Chanel might be one of the first brands popping into people's minds when it comes to luxury bags and accessories. All the work Chanel has been doing to improve their branding name for decades is paying off and the numbers are there to show it.
In 2023 Chanel saw their revenues rise 16 percent to $19.7 billion, an impressive number for the luxury industry where brands like Gucci and Burberry are struggling to maintain their desirability and sales high. Those results show Chanel’s recent investments in advertisement and customer experience all over the globe.
Even though Chanel remains one of the most popular luxury brands nowadays, there are some of their products people are not exactly excited about, especially because of their high price tag, and they are making sure they are loud about it online.
Gabrielle
Image: Pinterest
The Gabrielle Bag was first released in 2017, aiming to reach Chanel’s younger customer crowd. Gabrielle Chanel was Karl Lagerfield’s inspiration to create the bag, with an “effortlessly cool” design giving it a more contemporary flair to it. The bag wasn’t an instant hit, but it eventually picked up once celebrities and influencers got theirs. Unfortunately, this is another bag Chanel decided to take out of their portfolio and now you can only get it in the preloved market.
The funniest comment I saw online so far was this one about the Gabrielle bag, "the bottom of it looks like a maxi pad!" I admit I searched online for a visual proof and they were right about it, it does look like a maxi pad and now I can’t unsee it! Does it make me like the Gabrielle bag less? Not at all! The Gabrielle is chic, modern and very practical, an investment you will be making for life since you can style it in so many different ways and it won’t lose its shape like most Chanel bags do.
Le Boy
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Released in 2011, named after one of Coco Chanel’s lovers, the Boy bag remains a hit and it looks like it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Coming in different sizes with wallet - with and without chain - versions as well, this is a Chanel bag for the fashionistas out there who prefer to go for a more cool look instead of staying classic.
But oh, boy… Reading all the unpopular opinions affected me personally. I’m a huge fan of it but I have to agree about the fact its biggest size might be too bulky and uncomfortable to carry around. I'm 4’9 and I struggle with bigger bags and for Chanel pieces, I would always go for the mini or small sizes, also because I like the cute and delicate look they can bring to an outfit. I would pick the Boy WOC or the small size, the medium and large are an easy no for me. Unless of course, someone gives me one for free.
Reissue 2.55
Originally created by Coco Chanel in February 1955, she decided to use its birthdate to inspire the name. In 2005, Karl Lagerfeld decided to introduce the Reissue 2.55 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original creation. The bag remains an icon, probably only behind Chanel's classic flap bag, but not a big hit among the brand logo lovers out there. Since this is one of the only Chanel bags without the iconic CCs or any big logos on the exterior, this is the perfect one for the quiet luxury style enthusiasts.
The Reissue has a classic and simple design, with a more elaborated chain but no big logos, only a Chanel engravement on the front twist lock, that’s it. If you don’t know much about luxury bags, the Reissue might look like a generic bag to you and that’s the exact reason it’s not the most popular Chanel in their portfolio. “Boring” and “too plain” are the most common descriptions for the Reissue, but as I mentioned before, having a big CC logo is a big deal for a lot of people.
22
The 22 bag is one of Chanel’s latest releases, introduced during the Spring/Summer of 2022 in Paris, designed by its creative director Virginie Viard. Created to be a daily bag, having multiple options for sizes allows the customers to use it either as an everyday/office bag if they choose its bigger size or as a cute date night purse for the petit version. They are sold out in many boutiques around the globe, so getting one in the second-hand market might be your best bet (better for your pocket as well).
Despite its popularity, this is another model that divides opinions online, most of the comments are positive but the negative ones, well… They were quite funny. One common comment I saw was that, depending on its color, the Chanel 22 looks like a fancy trash bag. This is a harsh comment that shows even Chanel can't make everyone happy.
Deauville
Not only Louis Vuitton have a bag called Deauville, Chanel also has its version, only more beachy and slouchy. The name came after the seaside resort in the French region of Normandy, an upscale holiday destination since the 19th century. The Deauville, released in 2012, is one of Chanel's most affordable bags in their collection and it has been very popular as a work or travel bag since it’s extremely versatile, its big version can easily fit a laptop and everything you’ll need during a long airplane ride.
It sounds like an amazing every day/go-everywhere-with bag, right? And it is! But there are some fair points people mention that might keep others away from it. Starting with its material for the price tag Chanel has on it, because $4000 for a beach bag - as some people describe it - might not be very appealing. And please, don’t take it to the beach because it wasn’t made for it since cleaning it seems a huge hassle according to some Deauville owners.
So, should I never buy those?
Image: Pinterest
Of course you can and you should if you want it! In the same way, some people like Brussels sprouts, others don't, some people like Chanel, some don't. At the end of the day, it is all a matter of what you love and what makes you happy. To be completely honest it doesn’t matter which bag you end up purchasing, there will be pros and cons, you only have to follow your heart (and extend the limit of your credit card).
And a small tip to save some money, check out pre-loved luxury online platforms to find your next piece and snatch a rare Chanel piece for less than retail prices.
About the Writer
Amanda Ayabe is a fashion graduate based in Osaka, passionate about the luxury industry and hand crafted goods. She worked for 3 years as a live seller and buyer, sharing her knowledge and passion for designer bags to customers in various locations around the globe. Loves specialty coffee, long talks, traveling and photography.
