So, you're thinking about iconic handbags? Then you've probably hit the classic Louis Vuitton vs Chanel dilemma. It's a discussion that never gets old for fashion enthusiasts and even sharp investors as they weigh up the heritage, distinct styles, fantastic build quality, and, of course, the value these pieces hold. 

This isn't just about buying a handbag; it's about choosing a piece of fashion history and saying something with your style. That's true whether you're about to buy a designer bag for everyday use or you're looking to add another star to your lineup.

The Legacy of Louis Vuitton: A Journey in Monogram and Innovation

Founded in 1854 by Louis Vuitton Malletier as a manufacturer of some of the first flats-topped trunks that would usher in a new era of traveling, Louis Vuitton began its journey of combining travel and utility with luxury in mind. 

The LV Monogram was born in 1896 by his son Georges Vuitton in response to the growing counterfeit market for Louis Vuitton. As a result, the LV Monogram pattern began its now 120+ year reign as one of the world's most well-known and desirable patterns.

Signature Styles & Materials

Louis Vuitton is synonymous with its immensely durable, coated canvas, Monogram, Damier Ebene, and Damier Azur, which are unbelievably strong and lightweight. They are usually finished in Vachetta leather, natural cowhide leather (not treated). 

The leather will develop a lovely patina over time. Some of these iconic LV bags include:

• The Speedy: The Speedy was first introduced as a travel bag in the 1930s. After Audrey Hepburn asked for a smaller version for everyday use, the rest is history. The Speedy is a versatile and classic bag. 

• The Neverfull: As the name suggests, the Neverfull bags hold incredible stuff! They are practical and commonly used for work, travel, and errands.

• The Keepall: The best weekend duffel bag around.

• The Alma: Glamorous, structured, and art deco-inspired. It is a more formal-looking bag than the Speedy. 

• For many, the journey to buy luxury products starts with an LV bag because of its status as an accessible luxury in the high-fashion world.

Price Point & Investment

Louis Vuitton is a marginally easier entry to the luxury handbag segment. Their prices have steadily increased over the past several years; however, you get a more reasonably priced, stylish item that at least holds its value when reselling. 

The canvas LV bag is a good example of value. LV has some viable options if you want to sell designer bags down the road.

The Timeless Elegance of Chanel

During the 1910s and 1920s, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel revolutionized women's fashion, focusing on comfort, functionality, and elegance.

She extended that philosophy to bags when she created the now iconic 2.55 in February 1955, particularly because this design allowed women to have their hands free with the ultra-efficient shoulder strap. 

Karl Lagerfeld's designs were equally appealing, especially with the closure that featured the interlocking CC for the Classic Flap design. Together, they would cement Chanel's legacy as the quintessential chic.

Signature Styles & Materials

When you think of Chanel, you are thinking of their exceptional leathers. Two big ones come to mind right off the bat:

• Lambskin: This material is unbelievably soft. The downside? It is a little more delicate, so you do have to be careful with it.

• Caviar: And then you have Caviar, which is stylish and seriously durable. It holds up beautifully, and it isn't very susceptible to scratches, which is why people love it. If they want a practical bag, they can use it a lot, possibly every day.

Some of Chanel's iconic bags include: 

• The 2.55 Reissue: This is a true tribute to Coco Chanel's game-changing original, with its rectangular "Mademoiselle" lock as part of a classic heritage. 

• The Classic Flap: Karl Lagerfeld's latest take on the Classic Flap, with its interlocking CC turn-lock and leather-chain interwoven flap (in various sizes) is still the most desirable handbag in the world. 

• The Boy Bag: A younger and edgier aesthetic, it has the distinct structured boxy shape with bold hardware. 

• The Chanel 19. A relatively new addition to the iconic family, it adds a more slouchy, softer style with mixed-metal hardware befitting this generation. 

The experience of buying designer bags from Chanel is often seen as acquiring a piece of fashion history.

Price Point & Investment

The frequency with which Chanel raises its price can be intense for first-time buyers, but this is one of the reasons that their classic bags sell for lots of money on resale platforms. 

For example, a Chanel Classic Flap in great shape can typically be sold for roughly what it sold for when it was brand-new, or you may even be able to list it at a higher price. 

Chanel provides people with the ability to resell a designer bag, making it a prime candidate for those looking to sell designer bags as an investment. 

Head-to-Head: Louis Vuitton vs Chanel

When directly comparing Louis Vuitton vs Chanel, several key factors come into play:

1. Pricing

This is usually the most significant differentiator. The starting prices for Chanel leather bags, for their classic pieces, are much higher than basic LV canvas pieces. 

LV provides high-end, lean and an exotic range too, that could match Chanel in pricing, but in general practice, Chanel is overall more costly. Chanel's perpetual price increases also mean that waiting to buy can mean paying more.

2. Style/Aesthetics

Louis Vuitton Often has the travel, durable, more visible branding aspect of the majority of its collections. Chanel represents classic, feminine elegance and chic Parisian stylings. 

Chanel bags can often be perceived as a piece to create a statement, being worthy of elevating an outfit, and being suitable for semi-formal/fine dining clothing, but many still use them for everyday use.

3. Durability & Materials

Louis Vuitton: Their coated canvas is characterized by its highly durable nature and ability to withstand every possibility of wear and tear. Because of this durability, LV bags such as the Neverfull and Speedy are often favored as true "workhorses" by many. 

Chanel: While lambskin leather is an absolute dream, the nature of it being lambskin leather means it is extremely delicate and is easily scratched or scuffed if one is not cautious. Caviar is a much more durable leather option for daily usage. 

4. Exclusivity & Brand Perception

Both brands are highly exclusive. However, Chanel bags are also often attached to an idea of status, with many people viewing ownership of one as an essential milestone in luxury purchasing. 

Louis Vuitton is more accessible than Chanel and remains a highly luxurious brand, but it is frequently a more attainable option, making it many people's first luxury purchase.

5. Investment & Resale Value 

Both brands have designer handbags worth the money when considering their resale value. Chanel’s Classic Flaps, specifically in black lambskin or Caviar, have some of the highest resale values in the luxury segment of the market, with potential appreciation over time.

For Louis Vuitton, some of the well-known canvas styles, such as the Speedy, Neverfull, and Pochette Metis, all hold their value greater than any other brand of handbags.

If you are looking to buy or sell designer bags, both are good potentials in regards to resale, although Chanel classics tend to have better returns on your initial investment.

The Smart Way to Buy and Sell: The Pre-Owned Luxury Market

Whether choosing between Louis Vuitton or Chanel or looking at other designer handbags worth the money, the pre-owned world includes great opportunities. Platforms that specialize in allowing you to buy second-hand authentic luxury products and sell second hand designer bags provide several advantages:

Conclusion

In Louis Vuitton vs Chanel, ultimately, what you choose comes back to your aesthetics, how you plan to use the bag, and, of course, your budget. Remember that both brands are creating pieces that, if cared for, can ultimately be treasured heirlooms that are coveted, sought-after pieces! 

And for those contemplating whether they want to enter one of these brands or whether they want to buy their first piece or just like curating collections, explore options to purchase designer bags or sell designer bags through reputable pre-owned sources that help the luxury world become more accessible and enjoyable!