If you’re a seasoned fashionista, you may already have made this choice, and might be frustrated when outsiders question your decision. The Chanel Flap bag is the perfect example of a bag clearly worth the money, yet a point of contention to some couples.
Let’s explore the true value of the Chanel Flap Bag to refresh those arguments for next time somebody asks.
The Chanel Flap bag needs no introduction. Like a marble bust represents the ancient world of Greece and Rome, the Chanel Flap bag represents the history of fashion as we know it today.
The Flap Bag was not the first bag Chanel designed, but it is the one that she is remembered for, along with other iconography like her perfume Coco No.5, four clover and her little black dress.
Chanel was a woman who came from deep poverty, and struggled in her early life, yet through perseverance, education and socializing, she climbed the ladder of French 18-1900’s society.
This bag could only come from someone like her, who with no other choice than to be independent, had learned both the struggles, and benefits this came with.
You can still see hints of this through the bag's legendary features.
Let’s start with the most obvious one, the ability to wear it hands free.
This was a first of its kind, and the liberation of another hand would have far bigger positive ripples for women's daily life than one might think. This in combination with moving away from big and unwieldy dresses, to slim and sexy looks, provided a new level of freedom and mobility not seen until this point.
The bag has an open slim compartment on its back that nowadays is perfect for your phone, but was originally intended for money you could access without having to risk opening your bag.
Twist the turnlock to open the bag, and inside you’ll find a zipper pocket under the lid. Originally this pocket was not a pocket at all, but a slice in the leather made with a knife to allegedly conceal love letters from Chanel's affairs. Whether true or not, the story was good enough to stick.
Open the bag's second flap to reveal 2 pockets, with a centered compartment made exclusively for a single lipstick. That, is extra!
CHANEL W Flap W Chain Shoulder Bag Matelasse 25 Lambskin Black A01112
Now, I know what you’re saying; “Magnus! I can’t give this argument to my hubby, it’ll never fly!”
Well, yes, I agree, however, it cannot be overstated how much this intangible value affects the bags' worth, which is relevant for this next point.
The Chanel Flap bag is a great investment!
Unlike the price of gold that while going upwards, has its ups and down, Chanel’s prices only go one way; up! While you could purchase the original Chanel 2.55 Flap bag in 1955 for $255, today you’ll be shilling out over $6000. While many of their bags decrease in price on the second hand market, classics and limited versions keep their value or even exceed original value as soon as they hit the market.
Keep in mind, Chanel increases their prices once or even twice a year, and when you go to their website, you cannot simply purchase it, but have to call for inquiry, as they regulate production to avoid saturating the market and keep a steady flow of high intent buyers.
Due to this exclusivity, wearing a Chanel Flap bag puts you in an exclusive club of owners, and showing up to an occasion with the iconic leathered chain, CC mark and matelasse stitch is a clear sign that you take whatever you're doing seriously and wish to show it. This level of social status from a bag does not come easily, and will provide opportunity in social circles that can be very beneficial for you. If you are a small business owner, dress up and talk to the others about their bags, learn about their lives and interests, you could make some powerful friends.
There are many powerful people who’s had their hands on the Chanel Flap Bag, and we cannot talk about this bag without mentioning legendary fashion designer Karl Lagerfeldt, who introduced the redesigned Classic Flap Bag in 1983, with the iconic interlocking CC logo clasp, during his time as creative director for the brand.
Madam Coco Chanel essentially sculpted the world of fashion in her own image, and it is that world we live in today. This one bag is symbolic of the entire brand of Chanel, and by extension, the woman Coco Chanel herself.
Just like the art of the ancient world is relevant to this day, expect the Chanel Flap Bag to have a place in fashion not just 200, but 2000 years from its inception.
The value of art is after all intangible, yet undeniable.
If you want our own Chanel Flap Bag, ZenPlus has a wide selection of preloved beauties waiting for the right person to take it into infinity. If the 6000 USD price tag is daunting, here you’ll find them for half, and sometimes lower.
About The Writer
Magnus Paslawski has three years of professional experience as a re-seller and auctioneer of luxury goods. He currently does marketing for ZenPop.jp but is always up to date on the designer world.
