After several rounds of closet cleanouts recently, I’ve really honed in on what I want in my wardrobe. It boils down to one simple thing: quality over quantity. In my donation pile are trendy items with a short shelf life. The items with a permanent place in my closet? Well-made basics, special pieces from emerging brands, and investment items that I’ll never part ways with. Perhaps the most prized among these investment pieces is a Chanel bag that I bought over a decade ago in Paris that remains one of the best purchases I’ve made to this day.
If you’re similarly considering an investment purchase and want to know what is worth putting your money behind, a Chanel bag is an item that holds its value that I guarantee you’ll never want to part ways with. So, which are worth the investment? I’m betting on four key bags. From styles that have been recently introduced to the iconic shape that Karl Lagerfeld put on the map in the ‘80s to the bag that was first designed by Gabrielle Chanel in 1955 and continues to be hugely popular to this day, ahead, I’m highlighting the pieces you can count on being great investments—today, 10 years from now, and decades ahead. Here, see the four classic Chanel bags that will never go out of style.
19 Bag
Introduced in 2019, the Chanel 19 is one of the latest bags from the French fashion house to take hold among the fashion set. With an oversize shape, puffed-up padding, and maxi quilting, this style plays into the bigger bag proportions that have been sweeping fashion recently, so it's no surprise that it has been so popular with fashion insiders. The elegant design that takes inspiration from Chanel's most popular bags will ensure that it has staying power.
Gabrielle Bag
Rather than just one key shape, the Chanel Gabrielle bags include a range of silhouettes—all inspired by the spirit of Gabrielle Chanel. From crossbody hobos to backpacks to sleek clutches, the Gabrielle bags include a range of cool shapes and colors that have been a huge hit on the street style scene and continue to be in huge demand.
Getty Images/Christian Vierig
Classic Bag
The range of bags now dubbed the "classic handbags" at Chanel were originally created by Karl Lagerfeld when the designer arrived at the fashion house in 1983. Incorporating a flap shape, iconic chains interlaced with leather, a CC clasp, and diamond quilting, these are probably the Chanel bags you already know and love. There's no doubt these investment pieces will be in style forever.
2.55 Bag
Created by Gabrielle Chanel in February 1955 (and named for this date), the 2.55 bag is the original classic that has inspired the styles that have followed it. The bags were reintroduced as a reissue in 2005 to commemorate its 50th anniversary and have been hugely popular since. You'll notice a few key differences from the classic handbag including a metal chain, Mademoiselle lock, and soft lambskin leather.
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