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.
Your browser isn’t supported anymore. Update it to get the best YouTube experience and our latest features. Learn more
1929 Chanel designs her first handbag with short chain straps and jersey quilted fabric for herself.
At Chanel, the term 2.55 refers to all flap-style bags that have all chain straps and the mademoiselle lock, while term Classic flap commonly refers to the flap with the the leather interwoven chain and interlocking CC closure.
In the Chanel bag authentication process, the date code plays a crucial part. It serves as the bag's unique identifier , allowing you to determine the year of production.
The placement of the CC lock should be centered both vertically and horizontally on its leather flap, with misplaced locks indicative of replica locks.
Many Flap Bags even feature an uncommon hidden zipper compartment, rumoured to have been used by Coco to hide love letters during one of many glorious periods in her love life.
This groundbreaking design featured an adjustable chain strap, a practical back slip pocket, and a deep burgundy leather lining—a detail inspired by Chanel’s childhood uniform at the Aubazine Abbey convent in France.
It could very well be fake--there are vintage Chanel bags a good investment are ways to tell if it’s a real Chanel-issued card, but for counterfeiters it is much easier to make a convincing card than the handbag itself.
The serial number varies based on the bag’s production year, with specific digit patterns denoting different timeframes. Check out the table below to correctly interpret the serial numbers.
Coco had an affinity for horses, stable style and polo player Arthur Edward Capel – this affinity is reflected in many of her pieces.
An authentic Chanel bag will have matching serial numbers on both the bag and its authenticity card ; any discrepancy between these two is an indication of a fake bag.
It is far easier to copyright the card than to make an entire bag of convincing quality. In an attempt to stay ahead of the counterfeiters, Chanel began using microchips in 2021, with all the bag’s authenticating details digitally embedded inside the bags.
Chanel has been including authenticity cards with their handbags since the serial sticker was introduced in 1986.