Chanel Bag’s 60 Percent Price Increase Could Be Part of Strategy Against Competitors Like Hermès

Chanel Bag’s 60 Percent Price Increase Could Be Part of Strategy Against Competitors Like Hermès

Chanel is again at the center of a discussion over boosted prices, this time in connection with several classic handbags.

As detailed in a Bloomberg report earlier this week, Chanel has increased worldwide prices on some of its bags by nearly two-thirds since late 2019. For example, data put together by analyst Kathryn Parker of Jefferies Group showed that since November 2019, the price of one bag model (the small classic flap bag) has jumped 60 percent to its current price of $8,200. That percentage is representative of the overall increase in Chanel’s bag prices.

Noted in the report is that a spokesperson for Chanel has attributed the price increases to what they describe as “unspecified exchange-rate fluctuations.” Additionally, per that spokesperson, other contributing factors are production costs and a desire to keep the costs as similar as possible on a global scale. Some analysts and other experts, however, have argued that the changes are instead a “strategy” aimed, at least in part, at competitors.

Among such competitors, of course, would be Hermès and its Birkin bag. As highlighted here, the current price of a medium-sized Chanel flag bag in France is 7,800 euros, or $8,800. Notably, that’s just 100 euros below the cost of a Birkin 30 in Togo calfskin.

See more insight on the issue below, via Diet Prada:

As touched on in the above breakdown, Chanel recently issued a response to the pushback received regarding its $825 advent calendar. Despite the advent calendar’s included items having been publicly listed for shoppers, some had expressed dismay over what they received. In a statement shared with the Guardian, a Chanel rep reminded those who may have been “disappointed” by the calendar that its contents were “fully detailed” on both the website and the packaging itself.

Best Chanel gift set

Once you find your favorite Chanel fragrance you can purchase everything from hand soap and body wash to lotion and candles with the same scent to create an encompassing, long-lasting aroma.

Which Chanel gift sets are best?

If you’re looking to treat yourself or someone special to an exquisite selection of scented goodies from Chanel, a quality gift set will do the trick. If you’re in the market for a gift set that includes multiple ways to apply the brand’s most famous scent, check out the Chanel N°5 Eau de Parfum Twist and Spray Set.

What to know before you buy a Chanel gift set

Type of fragrance

Before buying a Chanel gift set, make sure you find the right strength for your preferred scent. Chanel perfumes and colognes come in three types. The first is parfum is the most expensive blend because it contains the highest concentration of pure perfume essence, between 20% and 40%. Although parfum is intense, it is preferred by many for its longevity. The second type of fragrance is eau de parfum, which is less concentrated and contains between 15% and 20% pure perfume essence. Eau de parfum is cheaper and lighter, but not as long-lasting as parfum. Finally, Chanel offers its fragrances in eau de toilette, which is the most affordable and least concentrated of the three, containing between 10% and 15% of pure perfume essence.

Scent profile

Although you may not be able to test every scent before purchasing it, be sure to at least read about the fragrance’s scent profile. You might want to examine the ingredients and see if any of them strike you as especially appealing. Making sure you don’t get a scent that clashes with your current routine or even worse, that you don’t like, by understanding your preferred scent profile.

What to look for in a quality Chanel gift set

Multiple application methods

The best Chanel gift sets will include more than one type of product within the same fragrance line. Be on the lookout for sets that include lotion, hair spray or hand soap in addition to your preferred fragrance; this allows you to create a unique, layered scent profile that lasts throughout the day.

How much you can expect to spend on a Chanel gift set

Chanel gift sets are expensive, luxury gifts and you can expect to spend at least $140 on entry-level sets and upwards of $190 for high-end gift packages.

Chanel gift set FAQ

Can I spray my new fragrance on my clothing?

A. Unfortunately, cologne and perfume can discolor your clothing. It’s designed to be sprayed onto your skin, so you’ll get the best performance by applying it that way.

Where should I apply my new Chanel fragrance?

A. Interestingly, the heat actually increases the intensity of your fragrance. So, if you want to create the most robust profile possible, spray your scent in high friction areas like your neck, forearms and inside your elbows. After buying a new scent, start with a small application and reapply as you see fit.

What’s the best Chanel gift set to buy?

Top Chanel gift set

Chanel N°5 Eau de Parfum Twist and Spray Set

What you need to know: Boasting both a bottle of Chanel’s best selling scent, N°5 eau de parfum, and portable, refillable purse spray, this gift set is perfect for anyone who wants an extra long-lasting aroma anytime, anywhere.

What you’ll love: Originally created in 1921, Chanel N°5 has been a staple of the brand’s storied fragrance line, with a complex scent profile that includes layers of aldehydes, may rose, jasmine and citrus. The fragrance makes a lively first impression and then settles down to leave an inviting scent trail of freshly poured bourbon and crushed vanilla leaves.

What you should consider: Even with the stronger eau de parfum mix, the floral scent profile is a bit too light for some wearers.

Where to buy: Sold by Ulta

Top Chanel gift set for the money

Chanel ‘CoCo Mademoiselle Twist and Spray’ gift set

What you need to know: Featuring a sleek on-go spray bottle and two refill cartridges containing Chanel’s exquisite Mademoiselle scent, this gift set is perfect for a busy traveller.

What you’ll love: With top notes of orange, heart notes of Turkish rose and silky base notes of patchouli and vetiver, CoCo Mademoiselle is sure to leave a strong impression. The included spray bottle features an elegant design with gold accents and is an ideal size to throw in your pocket or purse. Plus, you can enjoy the bottle for years to come thanks to the easily accessible refill cartridges.

What you should consider: The CoCo Mademoiselle gift set doesn’t include any full-size bottles.

Where to buy: Sold by Ulta

Worth checking out

Chanel BLEU DE CHANEL Eau de Parfum Travel Spray Gift Set

What you need to know: This woody, aromatic fragrance for the man offers an intense concentration of the fresh, clean, and vibrant fragrance.

What you’ll love: BLEU DE CHANEL Eau de Parfum is unexpected and undeniably bold. This woody and aromatic fragrance is for man who defies convention. This parfum has provocative blend of citrus and woods that liberates the senses. It is fresh, clean and profoundly sensual. It unites zest of grapefruit and the power of an aromatic accord with the woody dry cedar.

What you should consider: Some costumers say that the scent lasts only for short period of time.

Where to buy: Sold by Sephora

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William Briskin writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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Chanel Fall 1997 Couture Collection

Editor’s note: Vogue Runway is celebrating the most wonderful time of the year by adding six magical—and newly digitized—1990s haute couture shows to our archive. Chanel’s fall 1997 collection, designed by Karl Lagerfeld, was originally presented on July 10, 1997, in the gardens of the Rodin Museum in Paris.

“This is what couture is all about—a celebration in tulle, lace, beading, and wrapping,” reads the Vogue caption accompanying Peter Lindbergh’s photograph of Trish Goff in a waft-y, jet-beaded gown of layers of mauve and smoke chiffon from Karl Lagerfeld’s fall 1997 couture collection, which referenced fin de siècle style and was inspired by Nordic fairy tales, art, and literature. (The designer returned to the storybook theme 19 years later when referencing the work of Danish illustrator Kay Nielsen at Fendi.) The models wore their hair long and loose like the princess in the pictures of Swedish artist John Bauer.

The Princess and the Trolls, by John Bauer, from the collection of the National Museum Stockholm. Photo: Fine Art Images / Heritage Images / Getty Images

Lavishly romantic looks—many topped with great swaths of tulle and feathers, resembling upside-down bird’s nests or troll’s tresses, depending on your point of view—were balanced by others that had an almost ecclesiastic rigor, minus any coldness.

Leena Nair’s Chanel Challenge

Leena Nair takes charge as Chanel’s global CEO at a challenging time—the luxury fashion powerhouse saw profits drop over 41 per cent in 2020, courtesy Covid-19. Chanel will bank on the Unilever CHRO’s people smarts to resuscitate its P&L.

Chanel West Coast Spreads Christmas Cheer On Instagram

Chanel West Coast never fails to impress her 3.6 million Instagram fans with her amazing sense of style and gorgeous outfits.

And to her fans’ delight, she posts new pictures on the photo-and-video-sharing platform quite often.

Following her snap-sharing routine, the American TV personality took to her page and uploaded some new pictures to show off her Christmas look.

Chanel not only shared a snapshot but also treated her fans to a video in which she showed off her dance moves.

Continue scrolling for photos and a video too.