Case Study #2 Chanel Classic Flap

In the 80s Karl Lagerfeld decided to change the design of the original Chanel 2.55 Flap bag, so the Chanel Classic Flap was born. Featuring the famous CC logo lock, Chanel Classic Flap is now one of the most recognisable and desirable luxury designs in modern fashion. Not only that, but it was also one of the most replicated models in 2021, according to our order history.

This is why the LegitGrails team decided to share one of the complicated cases of Chanel Classic Flap authentication. The outcome was unclear from the very beginning, resulting in an additional expert review being required. Let’s have a detailed walkthrough of this order and learn something new!

Case Study Overview

• The CC Lock
• The Logo Plaque
• The Logo Printing
• What does this case teach us about Chanel authentication?

Brief Order Description

• Brand: Chanel
• Timeframe: 30 mins
• Submitted photos: 10
• Outcome: authentic

Chanel Classic Flap Authentication: The CC Lock

At the first glance, the lock did seem suspicious due to its shape and the quality of the craftsmanship. Although the edges seemed to check out, the lock itself was scratched to the extent of not having the same colour as the rest of the Chanel CC lock.

However, the rest of the area was looking okay for the team - the sews checked out, and the caviar leather texture was on point. This is not a usual characteristic of a replica, so the team kept digging.

Real vs Fake Chanel Classic Flap: The Logo Plaque

When looking at the inner area of the lock - the Chanel logo plaque - there are several details that are usually checked right away. First and foremost is the formatting of the logo, as the fonts and letter spacing are one of the most common details that are usually gotten wrong by the replica producers. In this case, the spacing seemed inconsistent between the different text details.

Moreover, the authenticators’ attention was drawn to the scabbed screws. However, even considering the previously noticed flaws, the team was still not convinced that the item is fake. The details noticed seemed to be caused by the item’s condition, so the team moved onto the rest of the photos.  

How to Spot a Fake Chanel Classic Flap: The Logo Printing

The inside logo printing was another detail that raised, and then crashed the suspicion. Although some areas of the text printing were messy, the quality of the stamp (the pressing) checked out. This is one of those details that are most often ignored by the producers of fake Chanel bags. However, this is what helps you spot a real Chanel Classic flap 9/10 times. 

At this point the team was sure that the item was fully authentic, yet proceeded with the authentication of the rest of the photos.

What does this case teach us about Chanel authentication?

The flaws that can at first seem to show that the item is not legit, can actually be caused by a number of other factors. This is why it is important to not jump to conclusions and carefully proceed with the full authentication process. Our team has had its pitfalls, and we deeply regret all of the incorrect outcomes given out. Yet those mistakes helped our growth and the improvement of our expertise, and we greatly appreciate all the understanding and support given to the LegitGrails Team.