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Hermes Handbags vs Chanel Handbags
hermes handbags
vs
chanel handbags
Hermes and Chanel handbags are two of the most recognisable and sought-after designer handbags in the world. They are both iconic fashion labels that have been around for decades and are known for their quality, craftsmanship, and timeless style.
In this article, we will compare their style and craftsmanship, exclusivity and resale value, as well as take a look at their most popular bags and celebrity fans. By the end we hope you will be able to make an informed decision about which designer bag is right for you.
The Brands
Hermes
Hermes is an iconic French fashion house that has been around since 1837. Founded by Thierry Hermes, the brand quickly grew to become one of the most sought-after luxury labels in the world.
The brand is best known for its high-end leather goods, including handbags, wallets, belts and luggage. They also produce a range of clothing and accessories, such as scarves and perfumes.
'Hermes' commitment to quality craftsmanship and timeless designs has made them a staple in many wardrobes for over 180 years. Whether you are looking for a classic bag or an on-trend accessory, Hermes has something for everyone. The brand has stores located in countries all over the world, including the United States, France, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. They have opened new stores in recent years to keep up with the growing demand for their products.
Their products are still handcrafted today, with the same attention to detail and quality that Thierry Hermes was known for. Their workshops are located in France and Switzerland, and their artisans use traditional methods to create their luxurious accessories.
Hermes also uses the finest material to craft their products, including leather, crocodile leather, and exotic skins like ostrich, alligator, and python.
CHANEL
Chanel is one of the most iconic and recognizable fashion houses in the world. Founded by Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel in 1910, the brand has been at the forefront of fashion and luxury for over a century.
Chanel is best known for their couture clothing and accessories, such as handbags, jewellery, and shoes.
The brand has a presence in over 100 countries worldwide, with stores in some of the most iconic cities in the world, such as Paris, London, Milan, New York City, Sydney and Singapore, to name but a few. With its global reach, Chanel has become a symbol of luxury and sophistication across the world.
Chanel handbags are crafted in France and Italy. The House of Chanel operates several ateliers in the Parisian suburbs of Pantin and Asnières-sur-Seine, where its renowned handbag designs are handmade by skilled artisans. These ateliers are also where Chanel's iconic tweed fabric is crafted, using a combination of traditional weaving techniques and modern technology.
Their Styles
When comparing Hermes and Chanel handbags, their styles are quite different.
While Chanel is known for its chic and classic silhouettes, with chains, boxy look, black and white colours and a quilted pattern, Hermes' style is simpler and more official with no large elements or fringes. Chanel's iconic Boy Bag offers a universal look that both men and women can use, while Hermes' bags are renowned for their simple design.
Despite the differences, both brands remain very iconic, although they use different colours. Chanel is known for its black and white palette, while Hermes is not afraid of introducing saturated colours and bold shades. Coco Chanel's rebellious spirit was stronger than the rules of the era, creating the classics that we know today, while the signature orange box that Hermes has used for decades will remain timeless.
Hermes
Their handbags are available in a range of styles, from the iconic Kelly bag to the Birkin bag and the lesser-known Constance bag.
The Kelly bag is a timeless style with an elegant shape and simple lines, while the Birkin is instantly recognizable by its bold look and oversized size. The Constance bag is a more modern design with an adjustable strap that makes it perfect for everyday use.
Hermes also offers a range of clutches, crossbody bags, and tote bags that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Hermes' Campaigns & Ambassadors
Hermes campaigns are renowned for their use of art and surrealism. Photographers are often hired to create iconic yet remarkable works.
Themes used in their campaigns often include fairy-tale images, such as the 'Life as a Fairy Tale' campaign for the Hermes Spring/Summer 2010 collection. Hermes also likes to focus on their products, as seen in the Fall/Winter 2016 campaign which featured snowy landscapes and birch trees, with no models visible. This was taken a step further in the Spring/Summer 2018 campaign, where no faces were featured, only the accessories and clothing. Nevertheless, it is still an honour to be chosen to model for Hermes, as they are a renowned French luxury brand.
Hermes is a luxury brand that puts its products at the centre of its marketing efforts, and as such, they have a strict policy to place their goods higher than any "faces" that may promote them. This is why they do not have any brand ambassadors, preferring instead to direct their attention to their products, allowing the quality and craftsmanship of their items to do the talking.
CHANEL
The handbags from Chanel come in a range of styles, from the iconic 2.55 bag to the Boy bag and the Gabrielle bag. The 2.55 bag is a classic style with a distinctive quilted pattern and signature chain strap, while the Boy bag is instantly recognizable by its bold look and signature CC clasp. The Gabrielle bag is a more modern design with an adjustable strap that makes it perfect for everyday use.
Chanel Campaigns & Ambassadors
Chanel is known for its chic and timeless fashion campaigns. All of their ad campaigns have one thing in common: simplicity. Instead of using extravagant locations and scenery, they focus on the product and the women wearing them. One of the most iconic campaigns featured Cara Delevigne in 2014, which took place in a gym, and Claudia Schiffer in 2010. Their campaigns have a classic feel to them and often feature black and white photos, a signature of the Chanel brand. For their 2020 Fall/Winter campaign, they kept it classy with monochrome colours.
Chanel has a long history of selecting some of the world's most iconic celebrities to represent the brand. From actors and models to musicians and athletes, Chanel's ambassadors are some of the most recognisable and successful individuals in the world. Current ambassadors include Kristen Stewart, Cara Delevigne, Claudia Schiffer, Pharrell Williams, Marion Cotillard, Margot Robbie, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Keira Knightley, and G-Dragon. Chanel's ambassadors perfectly capture the spirit of the brand, and their influence has served to further propel Chanel's success.
Quality
Hermes
Hermes prides itself on using the finest materials to create its iconic handbags, and it's this that sets the two brands apart.
All the qualities of the leather, metal parts and hardware are carefully selected to ensure that the bags are of the highest quality and will withstand years of use. The leather used in Hermes handbags is sourced from goat hide, which makes it lightweight yet resilient against scratches. This full grain leather ensures that the bag is resistant and ages well, while also showcasing some of its natural characteristics such as wrinkles, veins and pores.
Hermes handbags are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and made with only the finest materials available. All these qualities combine to make a timeless piece that can last a lifetime.
CHANEL
Chanel's authentic leather bags are made with either lambskin or caviar skin, which are incredibly soft and smooth. Lambskin has a buttery sheen, while caviar skin is used in their iconic quilted designs for its elegant texture.
For added versatility, Chanel also uses calfskin which nicely balances the softness of lambskin with the look of caviar. All these materials are chosen for their superior quality and luxurious feel, ensuring that Chanel handbags look beautiful and last for years.
Celebrity Approval
Hermes
From fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn to modern-day influencers like Ariana Grande and Rihanna, luxury handbags from Hermes have become a staple in the wardrobe of A-listers.
From the iconic Birkin to the more recent Kelly, Hermes handbags are known for their quality craftsmanship and timeless style.
Celebrities around the world have embraced these beautiful bags as a way to showcase their own unique style, making them a must-have accessory at public events and everyday outings alike.
CHANEL
Celebrities have also been seen wearing Chanel handbags for years, and this trend doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon.
Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian and Rihanna are just a few of the stars who have been spotted sporting the iconic Chanel handbag. Kate Moss has been seen carrying a black leather version while Gigi Hadid recently stepped out with a classic quilted style.
Whether they're attending red carpet events or just out running errands, many celebrities have taken to accessorising their looks with the luxury brand's must-have handbag. It's no surprise that the timeless style has become a go-to for so many notable figures in the fashion world.
Hermes
Lindsay Lohan
Heidi Klum
Victoria Beckham
Kate Moss
Pippa Middleton
Kim Kardashion
Emma Watson
Cardi B
Lady Gaga
CHANEL
Nicki Minaj
Gwen Stefani
Diane Kruger
Blake Lively
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Rihanna
Jessie J
Jennifer Lopez
Kourtney Kardashian
Price Comparison - Which Is Most Expensive?
When it comes to comparing the cost of these two designer names, there is a noticeable difference in price.
Chanel handbags are typically more affordable than Hermes bags, with styles ranging from £1,500 to £4,500.
On the other hand, Hermes handbags can range from £5,000 to upwards of £17,000 depending on the style and size.
While this might seem like a lot for a handbag, it is worth noting that they are renowned for their quality craftsmanship and long-lasting durability. As such, these bags can often be considered as investments rather than purchases due to their timelessness and value over time.
Item
Flap Bag
Tote Bag
Clutch
Hobo bag
Hermes
From £5,100
From £2,220
From £4,000
From £4,700
CHANEL
From £4,700
From £4,000
From £4,480
From £3,600
Resale Value
In terms of investment, both brands reign supreme for resale value.Hermes bags generally hold their value more than Chanel, retaining an average of 103% of their value.
This is because Hermes bags are produced in much lower quantities than Chanel, making them rarer.
On the other hand, Chanel bags have a slightly lower resale value of 87%, which is still exceptionally good.
Like many brands of luxury watches, Hermes is unable to satisfy demand, despite having thousands of artisans working in its factories, which leads us onto our next point.
Exclusivity
Hermes only produces a limited number of its leather handbags each day. This scarcity of their products adds to their desirability and makes them highly sought-after. Their dedication to quality and craftsmanship, coupled with their limited production, adds to their value and makes them truly one-of-a-kind.
Chanel's recent move to limit the amount of bags customers can purchase per year could help them close the gap with Hermes in the near future.
Most Popular Chanel & Hermes Handbags
Hermes
The Birkin bag by Hermes is arguably one of the most popular designer handbags in the world. Its popularity is perhaps best seen in the long waitlists that exist for it and the fact that it is often seen on the arms of celebrities and socialites.
The Kelly bag is a classic piece that is timeless in its design. It is slightly smaller than the Birkin, but it still has an elegance and sophistication to it.
The Bolide is a more modern style of handbag, with a sleek and structured look. It is also quite spacious, making it perfect for everyday use.
The Garden Party is a more casual bag, but still carries the signature Hermes look. It is perfect for weekend trips or running errands.
The Picotin is a fun and playful bag that comes in a variety of colours. It is perfect for those looking for something a bit more unique.
CHANEL
The Chanel Double Flap Bag is one of the most popular Chanel handbags of all time. It features a unique double-flap design that can be worn over the shoulder or crossbody, allowing for a personalised look.
The bag also features a CC closure, which is a signature of the brand.
The Chanel Boy Bag is a structured bag with a rectangular silhouette, inspired by the traditional men's briefcase. It has a classic, timeless look that is sure to turn heads.
The Chanel Classic Flap Bag is another popular style that features a quilted leather body and a CC clasp closure. This bag is a dressier option.
The Chanel WOC, or Wallet on Chain, is a great option for those who don't want to carry a full-sized bag.
Purchasing Pre-Owned Bags
With a pre-owned handbag, you can choose from a variety of colours and styles, as well as find exclusive, rare, and even discontinued pieces. Investing in a pre-owned Hermes or Chanel handbag can be a great way to make a fashionable statement while still feeling confident that you are making a smart purchase.
At Rich Diamonds, all of our pre-owned luxury handbags are carefully examined by trained professionals who have years of experience in the luxury goods industry. Every purchase comes with a certificate of authenticity so you know what you're buying is genuine.