Chanel Classic Flap vs Lady Dior. The Ultimate Battle - Luxe Front (2024)

Two of the world’s most classic and well known handbags: the Chanel Classic Flap vs the Lady Dior.

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Today we’re doing a head-to-head comparison of two wildly popular handbags—the Chanel Classic Flap and the Lady Dior.

Check out this article to see which bag ends up on top!

Chanel Classic Flap

History

Chanel’s founder, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel created the first version of the Classic Flap when she introduced the 2.55 bag in February 1955. Featuring a shoulder strap, this bag was revolutionary for its functionality.

In the 1980s, Chanel’s creative director, Carl Lagerfeld, reinterpreted the 2.55 by adding a leather woven chain and a Double C turn lock closure. The bag, named the Classic Flap, became an instant success and remains one of the House’s most sought-after pieces.

Features

The Classic Flap is instantly recognizable by its foldover closure, quilted leather, woven leather and chain strap, and Double C turn lock closure.

Materials

Chanel’s Classic Flap has been produced in a variety of materials over the years, ranging from classic leather to funky textiles.

Caviar and lambskin leather are the two most popular options. Rarer materials include iridescent leather, exotic skins (ostrich, python, alligator, and crocodile), and tweed.

Hardware options include silver, gold, light gold, and So Black. Special editions feature matte or antiqued silver or gold, ruthenium, and iridescent metals.

Prices

Check out the table below for prices of leather Classic Flap bags as of January 2023.

Chanel Classic Flap Pros

• A classic style that’s remained fashionable for nearly 40 years
• Offered in a variety of sizes, colors, and leathers
• Can be worn over the shoulder or across the body
• A versatile style that works for casual and formal events
• Excellent resale value

Chanel Classic Flap Cons

• Very expensive and prices continue to increase every year

• Mini sizes have long straps that may overwhelm those who are shorter
• The flap makes the bag bulky and heavy (especially in bigger sizes)
• Lambskin styles get damaged easily

Lady Dior

History

Originally called the Chouchou, this style was created by Dior’s successor, Gianfranco Ferré, in 1994. From the cannage motif to the charms, many design details pay homage to the House’s namesake.

It exploded in popularity after the Princess of Wales was spotted carrying it on numerous occasions. The model was renamed the Lady Dior as a tribute to Diana.

Features

The Lady Dior features a quilted criss-cross cannage motif inspired by the Napoleon III chairs used in the House’s first fashion show in 1947.

This model also features charms as a tribute to the lucky charms Christian Dior often carried.

Additional features include a boxy silhouette and two top handles.

Materials

Cannage-quilted lambskin is the most popular material for the Lady Dior. However, seasonal styles may feature calfskin leather, patent leather, or exotic skins.

Some special editions feature tweed, sequins, and beading.

Hardware is available in gold, silver, champagne, and color-coordinated Ultra Matte.

Prices

The table below shows 2022 prices for various sizes of the Lady Dior in leather. Be aware that Dior will likely raise prices in mid-January 2023 (perhaps by as much as 15%) so stay tuned for updates.

Lady Dior Pros

• A classic piece that’s remained stylish for almost 30 years
• Well-crafted using the finest materials available
• Versatile–works well as a day or evening bag
• Can be carried in hand or crossbody

Lady Dior Cons

• Styling might be a bit too old-fashioned and stuffy for younger buyers
• Metal charms rub against each other and get scratched
• Heavy relative to its size
• Doesn’t hold its value well on the resale market

Comparisons: Classic Flap and Lady Dior

Now that you have a better understanding of these two styles, let’s look at them head-to-head.

Features

Both the Classic Flap and the Lady Dior feature a structured body, quilting, and a long crossbody strap. They’re also made of similar materials like calfskin leather.

The sizes available are also quite similar, with everything from mini bags all the way up to large handbags.

They differ in that the Classic Flap opens with a turn lock and flap, whereas the Lady Dior has a zipper closure.

There are more differences inside the bag. The Classic Flap is divided into open sections separated by dividers but the Lady Dior is more like a tote bag in that it has one open space inside.

Overall, we prefer Chanel’s aesthetics as we find them more versatile and sleek.

Winner: Chanel Classic Flap

Price

The Chanel Classic Flap is significantly more expensive than the Lady Dior, especially for larger sizes.

Whereas there’s only about a $400 difference between the two smallest sizes of these styles, the largest styles differ by $3,500.

Winner: Lady Dior

Resale Value

Chanel continues to increase the prices of Classic Flaps, a decision that also trickles down to the resale market. As a result, this style holds its value incredibly well.

In fact, in the last decade, prices for Classic Flaps have increased by 206%!

Unfortunately, Lady Diors don’t have the same impressive resale values. This style tends to fetch a quarter to a third of the initial retail price on the secondhand market.

Winner: Chanel Classic Flap

Chanel Classic Flap or Lady Dior–Which One is Best?

Given its beautiful styling, staying power, and incredible resale value, we’re inclined to recommend the Chanel Classic Flap over the Lady Dior.

Sure, the Classic Flap is significantly more expensive, but it’s a model that will always be in style. Plus, you can probably make money on it if you ever decide to sell.

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