Quality getting worse.. Probably no more chanel :(

[doni]

Can't talk about the quality of current classic flaps, but I went in Chanel twice this season with the intention of purchasing a seasonal piece from Lagerfeld's last collection, sort of a memento. I just could not bring myself to buy any of them. Found them plasticky, sort of cheaply looking and made... And hello, cotton fabric linings for 4000+ eur bags? They don't look or feel at all any better than, say, Saint Laurent bags, but are twice if not thrice the price...

Last bag I bought in Chanel was the Gabrielle pochette. Bought it for a special occasion but I have to say I have been using it a lot. It is a great design no doubt. But the zipper hardware with the CCs started loosing color by the second outing. Now it is no longer possible to tell whether it is gold or silver or what... This should not happen at this price level.

 

[TraceySH]

I’ll let the picture speak for itself then. I don’t know where they’re going with this...
View attachment 4588906

Elvira!!!!

 

[Aquaamyca]

So I just got this medium classic flap from the Chanel boutique. It’s from 2018 but I loved the color and pattern so I didn’t care that it’s old. But I just noticed that the back of the bag has a few spots where paint has scratched off and I haven’t even used the bag. Return right? It’s only going to get worse if I actually use it right?

 

[TraceySH]

So I just got this medium classic flap from the Chanel boutique. It’s from 2018 but I loved the color and pattern so I didn’t care that it’s old. But I just noticed that the back of the bag has a few spots where paint has scratched off and I haven’t even used the bag. Return right? It’s only going to get worse if I actually use it right?

Chanel doesn't dye their leathers through anymore. Many are even spray painted. Coco handles are notorious for showing wear on the corners that is inconsistent with the color of the bag (ie, buy a pink coco, the corners wear to dark brown). So yeah, scratches or scuffs will wear to a different color underneath and just get worse over time. The bags cannot be repaired (and Chanel won't repair them) but you can send to leather surgeons where they can re-dye the entire bag.

 

[Laurie C]

I haven't!! I've seen the 2 tone patent classic flaps, the black and red, and I am like , oh no. No no no. I mean, maybe they are ok in person but to ME, they look very cheaply made.

HORRIFIC! Seems to me as if they are trying to despritly compete with Dior! This is the worst collection I have seen in YEARS. At least my $ is safe.

 

[Laurie C]

It is absurd, isn’t it?! A huge shame because I do appreciate Chanel but I don’t think they appreciate us. They think they entitled to sell a bag that cannot be for every day use when I am spending that much money. Construct a freaking bag that shows attention to detail and appreciation for your customers who are willing to use their discretionary spending on your items. I am very very skeptical now and I feel like I don’t trust the brand anymore

Completely agree. Makes me think about Dior and how I might head over there from now on. I LOVE my Lady Dior in red I always get compliments on it and the lambskin has worn much better that Chanels

 

[Laurie C]

So I just got this medium classic flap from the Chanel boutique. It’s from 2018 but I loved the color and pattern so I didn’t care that it’s old. But I just noticed that the back of the bag has a few spots where paint has scratched off and I haven’t even used the bag. Return right? It’s only going to get worse if I actually use it right?

same problem on my medium black flap I bought last year. I didnt even bother cause I know what they will say, plus I know eventually it will get scratched so I just let it go

 

[Penelopepursula]

I’ll let the picture speak for itself then. I don’t know where they’re going with this...
View attachment 4588906

These are shoes of a more fashionable Cruella DeVille. What in the world, Chanel?

 

[Uptown Luxer]

These are shoes of a more fashionable Cruella DeVille. What in the world, Chanel?

It looks super tacky.

 

[lvchanellvr]

Starting to liquidate my Chanel and go all in on Hermes (and Delvaux). I know others here have mentioned doing the same. Question - did you guys keep some of your Chanel or did you go big to H? Was thinking about keeping like 12 and selling maybe 18?? Or should I sell them ALL? Sorry if SORT of off topic. The last couple of issues I've had with Chanel have kind of pushed me over, and the cruise collection (to me) is mortifying. Is looks like technocolor taffy. Which really makes me sad. Chanel used to be my heart!!

I think I might be joining you to Hermes. Some days I feel I am done with Chanel and other days just not quite there yet. Maybe this is the new normal to get inferior product/quality bags from Chanel. I would keep your absolute favorites (favorite color, favorite size, 1 black bag, etc.) from Chanel regardless of the # of bags you end up keeping in your collection. I hear you about the 'shock and awe (in a bad way)' of Chanel quality. We continue to be shocked by the poor quality but we still buy!

 

[TraceySH]

I think I might be joining you to Hermes. Some days I feel I am done with Chanel and other days just not quite there yet. Maybe this is the new normal to get inferior product/quality bags from Chanel. I would keep your absolute favorites (favorite color, favorite size, 1 black bag, etc.) from Chanel regardless of the # of bags you end up keeping in your collection. I hear you about the 'shock and awe (in a bad way)' of Chanel quality. We continue to be shocked by the poor quality but we still buy!

I know, and that's my conundrum. Every time I am about to walk away, I slip back into the grey area. I always told my friend that it would be better for me to have NO Chanel than a couple! I firm line would work better for how my OCD mind works, but I struggle to relinquish some of my most favorite bags. Along those lines, since I would keep some of them, I consider my collection still "active". I went nuts at H this past weekend (really, really, really nuts), and swore up and down I would sell nearly all Chanel to fund my chaos at H. But alas, I am second guessing now & wanting to keep some. It's like the breakup that keeps needing to happen and doesn't. Every time I am 100% ready to totally walk away, euphoric recall sets back in & there I go again.

Also of note is that Chanel in Europe is now considered pretty tacky (not high end fashion with sophistication and refinement) with logos all over everything 24/7. Anyone else gotten to a place of feeling a little embarrassed carrying their Chanel? Kinda feels the fashion innovators (and maybe even mainstream these days) perceive carrying Chanel as a little desperate. I don't fall into that category, I kind of want my fashion choices to be appreciated not FOR carrying or wearing Chanel, but in spite of it. It's like the wobble blanket you used in elementary school that you can't give up, and secretly hide it in your sleeping bag when going to slumber parties in junior high.

 

[Classy&Fab]

I think I might be joining you to Hermes. Some days I feel I am done with Chanel and other days just not quite there yet. Maybe this is the new normal to get inferior product/quality bags from Chanel. I would keep your absolute favorites (favorite color, favorite size, 1 black bag, etc.) from Chanel regardless of the # of bags you end up keeping in your collection. I hear you about the 'shock and awe (in a bad way)' of Chanel quality. We continue to be shocked by the poor quality but we still buy!

Totally agree with this advice! I would keep at least a few of your faves ... maybe not the 12 you mentioned @TraceySH, maybe just 3-5 if you can narrow it down to that few? Especially ones that are especially significant (maybe your first Chanel bag ever, your favorite classic, and your favorite funky style/color?). I would just hate for you to sell this big, beautiful collection you've taken the time and money to build and then possibly regret not hanging onto a few. And with prices continuing to escalate and quality continuing to deteriorate, if you missed something you had sold and had to repurchase it, you would likely be paying more for an inferior product the second time around.

Totally feel you all on the disappointment with the brand's direction and quality now. ... I only own three Chanel bags and there is really just one more I would like to add to my collection and then I think I'm out. The disparity between the prices and quality is just not justifiable for me any more.

 

[TraceySH]

Totally agree with this advice! I would keep at least a few of your faves ... maybe not the 12 you mentioned @TraceySH, maybe just 3-5 if you can narrow it down to that few? Especially ones that are especially significant (maybe your first Chanel bag ever, your favorite classic, and your favorite funky style/color?). I would just hate for you to sell this big, beautiful collection you've taken the time and money to build and then possibly regret not hanging onto a few. And with prices continuing to escalate and quality continuing to deteriorate, if you missed something you had sold and had to repurchase it, you would likely be paying more for an inferior product the second time around.

Totally feel you all on the disappointment with the brand's direction and quality now. ... I only own three Chanel bags and there is really just one more I would like to add to my collection and then I think I'm out. The disparity between the prices and quality is just not justifiable for me any more.

I have whittled it down to 12!!! it's gonna be hard from here.... can you believe one of them I am letting go is the rose gold jumbo with the tags still on. The tags ON! What does that say? I bought it b/c of the frenzy, and never even wore it. Stop the madness!! I have a few as you suggested, a lucky charms 226, I have several of the graffiti from 19a (I will keep one cuz I also have the leather jacket that matches) a few jumbos, a few 19's, a so black reissue, the iridescent purple reissue, and a black smocked boy. I might just send the others off, stop, breath, and go back at it again when I need to let more go. It's like my irritation and anger with Chanel allows me to slowly chisel away at my collection, if that makes sense...

On a different note, did you guys see the IG video today from Chanel with the colored jackets? I mean the colors are pretty, but it looks like Ann Taylor, or the work suit dept at Dillards. I don't even think those jackets are lined? I am sure they are at least 4-5k each...

 

[OneMoreDay]

Wondering if there's issues with the Classic Flap in lambskin (nothing exciting or seasonal, just the classic black gold/silver hardware)? Or perhaps the aged calfskin on the 2.55? Caviar seems to be so inconsistent in quality and the finish varies from year to year.

For me, personally, the first major sign of Chanel cutting corners was halting production of the 24k gold hardware. It would be one thing if the quality remained the same despite this change, but coupled with the regular and outrageous price increases, it's just a huge turn off.

 

[TraceySH]

Wondering if there's issues with the Classic Flap in lambskin (nothing exciting or seasonal, just the classic black gold/silver hardware)? Or perhaps the aged calfskin on the 2.55? Caviar seems to be so inconsistent in quality and the finish varies from year to year.

For me, personally, the first major sign of Chanel cutting corners was halting production of the 24k gold hardware. It would be one thing if the quality remained the same despite this change, but coupled with the regular and outrageous price increases, it's just a huge turn off.

I've had issues with lamb, deflated quilts on classics. Again, they are all REV so just depends on the series. Some have come out so dull, and others are great. But still nothing like the hardy lamb from maybe 8-10 years ago or even vintage?

I just read an article on BoF that Chanel and LV both are aggressively increasing margins (cutting quality and production while raising prices) to weather declining sales since they have invested SOOOOO much money in real estate. Basically, they are inflating primarily to keep their retail presence if or when economy, sales, trends, etc subside. They don't ever want to have to say, we closed a store kind of thing.