Since its first design in the 1950s by the iconic Coco Chanel, the classic flap bag from Chanel has become a symbol of luxury. However, it is challenging for an untrained individual to distinguish between genuine Chanel bags and fake bags.
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Since the mid-1980s, Chanel has included a serial number in each bag encoded according to the date the bag was issued. Deciphering these numbers and codes is essential to authenticating Chanel bags made before April 2021, when Chanel started using microchips. Therefore, previously-loved Chanel bag authentication often relies on serial numbers and date codes. Let’s look at how to tell if a Chanel bag is real by examining the code.
This characteristic ensures that if you choose to sell your Chanel years later, you'll likely fetch a handsome sum. I previously owned the medium model, bought secondhand (almost new, complete with box and invoice), and even managed to resell it at a slight profit.
You want to know if your bag is the real deal, so what should you do first? If the bag has an authenticity card, skip it.
For instance, understand the differences between the Classic Flap Bag and the Boy Bag. Is the shape correct for the style of bag you have? The zippers should pull smoothly. The lining should lay flat. Chanel colors are rich and sophisticated, so confirm this is the case. Every detail should be just right. While experts look for tiny defects in specific details, if you discover any example of sloppy manufacture, that alone is a clear sign that the purse is not an authentic Chanel bag. In short, a Chanel bag authenticity check should first discover exceptional artisanship in every detail. The Leather
However, without significant attention to detail, even a seasoned buyer may fall for the replicas. That said, if you carefully analyze the 5 differentiating points mentioned below, you can quickly distinguish between a fake and a genuine bag.
Recognizing real Chanel takes skill, like knowing its smell, feel, weight, and how vintage bags age over time. Keep scrolling to find out the key features to distinguish between real vs fake Chanel.
Photo Courtesy of Chanel In the decades leading up to the Fifties, “respectable” women were expected to use only clutches or handbags when they left the house. Coco Chanel was fond of breaking fashion and societal rules, and quickly changed this expectation.
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.
Genuine Chanel's classic bags feature either flat head screws or proprietary star-shaped screws in their lock mechanism, never Phillips-head screws.
Exterior Pocket: Coco had a love for the Mona Lisa and made the back pocket reminiscent of her subtle smile, which is said to be for history of the Chanel flap bag loose change for tipping.
Few accessories in the world of fashion are as universally recognized and celebrated as the Chanel Flap Bag. First introduced in 1955 by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, this iconic handbag revolutionized women’s fashion by combining elegance with practicality.
Also, if you find "Chanel" printed at the top or the bottom of the sticker it is not a real Chanel handbag. It is a common trait among copyright stickers. "Chanel" is supposed to be printed on the side of the sticker.