Luxury boutiques like Open for Vintage take the hassle out of the screening process. You'll find a selection of styles, including vintage iterations of the double flap and more.
This ensures that the life cycle of each and every Chanel bag is meticulously tracked, with the data being kept confidential and only accessible to Chanel associates and specialized scanning devices.
So, let’s review how to spot an authentic Chanel bag. Knowing what to look for to verify authenticity gives you even more ways to appreciate and savor your own exquisite Chanel bags.
Rumor has it that Coco Chanel herself used the discreet zip pocket under the outer flap to store her love letters, adding an air of mystery and romance to the bag’s story.
Like everything else Chanel does, the date code needs to look the part - if you see a cheaply put-together date code with funky writing, this is a red flag.
The first step in our guide on how to tell if a Chanel bag is real is to evaluate its overall construction. Every facet of the bag should reflect exceptional quality and balance. The flap should be balanced with the bag and not extend beyond the sides. The leather strap interwoven in the chain handles should not be so wide or stiff that it appears forced through the links. The diamonds on the quilting should have a pleasing puffiness, neither too flat nor so puffy that they crease or strain. Recognize the unique qualities of the bag style.
Many buyers turn to Sotheby’s not only to discover the exact Chanel bag they’re seeking but also to avoid the lengthy wait and uncertainty associated with boutique availability. While we always recommend building a relationship with a Chanel Sales Associate, Sotheby’s can save you valuable time and streamline your Chanel acquisition process.
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.
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.
Unfortunately, fake Chanel bag producers have managed to replicate many of the differentiating qualities of a real Chanel bag. Thus, it can be challenging to avoid the super fakes and to find a true vintage piece unless you buy an authentic bag straight from a Chanel boutique.
Genuine Chanel's classic bags feature either flat head screws or proprietary star-shaped screws in their lock mechanism, never Phillips-head screws.
Seven 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 Chanel serial number guide side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker.
Caution: If Chanel serial number sticker doesn’t contain either CC logo markings, an ‘X’ shape cut into the tape or iridescent speckles, it could very well be fake.
A chain shoulder strap, inspired by the orphanage keychains from Coco Chanel's childhood, adds a unique touch. Even the bag's interior reflects her orphanage memories, in a deep burgundy reminiscent of the children's uniforms.