Chanel Classic Double Flap Review

My black medium double flap is probably the bag I get the most questions on Instagram about which is why I chose to review it loosely based on the common questions I get asked.

The quilts on your bag are so puffy and shiny which series is your bag from?

My medium flap is from the 21 series, yes the quilts are puffy and shiny (made in France) quite the opposite to my jumbo flap where the quilts are less prominent and more matte (made in Italy). 

How much can you fit inside the medium flap?

Usually, I don’t carry much just my iPhone 8, Chanel cardholder and Louis Vuitton key pouch. Additionally, the medium flap could also fit a lipstick/lip balm and a mini hand cream tube. For reference, the bag measures 15.5 × 25.5 × 6.5 cm.

Silver hardware or gold hardware?

The type of hardware you choose should be based on individual preference. What do you like wearing? Personally, I am not a fan of yellow gold (on me) which is why all my Chanel handbags are in silver hardware. Furthermore, I only use white gold or silver jewellery, so the silver hardware on my bags easily blends in with my overall appearance.

Lambskin or Caviar?

While I love the luxurious look of lambskin (I have a rectangle mini in lambskin) I dislike the fragility of it. Some might disagree claiming that lambskin is not that delicate and scratches easily buff out, but if you are looking to buy only one Chanel handbag in your lifetime, I would seriously consider Caviar leather.  You don’t have to “baby” caviar leather, yes it can scratch (it is not invincible :D) but not as easily as lambskin leather scratches, the quilting is also less likely to flatten over time, and it is a more structured leather overall. 

Can you use the medium flap crossbody?

Wearing the medium flap crossbody is personal preference I am 164cm tall and do wear it crossbody. I find it to be an excellent option for when I want to be handsfree especially when sightseeing and shopping on city trips. The medium flap can also be worn with the double straps over the shoulder, handheld or on the crook of the arm, single strap over the shoulder or as a clutch. For reference the strap drop on the medium flap is 44cm. 

Any wear and tear?

I have my medium flap since May 2016, so it is coming up to 3 years now. There is no wear on the corners of the bag, the turn lock still functions properly, and the caviar leather is still puffy and shiny. The only signs of “wear and a tear” is a small incision on one side of the leather piece that the interlocking CC is attached to – no idea how that happened. Chanel Paris volunteered to send it to their repair workshop in Italy to replace the leather tab, but since the tear is minor and doesn’t bother me, I declined. I also don’t want to part with my bag for a few months and risk the leather piece not matching the rest of my bag…

What does a Chanel medium flap cost?

The Chanel medium flap currently retails for €4800 in the eurozone, CHF5480 in Switzerland, £4300 in the UK and $5600 in the US. 

You can also find medium flaps in excellent condition on the preloved market for $4850, and in very good condition for $3505.

 

My overall thoughts on the Chanel classic flap

If I could only own one handbag, it would be the Chanel medium flap in black. I love that it goes with casual and dressier outfits, for my lifestyle it is perfect for running errands, sightseeing or a fancy night out. It fits the essentials (great for minimalists), this is not a bag that you stuff to the brim there are tote bags for that 😉 I think the medium flap is an iconic bag that is a timeless addition to a classic wardrobe, I don’t think I could ever get rid of it! 

Posted By: Steffy · In: Handbag reviews