Chanel vs Prada – Which Brand Is The Absolute Best?

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Chanel vs Prada – a lot of things in common, yet two very distinct luxury brands

Chanel and Prada are two of the most renowned fashion brands in the world, and even a second-hand piece would likely sell for a very high price. If you love luxury fashion, you probably found yourself wondering which brand you should get next.

Should you be the Devil that Wears Prada, or should you go for a liberating Chanel piece instead? This article will acquaint you with the differences so that it’s easier for you to make your choice.

Chanel vs Prada: A History of Fashion

Chanel and Prada came around at a time when it was quite difficult for women to fit into society. Here is a brief history of the brands.

History of Chanel

The brand “Chanel” was founded in 1910 by couturier Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, a visionary who wanted to change the way women dressed. During that time, women would still wear plenty of dresses and corsets, as they were considered feminine and ladylike. That being said, that type of clothing was restraining, preventing women’s freedom of movement.

For this reason, Chanel began designing fashion items with ease and comfort in mind. The trousers and blouses she added to the collection raised quite a bit of controversy as well. However, her simple and flowing designs became a symbol of liberation for women.

History of Prada

Prada was founded in 1913 by brothers Mario and Martino Prada. At first, the brand was called Fratelli Prada, selling luxury goods such as trunks, travel accessories, and more. As ironic as it may seem, Mario did not think that women should run family businesses. However, since his son had no interest in it, the business was picked up by his daughter Luisa.

The brand stayed in the family, but its course had a few changes. Starting with Luisa, then followed by her daughter, Miuccia, more and more ideas were added to the brand. They shifted more towards leather goods and luxury items, creating an even bigger impact on the fashion world.

Breaking Down the Differences: Chanel vs Prada

While there are certain similarities between Chanel and Prada, there are also a few differences. Here are the most notable ones:

Exclusivity

Both Prada and Chanel are considered to be highly exclusive. The Timecapsule Collection of Prada, paired with NFRs, stirred a storm in Prada enthusiasts. It also has a fair number of top-notch products that are not very easy to come by, their price point and quality making them exclusive only to those who can afford them.

However, when it comes to exclusivity, Chanel still has the advantage. Following the example of many other luxury brands, Chanel placed a limit on how many products one may buy per year. While preventing overconsumption, Chanel also makes its products rare and more coveted, boosting its exclusivity. Moreover, Chanel pieces are hard to get because it’s not easy to buy them online.

Price

The price range is essential, as it gives you an idea of how much you’ll have to set aside for the brands. Prada bags are often found ranging between $1,120 and $5,700, making them more affordable than other luxury items. The final price will mostly depend on the size of the bag, along with the materials it’s made from.

For instance, the Prada Galleria satin mini-bag can be purchased at $5,700, whereas the Woven Palm and Leather tote can be found for as little as $1,120. The most popular items on their list are around $4,000, which includes the $4,800 antique Nappa leather multi-pocket handbag.

Chanel items have a bit of a higher price tag, especially after the recent price increases. For example, the Chanel Classic flap bag increased by 16% as of late, with its price going well over $10,000. Chanel also has exclusive pieces that they sell at a higher price, such as the Diamond Forever bag. Studded with diamonds, this bag retails for about $261,000, and you can likely only find it through auctions.

Prada also offers more discounts than Chanel. This makes Prada pieces much easier to buy, allowing you to save those funds for other potential investments.

Resale Value

The resale values of both brands are quite different. For instance, while Prada bags are highly qualitative, they are made to be on the more affordable side (at least compared to brands such as Chanel). As a result, they may not appreciate their value as much.

Chanel bags tend to be more expensive, their price increase making them an even better investment. Plus, Chanel products have a very high resale value. With frequent price increases, well-maintained classic Chanel bags can be sold on resale websites for more than their original price. 

So, when it comes to the resale value, the Chanel vs Prada debate is simple. If you plan to make a profit on your bags, you’re better off buying a Chanel bag. If you’re looking for a bargain, look for Prada bags on the resale market as you’ll be able to save quite a bit.

Aesthetics

Both Chanel and Prada are known for their timeless designs, focusing more on simplicity. Prada products often have a minimalist aesthetic, designed to go with every occasion and in every combination. Their triangular logo can be found across all of their products, making them easily recognizable.

When it comes to aesthetics, Chanel is quite similar to Prada. Most of the classic Chanel handbags have a classic simplicity that makes them easy to wear and match. That being said, while Chanel tends to focus on soft yet clean shapes, Prada seems to create products in daring lines.

Chanel Vs Prada – Outfits & Inspiration

Materials and Quality

Both Chanel and Prada use different materials that are suited for various purposes and styles. Despite their differences, both are made with high-quality craftsmanship that is designed to last for a very long time.

Most of the bags released by Chanel are made from leathers such as calfskin, lambskin, deerskin, goatskin, and caviar leather. The last one on this list is a patent leather offered by Chanel and is renowned for its resilience. The brand’s focus is on higher-quality leather, but its goatskin and lambskin models are much easier to scruff and scratch, which is why they require more care.

Read also: Chanel Leathers & Materials Full Guide. Ranked From Best to Worst

Prada also uses leather, including classic calfskin and lambskin options. The house uses premium versions of these types of leather, in the forms of Nappa and saffiano leather.

But most of the time, Prada utilizes nylon and jacquard fabric, which helps put its bags at a lower price point. This also makes them the better option if you want a low-maintenance bag that does not scratch as easily. Chanel also uses these materials, its Nylon series creating quite a hype, but its focus is more on leather than other materials.

Chanel vs Prada – Which One Wins?

When it comes to Chanel vs Prada, we know both brands have their advantages, and when it comes to aesthetics, both are beautiful and desirable. Featuring timeless designs, both would help you create the perfect outfit.

That being said, if you want something more affordable and less prone to scratching, Prada may be your choice. However, if you have the extra money and want luxury iconic pieces that holds its value well, then you may want to go for Chanel instead.