Are you new to Vintage Chanel bags? I have been a fan of vintage since i started my luxury journey, hands down vintage over brand new for me!Here are 5 tips to help you identify Vintage Chanel Bags.
Hardware
Vintage Chanel hardware is plated in 24k gold.Chanel stop hallmarking from late 2008 butcontinue to gold plate hardware. However, the plating has been reduced from 24k to 14k to 10k and now the modern day bags has gold-tine hardware.
Not all bags made before late 2008 have hallmark, bags made in France have hallmark whereas bags made in Italy do not have hallmark.
Do take note that there are also other different types of hardware of the vintage models like the matte gold hardware, it varies as Chanel designs changes depending on the season and collection.
Vintage models have flat edge finish, modern models have a rounded finish.
Chain Strap
Vintage strap is yellow in gold as it is gilded in 24k gold, chain is thicker too.
Modern strap has a much paler gold, chain is much thinner and woven leather is thinner too.
Do take note that there are other types of chain in the vintage models like the Bijoux chain.
Leather
Vintage model leather are very soft and buttery, it has a matte finish.
Modern model leather isn’t as worn so it has yet to feel as soft as the vintage version. It is much stiffer as compared to the vintage version. I personally prefer vintage leather as it has aged beautifully in 20 years.
Stamping
Vintage models, majority, were made in France.
Modern models nowadays are made in Italy. Some modern day bags are made in Spain, especially the WOC. I don’t personally think that where the bags were made makes any difference as Chanel have to expand to other territories in order to meet demand. However, some customers may prefer bags made in France because Chanel is a French brand.
Interior of the bag
There are bags that have a single flap opening which is less fussy, much easier to get things in and out. There are bags with double flap opening which gives an extra security feature. You may find both of these in a vintage or modern day bag.
Signs of an authentic bag is when the lining sits flush against the bag, no lumps or bumps as Chanel bags are constructed from inside out.
Vintage models have a burgundy lining, Coco Chanel first designed this as it is easy to pick items out and it was the same color as the uniform of her orphanage. Back in 2005-2006, Chanel did produce bags with black lining but they switched it back to burgundy lining after 2006.
There is a lot of debate on whether vintage bags have a better quality than newer bags.
I personally prefer vintage bags as i love the 24k gold hardware and I believe that they are made to last for decades. The only times where I go for the modern day bags are when the colors are absolutely irresistible!
