In life, nothing is certain except death and taxes. Over the past five years in fashion, the only certainty has been luxury price increases.
Creative directors have swapped posts; fashion trends have shifted from the muted tones of quiet luxury to the cascading ruffles and ethereal sheer fabrics of an early-aughts boho comeback. It-bags have transformed from oblong east-west styles to extra-oversize leather totes. Throughout it all, Chanel's handbags have increased in value every year since 2016. According to a calculation by Business of Preloved Fashion, the price of a quintessential Chanel Flap bag—quilted leather, envelope-shaped, secured with a chain strap—rose 100 percent from 2012 to 2022 (from $4,400 to $8,800). At press time, the 2025 cost has gained an extra place value: a small leather flap currently retails for $10,400.
