Celine vs Chanel Bags. The Battle Of The CCs
This page can contain affiliate links – we may receive a commission if you make a purchase using links on this page. This has no extra cost for you.
Should you choose a Chanel bag or a Celine bag if you could only buy one? We look at everything: price, style, resale value and more to give you a well-rounded overview of the best bag to buy!
Ever found yourself standing in the middle of a luxury department store, caught between a Celine and a Chanel bag, wondering which one to take home? You’re not alone.
It’s the kind of decision that feels more significant than choosing a new favorite coffee spot. Both brands scream luxury, style, and investment, but they cater to slightly different vibes and wallets. Let’s dive into what sets these titans apart and hopefully help you make that all-important decision.
The Backstory of Celine and Chanel
Celine: The Understated Chic
Celine started its journey in 1945 as a made-to-measure children’s shoe boutique in Paris. It wasn’t until 1960 that Celine ventured into ready-to-wear fashion, marking its territory with clean lines and a less-is-more approach. Remember Phoebe Philo‘s tenure? She turned Celine into the epitome of minimalist chic, making their bags a must-have for anyone who loves understated luxury.
The current creative director of Celine is Hedi Slimane.
Chanel: The Epitome of Timeless Glamour
Chanel, on the other hand, needs no introduction. Founded by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in 1910, it has become synonymous with timeless elegance. Chanel gave us the little black dress, the No. 5 perfume, and, of course, the iconic Chanel 2.55 bag. Each piece of Chanel history is a blend of innovation, luxury, and a dash of rebellion, echoing Coco’s ethos that “luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.”
Chanel is currently led by Virginie Viard, who took the rains after Karl Lagerfeld’s death.
Exclusivity: Which one is more exclusive: Celine or Chanel?
Celine
Celine’s exclusivity comes from its understated presence. It’s like the quiet person at a party who has the most interesting stories. They don’t make a scene, but once you get to know them, you realize their worth. Their limited releases and the fact you don’t see a Celine bag on every arm in the city center adds to its allure.
Most people will recognize the most famous Chanel bags (like the Boy Bag or the Classic Flap) but they will struggle with recognizing a Celine Box Bag or the Ava Bag.
Chanel
Chanel is like the queen of the ball. Everyone knows her, and everyone wants a piece of her timeless charm.
Chanel’s exclusivity is maintained through limited production runs, hefty price tags and price increases and even restrictions made on how many classic bags one can buy per year. Owning a Chanel bag is like holding a piece of fashion history.
Unlike Celine, Chanel does not sell its bags online, adding to the exclusivity aura. You’d have to go to a Chanel boutique or have a relationship with a Chanel SA to be able to order by phone.
However, their popularity also means that Chanel bags are one of the most faked bags in the world. Many collectors are therefore trying to buy more vintage or limited edition pieces that are less ubiquitous and not a bag that “everyone has”. Which sounds a bit insane considering the fact that a medium classic flap retails for more than USD10,00.
Winner
Even though Celine certainly feels very exclusive, we have to say that Chanel wins in this category.
Let’s Talk Money: Price: Celine or Chanel
Celine
When you’re investing in a luxury bag, price is definitely a major player. Celine bags offer a somewhat gentler entry point into the luxury market. If you’re looking for value for money – Celine is the winner.
Their bags are amazing quality, amazing designs and while still expensive, the price tag is definitely easier to swallow. Here’s a rundown of some of Celine’s bag prices:
| Bag Model – Celine | Price USD |
| Triomphe | $ 4,150 |
| Medium Ava | $ 2,600 |
| Bucket 16 | $ 2,950 |
| Cabas M Canvas | $ 1,950 |
Chanel
Chanel, however, is in a league of its own. The price of entry is steep, and it only goes up from there. Compared to Celine, where with $4k you have a decent choice of nearly every bag in the boutique, at Chanel you can barely buy a small leather good at that price point.
Here are some Chanel bag prices to compare:
| Bag Model – Chanel | Price USD |
| Classic Flap | $ 10,200 |
| 19 Bag | $ 6,400 |
| Seasonal Flap Bag | $ 6,000 |
| Chanel 22 | $ 5,800 |
Winner: Celine
If you don’t want to spend an absolute fortune, then Celine is the winner in this category. You have plenty of bag options under $3,000 which is just not possible at Chanel.
The Investment Game: Resale Value
Celine
Celine bags, especially those from Phoebe Philo’s era, hold their value reasonably well. They may not reach the astronomical resale prices of some Chanel classics, but depending on the bag, you might be able to make some of your money back.
We would not class Celine as a brand you should invest in if you want to make all your money back on a bag or even make a profit. However, that does mean that they are great bags to buy on the preloved market (for under $2k!)
Chanel
Together with Hermes, Chanel is the gold standard when it comes to resale value. Classics like Classic Flap Bag or limited edition colors and styles often sell for more on the secondary market than their original retail price. It’s like the stock market, but way more fun (and fashionable).
The resale value of Chanel is (in our opinion) a combination of their frequent and extreme price increases as well as the timeless appeal of their bags. Luckily, you can find plenty of bargains with Chanel as well, especially for their less popular bags.
Winner: Easy – Chanel!
Craftsmanship and Quality: What You’re Getting
Celine
Celine bags are the epitome of craftsmanship. The leather feels like it could tell stories, and the stitching is so precise it could pass for art. They’re the kind of bags that not only look good but feel good to carry. There’s a sense of durability and timelessness in each piece that justifies the investment.
Chanel
Chanel, with its use of luxurious leathers, impeccable stitching, and that iconic quilting, sets a high bar for quality. Chanel bags are crafted to be passed down through generations, making them not just an accessory but a family heirloom. We must warn you that lately there has been some reports of quality issues in Chanel bags – read more here.
Winner: Both
Wrapping It Up: The Final Verdict
Deciding between Celine and Chanel is like choosing between a perfectly tailored blazer and a little black dress — both are essentials in their own right, and the best choice depends on your personal style, budget, and what you’re looking for in a luxury bag.
If you lean towards minimalist elegance and want a luxury bag without the “screaming luxury” part, Celine is your go-to. Their bags are understated, chic, and offer a kind of exclusivity that whispers rather than shouts.
On the flip side, if you’re all for timeless glamour, investment pieces that hold (or increase) their value, and don’t mind saving up for that slice of fashion history, Chanel is calling!
OUR FAVORITE FINDS
