Gucci and Chanel are two top players in the fashion industry; they are two of the most popular luxury brands. Both brands are known for their high-end, expensive bags and accessories, among other high-quality fashion items. It may be tough if you want to treat yourself to a nice designer bag and are considering either of these two. Nevertheless, it is easier to know what you are looking for and how either of these two brands can provide it.
This article will dissect the Chanel and Gucci brands, including their quality and worth, to help you decide. Nevertheless, your style preference, budget, and lifestyle will play major roles in choosing from the two top brands. One of their strongest points is how both brands grew from being minor fashion companies to obtaining world power and recognition. Built by iconic designers, both Gucci and Chanel brands feature exceptional quality, unique designs, and covetable fashion items.
Gucci History vs. Chanel History
Initially known as the Fashion House of Gucci, Gucci was founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci in Italy. However, his son takes the credit for the coming of the brand’s stores to New York, London, and Paris. Aldo, Guccio’s son, convinced his father to expand the brand; Gucci created beautiful luggage and bags and expanded massively.
The inspiration to start the Gucci brand came to Guccio while he was working as a bellhop at the Savoy Hotel, London. He handled leather suitcases at the hotel, explaining why the brand started with leather luggage.
Conversely, Chanel’s history dates as far back as 1910; it is a French brand founded by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. She got the nickname Coco when she worked as a chanteuse. The brand majors in women’s high fashion, luxury goods, accessories, and ready-to-wear fashion. Coco was committed to fulfilling women’s desires and tastes for elegant dresses, blouses, trousers, jewelry, and suits.
Chanel witnessed and was part of the revolution that happened in the fashion world in the 20s. More precisely, it was a revolution that replaced tightly-laced dresses and restrictive corsets with looser, more functional skirts, blouses, and dresses. Coco died in 1971, leaving the brand high and dry, so to speak – until Karl Lagerfeld became the executive designer. Under Lagerfeld’s leadership, Chanel became world-recognized, with its treasured tweed skirt suit becoming the brand’s emblem.
Gucci vs. Chanel: Material Quality and Durability
Both brands’ materials are different, so you may want to consider this as you weigh your choices. Chanel uses lambskin, patent leather, caviar, and calfskin to make its items. However, it also uses more exotic leathers like snakeskin, jersey, cloth, velvet, tweed, and wool in making a small selection of bags. Regarding the brand’s products, its lambskin and caviar leathers are the top choices for most customers.
Chanel’s lambskin leather is the softest on the market and arguably more beautiful than most. Also, its luxurious feel and smooth texture make this material a favorite among most women. Caviar, on the other hand, is bumpier and rough, but that is what makes it more durable than lambskin leather. Due to its softness, lambskin is delicate and prone to scratches and blemishes after a few uses.
On the other hand, Gucci is world-renowned for its unique designs, featuring non-traditional materials, including GG canvas, Guccissima leather, Diamante, and Flora. Gucci started using innovative materials like canvas, jute, and hemp during Mussolini’s reign when expensive materials were hard to get. The brand’s mix of high-quality materials, design details, and prints make Gucci instantly recognizable and sought after.
Gucci vs. Chanel: Price and Style
Gucci and Chanel are renowned for being two of the most expensive brands in the industry, but Gucci is even more affordable. It may be hard to believe, but as luxurious as Gucci is, Chanel is more luxurious when it comes to price. Let’s compare their bags; it is hard to find a Chanel bag priced below $4,000 today, except you’re getting micro bags.
Chanel’s most popular bags are priced between $5,000 and $10,000, while you can still find a Gucci bag below $1,000. The most popular Gucci bags retail for prices between $2,000 and $3,000, but its overall price range is between $790 and $7,700.
Meanwhile, regarding style and aesthetics, Chanel and Gucci differ in many ways. For one, Chanel has a more traditional, timeless style, using its different colors and fabrics to produce unique silhouettes. Gucci has a wider range of styles than Chanel, with most of its items appealing to the younger generation. Gucci is the brand to go to if you want to stay up to date with the current fashion trends.
Gucci vs. Chanel: How to Choose the Best for You
There is a series of questions you must ask yourself when shopping for designer items. First, consider what the item will go with, how often you intend to wear it, and the item’s visibility. Next, consider the material used in making the bag, especially if you are buying the new one. If you want to buy a bag from these two brands, consider how it will pair with your existing wardrobe.
Also, how often you intend to carry the bag will factor in your choice. For instance, if you intend to wear it often, you want different leathers that can withstand daily wear, like pebbled leather. Chanel uses lambskin and caviar leather, with caviar being better suited for everyday use. Lambskin leather is beautiful and buttery soft; thus, it is a better option if you won’t use the bag often.
Also, consider the color you want; neutral colors pair with a wide range of colors, while darker colors look fresh for longer. Or you can go for a quirkier, more unique color, especially if you wear darker-colored outfits more often.
Conclusion
Gucci and Chanel are exceptional brands and are unique in their way. Your style preference and lifestyle will determine which brand you perceive to be the best option for you. Chanel is better if you prefer classic styles, while Gucci is better for fanciful, trendier styles. You will enjoy either of these brands regardless of which one you buy, provided you make an informed choice.