the seemingly flatter puffs were normal, and he assured me that the puffs were normal and not even a seasonal anomaly. He mentioned something about the stitching with regard to the quilts but I didn’t want to bother him to explain, so I’m glad you mentioned it here!

I’m also wondering if our perception of puffier quilts are also based on other smaller bags that have smaller quilts on them? My small Coco Handle’s quilts are way puffier than this jumbo, maybe because they’re smaller?

OP, I’ve got a wonderful SA at the Rue Cambon store, I can give you her info you’re still looking. She was very patient with me and eagerly brought out almost ten bags for me to see, even though she knew I was killing time waiting for this jumbo to arrive (they seemed to be out of stock at Cambon and based on the amount of time I waited, I feel like perhaps they ran to another location to get me one??). She also offered to give me a tour of the whole store, walked me through Beauty and escorted me to the famous staircase. She was never pushy, and I swallowed my “flat quilt” worry because I got such a wonderful Rue Cambon experience that I was happy to cap it off with this bag.

Here’s my jumbo (27 series, not sure what season the caviar is from since the tag just said REV) - do these puffs seem normal? (OP, hopefully this is useful to you too since you seem to be in the same mindset as me!)

View attachment 4393911View attachment 4393912View attachment 4393913

Hi! Thanks so much for your kind offer, I would love to have her contact details. Tbh I am a bit nervous at the idea of going into a store and asking to see a million bags until I find the one i am absolutely in love with - reading some of the threads on the declining quality has also got me a bit worried so I'd like to take my time inspecting before I buy, and your SA sounds quite patient.

Thank you!

 

[OCMomof3]

Don’t mean to hijack this thread but do you mind expanding on lower stitch counts resulting in puffier quilts and how that happens? I had the same concern as the OP, to be honest, and I brought my new caviar jumbo (from Paris, made in Italy) to my local boutique today and at the risk of sounding like a newbie (it was my first brand-new, non-vintage flap purchase) asked the SA whether the seemingly flatter puffs were normal, and he assured me that the puffs were normal and not even a seasonal anomaly. He mentioned something about the stitching with regard to the quilts but I didn’t want to bother him to explain, so I’m glad you mentioned it here!

I’m also wondering if our perception of puffier quilts are also based on other smaller bags that have smaller quilts on them? My small Coco Handle’s quilts are way puffier than this jumbo, maybe because they’re smaller?

OP, I’ve got a wonderful SA at the Rue Cambon store, I can give you her info you’re still looking. She was very patient with me and eagerly brought out almost ten bags for me to see, even though she knew I was killing time waiting for this jumbo to arrive (they seemed to be out of stock at Cambon and based on the amount of time I waited, I feel like perhaps they ran to another location to get me one??). She also offered to give me a tour of the whole store, walked
me through Beauty and escorted me to the famous staircase. She was never pushy, and I swallowed my “flat quilt” worry because I got such a wonderful Rue Cambon experience that I was happy to cap it off with this bag.

Here’s my jumbo (27 series, not sure what season the caviar is from since the tag just said REV) - do these puffs seem normal? (OP, hopefully this is useful to you too since you seem to be in the same mindset as me!)

View attachment 4393911View attachment 4393912View attachment 4393913

I think your bag is beautiful. The quilts look identical to those on my 227. I personally don't like that super puffy look. Both my classic and reissue have quilts that look like yours.

 

[Bee-licious]

Don’t mean to hijack this thread but do you mind expanding on lower stitch counts resulting in puffier quilts and how that happens? I had the same concern as the OP, to be honest, and I brought my new caviar jumbo (from Paris, made in Italy) to my local boutique today and at the risk of sounding like a newbie (it was my first brand-new, non-vintage flap purchase) asked the SA whether the seemingly flatter puffs were normal, and he assured me that the puffs were normal and not even a seasonal anomaly. He mentioned something about the stitching with regard to the quilts but I didn’t want to bother him to explain, so I’m glad you mentioned it here!

I’m also wondering if our perception of puffier quilts are also based on other smaller bags that have smaller quilts on them? My small Coco Handle’s quilts are way puffier than this jumbo, maybe because they’re smaller?

OP, I’ve got a wonderful SA at the Rue Cambon store, I can give you her info you’re still looking. She was very patient with me and eagerly brought out almost ten bags for me to see, even though she knew I was killing time waiting for this jumbo to arrive (they seemed to be out of stock at Cambon and based on the amount of time I waited, I feel like perhaps they ran to another location to get me one??). She also offered to give me a tour of the whole store, walked me through Beauty and escorted me to the famous staircase. She was never pushy, and I swallowed my “flat quilt” worry because I got such a wonderful Rue Cambon experience that I was happy to cap it off with this bag.

Here’s my jumbo (27 series, not sure what season the caviar is from since the tag just said REV) - do these puffs seem normal? (OP, hopefully this is useful to you too since you seem to be in the same mindset as me!)

View attachment 4393911View attachment 4393912View attachment 4393913

Yes it’s normal and I prefer the flatter quilts in the caviar leather but I like puffed quilts in lambskin. Just my preference so yours are perfect!

 

[ChanelCanuck]

Hi! Thanks so much for your kind offer, I would love to have her contact details. Tbh I am a bit nervous at the idea of going into a store and asking to see a million bags until I find the one i am absolutely in love with - reading some of the threads on the declining quality has also got me a bit worried so I'd like to take my time inspecting before I buy, and your SA sounds quite patient.

Thank you!

Will PM you!

I think your bag is beautiful. The quilts look identical to those on my 227. I personally don't like that super puffy look. Both my classic and reissue have quilts that look like yours.

Thank you! That makes me feel a lot better. My local SA was telling me she actually prefers flatter quilts too; she said they tend to age better than super puffy, and you don't have to worry about denting or flattening as much. I'm glad yours looks the same as mine!

 

[ChanelCanuck]

Yes it’s normal and I prefer the flatter quilts in the caviar leather but I like puffed quilts in lambskin. Just my preference so yours are perfect!

Thank you! I never thought about the difference in puffiness in lambskin - you're right, I think I'd prefer puffier quilts in that soft supple leather!

 

[dbcelly]

I find quilts to be puffier in lambskin flaps.

For caviar flaps, I've definitely noticed a difference in sheen and puffiness of quilts even across bags of the same series/season (eg. 26, 27xxxx).
You can ask to see multiple bags if they have more than one in store to compare. I have seen a flap that's completely flat (yes, surprising but there was no puffiness) and others that were not.
I think there should be 'some' puffiness and the level of puffiness is a matter of personal preference, but I would consider 'all' factors before purchasing.

**Don't rush or feel rushed when inspecting the bag! Take as much time as you need and ultimately choose one you're comfortable with. (and don't be afraid to walk away). I honestly don't think any bag is completely perfect, and since these are leather and handmade products, there will be variations. I think you'll just have to choose one that doesn't have a flaw that's a 'deal breaker'.

 

[jenlee402]

Hi all, after what seems like a lifetime of lusting after a jumbo in caviar leather, I plan on purchasing one when I visit Paris this summer to take advantage of the VAT refund. I had gone in to my local boutique to try one on and was a little disappointed by the leather on the bag I saw. It had a gorgeous sheen, but the quilts were really flat. To me, part of the appeal of a classic flap is that puffy quilt!

So my question is: is the puffiness of the leather seasonal or does it vary from individual bag to bag? When I go into a boutique will I be able to ask to see a range of bags and hope that they have something with big fat puffy quilts? Or does Chanel just not make them like they used to? Please forgive my ignorance, I have no ideal about things like stock, seasonality of leather etc.

Additionally, does anybody have any recommendations for a sweet SA in any of the Paris boutiques who would be patient enough to let a newbie take her time inspecting bags until she (I!) have found the one I love? I’ve been reading up on this forum and thread about the declining quality, shoddy stitching etc have me quite worried, I’d rather take my time and inspect the bag thoroughly rather than return home and find a flaw, but I ALSO don’t want to be a “painful” client.

Thanks!

Marina, at the Montaigne location, is amazing. Very sweet and patient.

 

[alisil]

I bought mine in Paris last week! It was from the boutique in Avenue Montaigne. I didn’t see any issues with stitching or scratches on mine.