Anyone else notice the changes on the Chanel website and app? Could this be the harbinger of the much-discussed price hike expected as soon as tomorrow March 27? And yes, Chanel warned us it was coming. On the other hand, could this just be another re-branding and marketing effort to hype the Classic Chanel Flap?
Read: Brace Yourself For Another Round of Chanel Price Hikes, This Time on the Classic Flap
Let’s examine the most striking change: what was previously referred to as the Classic Flap is now listed by Chanel as the Classic 11.12 Handbag, but only in what is known as the medium size. The mini, small, large, and maxi sizes still bear the Classic Flap label.
To be fair. 11.12 is not a new name for the handbag. It is the label given to this style when created back in the 1980s by Karl Lagerfeld. It’s just not what Chanel has been calling it lately.
Pre March 26, 2024, this is the bag title. Notice that all are the Classic Flap, with sizes other than Medium specified.
Today, March 26, 2024, the medium bears a different name.
Now we know that Chanel is again promoting and pushing its Classic Flap styles. In connection with Chanel’s Fall/Winter 2024 fashion show, speaking with Women’s Wear Daily, Chanel’s President of Fashion, labelled the bag style “one of the icons of the brand” and went to great lengths to explain why it is a great investment. That includes his mention of 278 steps to create the bag.
Whether you agree or disagree with Pavlovsky’s assessment, Chanel is putting its flap bag front and center – starting with the Fall/Winter 2024 collection film and the runway where it completed numerous ensembles. Expect to see more.
Three years ago, Chanel made a similar push for the bag, calling it “Iconic” in promotional campaigns. And, perhaps not coincidentally, since 2021, the price of that “iconic” bag has skyrocketed. Selling for $6,800 in January 2021 it is now $10,200… and it is on the verge of another increase.
Read: Chanel Launches New Ad Campaign for Classic Flap Bag 2021 campaign for iconic
So, we ask you… is it possible that Chanel is now using the 11.12 label as a hint of the upcoming price increase? $11,120 is a convenient number. Just kidding. On the other hand, an increase in the range of 5-10% certainly is a possibility. Notably, a 10% increase on the Chanel 11.12 to $11,220 would bring its price to almost Hermès Birkin 25 level of $11,400.
- Maura Carlin posted 8 months ago
- last edited 8 months ago
