While going up in to the loft to bring down the Christmas decorations to help our nan decorate her home we found a Chanel bag and purse. It was wrapped up in some old sheets and put in to an old suitcase.
For context, my nan used to work for a wealthy Middle Eastern family as their housekeeper in London. At Christmas one of the daughters gifted this to her sometime in the late 1980s or early 1990s.
My nan told us to either chuck it away or give it to the charity shop as she thought it was just a generic bag and purse – not knowing the Chanel logo.
I know my nan could secretly do with some extra money with the cost of everything creeping up and the festive season just around the corner.
Do you think it could be the real deal – and if so, its value? Hen, via e-mail
Loft loot: Is this Chanel bag and purse the real deal – and could it be worth thousands of pounds?
Dan Hatfield, our resident valuation expert, replies: I’ve always had a fondness for Chanel.
Founded in 1910 by Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, this brand is known for its timeless elegance, innovative design and upholding the highest standards in craftsmanship.
Feminine and bold in design, this fashion house screams luxury. This isn’t just a bag, it’s a statement, an investment and in this case a hidden gem with a story to tell.
At first glance, I think you’ve stumbled upon a Christmas cracker.
This is why I always advocate a rummage around lofts and storage spaces in case of any forgotten or misplaced gems. This really could be the most wonderful time of year.
This stunning set hails from 1990. A decade which was generally an optimistic one, a time of looking towards the new millennium in anticipation and excitement.
Chanel marked this decade with a period of reinvention, a truly transformative turn, blending its classic past with bold and contemporary twists.
All expertly planned by their legendary creative lead, Karl Lagerfeld. There aim was to attract a younger, fashion forward market.
Handbags became the must have accessory of this decade. Chanel ensured that fashionistas such as Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Linda Evangelista and others of a similar ilk were spotted with their branded handbag.
Close up: This Chanel bag is a ‘gem’ according to a leading expert
So, is yours genuine? It’s a question I get asked as much as ‘how much is it worth’.
We must also consider that the 90s saw the rise of the ‘super fake’ – counterfeit bags so convincing that only a seasoned expert could identify them.
But based on your description and the photos you’ve provided, things look promising.
There are a couple of ways we can examine whether your bag is real or not. Firstly, colour – counterfeiters often stumble at this crucial hurdle, but yours nails it.
The deep, rich navy blue and vibrant red are bang on for 1990s Chanel. Then there’s the stitching. Authentic Chanel bags have 11 stitches per side on the quilted leather diamonds, and yes, I counted – yours does too.
Finally, the hardware. The gold-plated chain, zips, and fastenings from this era had a rich, almost buttery glow, while cheaper counterfeits often look brassy or dull.
Your bag ticks all the crucial boxes. Of course seeing and feeling it in person would make me 100 per cent certain, but the photographs make me incredibly confident.
It really is a stunning bag. It captures the playful use of colours and designs of the decade.
Yes they still produced the classic flap but this bag points to 1990 instantly. Named the Trapeze due to its shape, it comprises of navy blue and red lamb skin leather.
I visited my friend and world leading expert on luxury vintage bags, Charlotte Rodgers, at her store, This Old Thing London at the vaults in Hatton Garden and discussed your bag.
She said it ‘has the timeless appeal that Chanel truly embody’ and that ‘Chanel handbags have stood the test of time.
She went on to tell me: ‘One of the most collectible features of this bag is the gold hardware.
‘At this time in the 90s Chanel were producing bags with high carat gold plating hardware, giving a rich, luxurious finish to the chain.’
I wholeheartedly agree with her analysis.
And vintage is big business, the disposable culture of the 80s, 90s and noughties has been replaced by an emphasis on re-use, re-purpose and recycle.
Our society is changing the way it views material goods. It’s now very cool to own pre-loved and there’s a huge demand for items from the 90s.
Chanel is also a brand that is timeless, forever young, relevant and always collectable.
You’re looking at a bag which is incredibly collectible and in demand because it’s hitting all of the right notes for what people are investing in right now.
The fact you still have the matching wallet is also great. Many other examples of this bag can be found for sale without the matching wallet, so this adds value – and the fact it appears unused, and carefully stored away is also a huge selling point.
As Charlotte says: ‘This handbag is a gem.’
Selling this bag wouldn’t be hard, its popularity means it wouldn’t be on the market for long. I’d value this set around £3,000 – perhaps even a shade more, given the condition and matching purse.
I can’t recall the exact cost of this in 1990 but I’m pretty confident it has increased in value.
Bags – the right kind such as Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton – can often see fantastic returns on your initial investment.
What a wonderful find whilst rummaging in the loft for the Christmas decorations.
Should your nan decide to sell I’m sure that there could be a rather impressive assortment of presents around the Christmas tree.
Send in your Modern Treasures
Dan Hatfield: Our columnist is ready to value your Modern Treasure
Dan Hatfield is This Morning’s money-making expert and resident pawnbroker. He is an international specialist in antiques, jewellery, diamonds and collectibles.
Dan’s first non-fiction book, Money Maker: Unlock Your Money Making Potential (£16.99, published by Hodder Catalyst) is available now.
This is Money’s Modern Treasures column is after your items and collections for valuations.
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