As we went to the attic to take down the Christmas decorations and help our grandmother decorate her house, we found a Chanel bag and wallet. It was wrapped in some old sheets and put in an old suitcase.
For context, my grandmother used to work for a wealthy Middle Eastern family as a housekeeper in London. One of the daughters gave this to her at Christmas sometime in the late 80’s or early 90’s.
My grandmother said we should either throw it away or give it to the charity shop as she thought it was just a regular bag and handbag – without knowing the Chanel logo.
I know that my grandmother could secretly use some extra money now that the costs of everything are coming into view and the holidays are just around the corner.
Do you think this could be the real deal – and if so, its value? Them, via email
Attic loot: Is this Chanel bag and wallet the real deal – and could it be worth thousands of pounds?
Dan Hatfield, our local valuation expert, answers: I’ve always had a love for Chanel.
Founded in 1910 by Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, this brand is known for its timeless elegance, innovative design and maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Feminine and daring in design, this fashion house exudes luxury. This is not just a bag, it is a statement, an investment and in this case a hidden gem with a story.
At first glance, I think you’ve come across a Christmas cracker.
That’s why I always advocate rummaging around in closets and storage areas, looking for forgotten or misplaced gems. This really could be the most wonderful time of the year.
This stunning set dates from 1990. A decade that was generally optimistic, a time when the new millennium was looked to with anticipation and excitement.
Chanel marked this decade with a period of reinvention, a truly transformative turn, combining the classic past with bold and contemporary twists.
All expertly planned by their legendary creative leader, Karl Lagerfeld. The goal was to attract a younger, fashion forward market.
Handbags became the must-have accessory of this decade. Chanel ensured that fashionistas such as Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Linda Evangelista and others of similar ilk were spotted with their branded handbag.
Close up: This Chanel bag is a ‘gem’ according to a leading expert
So, is yours real? It’s a question I’m often asked: ‘how much is it worth?’
We should also remember that the 1990s saw the rise of the ‘superfake’: counterfeit bags so convincing that only a seasoned expert could identify them.
But based on your description and the photos you provided, it looks promising.
There are a number of ways we can investigate whether your bag is genuine or not. First, color counterfeiters often stumble over this crucial hurdle, but yours has the solution.
The deep, rich navy blue and vibrant red are completely in line with Chanel from the nineties. Then there’s the stitching. Authentic Chanel bags have 11 stitches per side on the quilted leather diamonds, and yes, I counted – so will yours.
Finally, the hardware. The gold-plated chain, zippers and clasps of this era had a rich, almost buttery sheen, while cheaper counterfeits often look coppery or dull.
Your bag meets all crucial requirements. If I saw and felt it in person I would be 100 percent sure, but the pictures make me incredibly confident.
It really is a beautiful bag. It captures the decade’s playful use of colors and designs.
Yes, they still produced the classic flap, but this bag immediately harkens back to 1990. It’s called the Trapeze because of its shape and consists of navy blue and red lambskin.
I visited my friend and world leading expert on luxury vintage bags, Charlotte Rodgers, in her shop, This old thing London at the lockers in Hatton Garden and discussed your bag.
She said it has “the timeless appeal that Chanel truly embodies” and that “Chanel handbags have stood the test of time.
She went on to tell me, “One of the most collectible features of this bag is the gold hardware.
“At this time, in the 1990s, Chanel was producing bags with high-karat gold-plated hardware, giving the chain a rich, luxurious finish.”
I completely agree with her analysis.
And vintage is big business, the throwaway culture of the ’80s, ’90s and ’90s has been replaced by an emphasis on reuse, reuse and recycling.
Our society is changing the way it views material goods. It’s really cool to own secondhand now and there’s a huge demand for ’90s items.
Chanel is also a brand that is timeless, always young, relevant and always collectible.
You’re looking at a bag that’s incredibly collectible and in high demand because it hits all the right notes for what people are investing in right now.
It’s also nice that you still have the matching wallet. There are many other examples of this bag for sale without the matching wallet, so this adds value – and the fact that it appears unused and has been carefully stored is a huge selling point too.
As Charlotte says: ‘This handbag is a gem.’
Selling this bag wouldn’t be difficult, its popularity means it won’t be on the market for long. I would value this set at around £3,000 – perhaps even a little more, given the condition and the matching bag.
I can’t remember the exact cost of this in 1990, but I’m pretty sure its value has increased.
Bags – the right kind, such as Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton – can often provide a fantastic return on your initial investment.
What a wonderful find while rummaging through the attic for Christmas decorations.
If your grandma decides to sell, I’m sure there could be quite an impressive assortment of presents around the Christmas tree.
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