Showing posts with label Chanel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chanel. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Chanel Handbag Debate



OK, So if you recall in a previous post Vintage Chanel Highlight I had mentioned a friend of mine and I were discussing a Chanel handbag she had discovered. She is an avid EBayer and loves going to yard sales and thrift shops for great finds to resale. Which so many Ebayers do. She lives in the middle of nowhere and often times she gets the best things because there are not a lot of people treading on her turf. Actually next to no one in her town knows what Ebay is!




She found this beauty at a yard sale for 50 cents! No kidding! She grabbed first and looked later.  Here is the debate. Real or fake? My opinion is fake but; in her heart of hearts she believes it is genuine.

Here's the facts of the handbag and the core issues of our debate.



My friend, we will call her V. She states it has Chanel markings on all of the hardware. The "CC" logo wraps in the correct manner. I say: I have never seen a "CC" logo stamped Paris but; I have only seen a few genuine bags in person previously.  I am not a Chanel expert and I am unsure if this was done in the past.



I am familiar with Chanel bags having a tassel on the side and chain handles/straps were very common with the designer. However; the tassel seems a bit short and I don't recall leather covers/padding on the handle being squared on the edges. Usually they are a little more round in shape on the edges.



The interior lining may no look the greatest in these photos. The lining is however calfskin. The specific material that Chanel uses in their handbags. We have looked everywhere for a hologram and/or plate. We have found one spot in the bag that looks like the hologram or plate may have existed. Its the only damage inside the handbag. V does know her textiles do I don't doubt her on that.



Some other small notes are the inside zipper pull. I read somewhere that Chanel uses a fabric tab as a pull. That most often a toggle pull is also a sign of a fake. The name plate I am unsure of how they are suppose to look. V says the stitching of the bag is impeccable. She says the hardware is not cheap looking in any fashion.



Here is a view of the bottom of the bag. Now this baffles me because I have never seen risen letters on a Chanel bag but; again I am not a Chanel handbag expert and that doesn't mean it was never done.

I know this post will strike a nerve with those of you that are Chanel lovers but; this entry is to help a friend. We just want some confirmation and feedback on the situation. Genuine or Fake?  This bag has NOT been placed for sale because V and I both agree when in doubt Don't!

Friday, July 2, 2010

Vintage Chanel Highlight



A friend of my called and asked me some advice about a Chanel purse she purchased. While we had a lengthy discussion over the purse I was suddenly in the mood for some more Chanel. Who isn't? Shown above is a 1920s Chanel ad featuring Coco Chanel herself.



Coco Chanel took an early rise in the fashion world. She stayed on top of the fashion world even beyond her physical years. She is a true fashion courtier to remember. How can you forget more like? The dress shown above is an early Chanel gown. It is a flapper dress from the 1920s.



 I found this awesome site with former Chanel Ads. Why is it so special? Its a 1930s ad featuring Coco herself! Yes she has been in plenty of  ads prior to this but; I just really like this one.





 
This is a stunning 1937 white lace Chanel numbered couture evening gown. What a gorgeous piece. I can see gowns from the 1970s mimicking this piece and even some repeat in today's market. A truly timeless gown.




This is a 1940s Vogue cover shot. The cover  is featuring a 1940s Chanel suit. Classic utilitarian style suit during WWII times. Most garments were minimal due to war time rations and shortages. Note how gorgeous the suit is and how well put together the model looks during time of war!





This is a 1950s Chanel Ad. It features a two piece suit. What looks to be silk trimmed with a tweed or wool of sort. Note the use of chain as a belt and necklace. Little has changed over the years with the use of chain. When I think of Chanel today I think of something similar to this set.


 



This is a vintage Chanel triple strand chain necklace. The "CC" logo scattered thru out as embellishments.


 



1960s photo of Coco working her magic! Wow could you image being the one in that suit while Chanel works her magic around you? OH so lucky!




This is also a 1960s photo. It is a panel of women wearing Chanel garments. Such lucky ladies! Chanel has a vision for her line and today 80 years later stands true to that vision. Truly remarkable and a truly timeless!



Here are two vintage suits I found while searching the Internet. The suit on the left is a 1960s Chanel Haute Couture. This suit retails for 2,750 Euro. The suit on the right is from the 1970s Chanel Haute Couture. It is a two piece skirt suit. This suit sells for 4,950 Euro. Oh I so wish! But, if you are lucky enough check 'em out at vintageacademe.com





1980s Chanel Skirt Suit. A definite power suit of the 80s.

Thanks for riding along with me on my quick trip of Chanel highlights. I was just feeling like a little Coco Chanel today.  My glass is raised to you Coco!




Coco herself on the beach in the 1930s.

Photos: 1. katyawk.com 2. fitnyc.edu 3. styleite.com 4. vintagetextile.com 5. rdujour.com 6. chanelglamour.com 7. frugal-cafe.com 8. childrensalon.blogspot.com 9. childrensalon.blogspot.com 10. vintageacademe.com 11. vintageacademe.com 12. retrodress.com 13. jamesstuartduncan.com





 

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