However, the accessories in particular have over time rested quite heavily on its status instead of levelling up its craftsmanship. Despite people calling this out, it hasn’t affected their bottom line” continues Cheong.

If you want to buy vintage designer goods, read our guide on what you should consider before taking the plunge.

The medium variant presents a short shoulder strap, which even for an average-height individual like myself, hinders both crossbody and regular shoulder wear, in my view.

All variants of The Flap Bag featured gold, black or silver metallic chain straps and when resources grew scarce, leather straps were intertwined and/or used as a stylish alternative.

In the Chanel bag authentication process, the date code plays a crucial part. It serves as the bag's unique identifier , allowing you to determine the year of production.

While many high fashion designers seek form over function when designing a woman’s bag, Coco Chanel was a realist. Even the name of the bag is practical; the 2.55 debuted in February of 1955 — the second month of ’55. The iconic features of the bag — the quilted wool fabric, chainlink strap, and burgundy interior — all serve practical functions as well as aesthetic ones.

Other accompaniments like care booklets can also provide valuable insights into the authenticity. The inclusion of a white care booklet containing detailed care instructions is indicative of a genuine Chanel bag.

Detailed explanations on decoding the Chanel serial numbers, examining hardware features , and distinguishing between Caviar and Lambskin leather underscore the guide's thoroughness.

Handles/Strap: Chanel invented a new style of shoulder strap inspired by men’s military satchels, who wore them across their chest. The gold-linking all metal chain was light yet strong, wearable on the shoulder or across the chest, so that a woman’s hands could remain free.

Bags that are marked with the phrase "Made in Paris" should be avoided because they could be fakes. Genuine bags are those that are marked with the phrases "Made in France" or "Made in Italy." Additionally, you should be wary of bags that have flat or puffy quilts and leather of low quality.

The initial number of a seven-digit Chanel date code and the first two numbers of an eight-digit code correspond to the year the bag was manufactured. The date codes are made up entirely of numbers; there are no Xs. The letter X in the chart above simply indicates the place of a random number.

Bags that are marked with the phrase "Made in Paris" should be avoided because they could be fakes. Genuine bags are those that are marked with the phrases "Made in France" or "Made in Italy." Additionally, you should be wary of bags that have flat or puffy quilts and leather of low quality.

While Chanel bags in pristine condition often command a premium over retail, Sotheby’s how to authenticate a Chanel bag offers a curated selection of these bags in a variety of the most sought-after colors and sizes through our marketplace. By shopping with Sotheby’s, you can purchase a store-fresh Chanel bag without the need to visit a physical store. While Chanel boutiques offer these coveted designs, their inventory is often limited, making it challenging to find a specific color, style, or size.

Years after it initially graced the masses, the price of the Chanel Classic Flap Bag continues to rise exponentially. Luxury experts are dubbing it not only a wardrobe classic but also a sound investment in terms of profitability.