The Ultimate ‘It’ Bag: A Truthful Review of the Iconic Chanel Classic Medium Lambskin
One of the perks of my old career as a television producer was spending long stretches of time on location. While exhausting - it is not as glamorous as you would think - at all!, it often meant saving money – everything was covered: travel, food, and accommodation. You weren’t spending; you were working, eating, and sleeping. During one particular nine-week stint, I managed to save up quite a bit. And then it happened – the bag of my dreams and most people’s dreams appeared on one of my favorite pre-loved sites the handbag clinic.
I was hot, tired, and seriously overworked, desperate for a little spark of joy. So, in 2018, I hit "Buy Now."
This wasn’t just any bag – it was the bag: the Chanel Classic Medium Flap in Lambskin. The bag many consider the ultimate, iconic, once-in-a-lifetime piece.
She’s special, too. Crafted in 1989-1990, she’s my age (35 years old) and in stunning condition. I paid £2,595 – This was the most amount of money I had ever spent on a bag (before the Fendi Sequin Baguette - entered my life) and more money than my rent + bills! I felt a bit sick - but with Chanel about to implement yet another price hike (a move that would also inflate pre-loved prices), I convinced myself to go for it.
To put it into perspective, the RRP in 2018 was £4,300, so I saved £1,705 (a beautiful 40%). Today? Pricing is completely unhinged. The Chanel 11.12 (as it’s officially known) now costs an eye-watering £8,850. Even second-hand prices range from £3,500 to £7,450. That’s serious, disgusting money.
So, the big big question was it and is it worth it?.
The Pros:
Investment Potential – This bag has appreciated in value over the years. While I don’t buy bags as investments, it’s comforting to know it’s worth more now than when I bought it.
Vintage Charm – The CC lock is plated in 24k gold, a detail you don’t get with modern Chanel bags.
Spacious – It fits a decent amount for its size (though not as much as you’d think for a "medium"). Measurements are 25cm x 16cm x 7cm.
The Ultimate, Iconic ‘It’ Handbag - it needs no introduction
Similar to bullet point four - but to reiterate it is the BAG
The Cons:
The Price – Even pre-loved, this is not a cheap purchase.
Lambskin Leather – While buttery soft and beautiful, it feels delicate to me - like I have to be very careful with it. In hindsight, I wish I’d spent more money at the time to get caviar leather, which is much more durable and I actually prefer the look of.
Strap Length – Vintage Chanel bags like mine aren’t designed to be worn crossbody. The strap sits quite high on the body, making it either a shoulder bag or handheld piece. While it’s not a dealbreaker for me - it annoys me - I wear crossbody a lot, the shorter strap can feel awkward, and wearing it crossbody is downright uncomfortable (maybe it’s just my boobs!).
She isn’t great in the rain. She’s old leather (that needs treating) and absorbs the water
Rating: 9/10
(based on 2018 pricing) deducted a point because I should have bought Caviar Leather.
What does it fit?
Final Thoughts
If you can afford it without maxing out your credit card, my answer is: yes. If you’re buying Chanel, go for caviar leather. It’s more durable, and trust me, you want something that lasts. Also, go for the medium size. The small is, frankly, too small.
This bag was such a big deal for me that I even took out personal asset insurance. Yes, really
The Chanel Classic Medium Flap is a bag that truly deserves its iconic status. It’s a piece of fashion history, a statement of timeless elegance, and, if cared for, a lifelong companion.
Would I do it again? Absolutely – but with caviar leather (how many times do I want to say that?). Whether it’s an investment or a splurge, if this is your dream bag and you can afford it, I say go for it. Because sometimes, a little (or big) piece of joy is worth every penny.
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