Quilted Purses and Wallets

The First Quilted Handbags

We have Coco Chanel to thank for the contemporary popularity of quilted purses and wallets. Chanel began the quilting trend in 1955 with the creation of the Chanel 2.55 model, a quilted fabric handbag crafted with the utmost care and detail. Though demands for the bag immediately soared, they could not be met due to the amount of time taken to manufacture the 2.55. The inability to meet customer demand raised the exclusivity of the handbag, thereby increasing the demand even further.

Chanel took quilting even further as the decades passed. This style found its way into wallets, clothing, and even the Chanel beauty lines where the compact powders would be quilted to mimic the look of the 2.55 handbag.

Later 2.55 models ditched the incredible fabric look of days past in favor of quilted exotic leathers such as ostrich and lambskin. The trend of quilted handbags will likely never die due to its distinct elegance. After all, elegance is always in style.

The Quilted Purses and Wallets of Today

Modern consumers can go to any department store where they will commonly be confronted with many quilted styles of wallets and purses. These items are not typically Chanel, but they are a testament to the high designs of fifty years ago. As mentioned previously, quilting is a subtle trend that has yet to die because of the peculiar refinement associated with the style. One cannot be sure whether it is the actual quilting that makes one feel elegant, or the fact that the quilting is associated with Chanel which emphasizes the sophistication. Regardless, many low-level designers who admired the effect of quilted Chanel merchandise have sought to create their own copies of the design. So now you can purchase quilted accessories at many department stores and boutiques instead of being placed on a waiting list for the latest season's 2.55 model.

Avoiding Replicas

Chanel is still one of the most reputable and revered designers on the runway, and the public's love for haute French couture has yet to cease. Unfortunately, the demand for Chanel products has caused this amazing brand to become prey to the replica industry. Fans of the 2.55 purse, or any of Chanel's quilted accessories, has led many people to internet auctions in hopes of purchasing a Discount Designer Handbags. However, most of the Chanel merchandise available on the internet at discount prices is rarely authentic Chanel goods. Since Chanel items never go out of style, it is very unlikely that they are ever sold at extremely reduced prices. Some internet companies such as Bluefly.com carry discounted Chanel goods, but you will still note that an 1800 US dollar handbag may only be reduced to 1200 dollars. So if you suddenly find yourself looking at a 60 dollar quilted Chanel wallet you have well-founded reasons to be suspicious of the item's authenticity.

The best way to avoid purchasing replica Chanel quilted purses and wallets is to research the designer carefully. Step into a retail Chanel store and take a look at the craftsmanship and materials used in the manufacturing of these items. There is a reason why Chanel products are so expensive, and if the handbag you purchased off the internet doesn't have a gorgeous silk lining and costly gold chain, and, instead, is sporting broken stitches and cheap hardware, you're holding a fake.

However, if your interest is just in purchasing nice looking quilted accessories, then a department store will most likely have a quilted handbag or wallet to suit your tastes.

Where to Purchase

Department stores such as Macy's, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus are all good places to find quilted handbags and wallets. However, at stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks your chances of running into an original Chanel quilted handbag are pretty high. If you're a huge fan of the quilting style and can afford steep prices, then it is always best to show your appreciation for a design by purchasing the original designer product!