CHANEL Out-of-Print Series | Crocodile leather CF has appreciated more than twice in five years, and the entry-level model with wild animal leather only costs 20,000?

When it comes to CHANEL handbags that are value-preserving, in addition to the classic Classic Flap and Mini Square, some styles that are harder to find in the market are also value-preserving options, including vintage items using denim, Nishijin weaving, linen weaving, tortoise shell and other elements. Since CHANEL announced in December 2018 that it would stop using wild animal fur, CHANEL's wild leather products have immediately become "collector-level" treasures in the minds of vintage fans. Vintage fans who want to get CHANEL wild leather handbags can first understand the differences between different leathers such as ostrich skin, crocodile skin, lizard skin, and don't miss the entry-level models with high cost performance.

Crocodile leather becomes more durable with use

Crocodile leather is known as the "gold of leather" and is a symbol of nobility and luxury. Crocodile leather has a charming checkered pattern and unique texture, and its luster will not fade with the use of time, but will become more beautiful with use. The crocodile leather series of luxury goods has extremely strict requirements on materials, so the price of crocodile leather items is extremely expensive. Among them, the Hermès Birkin Bag, which is the most difficult to buy, is also the most popular in crocodile leather.

Three commonly used crocodile leather

CHANEL and Hermès use a variety of crocodile skins in their handbag collections, mainly saltwater crocodile, Nile crocodile and alligator:

• Porosus: The best grade of crocodile skin. Since crocodiles are naturally ferocious and aggressive, intact crocodile skin is very rare. Porosus leather has uniform and neat patterns and tiny pores, and is the most expensive.
• Niloticus: The second-grade high-quality crocodile leather, most of the scales have pores, the texture transitions from square to irregular circle, the leather area is large, so it can be used in various handbags, and the price is moderate.
• Alligator Mississippiensis (alligator): The cheapest crocodile skin, its scales generally have no pores, the texture is relatively irregular, mostly used in small handbags and small leather goods, the price is also the cheapest.

Ostrich leather is soft and durable

Ostrich leather is second only to crocodile leather in price. Most of it is produced in Africa. It is characterized by round spots and is a very durable leather. Ostrich leather will soften over time, and after long-term contact with the oil on human skin, the color will become darker.

Lizard skin has a variety of colors

Lizard skin is soft, with fine lines and rich colors. Because lizards are relatively small, lizard skin is mostly used to make small handbags.

Snake skin pattern is mysterious and unique

The snakeskin used by luxury brands is mainly python skin, which has bright, mysterious and unique patterns, has excellent visual effects, and feels comfortable and soft.

First luxury brand to stop using wild leather

In December 2018, CHANEL announced that it would stop using wild animal fur and would gradually remove related leather products from its shelves. At that time, CHANEL was the first luxury brand to stop using wild animal fur, which not only attracted great attention and discussion from the outside world, but also increased the value of CHANEL's wild leather handbags in the second-hand and second-hand markets.

In 2018, CHANEL's crocodile leather handbags were sold for about HK$80,000. Currently, the CHANEL crocodile leather Classic Flap has appreciated to about HK$200,000 in the second-hand market, a surge of more than 2.5 times.

Demand for Hermès wild leather handbags grows

The discontinuation of CHANEL's wild leather handbags has had a positive impact on the sales of wild leather handbags of another luxury brand, Hermès. The demand for Hermès' wild leather handbags has continued to increase among many fashion gurus and celebrities. The current second-hand price of a Hermès Birkin 30 GRAPHITE Niloticus Crocodile is about HK$430,000.

Entry Choice 1: Crocodile Leather Tote Bag

Wild leather CHANEL CF and Hermès Birkin are the dream bags of many vintage lovers. Their classic and elegant style is definitely worth collecting. However, if you want to use them for daily work or leisure, you can start with mini bags, tote bags and other styles.

For example, the CHANEL crocodile leather Tote Bag is versatile and can be matched with different shapes. Its capacity is very suitable for use at work, in meetings or when meeting clients. It is not too exaggerated and its second-hand price is about HK$40,000. Both the style and price are very affordable.

Entry Choice 2: Lizard Leather Camera Bag

As mentioned before, lizard skin is mostly used to make small handbags. CHANEL has launched a variety of lizard skin Camera Bags in different colors, or small-sized Full Flap Bags. The designs are cute and lively, and the entry price is about HK$20,000, which can be easily purchased by girls over 20 years old.

Entry Choice 3: Ostrich Leather CF

For those who love the Classic Flap but want to try wild leather, they can consider the Mini Square and CF in ostrich leather. The style is low-key and versatile, and can be paired with trousers to show a casual style. The current second-hand price is about HK$70,000. Wild animal leather is like a unique fingerprint. Professional craftsmen select the best quality leather and modify it, which perfectly demonstrates how exquisite second-hand items can become more beautiful over time.