So Black Hardware - Thoughts?

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I agree with everything snowbubble said!! I absolutely love my so black mini from this season. I never thought I could love a black bag this much - I usually love colour - but the combination of the shiny black hardware and the matte calf skin is so gorgeous! It has a casual vibe that is perfect for everyday. I think you need to see this combo in person to truly appreciate it. And the durability of both the leather and the hardware are an added bonus. I highly recommend this bag!
Spot-on! Initially, I declined purchasing the so-black jumbo that I had pre-ordered based solely on photographs and a few negative comments posted on TPF re: the leather. It was not until I had seen this so-black crumpled calfskin leather "in-person" did my decision change 180 degrees! :nuts: I am extremely grateful I was able to track down a second one and equally thrilled to not have missed the opportunity to add this ✨black beauty✨ to my collection.

Greatly appreciate @katiebal 's contribution to this thread: gorgeous photos ❤️ and the awesome comparison of previous season's BHW leather+chain straps. :tup: :hbeat:
 
i agree with everyone who stated that this shiny hw is 1) DROP DEAD GORGEOUS!! and 2) appears well coated on so only time will tell if it withstands chipping. i've seen the classic quilted so black bags from a few years ago in the matte black hw that look bad due to chipping from the CC lock and clasp (being the most used part of the hardware that you have to turn day in and day out to get into your bag).

i buy the so black bags and SLGs bc i only live once and i buy these things to enjoy them, with the full expectation that bc the hw is coated on, there is always risk of chipping. it's something i've accepted (and in the past tried to stay away from) but the heart wants what it wants!! LOLLL i figure if it chips then i will enjoy it without the stress and then just send it off for repair once the chipping gets to be too crazy. my two cents :biggrin:
 
I actually think that this new 17S shiny black hardware on the boy and classic flap is near identical in shininess to the 15S chevron lambskin. I think it looks shinier on the boy because there is a larger surface area on the chain and clasp. As for durability of the shiny black hardware, as Plumeria mentioned, I have had no issues with the shiny black whatsoever. I really don't stress about future chipping, either, because you can always get your hardware replated/replaced/repaired down the road. The matte black hardware seems to have been the most problematic, it had a few known chipping issues, plus the knob between the CC clasp was prone to fading. If you look on the resale market for this version, most every one you come across will have a faded knob. But, it is really not a big deal... you can send it off to Chanel or Leather Surgeons and get it fixed for a minimal amount.
View attachment 3651368

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In the above pictures, the chain farthest left is the matte black hardware (it looks almost charcoal), next is the 15S lambskin chevron chain, then the 17S calf jumbo chain, and last (farthest right) is the 17S boy chain

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Here you can maybe see the shininess comparison better by seeing in on a larger surface area- the CC clasp. Hope this is helpful:smile:

This is incredibly helpful with the side to side comparison. I think it's the leather that's throwing me off and not he Hardware. The Lambskin makes it look more matte. Thanks! [emoji4]
 
In terms of the hardware shine, the new Boy is comparable to the 15S chevron but does have an iridescent finish.IMG_0031.JPG

My mini is still in pristine condition. I only use it for special occasions. I have a caviar boy and a reissue 226 that I use more regularly.
 
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I had an opportunity to view both the So Black grained lambskin medium classic and the new medium caviar le boy. Although, I prefer caviar usually, I have to be honest I was not a fan of the iridescent sheen of the caviar this season. I think the sheen plus the caviar makes the black hardware look shinier than it really is.

The trained lambskin on the medium classic was gorgeous. However, I didn't realize it wasn't cross body, and it didn't seem like it fit very much (I am used to my jumbos).

So here is the second question I pose to those who own the So Black classics or maybe those who own lambskin and caviar versions of the bag. Does one type of leather weigh more than the other?

I'm tempted to buy another jumbo, but I'm unsure if I won't be carrying it as much as I like because of the overall weight. I would love to hear your thoughts on this, ladies!
 
I had an opportunity to view both the So Black grained lambskin medium classic and the new medium caviar le boy. Although, I prefer caviar usually, I have to be honest I was not a fan of the iridescent sheen of the caviar this season. I think the sheen plus the caviar makes the black hardware look shinier than it really is.

The trained lambskin on the medium classic was gorgeous. However, I didn't realize it wasn't cross body, and it didn't seem like it fit very much (I am used to my jumbos).

So here is the second question I pose to those who own the So Black classics or maybe those who own lambskin and caviar versions of the bag. Does one type of leather weigh more than the other?

I'm tempted to buy another jumbo, but I'm unsure if I won't be carrying it as much as I like because of the overall weight. I would love to hear your thoughts on this, ladies!

I purchased the so black boy in old medium, returned it due to some stitching issues and got the so black crumpled calfskin in the M/L. No regrets as I already have 2 jumbos, rarely used. I love the M/L classic, it's my first, it's durable and worry free for me even with 3 kiddos. It can't crossbody but looks elegant single strap. I have my mini's for when I want to crossbody. It's all abt personal preference and lifestyle. Go with what size u love and will carry the most. My M/L fits more than my mini but can't crossbody however it's not as heavy as my jumbos. The jumbos crossbody looks old on my frame 5'4". If you feel like you won't gravitate towards the jumbo bc of weight, look into the old medium boy, M/L cf or mini. Definitely try them on in the stores. Hope this helps.
 
I purchased the so black boy in old medium, returned it due to some stitching issues and got the so black crumpled calfskin in the M/L. No regrets as I already have 2 jumbos, rarely used. I love the M/L classic, it's my first, it's durable and worry free for me even with 3 kiddos. It can't crossbody but looks elegant single strap. I have my mini's for when I want to crossbody. It's all abt personal preference and lifestyle. Go with what size u love and will carry the most. My M/L fits more than my mini but can't crossbody however it's not as heavy as my jumbos. The jumbos crossbody looks old on my frame 5'4". If you feel like you won't gravitate towards the jumbo bc of weight, look into the old medium boy, M/L cf or mini. Definitely try them on in the stores. Hope this helps.

Yes, thanks! [emoji4] I tried the M/L in the store, but it just didn't carry the same love as the jumbo size for me. I do have to admit I rarely wear the Jumbo cross body because it looks clunky on my petite frame. The old medium le boy was the perfect size. I wish they had the grained lambskin on that one instead of the shiny caviar.
 
Yes, thanks! [emoji4] I tried the M/L in the store, but it just didn't carry the same love as the jumbo size for me. I do have to admit I rarely wear the Jumbo cross body because it looks clunky on my petite frame. The old medium le boy was the perfect size. I wish they had the grained lambskin on that one instead of the shiny caviar.
You are so lucky @LVSistinaMM! I wanted the rectangular mini, but just got the square one instead from a reputable reseller. Can I ask you, how soft is yours to the touch? What current Chanel (or other brand) lambskin bag would it compare with in terms of softness? I trust the reseller, and everything including the COA and the hologram sticker checks out. But I feel like it's harder than I imagined it to be, and not sure how to get rid of my suspicions lol
 
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