Chanel made headlines this year by announcing a price increase of 21%. Yes you read that right 21%. What you probably don’t know and what the article failed to mention was Chanel raises their price every year. Also, not every bag and item was increased by 21%. With that being said, you may be wondering is the Chanel Bag worth the price in 2020?
Today, I’m going to break down the history of the Chanel bag, why it’s so popular and give my honest opinion if the Chanel bag is worth the price. Full disclaimer before we start the article, I do not own a Chanel bag. These are my opinions and thoughts on the bag and the price hike. Without future adieu let’s jump right into my thoughts on if a Chanel bag is worth the price. Especially with the new price increase.
History and popularity of the Chanel bag
The Chanel Flap bag is one of the most iconic recognizable handbags in the world and has only gained popularity over the time. But where did it all begin? How did Chanel get so popular and become the unstoppable brand it is today?
The classic Chanel bag was launched in 1929. In 1929 the world looked completely different than today. Back then, there were strict dress codes and rules enforced for females. Only the elite would be able to afford to carry a Chanel bag. Fast forward to the year 1955. Coco Chanel launched the very first shoulder strap. This shoulder strap altered handbag history forever, as it was never done before. While the classic Chanel bag has been slightly modified and altered over the last 90 years the core concepts remain intact and Chanel has only gained in popularity. Thus making this handbag timeless.
Chanel Price increase from 2018 – 2020
Did you know that luxury handbags are always increasing their price and never discounting the timeless pieces? I always tell people if you can afford it and want to buy one now then pull the trigger. While it seems expensive right now, in 5 years or even a few years it will be more expensive and you’ll be looking back and wondering why you didn’t buy the bag when it was “cheaper.” With that being said the price has increased from 2018 to 2020. Below is the price breakdown increase from 2018 to 2019 to 2020. Fun fact, did you know that in 2010 a medium classic Chanel flap bag was $2,850?!? Someone please get me a time machine 🙂
| Year | Price in the USA | Price Percentage increase |
| 2018 | $5,600 | – |
| 2019 | $5,800 | + 3.5% |
| 2020 | $6,500 | + 12% |
Chanel Price Comparison in USA vs France
Before 2020, you could travel to Paris and the price of a Chanel bag would be cheaper in Paris than in the USA. With the price increase due to Covid, the truth is there isn’t much of a difference anymore. For a Birkin Bag, yes of course, traveling to Paris to buy a Birkin is worth it. But to travel to Paris to get a Chanel bag? Well that’s a different story. Below is the breakdown of pricing of a Chanel bag in Paris vs the US.
| Location | Price | Price in USD |
| USA | $6,500 | $6,500 + Tax |
| France | €6,050 | $7,104 |
| Europe | €6,050 | $7,104 |
Is the Chanel bag worth the price?
Ahh the question of the day, is buying a classic Chanel Flap Bag worth the price? After pondering this question over and over. My conclusion is simple, yes the Chanel flap bag is worth buying. It is a great investment piece that you will use for years to come. Is it worth full retail price? Probably not.
The good news is that because the Chanel bag is so popular, the preloved market is flooded with every discounted Chanel bag you could imagine.
Alternatives to buying the Chanel bag full price
I love the concept of buying preloved handbags. Not only are the handbags cheaper, it gives a second life to these otherwise ignored bags. It’s important that you know where to find authentic preloved handbags. Below are a few of my favorite authentic preloved Chanel bags at a reasonable price. I also encourage you to check your local consignment shops. Some of the most popular online luxury consignment shops include, The Real Real, Fashionphile, and Tradsey.
Shop Preloved Chanel bags:
Thank you for reading this article and my thoughts on if the Chanel bag worth the price. I would love to hear in the comments below, what are your thoughts on the Chanel bag price increase? With the price increase, do you think the bag is still worth it? Why or why not?
Sincerely Petite in Paris,
Diane
