Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

Chanel chat thread

275 replies

AprillaCourt · 19/04/2023 17:06

As some of us really enjoyed talking about Chanel on my white bag thread I thought I'd start a Chanel chat thread here 🙂

I'm a lover of all things Chanel - the history of the brand, the life of Gabrielle Chanel herself, & of course the products. It would be great to have like minded others to share our knowledge & wares with 🙂

@highfidelity
@Snowite
@schmalex

I'm nametagging you as (I think) you said you'd like a chat thread/were very much involved in my white bag thread!

If anyone hasn't seen it, Justine Picardie's book on the life & work of Gabrielle Chanel is fantastic. This is a good link to learn a little bit more: www.chanel.com/gb/fashion/news/2011/03/la-vie-de-mademoiselle-une-biographie-par-justine-picardie.html

All welcome 🙂

OP posts:
Thread gallery
34
Original poster
AprillaCourt · 22/04/2023 20:54

MummyJ12 · 22/04/2023 20:28

Oh my goodness @AprillaCourt I can only imagine if we met up with each other and our partners! We definitely would not run out of conversation!! 😆😆

I think you're right! 😀

OP posts:
Isabelle70 · 22/04/2023 20:59

What a coincidence after watching YouTube videos on Chanel unboxing and I come here and find a thread.
I currently like the style of the Boy rather than the Classic Flap.

Original poster
AprillaCourt · 22/04/2023 21:02

Isabelle70 · 22/04/2023 20:59

What a coincidence after watching YouTube videos on Chanel unboxing and I come here and find a thread.
I currently like the style of the Boy rather than the Classic Flap.

Hi @Isabelle70 👋🏻 🙂

Can you recommend any good YouTubers? I know there are quite a few Americans, are there any Brits doing it? I've only looked briefly when I've wanted a review of a specific item...

OP posts:
MummyJ12 · 22/04/2023 21:05

I love the look of the Boy. Chanel wants it to become a classic style so it sounds like it is here to stay. Apparently it’s important to the brand. I thought it may be a style that dates but it’s not looking like I was right! The fastening is better on the bags now, the first couple of collections were dodge. The chevon Boy is pretty. I’d love one in grey….! 😍

Justfivemoreminutesplease · 22/04/2023 21:29

Oh wow. Fabulous jackets @MummyJ12 - thanks for sharing. It just confirms how beautiful they are and how I definitely need one in my life / wardrobe 😍

Original poster
AprillaCourt · 22/04/2023 22:09

I'm not a fan of the Boy in truth. I too thought it would date & am surprised it's been as popular as it has (genuinely no offence to anyone who likes it, it's just not my style 🙂)

OP posts:
moonspiral · 22/04/2023 22:16

Fascinating! Thank you.
I have a lipstick called Boy I wonder if they named it after the bag.

pfftt · 22/04/2023 22:17

I like that the Boy has no inner flaps but mine looks too bulky atm. Different sizes look right at different times. Right now I'm favouring smaller or giant bags. Not the in-between like my Boy is. It is also kind of boxy. I would enjoy a small one though.
I find I rarely use my 2.55 and classic flaps because of all the flappage. Such impractical bags 😣

moonspiral · 22/04/2023 22:18

pfftt · 22/04/2023 22:17

I like that the Boy has no inner flaps but mine looks too bulky atm. Different sizes look right at different times. Right now I'm favouring smaller or giant bags. Not the in-between like my Boy is. It is also kind of boxy. I would enjoy a small one though.
I find I rarely use my 2.55 and classic flaps because of all the flappage. Such impractical bags 😣

Ah see I'm quite taken by the flaps

Cloudburstings · 22/04/2023 22:23

@MummyJ12 can you tell me about buying your Chanel jackets?

i really really want one, much more than a bag (want a Hermès cross body H clasp bag more!)

i think I can afford one (have worked hard and earn well these days).

but. I’m intimidated by going to a boutique and trying some on.

id want something classic like the first black one or houndstooth ones you have.

but what if they don’t have something I like?

what is the approximate cost, and are they clearly labelled with their price?

I browse vintage sellers but I’m worried about fit, especially for a first purchase….

Original poster
AprillaCourt · 22/04/2023 22:49

Cloudburstings · 22/04/2023 22:23

@MummyJ12 can you tell me about buying your Chanel jackets?

i really really want one, much more than a bag (want a Hermès cross body H clasp bag more!)

i think I can afford one (have worked hard and earn well these days).

but. I’m intimidated by going to a boutique and trying some on.

id want something classic like the first black one or houndstooth ones you have.

but what if they don’t have something I like?

what is the approximate cost, and are they clearly labelled with their price?

I browse vintage sellers but I’m worried about fit, especially for a first purchase….

I really fancy some vintage Chanel clothing from the 1980s. But ideally I wouldn't want to buy online & I've no idea if there are any reputable sellers of vintage Chanel who have retail premises...I'd be interested if anyone knows of anywhere I should be heading 🙂

OP posts:
Original poster
AprillaCourt · 22/04/2023 22:49

pfftt · 22/04/2023 22:17

I like that the Boy has no inner flaps but mine looks too bulky atm. Different sizes look right at different times. Right now I'm favouring smaller or giant bags. Not the in-between like my Boy is. It is also kind of boxy. I would enjoy a small one though.
I find I rarely use my 2.55 and classic flaps because of all the flappage. Such impractical bags 😣

Can I just say "flappage" in this context is the most delightful word 😀

OP posts:
Original poster
AprillaCourt · 22/04/2023 22:52

moonspiral · 22/04/2023 22:16

Fascinating! Thank you.
I have a lipstick called Boy I wonder if they named it after the bag.

It will be homage to Chanel's beloved Arthur 'Boy' Capel, with whom she had an almost 10 year affair until he was killed in 1919, & who (partly) financed her start in business 🙂

OP posts:
notanicepersonapparently · 23/04/2023 07:47

AprillaCourt · 22/04/2023 22:49

I really fancy some vintage Chanel clothing from the 1980s. But ideally I wouldn't want to buy online & I've no idea if there are any reputable sellers of vintage Chanel who have retail premises...I'd be interested if anyone knows of anywhere I should be heading 🙂

Show quote history

There is a vintage designer section in Liberty but it seems to me that the prices are quite high. They did have some Chanel there last December but I don’t recall the prices, sorry.
I did ask to try a jacket on in a boutique many years ago but I want shown anything I liked (I just saw what the SA brought out).

Aworldofmyown · 23/04/2023 08:10

@AprillaCourt 😆
I need to get it out the wardrobe and have a play!

Original poster
AprillaCourt · 23/04/2023 08:21

Aworldofmyown · 23/04/2023 08:10

@AprillaCourt 😆
I need to get it out the wardrobe and have a play!

Yes do - & show us a photo so we can be very jealous pleased for you 😀

OP posts:
Original poster
AprillaCourt · 23/04/2023 08:21

@notanicepersonapparently Ah that's useful to know, I haven't been in Liberty for a few years now so will check that out, thank you 🙂

OP posts:
Floisme · 23/04/2023 08:53

Dammit I hadn't picked up on this thread as I'd assumed it was all bags (not my thing). The jackets are beautiful, thank you for sharing.

I've bought vintage / second hand most of my life on and off, but I've only come across Chanel clothes a couple of times. I mean in a real shop, not online - I couldn't afford to buy but I'd love to look and (gently) touch. I'm guessing dealers are in a niche community of their own?

I second the op's recommendation of Justine Picardie's book. I've not even read it yet but it's a fascinating life story, and it's a really nice looking book in its own right with great pics.

moonspiral · 23/04/2023 09:07

AprillaCourt · 22/04/2023 22:52

It will be homage to Chanel's beloved Arthur 'Boy' Capel, with whom she had an almost 10 year affair until he was killed in 1919, & who (partly) financed her start in business 🙂

Show quote history

Aw how sad

UnashamedLabelHo · 23/04/2023 09:38

Pandora in Knightsbridge is a clothes “agency” that sells secondhand Chanel jackets. It’s all grouped by size and there are usually several. It’s a fun shop down a little street. Their website is nothing to write home about but it’s definitely good for a browse!

Floisme · 23/04/2023 10:08

UnashamedLabelHo thank you!

LadyEloise1 · 23/04/2023 10:13

Is Capel pronounced
Kaypel
or
Kahpel

MummyJ12 · 23/04/2023 10:15

I’d recommend the Chanel app to all Chanel fans! You can view the shows, the looks and the key pieces in the collection.

I tried a few jackets on in Paris and although they were lovely, I could live without them so I chose a cardigan that I couldn’t live without! Chanel jackets are not escalating in price quite as steep as the bags. They are around 6-8K at the moment. In the app you can click on ready to wear and then browse the jackets. Although, you’ll never be able to appreciate how special they are until you’ve seen one up close, and how beautifully they are cut until you’ve tried one on!
I love the weighted chain finishing the lining off inside so that the jacket hangs just perfectly. In the right size they are really comfortable.
I would definitely recommend going into a boutique and trying some on! Have some fun. The SAs are usually lovely and are much more friendly than you might expect. They especially love it when someone appreciates and loves the brand because they all do! Find your size, then if you don’t see anything you like, keep an eye on the app for the new collections coming out. Alternatively, if you build a relationship up with your SA, they can keep you updated using the WhatsApp service they offer. Sally helped me so much. One of my fondest memories is taking my baby DD in to meet her. She covered her Bugaboo pram in some of the camellias that they put on the bags and boxes 🥰 I wish I’d taken a photo….but I was frazzled!

I bought my 05C jacket from Vestiaire. I knew exactly what I was looking for though and had to wait a long time before one came available for sale. I had a really good experience with them (I know some people haven’t) but everything goes through an authenticity and quality check to make sure that you are getting what the seller said that you’re getting! I’ve also bought a long Gucci coat that I missed in the boutique through them (Idris Elba’s wife wore it to a royal wedding and it then flew off the shelves!)
I’d avoid HEWI for clothes, I bought a Rick Owens from there and it absolutely stank!! 😣

Original poster
AprillaCourt · 23/04/2023 10:18

Floisme · 23/04/2023 08:53

Dammit I hadn't picked up on this thread as I'd assumed it was all bags (not my thing). The jackets are beautiful, thank you for sharing.

I've bought vintage / second hand most of my life on and off, but I've only come across Chanel clothes a couple of times. I mean in a real shop, not online - I couldn't afford to buy but I'd love to look and (gently) touch. I'm guessing dealers are in a niche community of their own?

I second the op's recommendation of Justine Picardie's book. I've not even read it yet but it's a fascinating life story, and it's a really nice looking book in its own right with great pics.

I've been re-reading it, it really is fascinating 🙂

OP posts:
Original poster
AprillaCourt · 23/04/2023 10:18

UnashamedLabelHo · 23/04/2023 09:38

Pandora in Knightsbridge is a clothes “agency” that sells secondhand Chanel jackets. It’s all grouped by size and there are usually several. It’s a fun shop down a little street. Their website is nothing to write home about but it’s definitely good for a browse!

That's fantastic - I've just added that to my London shopping list - thank you 🙂

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread