There’s no mistaking what someone is wearing when you see the 2 Gs or the 2 Cs. Gucci and Chanel are the 2nd and 3rd most popular brands online and across the fashion world today. Gucci vs Chanel sounds like a classic battle of the sexes. But, it’s much more than one catering to one gender versus the next. What makes Gucci and Chanel stand out?
If you’re here, it means you want to know what sets one apart from the other. Is there a reason people seem to be more into Gucci now? Has it always been that way? Are people still wearing Chanel?
Guccio Gucci and his band of leather-makers
Guccio Gucci came from a family of leatherworkers. This, coupled with his eye for fashion and taste for the finer things led to him opening a Gucci store in 1921.
Like Louis Vuitton, the Italian fashion house started with luxury leather suitcases. Gucci soon expanded to leather shoes and handbags, and even horse saddles.
The wars did nothing but spark innovation in the brand’s founder. No leather in Italy meant he had to get creative.
Alternative materials like hemp, bamboo, and pigskin were the solution! By the 1950s, we got the iconic Gucci logo, and the brand broke into the international scene.
Icons of the time like Elizabeth Taylor and Jackie Kennedy would be photographed wearing Gucci. Even royalty wore it!
Gucci eventually released eyewear, jewelry, watches, and perfume to their growing catalog.
Things were going pretty great for Gucci until the 80s rolled around. Some say it was greed, but whatever happened within the family caused the company to suffer.
Gucci managed to get its affairs in order over the next decade, and by the 2000s, they were on top again. Today, Gucci is owned by Kering Group and is led by creative director, Alessandro Michele.
The woman who revolutionized women’s fashion
Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel grew up poor in the French countryside as an orphan, leading a less-than-ideal life. She learned to sew at the orphanage and worked briefly as a cashier and cafe singer. This allowed her to rub shoulders with the elites of Paris. Their life of excess and luxury appealed to the young girl who grew up with none.
Her love affairs gave her the keys to Chanel Modes in 1910 and the first Chanel boutique in 1913. Soon, designs expanded from hats to sportswear, particularly looser jersey clothing to match the Parisian climate.
By 1915, she opened her first Couture House and Haute Couture line. The roaring 20s up to WWII was a great time for Chanel.
The world was introduced to Chanel no°5, and other fragrances, makeup and skincare products, and ‘the little black dress’. All the big names wore Chanel, from sex symbol Marilyn Monroe to First Lady Jackie Kennedy.
Gabrielle Chanel lived to see her brand flourish until her death in 1971. Karl Lagerfeld took the helm till his death in 2019. Today, Chanel is led by creative director, Virginie Viard and is owned by Chanel International B.V.
Let’s settle it: Gucci vs Chanel
The fashion world is no stranger to great rivalries. Talks of Gucci v. Chanel, and who’s on top happen daily from fashion house HQs to social media. Let’s settle the Gucci vs Chanel debate once and for all:
Handbags are the ultimate accessory
You can easily spot Gucci handbags by the iconic GG logo or signature Diamante print. Their bold designs and high-quality materials make them a fan favorite.
The Jackie bag has been popular since the 60s thanks to First Lady Jackie Kennedy. She fell in love with the half-moon-shaped bag and its sleek piston hardware the minute she saw it.
There hasn’t been a Gucci bag to rival the craze of this timeless classic until the release of Gucci Marmont handbags. These everyday matelassé leather bags feature the gold GG logo and come in several sizes and shapes.
Thank post-war Italian leather shortage for the Gucci bamboo handbag. Lacquered bamboo served as handles for an equestrian-inspired saddle-shaped handbag that would remain a staple Gucci accessory.
Chanel bags have a timeless elegance that appeals to the practical, sophisticated woman.
The quilted pattern, gold chain shoulder strap, and the interlocking C first appeared on the Chanel 2.55 bag back in the 50s. It features an inner flap, sort of like a “bag within a bag” for more privacy when you open it, plus a lipstick pocket!
Among classic bags, The Classic Flap Bag has a few differences, most notably the threaded leather through the strap. If you’re looking for something more structured, the Chanel Boy Bag is your pick.
Its boxy design comes with gunmetal-colored hardware and is ‘less girly’ than the classic 2.55.
Honorable Gucci vs Chanel Mentions:
- Gucci Dionysus
- Gucci Horsebit
- Gucci Soho Disco
- Chanel Grand Shopping Tote
- Chanel Wallet-on-Chain (WOC)
- Chanel 19
Style is all about the accessories
The all-time Gucci accessory is the silk Flora Scarf. Its one-of-a-kind design features 43 different types of flowers, plants and insects. It works great as a headwrap and necktie, belt or bag embellishment!
Gucci sunglasses have thick, black frames, the GG logo, and sturdy gold hinges. The simple, yet bold design makes a big statement, sort of like the classic Gucci belt. Its basic leather strap and gold GG logo have been a closet staple since the 50s.
The Gucci Marmont belt has a more modern, effortless look with the same great design features.
We can’t talk about Chanel without mentioning her ropes of pearls. The Classic Long Pearl Necklace is the ultimate symbol of femininity and sophistication.
Pair it with matching clip-on Double C earrings, or the Double C brooch to put the finishing touches on any outfit.
Fashion is art and you’re the canvas
Gucci vs Chanel fashion house drops are highly anticipated. Gucci never shies away from bold and eclectic designs. Chanel, on the other hand, always delivers elegant, timeless fashion.
Both Gucci and Chanel have ready-to-wear fashions that make them more accessible than in the past. Keep it simple with the original Gucci T-shirt, and its unmistakable red and green logo.
Or, try Chanel’s sailor-inspired Breton tops for a casual, relaxed look.
The best-selling equestrian-inspired Gucci horsebit loafer is a piece of history that has walked the halls of the White House and red carpets alike.
Gucci tights come in different colors, but black and brown are the most popular picks. In true Gucci fashion, the Gucci logo is interwoven all over to create a distinct pattern.
Chanel offers simple but classy clothes: the Chanel suit was a real game-changer for women. The two-piece tweed set was heavily inspired by men’s suits and sportswear.
It had a slim skirt and collarless jacket and was usually paired with the famous two-toned Slingback pump or Chanel Ballerina Flats to make the feet look smaller.
Honorable mention: The Little Black Dress
Time for the finer things in life
Gucci may not have started with watches, but time has proven them to be fine watchmakers. The classic G-Watch line is distinguishable by its G-shaped face, and comes with a variety of watch bands and clasps.
The recently released unisex Gucci Grip watch has a sleeker, minimalist design, and was made to snuggly fit the wrist. For a sportier look with a unidirectional bezel, consider Gucci Dive watches.
Ultra-thin luxury watches from Gucci’s 25H collection feature self-winding GG727.25 movements and titanium hardware.
Chanel watches are on-brand, exuding a classic sophistication. Their case of the first-ever Chanel watch, the PREMIÈRE was actually inspired by the Chanel no 5 bottle.
The broad-bezel Chanel J12 watch diverts from traditional watch materials using ceramic over stainless steel or other metals. It debuted as an all-black model but now comes in white.
Like the boy bag, the Boy.friend watch has a boxy yet feminine design. It closely favors the original Cartier Tank, except for the recessed circular dial.
The new Code Coco watch has the same rectangular face, and a seamless stainless steel transition from bracelet to watch face. It has a 2.55 clasp that covers its face and transforms it into a discrete bracelet.
Honorable Gucci vs Chanel mention: G-Timeless collection
Gucci vs Chanel: Get some fashion scents
Gucci vs Chanel is also a battle of fashion scents. Gucci perfumes are bold and sensual, using scents like Jasmine, Bulgarian Rose, and Oud to craft unique scents.
Gucci no 1 was the first perfume we got from the luxury brand. The classy scent was first developed for women and is mainly floral with a woody base.
Gucci Bloom has a lighter scent, made with white flowers and greens. ‘Inspired by the forces of moonlight’, the contemporary women’s favorite sets itself apart with the inclusion of Rangoon Creeper fragrances.
Gucci Guilty is a fougère accord of Germanium fragrance with an almost magnetic presence that lasts all day. The seductive perfume comes in his and her fragrances and is meant for the bold and daring.
Chanel perfumes are known for their timeless and sophisticated fragrances. The scent of success, or the Chanel no°5 perfume combined natural and synthetic ingredients. The aim wasn’t to smell like a flowerbed, more like a mature woman. Instead, it’s a sharp floral bouquet with citrus notes and a dash of bourbon vanilla.
Chanel no°19 has a more natural and youthful feel. Enjoy bright floral green top notes and a daring leather and sandalwood base. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle is a complex and sensual blend of orange, rose, and patchouli.
Honorable mentions:
- Gucci Flora
- Gucci Alchemist
- Chanel Chance
- Chanel Bleu
Built to last, or just for a season?
Valuable luxury fashion brands like Prada, Dior, and of course, Gucci and Chanel are renowned for their high-quality craftsmanship. Much of this work is overseen by skilled artisans today.
A Chanel bag is what get passed down to a granddaughter on milestones thanks to the use of materials like caviar and lambskin leather. Tweed, a type of tightly woven wool, and canvas are widely used for their durability and coarseness.
Gucci’s legacy of leather working is still evident in its work today. Use of premium leather materials and durable alternatives started with the brand’s founder.
Italian leather is durable, yet flexible and soft, and is used for most Gucci bags, belts, and shoes. Luxury brands like Valentino and Versace also use this material.
The Price of Luxury: Chanel versus Gucci
Gucci products have a wider price range and cater to different budgets. This means more people can access and afford luxury pieces than ever before.
Chanel products are positioned at the higher end of the luxury market, and much more exclusive.
Gucci Mormont minis start at just $930, but the Teddy Bear bag costs $49,000. Popular Chanel bags range from $1,375 (Chanel Classic pouch) to $291,000 (Chanel Diamond Forever bag).
The G-Timeless 38MM watch is $1200, while the coveted Gucci 25H watch costs $15,500
The Boy.friend Chanel watch starts at $4,400, meanwhile, the limited edition J12 X-Ray is priced at $626,000
Gucci Bloom starts at $101 while the Alchemist Garden Nocturnal Whisper Perfume oil sells for $475. Chanel No 5 starts at $105 (smaller bottle than Gucci Bloom).
The most expensive Chanel perfume (Parfum Gran Extract) is done to order and costs $17,000.
Anyone Who’s Anyone Wears Gucci and Chanel
Fashion brands rely on celebrities to keep their name relevant. These days, Gucci is appealing to a younger audience.
That’s become even clearer with their recent collaboration with Harry Style. He joins a long list of celebrities like Elliot Page, A$AP Rocky, and Billie Eilish who endorse the brand.
Margot Robbie signed on back in 2018 and has been spotted wearing everything from couture gowns to Chanel anklets. Kristen Steward has been a Chanel ambassador for over a decade and was chosen as a muse by Karl Lagerfeld. Blackpink’s JENNIE, Tilda Swinton, Timothée Chalamet, and Lily-Rose Depp all have ties to the Chanel brand.
Gucci vs Chanel: Luxury Fashion Can Be Sustainable
Gucci and Chanel have both signed on to the Fashion Pact to lessen their impact on the planet and its people. Gucci Equilibrium promises to reduce greenhouse emissions by optimizing transportation and distribution-related practices.
They also plan to use 100% renewable energy and stay on top of raw materials traceability.
Chanel’s Mission 1.5°C follows United Nations guidelines to limit carbon emissions and shift to renewable energy sources. By transporting materials via sea freight instead of air cargo,
Chanel’s carbon footprint decreases by about 20%. Plans to utilize electric ground transport options should also help decrease negative impacts.
The battle of Chanel vs Gucci is over. The winner is: Whatever works for you. No, seriously.
It all depends on what you’re looking for. Gucci has more options to choose from in terms of ready-to-wear clothing.
You can always rely on Gucci for quality, but it’s less exclusive than Chanel. Chanel is more expensive but built to last a lifetime. If you prefer a more sophisticated look, Chanel is for you. And if you’re a real fashionista, why not both?
Gucci vs Chanel: FAQs
Is Gucci or Chanel more expensive?
Chanel is generally more expensive than Gucci, but it all depends on what you buy. This doesn’t make Gucci cheap (not by any means), and both brands offer high-quality products.
Which brand is more popular: Gucci or Chanel?
Gucci is more popular, according to Forbes, and is second only to Dior in 2023. Chanel is the third most popular fashion brand in 2023, followed by Louis Vuitton and Hermès.