10 Best Chanel Classic Flap Alternatives The Money Can Buy
Like the look of the Chanel Classic Flap, but don’t want to pay the extortionate price? Well, you are not alone. In recent years, the fan-favorite Chanel handbag went up in price by so much that even the most loyal Chanel fans are now starting to look for the alternatives. And I don’t judge them. I mean, just think about how many beautiful designer handbags you could possibly buy for $8,800. Yep, that’s how much the Medium Classic Flap currently retails for. Mind-blowing, right?!
Truly, with these outrageous prices, it’s difficult not to be tempted by the alternatives. Especially when so many designer brands are offering similar-looking bags to the Chanel Classic Flap these days. Seriously, with the amount of the amazing, lower-priced alternatives for the Chanel Classic Flap out there, you really don’t need to go and spend upwards of $8,000 on a handbag. See by yourself as I reveal to you the list of the 10 best Chanel Classic Flap Alternatives the money can buy.
1. Karl Lagerfeld Agyness Shoulder Bag
Any die-hard Chanel fan knows that the Classic Flap is the creation of Karl Lagerfeld. However, what not so many people know is that besides working for Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld has also worked for other brands, and that includes his own namesake brand. Actually, you will be surprised to learn how many of Karl Lagerfeld’s own brand bags resemble his creations at Chanel. Particularly, the Karl Lagerfeld Agyness Shoulder Bag is almost an identical copy of the Classic Flap, with its half-quilted, half-solid real leather body, a flap-style closure and an interwoven chain strap. Get it now for just $179.99 at Saks Off 5th.
2. Aspinal of London Lottie Bag
One of the most recognizable attributes of the Classic Flap is its distinctive interwoven chain and the Aspinal of London has integrated it flawlessly in its Lottie Bag. Characterized by a rectangular silhouette with a fold-over flap closure, Lottie is one of Aspinal of London’s best-selling handbags. And it’s easy to see why. Offering stunning resemblance to the Chanel Classic Flap, especially in versions made from grained leather with quilted exterior, the Lottie is really giving you that same chic look and for a fraction of the price of the Classic Flap. The bag currently retails for $660 in the standard size and $865 in the large. There is also an option to get your bag personalized when ordering directly from Aspinal.
3. Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Love Crossbody
For someone who loves the look of the Chanel Classic Flap, but doesn’t want to spend too much on an alternative, an excellent option would be Rebecca Minkoff’s Quilted Love Crossbody. An iconic style to Rebecca Minkoff, the Quilted Love Crossbody features a chevron-quilted rectangular body with an optional chain-and-leather shoulder strap that can be removed to turn the bag into an ultra-chic clutch. Actually, that’s a feature that the Chanel Classic Flap doesn’t have. Although it could have been very useful, as I’ve seen people wear their Classic Flaps with chains tucked in. So, that’s something for Chanel to consider. But in the meantime, let’s enjoy Rebecca Minkoff’s Quilted Love Crossbody for just $298 (the bag is also available in a bigger Jumbo size for $358).
4. Pinko Love Bag
Who would have thought that we are going to have two bags named “Love” on the list? Yes, Pinko’s Love Bag has also made the list of the best Chanel Classic Flap alternatives! A signature style for Pinko, the Love Bag features a rectangular silhouette with a flap-style closure and a chain-link shoulder strap. Coming in a wide variety of colors and sizes, all of which come with Pinko’s iconic Love Birds logo in the front, the Love Bag is an excellent choice for just about any occasion. Fun fact: you can check the authenticity of your Pinko Love Bag by scanning the NFC chip built into the back of the bag! How cool is that?
5. Delage Ginette Bag
Are you someone who besides luxury handbags also enjoys luxury cars? If yes, then you’ve most likely heard about Delage. But did you know that besides making some of the most exclusive cars in the World, Delage also makes some of the finest leather goods? An attest to that is their Ginette Bag. Named after Ginette Leclerc, a famous figure of the 30s and unconditional of Delage automobiles, the Delage Ginette Bag features a quilted leather exterior with a fold-over flap and an interwoven leather chain strap. I mean, doesn’t it already remind us of something? Right, the Delage Ginette is much like the Chanel Classic Flap, just with a slightly different lock and quilting.
6. Gucci Marmont Shoulder Bag
Three Gucci bags, or one Chanel Jumbo? Yes, that’s how many Gucci Marmont bags you’d be able to get for the price of one Chanel Classic Flap in the Jumbo size (which, at the time of writing this article is $9,500, in case if you didn’t know). But all jokes aside, both bags do share quite a few characteristics. Among them, a classic rectangular silhouette with a flap closure sporting branded hardware. In addition, the Gucci Marmont Shoulder Bag also comes with a sliding chain strap that allows it to be worn multiple ways, incl. crossbody. Get it in one of the four available sizes, all of which currently retail below $3,000.
7. Bulgari Serpenti Forever Shoulder Bag
Most of us know Bulgari for their jewelry. And rightfully so, as their jewelry is absolutely incredible. However, how about Bulgari’s bags? You knew the brand also makes handbags, right? Well, if you didn’t, then let me introduce you to the Bulgari Serpenti Forever Shoulder Bag. A signature style for Bulgari, it is a flap bag topped by the brand’s iconic snakehead magnetic closure, whose mesmerizing scales have been an integral part of Bulgari’s DNA since the 60s. Accessorized with a snake body-shaped shoulder strap, the Bulgari Serpenti Forever Shoulder Bag is as gorgeous as it is versatile. Plus, it comes at a much more affordable price tag than the Classic Flap ($3,750 to be precise, if you’re going to order it directly from Bulgari).
8. Saint Laurent Envelope Bag
Often referred to as one of the best designer alternatives to the Chanel Classic Flap, the Saint Laurent Envelope Bag is another honorable mention. Featuring a distinctive envelope-style shape with flap-style fastening, the Saint Laurent Envelope Bag is one of those styles that’s an icon on its own. Made from quilted leather in three different patterns, all placed strategically to draw attention to the iconic YSL logo in the middle, the Saint Laurent Envelope bag will make a fabulous choice for both day and evening. It also comes at a fraction of the cost of the Classic Flap. Specifically, the Saint Laurent Envelope Bag in the Medium Size will cost you $2,950, whereas the Classic Flap in the comparable size (Medium) is going to set you back more than twice the amount.
9. Louis Vuitton New Wave Chain Bag
Say what you want about the new version of Louis Vuitton’s New Wave Chain Bag, but you can’t deny the fact that it would make a perfect alternative for the Chanel Classic Flap. Featuring a silhouette of a traditional leather flap bag with clean lines and a quilted body, the Louis Vuitton New Wave Chain Bag is accessorized by the brand’s signature LV logo and a sliding gold-color chain which allows to wear the handbag multiple ways, incl. crossbody. Choose between two sizes: the compact PM, or a more spacious MM. The first one will cost you $2,710, while the other one will be yours for $2,890.
10. Dior Caro Bag
To be quite honest, back when the Dior Caro Bag was released, I was a bit skeptical regarding it sticking around. But here we are, 3 years later and the Caro Bag isn’t just still here, but it’s also one of the most popular styles from Dior. And actually, if you are looking for a lower-priced designer alternative to the Chanel Classic Flap, the Dior Caro is a very good option to consider as it shares many of its features with the Classic Flap, incl. the quilted exterior and a flap-style closure. Get it in the adorable micro size, or stick to the versatile Medium, which will serve you well from day to evening. The Dior Caro Bag is currently available in four different sizes and starts at just $2,700 at Dior.
Would you add any of these alternative styles to your collection? Let me know in the comments below!
