I’m thinking of getting a chanel flap bag. Which would you buy and why. I like the look of both . Chanel’s quality seems to be lacking in recent years.
Vintage chanel flap vs New chanel flap
- Thread starter diane d
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I personally have had good luck with my chanel bags over recent years; I buy lambskin; and, I’ve bought or have been gifted chanel from 57th St boutique since 1990. To be clear, a micro bag that was bought from 57th street in 1990, (gift from my mom) had to be sent back to the boutique for hardware repair multiple times. While I am the minority opinion on TPF these days, I still advise waiting until you see the particular one you adore (whether vintage or new) and buy that. Of course, authenticate before purchase and pay with PayPal backed with Amex for more security. I would never buy from Facebook or Instagram
I like both. New Chanel flap directly from the boutique or vintage one (from a reputable reseller).
New is always great, and I like in store shopping experience, but I still love my vintage pieces too. Here's an inspiration pic with a vintage flap. Vintage rocks, especially on a casual day.
New is always great, and I like in store shopping experience, but I still love my vintage pieces too. Here's an inspiration pic with a vintage flap. Vintage rocks, especially on a casual day.
I’ve been considering vintage vs new as well. I prefer the puffiness of the new bags, but I love the vintage hardware. I keep hearing bad things about the quality of new bags, but has anyone had issues with the black medium classic flap specifically, or do only seasoning bags have so many issues?
I would do vintage!!! 100%
I have recently become more interested in vintage, purely because of the hardware. Something about the current hardware just doesn’t hang/drape as nicely and also doesn’t look as good in contrast with the leather… I would buy something new if it’s a particular color and design that I love, but I think for classic pieces I would pick vintage.
I bought a new black classic caviar flap with silver hardware in January, which I use regularly, and I’ve had no quality issues with it. Nor have I had issues with my other two classic caviar flaps that are recent (gold and beige clair). The bags feel more sturdy and solid than they appear.
I also have a vintage classic lambskin flap in black with gold hardware, which I purchased for exactly the reasons cited above. The gold is very bright - some might say, flashy. The bag is still a stunner at 25 years old. (Mine has flatter quilts, not puffy - a few softly dimpled - I don’t think they were ever very puffy). I use mine more as a dinner/evening bag - because of its delicacy and its more formal appearance. It is very refined.
As for the draping of the chains mentioned above, I’ve noticed the same thing. The strap on my vintage bag is more elegant and fluid. I think this is attributable to a few things: (1) the leather woven through the vintage chain is a little thinner, (2) the leather in the strap has relaxed and softened over its 25 year lifespan, and 3) lambskin vs caviar.
Both black bags, new and vintage, are luxe and exquisite. Each has a unique and special place in my life and wardrobe. Each makes me feel like a trillion dollars when I carry it.
An advantage to buying new is the Chanel warranty. And peace of mind as to authenticity. (Although I’ve heard vintage is easier to authenticate than modern pieces).
As for quality issues on new bags, there are many different opinions and experiences on the issue. I had only one issue - a brand new flap I purchased had a loose stitch connecting the flaps, which popped in front of my horrified eyes in real time when I opened the bag. Chanel immediately offered to replace the bag. The bag was otherwise perfect. Because I was already emotionally attached to it and because the fix would have been a simple one, they also offered to expedite the repair if I preferred to keep it. But the replacement bag was equally perfect, so I opted for that.
It’s a tough decision as to which bag I would recommend first. I don’t know how long the vintage bag will continue to hold up. Although my vintage is still going strong, leather does naturally deteriorate with time. That said, I also don’t know what issues may arise ahead on my newer bags. So, all I can do is embrace the mysteries and love my bags.
Above all, I recommend enjoying the shopping/hunting process and taking time to thoroughly explore, examine, and compare the bags in person.
I also have a vintage classic lambskin flap in black with gold hardware, which I purchased for exactly the reasons cited above. The gold is very bright - some might say, flashy. The bag is still a stunner at 25 years old. (Mine has flatter quilts, not puffy - a few softly dimpled - I don’t think they were ever very puffy). I use mine more as a dinner/evening bag - because of its delicacy and its more formal appearance. It is very refined.
As for the draping of the chains mentioned above, I’ve noticed the same thing. The strap on my vintage bag is more elegant and fluid. I think this is attributable to a few things: (1) the leather woven through the vintage chain is a little thinner, (2) the leather in the strap has relaxed and softened over its 25 year lifespan, and 3) lambskin vs caviar.
Both black bags, new and vintage, are luxe and exquisite. Each has a unique and special place in my life and wardrobe. Each makes me feel like a trillion dollars when I carry it.
An advantage to buying new is the Chanel warranty. And peace of mind as to authenticity. (Although I’ve heard vintage is easier to authenticate than modern pieces).
As for quality issues on new bags, there are many different opinions and experiences on the issue. I had only one issue - a brand new flap I purchased had a loose stitch connecting the flaps, which popped in front of my horrified eyes in real time when I opened the bag. Chanel immediately offered to replace the bag. The bag was otherwise perfect. Because I was already emotionally attached to it and because the fix would have been a simple one, they also offered to expedite the repair if I preferred to keep it. But the replacement bag was equally perfect, so I opted for that.
It’s a tough decision as to which bag I would recommend first. I don’t know how long the vintage bag will continue to hold up. Although my vintage is still going strong, leather does naturally deteriorate with time. That said, I also don’t know what issues may arise ahead on my newer bags. So, all I can do is embrace the mysteries and love my bags.
Above all, I recommend enjoying the shopping/hunting process and taking time to thoroughly explore, examine, and compare the bags in person.
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I’m picky about preowned items due to unknown scent/smells. I prefer to buy new from store because of this.
Same here! I plan to eventually get both which I'm sure sounds crazy to most haha. I really do love the look of both and they serve different purposes. The vintage looks distinguished and is perfect for that "casual but effortlessly elegant" look, plus there's something very "one of a kind" about it because each vintage bag has a different level of aging. On the other hand, the new flap is undeniably an "it bag" and turns any outfit up a few notches, and like someone already mentioned, it's easier to authenticate and gives peace of mind.
If I HAD to choose between the two, I would probably pick the new flap to beat another eventual price hike, and because it's new (assuming I purchase one in excellent condition), I have more control over how worn it gets if I ever decide to resell, or wear it for ages until I can pass down to hopefully a younger family member in still great condition. Please update us on what you choose, I am so interested!
I prefer new as I am in control of the type of wear my bag gets - I can then be confident about it when I am selling it in. Also love that store experience.