by Thea Elle | March, 25, 2025 | Luxury Accessories
Luxury bags for men were once an afterthought—practical, yes, but rarely indulgent. Today, they have become emblems of taste, discernment, and quiet affluence. The shift from purely functional to highly covetable has blurred the line between utility and luxury, creating a market where craftsmanship speaks louder than logos.
Take the PRADA Brique Leather Bag and the GUCCI GG Supreme Messenger—two pieces that encapsulate modern luxury with effortless precision. These bags are not loud, nor do they scream for attention. Instead, they operate on a different level—one where refinement and exclusivity outweigh trend-chasing and conspicuous branding.
Men’s luxury bags have transcended the traditional briefcase. They are now designed for the modern lifestyle, adapting seamlessly to both formal and casual settings. The man who carries one isn’t just following a trend—he’s setting a precedent.
The PRADA Brique Leather Bag: Understated Perfection
The PRADA Brique Leather Bag is a lesson in refined minimalism. Constructed from the brand’s signature Saffiano leather, it balances structure with softness, making it the perfect choice for men who appreciate quiet sophistication. The double-zip compartments add an element of function without sacrificing style, making it a true representation of modern elegance.
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his is a bag that doesn’t need excessive embellishments to stand out. It’s a piece that pairs seamlessly with anything—whether you’re in a tailored suit or a sleek streetwear ensemble. The beauty of the Brique Bag lies in its ability to communicate luxury without a single word.
For those who understand that the best designs are often the most subtle, this is the kind of investment that pays off in both style and longevity.
The GUCCI GG Supreme Messenger: Classic Heritage with a Contemporary Edge
If there’s a bag that bridges heritage and modernity effortlessly, it’s the GUCCI GG Supreme Messenger. Crafted with the brand’s signature GG Supreme canvas, it carries a legacy of craftsmanship while embracing the demands of modern living.
Unlike traditional luxury bags that lean too heavily on formality, this piece has a casual ease to it. It’s structured enough for the office but relaxed enough for everyday wear. With its adjustable strap and thoughtfully designed compartments, it offers functionality without looking like it tries too hard.
It’s the kind of bag that signals taste without flaunting it—an accessory for men who appreciate fashion but refuse to let it overpower their presence.
Why These Bags Are Shaping the Future of Men’s Luxury
Men’s luxury bags are no longer niche—nor are they about following the latest fashion cycle. They represent a deeper shift in how men engage with personal style. The best ones aren’t just about prestige; they are about craftsmanship, ease, and adaptability.
Effortless Cool: The GUCCI GG Supreme Messenger in Motion
Why These Bags Are Shaping the Future of Men’s Luxury
Men’s luxury bags are no longer niche—nor are they about following the latest fashion cycle. They represent a deeper shift in how men engage with personal style. The best ones aren’t just about prestige; they are about craftsmanship, ease, and adaptability.
With luxury brands investing more in their men’s collections, it’s clear that high-end accessories are no longer just a trend but a long-term evolution in fashion. Whether it’s the minimalist perfection of PRADA or the heritage craftsmanship of GUCCI, these bags aren’t just purchases—they are investments in a lifestyle.
Final Verdict: Style Without the Noise
In a world where loud branding and excess have dominated for years, the real elite are shifting towards understatement. The PRADA Brique Leather Bag and the GUCCI GG Supreme Messenger prove that true luxury isn’t about being seen—it’s about being felt. These bags don’t demand attention; they command respect.
For those who value refinement over fleeting trends, these bags are more than just accessories. They are statements—of taste, of confidence, and of a life well-curated.
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Why That ‘It-Bag’ Will Be Out of Fashion Before Your Credit Card Bill Is Paid
by Thea Elle | March, 21, 2025 | Luxury Industrial Complex
It starts with a whisper. A celebrity is spotted carrying an unfamiliar bag, paparazzi flashbulbs turn it into a moment, and suddenly, fashion insiders declare it the accessory of the season. A few weeks later, influencers flood Instagram with carefully staged coffee-and-bag flat lays. Before you know it, waitlists form, resale prices skyrocket, and the bag achieves that coveted “It-Bag” status.
Then, just as you’ve finally justified spending a month’s rent on it, the cycle turns. The next season’s collection drops, newer shapes and colors flood the market, and that once-impossible-to-get bag starts looking… outdated. The resale value plummets, influencers quietly move on, and fashion houses subtly distance themselves from the very trend they created. Congratulations, you just bought a collector’s item—but not in the way you hoped.
This isn’t a coincidence. It’s a carefully orchestrated system designed to keep you chasing, spending, and believing that this time, this bag will be the one that lasts forever. Spoiler alert: it won’t.
The Myth of the Timeless Bag
Luxury brands love to sell the idea that some bags are “forever investments.” And sure, some designs stick around—PRADA has the Galleria, GUCCI has the Jackie, and DIOR has the Lady Dior. But even these so-called “timeless” styles aren’t immune to the industry’s favorite trick: price hikes and slight tweaks to make older versions seem less desirable.
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Remember the PRADA Cahier? The GUCCIBamboo Top Handle? The DIORSaddle Bag? All were once at the top of the It-Bag food chain, only to be slowly pushed aside by newer, shinier models. The luxury market thrives on planned obsolescence—the art of making last season’s must-have feel like yesterday’s news.
Even if a bag itself doesn’t go out of style, brands can always manipulate its desirability. They tweak the proportions, introduce limited editions, or just stop producing certain colors, making you feel like you need the newest version. That “investment” bag? It’s just another pawn in the endless cycle.
The PR Machine Behind Your ‘Must-Have’
Think it’s a coincidence that every influencer is suddenly carrying the same bag? Think again. The luxury industry is a well-oiled marketing machine, and nothing about It-Bag culture happens organically.
Brands carefully curate which celebrities and influencers receive their newest designs, ensuring they appear in just the right hands at just the right time. Red carpet placements, front-row appearances at Fashion Week, and strategic seeding to socialites—this is all part of a multi-million-dollar campaign to manufacture desirability.
By the time the average shopper catches on and considers making a purchase, the It-Bag’s expiration date is already approaching. What looks like a spontaneous trend is actually the result of years of behind-the-scenes planning. You’re not just buying a bag; you’re buying into a meticulously crafted illusion.
The easiest way to stop playing the luxury game? Recognize it is a game. If you’re buying an It-Bag, do it because you love the design—not because some marketing campaign convinced you that your wardrobe is incomplete without it.
Style isn’t about the price tag—it’s about confidence.
The Illusion of ‘Must-Have’
Every season, a new bag emerges as the one to own. Celebrities are spotted with it, influencers strategically pose with it, and suddenly, it feels like life won’t be complete until it’s hanging from your arm. But here’s the thing—this cycle never ends. Today’s must-have is tomorrow’s resale listing, and the industry counts on that.
Buy the Bag, Not the Hype
Fashion is supposed to be fun, not a financial burden. The next time a bag is pushed as the must-have of the season, take a step back. Ask yourself: do I love this, or do I just love the idea of it? Because if history has taught us anything, it’s that the It-Bag you’re eyeing today will be sitting in the back of someone’s closet by next year.
And if that’s the case, maybe—just maybe—it’s better to sit this one out.
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The Luxury Investment Lie: Why Your Designer Bag Won’t Make You Rich
by Thea Elle | March, 20, 2025 | Luxury Accessories
Once upon a time, luxury bags were simply fashion accessories. Then, someone at CHANEL and HERMÈS had a stroke of brilliance: if you tell people a handbag is an “investment,” they’ll feel better about spending a small fortune on it. And so, the myth was born.
Influencers, resellers, and even financial analysts jumped on board, preaching the gospel of “investment pieces.” They waved graphs, pointed at resale prices, and conveniently ignored one small detail—luxury bags, like stocks, can crash. What happens when the hype shifts, the trends die, or a brand decides to flood the market with new releases? Suddenly, that “valuable asset” starts looking a lot like a liability.
And yet, people continue to treat their designer bags like blue-chip stocks, convinced that their purchases are somehow immune to the forces of supply and demand. The reality? Luxury brands are not in the business of creating wealth for consumers. They are in the business of extracting it.
The Artificial Value Trap
The moment you buy a luxury handbag, it loses value. That’s an undeniable fact, yet luxury marketing has managed to convince people otherwise. HERMÈS bags, for example, are positioned as rare collectibles, but their exclusivity is a carefully curated illusion. The brand manufactures scarcity by limiting supply while increasing demand, making people think they are purchasing a rare commodity when, in reality, they are simply part of an orchestrated game.
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For a bag to be a true investment, it would need intrinsic value—something that holds worth beyond artificial hype. Gold, real estate, and fine art have tangible reasons for appreciating over time. A leather handbag? Not so much. It’s a trend-driven, brand-dependent product that holds value only as long as people are willing to buy into the illusion.
The second-hand market, often cited as proof of luxury’s investment potential, is another marketing masterpiece. The brands themselves have no interest in supporting resale markets unless they can profit from them. CHANEL, for instance, has aggressively raised retail prices in an attempt to keep its bags out of the hands of resellers, while LOUIS VUITTON burns unsold inventory to maintain an illusion of scarcity. This isn’t an investment landscape—it’s a high-stakes game of manipulation.
The Real Reason The Wealthy Buy Luxury
If luxury bags were truly about investing, billionaires would be leading the charge. But here’s the truth: the ultra-wealthy aren’t treating their Birkins like stock portfolios. They buy them for fun. They use them without worrying about scratches, gift them without hesitation, and don’t obsess over keeping them in pristine condition for some future payday. The idea that a bag is a “financial asset” is a fairy tale sold to the middle class—those eager to justify a splurge as something more than just that.
Meanwhile, the brands keep pulling the strings. The “quota bag” system at HERMÈS? A brilliant way to make customers beg for the opportunity to spend money. CHANEL’s endless price hikes? A tactic to create urgency. The luxury industry thrives on convincing buyers that exclusivity equals value when, in reality, the only thing keeping these brands afloat is the willingness of consumers to overpay.
There’s always a viral story about someone who bought a HERMÈS bag for $10,000 and resold it for $20,000, but these anecdotes ignore the countless others who bought into the hype and couldn’t even break even. The resale market is a shark tank, where only a select few truly profit, and the majority are left holding overpriced leather.
Even billionaires aren’t above a good dupe—so why should you be?
The Luxury Paradox: Prestige or Profit
The luxury industry has spent decades conditioning consumers to believe that prestige equals profit. Price hikes, manufactured scarcity, and influencer-fueled hype all serve one purpose: to keep you convinced that buying a handbag is a strategic financial move rather than what it really is—a high-priced indulgence.
Luxury Is A Consumer Game, Not A Wealth Strategy
Luxury bags are not assets. They are products, designed to be sold at extreme markups under the guise of exclusivity. No matter how many price hikes CHANEL implements or how many hoops HERMÈS makes customers jump through, at the end of the day, they are selling leather goods—not stocks, not gold, and certainly not financial security.
The true investment is in knowledge—knowing when you’re being sold a fantasy and choosing to step back from the illusion. The smartest luxury consumers aren’t the ones fighting to get on the HERMÈS waitlist. They’re the ones who see through the marketing and refuse to be played.
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Luxury Handbags: How Brands Make You Beg for a Purse
by Thea Elle | March, 16, 2025 | Luxury Accessories
Luxury handbags are not just accessories; they are strategically designed illusions of wealth. If you think you’re buying a bag, think again. You’re buying a membership into an exclusive club where the only requirement is your willingness to spend an obscene amount of money on leather and branding.
The industry doesn’t thrive on practicality or necessity—it thrives on desire, manipulation, and the ultimate marketing flex. The more difficult a bag is to obtain, the more desperately people want it. Brands like HERMÈS, CHANEL, and LOUIS VUITTON have perfected this formula: limit supply, increase prices, and make customers jump through flaming hoops just for the privilege of spending their money.
It’s not about the bag. It never was. It’s about the illusion that carrying a HERMÈS BIRKIN or a CHANEL FLAP makes you part of a rare breed of people who have “made it.” But have you? Or have you just paid a premium for well-marketed leather?
Let’s unravel the luxury handbag hoax—and how these brands have turned shopping into a psychological battlefield.
THE EXCLUSIVITY HOAX: IF YOU CAN’T BUY IT, YOU WANT IT MORE
Luxury brands know that desire isn’t created by quality—it’s created by restriction. If anyone could waltz into a store and buy a BIRKIN off the shelf, it would lose its aura of exclusivity. And we can’t have that, can we?
That’s why HERMÈS won’t just sell you a Birkin—you have to earn it. You think you’re the customer? No, you’re the applicant. If you walk into an HERMÈS boutique asking for a Birkin, the sales associate will give you the same look as if you had just asked to buy the Mona Lisa.
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Want one? Prepare to build a purchase history—meaning, you must first spend thousands of dollars on scarves, shoes, and homeware items that you didn’t actually want before they graciously allow you to buy the bag you actually came for.
And then there’s CHANEL, the gold medalist in Olympic-level price inflation. A Classic Flap cost around $2,850 in 2010. Today, it’s over $10,000—and for what? The design is the same, the materials are the same, and the only thing that has changed is the price and the amount of tears shed by customers at checkout.
These brands don’t just sell handbags—they sell barriers to entry. They create an environment where customers feel like they have to prove their worthiness to own a bag. And nothing makes people want something more than being told they probably can’t have it.
THE HANDMADE MYTH: YOU’RE PAYING FOR A LOGO, NOT MAGIC
Every luxury brand loves to push the romantic fantasy of craftsmanship. They paint images of artisans hunched over their workbenches, meticulously hand-stitching each bag while classical music plays in the background.
Reality check: your handbag was most likely made in a factory.
Yes, some brands employ skilled artisans for final touches, but the majority of production is far from the candlelit, old-world craftsmanship fairytale they want you to believe. And let’s not forget that some of these luxury bags aren’t even full leather.
Take LOUIS VUITTON, for example. Many of their bags, including the Neverfull, are made of coated canvas—which is just a fancier term for plastic with a leather trim. Yet, they’re priced as if they were woven from the golden fleece itself.
This isn’t to say that luxury handbags are poorly made, but let’s be honest—if the quality alone justified the price, they wouldn’t need billion-dollar marketing campaigns to convince you. What you’re really paying for is the privilege of being associated with the brand name.
DOES IT REALLY HOLD VALUE? (NO, UNLESS YOU’RE FLIPPING IT)
One of the greatest marketing cons in history is the idea that luxury handbags are an investment. It’s true that certain rare Birkin appreciate in value, but those are the exception, not the rule. For most handbags, the moment you step out of the boutique, the resale price drops faster than a car’s value once it leaves the dealership. This whole “investment” myth is fueled by artificial scarcity. Brands like CHANEL increase prices multiple times a year under the guise of “maintaining exclusivity,” but in reality, they’re forcing customers into a panic-buying frenzy before the next price hike. And who benefits? The brands and resellers—not you.
If you have to ask how much it is, you can’t afford it. Or at least, that’s what they want you to believe.
FLIPPING BAGS OR FOOLING YOURSELF? THE MYTH OF HANDBAGS AS “INVESTMENTS”
The resale market thrives not because handbags are assets, but because brands manipulate demand. Resellers exploit the desperation of buyers who missed out, listing bags at ridiculous markups. And what do buyers do? They cave, convincing themselves that overpaying is better than not owning the bag at all.
But let’s be real: if your LOUIS VUITTONNeverfull is your retirement plan, you might want to rethink your financial strategy.
THE FINAL SNAP: IT’S JUST A BAG
Luxury handbags will never lose their allure, not because they’re life-changing accessories (spoiler: they’re not), but because brands have mastered the art of social psychology. They’ve convinced us that a handbag is not just a handbag—it’s a symbol of success, belonging, and self-worth.
But let’s strip away the branding for a second.
At the end of the day, a handbag won’t make you more sophisticated, more successful, or more important. It will, however, make luxury brands richer while you convince yourself that spending $10,000 on a leather purse was a rational decision.
So, will people stop buying into the madness? Probably not. Because at the end of the day, nothing screams status louder than an overpriced bag with a logo.
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It seems CHANEL bags are harder to get these days.
But at PURSE POP UP, you can shop everything from vintage pieces to the latest styles from Chanel’s current collection. Yes, all those hard-to-find items your closet craves are available in one ultra-fabulous destination. As convenient as that is, it’s also important to note that with any luxury purchase, it’s a good idea to do your homework.
If you’re anything like us, you’re probably in possession of a working pro and con list, right? Committing hours of research to decide which Chanel Classic Flap to get can not only feel daunting, but it’s quite time-consuming. There is so much to know about the Chanel Classic Flap that it makes total sense for us to create the ultimate guide about it. If this helps even just one person, then mission accomplished!
This guide covers the history, sizes, textiles, colors, hardware, and more. You may learn that maybe a Classic Flap isn’t for you… or you may very well fall more in love with it. At the end of the day, all we want is the perfect bag. And, let’s be real, a Chanel Classic Flap is pretty darn perfect.
So without further ado, shall we skip to the good part? Cue the ultimate Chanel Classic Flap guide. Ready to uncover the perfect Classic Flap for you? Read on or watch the video below!
History of the CHANEL Flap Bag
The history behind (any) product really is what makes something so special. In the case of Chanel, it’s legendary. Chanel is a huge deal, and honoring its history is the center of everything for the French house. The Classic Flap’s iconic status embodies that chic histoire we all can’t get enough of – and in turn, the global demand (and, erm, low supply) undoubtedly perpetuate this style’s growing value.
The Chanel Classic Flap is one of the most important, celebrated, and recognizable handbags in the fashion industry. But before the Classic Flap came about, there was the original. And that bag was? The 2.55. There is so much to love about the 2.55. This bag features the iconic Mademoiselle lock and gorgeous metal chain. She was born in February 1955 (hence the name) and she’s gorgeous. It’s important to note though: this style is not to be confused with the Reissue 2.55 (which looks similar). Reissue bags were introduced under Karl Lagerfeld in 2005 to celebrate the 2.55 style’s 50th birthday. Today, the term Reissue refers to the newer produced 2.55 bags.
Now, back to the topic of the Classic Flap. Although related to the 2.55, when we think of the Classic Flap we all think of something else entirely – and you probably do too. By any chance are you thinking of puffy quilts, CC hardware, and a gorgeous interwoven leather and chain strap? Yes please! These modernized touches were brought to fruition under Karl Lagerfeld in the 80s and have truly changed the game. That’s the moment the signature Classic Flap was born. Also created under Karl Lagerfeld is the iconic Chanel 19.
Due to the Flap’s undying popularity, it also comes as no surprise that the Chanel Flap is highly counterfeited. Explore this authenticity lesson on dissecting fake Chanel and dive into our world-renowned authentication process.
CHANEL Single Flap vs. Double Flap
Since the birth of the Classic Flap, you have probably heard about both Single Flap and Double Flap versions. What do these mean? Simply put, “single” and “double” refer to the number of flaps present on the bag. Let’s distinguish the two.
The CHANEL Single Flap
A lot of vintage flaps have single flaps, but these were discontinued in 2014. Chanel East-West Flaps, discontinued in 2010, are not part of the core classic range. But if you’re seeking a Chanel style with a “classic flap look” (and vintage), then East-West bags are worth looking at!
Today, smaller Chanel Flap sizes have single flaps, which include the Mini Flap sizes. Although these sizes have been viewed as seasonal items coming in different textile and color variations, they are now thought to be considered part of the core range of Flap bags.
The CHANEL Double Flap
Traditionally, both 2.55 bags and Classic Flaps have double flaps (which means one exterior flap and one interior flap). The double flaps are included throughout the core sizes. And those sizes are? Well, keep reading!
CHANEL Flap Sizes
The core Chanel Classic Double Flap collection includes sizes Small, Medium, Jumbo, and Maxi. As mentioned before, the smaller sizes have a single flap and those include the Extra Mini Flap, the Mini Square Flap, the Mini Rectangular Flap, as well as the Mini Top Handle Rectangular Flap.
Which size is right for you? Well, one thing to note is if you’re looking at vintage, you may notice some slight size and design variations compared to the newer styles. Don’t be alarmed, it’s just something to keep in mind due to the age of the bags.
When choosing a size, it comes down to this: what are you going to carry inside it? The Medium size is a top-selling size here and outside of PURSE POP UP – likely because it’s not too big and it’s not too small. Although, our procurement experts tell us that the Small size is making a huge comeback!
If you want to be able to carry all, and I mean ALL your essentials (maybe you need it for going back to work), then go bigger. The Jumbo or the Maxi can fit a 10”-13” laptop plus other items, and that might be for you. Note: the Maxi is substantially large.
The Extra Mini Flap (the smallest of the bunch) has been discontinued in 2019. If this is a size you want, you won’t be able to get it retail, but we have them! If you prefer a boxier shape with petite proportions, the Mini Square Flap is a great pick. The Mini Rectangular is slightly longer but still embodies that coveted “classic flap” look and they’re really popular now – and incredibly hard to get your hands on, of course.. If you want a mini bag (or one with a top handle), the Mini model is a solid choice! But the smallest bag that you can get that has the signature double flap? That is the Small Double Flap.
CHANEL Textiles, Quilt Types & Iconic Patterns
When dreaming about which material your new darling will possess, it’s beneficial to remember that sizes and styles have textile limitations, so keeping that in mind will help you navigate your choices and get you closer to finding your perfect bag!
What Textiles You Can Expect To Find
When it comes to Chanel textiles, nothing quite tops Caviar – a signature (and quite durable) type of grained calfskin. Besides just adoring the texture with your eyes, with just a small stroke you can immediately feel what makes Caviar leather so distinct from the rest. Nothing else exists in the world like it and Caviar has become synonymous with the embodiment of Chanel and ultra-luxury as a whole. It is the very reason why bags dressed in this material last so long, are high in demand, and of course, carry immense resale value.
Pst! In the event that you’re also looking to add a wallet to the equation, be sure to skim through our in-depth post about wallet style and textile recommendations!
A quick note on Caviar…
Heads up. Chanel discontinued both the Square and Rectangular Mini Flaps in Caviar. If a Mini Caviar Flap is important to you, be sure to browse our curated selection – or if you don’t see what you’re looking for, set up an item alert for one!
But aside from Caviar leather, you can find Chanel Classic Flaps dressed in lambskin, calfskin, and patent leather. All these are truly stunning. On top of that, sometimes you will find unique iterations of the flap style dressed in exotics, such as alligator or lizard skin. Plus you can find these bags in iridescent leather, or perforated lambskin, which are all fun treatments that elevate the design. There are endless options. But just know leather requires care and the more you practice handbag TLC the longer you can enjoy your investment. Proper storage also goes a long way!
CHANEL Flap Quilt Types
Another important detail that often gets overlooked (unless you’re keen on details) is the type of flap quilts. The first type that comes to mind is Chanel’s gorgeous diamond quilting, which is the classic quilt. For those looking for something a little edgier, there are also chevron-quilted flaps that scream bold and fun. You’ll notice more Chanel Boy bags with chevron quilting, but a Classic Flap in chevron is a pretty pick, too.
Additionally, plain flaps with no quilts at all are an option too (part of the Pure line) if you prefer the leather to shine all on its own. But heads up, they’re not as common so if that is something you strongly desire, it may have to look a little extra harder before you find the perfect one you want! Patience is a virtue, my friend.
Other Flap Materials
Erm, and if you think it stopped at leather, it does not! Chanel tweed is an iconic staple and tweed flap bags truly applaud the heritage, feminist roots, and vision that its founder Coco Chanel embraced and embodied throughout her career. Chanel tweed bags come in many notable patterns, such as metallic, herringbone, houndstooth, and more. So it really comes down to what you find attractive and what you want to wear! Explore the patterns available to shop now, and see what speaks to you.
Aside from these mentioned, there is a boatload of materials Chanel uses. Others include denim, PVC, suede (available in many of Chanel’s mini flaps from the current line), velvet, and cotton canvas to name a few. Leave it to Chanel to use nearly every luxury material available to give their iconic handbag so many gorgeous looks!
CHANEL Hardware
Chanel hardware used to be 24k gold, but this kind of hardware was discontinued in 2008. Today Chanel offers a wide variety of hardware options and the most common shades include silver, gold, light gold, and So Black. The release of rose gold plated hardware (introduced for 21B), only comes in lambskin… for now.
Special editions may reveal unique hardware such as gradient hardware, aged gold or silver hardware, ruthenium, enamel, lacquered tone-in-tone hardware from the incognito line, and other interesting finishes. Hardware is like the jewelry to the bag, so it all comes down to the details.
If you know, you know…
Actually, this is the best part… To ensure that you sound like you actually know ultra-luxury fashion, we have to throw this little tidbit here for you. That is, the Chanel Classic Flap is also referred to as 11.12. This new name emerged during Spring 2021 and references the original Flap’s style code, which was A01112.
Also, the unique anatomy of the Double Flap actually serves an unusual but genius purpose. That little zip pocket located at the underside of the outer flap? That pocket is intentional and is made to store your love letters (awe). If I were alive during the gilded age (the Met Gala doesn’t count), maybe I would have love letters from suitors. But in reality, most of us probably have to-do lists or affirmations. Point is, love letters or not, Coco Chanel intentionally designed this pocket so that the bag included an area with room for sentimental tokens. And I’m smitten.
Another pocket with another little secret? A pocket within a pocket. It’s located inside the interior slip pocket and if you’re not sure what it is for it appears as though it’s there to store a pen (maybe you could). But the story behind that seemingly “out of nowhere” pocket is actually quite practical. It’s a pocket made to store your lipstick! Today that means you could store your lipstick, lip balm, lip gloss, and heck maybe a small pen if you so desire.
In the glamorous world of high fashion, a riveting drama unfolds: who is worthy to sell the coveted treasures of CHANEL? Enter our main characters: CHANEL, the epitome of luxury, and What Goes Around Comes Around (“WGACA”), a reseller daring to peddle pre-owned CHANEL goods. They’re locked in a legal tango that’s less about a mere lawsuit and more about the burning question: “Who can sell Chanel?”
At the heart of this comedic spectacle lies CHANEL’s indignation. They claim WGACA is hoodwinking customers into believing they’re CHANEL’s BFFs or that CHANEL gave a royal nod to their second-hand stash.
Imagine CHANEL goods being resold without the sacred blessing of the fashion gods!
But wait, there’s a twist! WGACA plays the ‘first sale doctrine’ card, claiming they can sell authentic CHANEL items if they were initially released into the market by CHANEL or its chosen disciples. In simpler terms, once CHANEL sells something, it’s fair game. Shocking, I know.
However, CHANEL, the guardian of luxury, has none of it. They argue some of the items sold by WGACA didn’t pass through their hallowed halls of quality control. They’re particularly miffed about 50 bags with serial numbers playing hide-and-seek in their records. Does the first sale doctrine even apply if CHANEL didn’t bless these bags? The jury’s still out on that one, quite literally.
Then there’s the battle over ‘nominative fair use.’ WGACA insists they just name CHANEL to identify the product’s origin, like a fashionista name-dropping at a party. But CHANEL, ever protective of its name, accuses WGACA of pretending to be in cahoots with them. It’s like claiming you’re friends with celebrities because you have their posters on your wall.
The courtroom drama has its comedic moments. Imagine judges and lawyers dissecting hashtags and marketing campaigns, trying to unravel whether WGACA crossed the line from mere identification to impersonating a CHANEL BFF.
Beyond this legal sitcom lies a more profound question: Who else, if anyone, can parade around selling CHANEL-emblazoned goods? While other luxury brands cozy up to the resale market, CHANEL stands aloof, trying to keep its creations under lock and key.
This case isn’t just about a few disputed handbags or marketing tactics. It’s a battle over who holds the reins in the luxury market. Can resellers like WGACA continue to thrive on CHANEL’s coattails, or will CHANEL tighten its grip, keeping its double-C logo under exclusive guardianship?
Stay tuned as this fashion saga continues, with both sides strutting down the legal runway, handbags at dawn, fighting for the right to sell the symbol of luxury – CHANEL.
