Comparing the Gucci GG Matelassé to the Chanel Classic Flap Bag

 

 

Last week I picked up a Gucci GG Marmont Matelassé shoulder bag in pink which I was really excited about, but my first thought was actually NOT to buy it!

I had seen this bag when it first came out, and although I loved it, I thought maybe I shouldn’t pick one up since it was similar to another bag I owned – my Chanel Classic Flap Bag.

Then one day I just decided to go for it because I really wanted a cute pink bag. I looked around at a few other brands and didn’t find a bag with a great blush pink like this one did. It’s such a neutral blush that it fits in with most of my wardrobe.

So what’s the comparison between the two?

This GG Marmont chain shoulder bag comes in a larger size and smaller size in different colours, but not in this shade of pink. There are mini bags in this colour, but not flap bags in particular. The flap bags normally come in a smaller and larger size, but this shade of pink is limited to one size.

 

 

 

 

Alternatively my Chanel Classic Flap Bag comes in a smaller size, and in a jumbo size.

The GG Marmont has a softer structure than my Chanel. It’s sort of squishable! In comparison the Chanel flap bag has much more of a structured shape. I purchased my Chanel Classic Flap Bag in Caviar Leather for durability. The Lambskin option is much more easily scratched and can lose it’s shape over time. I have no issues using my Chanel bag more often because the leather is that much more durable.

Both bags have a sliding chain so the bag may be worn with a shorter double chain or a single longer one.

The Gucci bag does have a leather piece on the chain which acts as a bit more padding to put the bag on the shoulder. I have to admit this is much more comfortable than the Chanel chain. The only drawback is making sure that the chain sits right so the leather is in the proper spot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The closure of each bag is very different. The Chanel closure is within the signature double C with a twist and lock mechanism.

 

 

 

 

The Gucci bag has an oversized flap closure with Double G hardware has a spring closure. I really like the spring closure! It’s so easy to snap it closed, while with my Chanel bag I sometimes worry about scratching the double C’s.

 

 

 

 

Each bag has a small difference on the bag of the bag. The Chanel flap bag has a heart stitched into the chevron pattern, while the Chanel bag has a small pocket I sometimes use to put my business cards. I’m not sure much else would fit inside it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gucci bag has a microfiber lining in a shade of grey that hopefully won’t get too dirty, but I’ll need to be careful with it. It has a small zippered pocket as well. The Chanel bag is much more complicated with a zipper on the inside flap which is quite small. It’s rumored that Coco Chanel created this spot to hold her love letters which is pretty romantic! Lifting up the flap you will find a lipstick holder, and then a couple small storage pockets and then the main bag. Because of the maroon colour of the inside of the bag, it’s easier to see scratched in the leather so I’m always very careful with it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One final thought on the price difference. The Gucci bag will run you $2260 Canadian, while the Chanel Classic Flap Bag fluctuates in price. Each year or so Chanel does change their price on this bag (upwards unfortunately). My Chanel bag was purchase a couple years ago, and I paid significantly more for that bag (I almost don’t want to tell you how much, but approximately $5000 more for the Chanel bag!), but the Chanel bag will hold most of it’s value. The resale value on the Gucci bag would likely be great, but not as great as the Chanel bag.

In the end my Chanel bag will always be my most coveted bag because it’s a classic purse which is not only difficult to get a hold of, but is iconic. I do need to be a bit more careful with the inside of the bag and avoid scratching. Luckily I chose the caviar leather because I knew it would be much more durable, but that doesn’t mean that I’m still not very careful with this bag.

As for the Gucci GG Marmont Matelassé shoulder bag, this bag is not only beautiful, but fun! It’s a bit more comfortable to wear because of the straps, and I’m a little less worried about it’s wear and tear. The interior microfibre would be ruined with an open lipstick or spill, but the same could be said about the Chanel flap bag. Because the Gucci is a little softer and less structured it’s easier to fill it up with more of my essentials then the Chanel because of it’s structure.

I worry less about scratching the hardware on the Gucci bag because of it’s antiqued look, while the Chanel I worry much more about due to it’s glossy finish.

The verdict? In my opinion my Chanel Classic Flap Bag is just that – a classic! I will always hold it on a higher pedastool than my other bags because it’s so iconic.

My new Gucci GG Marmont Matelassé is my fun new bag that will still last me for years because of it’s classic style, and is a bit more comfortable to wear and hold more of my belongings. It’s a bit more limited in it’s wear because of the colour, but the shade can be worn beyond spring and summer and I’ve been having fun dressing it up!