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.
At Maison Vivienne, we understand the allure and timeless elegance of a Chanel bag. However, with copyright items flooding the market, it's essential to know how to authenticate a Chanel bag before making such an investment. Here’s a detailed guide to help you confidently identify an authentic Chanel.
circa 2006 and being enamoured with Lauren Conrad’s arm candy. That was until I discovered the price tag and swiftly parted with the dream of owning one. Whilst drawing my attention to more attainable investments, I began to realise the magnitude of the "Chanel effect”.
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.
Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker.
The branding and engravings are clear and well-defined. The stamping indicates the bag’s origin or authenticity, typically bearing phrases such as “CHANEL,” “Made in France,” or “Made in Italy.” If you’re curious about the hardware of other luxury brands, you might also compare copyright vs. Prada handbags for further insights.
Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright fake vs real Chanel bag side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker.
The most prominent hardware on the bag is the iconic Chanel logo, which is two interlocking Cs. It gleams in gold or silver like the bag’s jewelry. The logo is not a flat shape but two three-dimensional letters that actually lock together on an authentic Chanel bag.
Caution: If you are authenticating a used Chanel bag that uses a chip technology instead of hologram (early year 2021 and newer) skip to authentication step 2 and then follow detailed steps later in the article that describe how to authenticate newer Chanel bags with NFC chip technology.
While the Chanel Classic Flap bag is distinguished by its interlocking CC lock, that bag design came much later. The 2.55 bag featured a sturdy rectangular turn-key lock, ensuring that a woman’s private purse contents stayed private.
Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker.
That is why we have come up with the ultimate guide to spotting a fake Chanel bag. Read on to find out how to authenticate a Chanel bag in 5 easy ways.
Its smaller size and slightly lower price point make it an appealing option for Chanel enthusiasts, and its high demand ensures it remains a staple in boutiques worldwide.
As Chanel bags do not depreciate in value immensely, they can be sold and ‘borrowed’ at the owner’s whim.