Chanel GST Review: The Beloved Grand Shopping Tote
Overview of the Chanel GST
The Chanel GST (Grand Shopping Tote) is one of the brand's most popular handbags. Since its release in the early 2000s, it quickly became a favorite among fashion lovers because of its elegant design and practicality. The GST features classic Chanel elements like quilted leather, the iconic double C logo, and chain straps. However, Chanel discontinued the GST in 2015, which led to a surge in demand on the second-hand market, often driving its resale price higher than the original. One reason for discontinuing the bag was that Chanel wanted to maintain the brand's exclusivity and elevate its positioning to be more on par with ultra-luxury brands like Hermès.
💡 Did you know
The Chanel GST was discontinued in 2015, so it is no longer available through official channels. However, you can still find this bag on the second-hand luxury market, including platforms like Luxury Evermore, which offer authenticated pre-owned Chanel GST bags.
Why GST is still thought after in 2024 and 2025?
Functionality and durability
The Chanel GST has a spacious interior with three compartments, making it perfect for organizing everyday items. It has enough room to fit documents, an iPad, wallet, phone, and even a water bottle, making it more practical than many other luxury bags.
Another standout feature of the GST is the material it’s made from. Most GST bags are crafted from Chanel’s signature Caviar leather, which is known for its durability. This leather is scratch-resistant and holds up well against wear and tear.
Investment potential
The investment potential of the Chanel GST in the luxury market is very strong, especially after it was discontinued in 2015. It has since become a popular item among collectors and investors. Luxury items like the GST tend to hold their value well, even during times of economic uncertainty. Classic bags from iconic brands like Chanel are often seen as "hard assets." For those looking to invest in luxury goods and earn long-term returns, the GST offers a great investment opportunity.
Chanel GST vs Other Tote Bags
Chanel GST vs Dior Book Tote
The Chanel GST has three compartments inside, making it great for organizing and storing items, especially for people who carry lots of small things. The Dior Book Tote is larger, especially the large size, which measures about 16.5 inches long, 14 inches tall, and 8 inches wide. It has an open design with no zippers or compartments, so it offers plenty of space for bigger items like books, tablets, or even a small laptop. However, things can get messy inside, so you may need pouches to keep your belongings organized. The Book Tote is usually made of canvas, which gets dirty more easily compared to the leather of the GST, so it may need more care over time.
Chanel GST vs LV Onthego
The Louis Vuitton Onthego is known for its large, open design. Unlike the GST, the Onthego doesn’t have multiple compartments, so storing items inside is less organized, and you may need extra pouches to keep things tidy. The Onthego has a more bold and eye-catching look, perfect for those who want to showcase their personal style and make a fashion statement. The Chanel GST, on the other hand, has a more subtle design.
Authenticity and Care
How to Authenticate a Chanel GST
The Chanel GST has a double "C" logo on the front, and the way the two "C"s overlap follows a specific rule: the right "C" is always on top, and the left "C" is on the bottom. Inside the GST, there will be a metal or leather tag with the words "CHANEL" and "MADE IN." The font should be clear and neat, with consistent letter spacing and thickness. Pay close attention to these details. Every authentic Chanel bag also has a unique serial number, usually found on a tag inside the bag. The serial number should match the one on the authenticity card that comes with the bag. This serial number can help you know when and where the bag was made. However, since counterfeit products keep improving, it's a good idea to contact a professional authentication service before buying. Or, you can buy a Chanel GST from trusted resellers like Luxury Evermore.
Caring for Your Chanel GST
Although the Chanel GST is designed to be a spacious bag, overloading it can stretch and deform the leather, especially at the bottom and straps. To avoid this, try not to carry too many heavy items, so the bag can keep its original shape and structure for a long time. When you're not using the GST, store it in its dust bag to protect it from sunlight and humidity. You can also place soft cloth or tissue paper inside the bag to help maintain its shape and prevent the leather from sagging. Avoid hanging the bag by its straps, as this can stretch the leather and damage it. Lastly, do not use alcohol-based wipes to clean the bag, as alcohol can strip the oils from the leather and cause damage to the surface.
Chanel GST in the Second-Hand Market
Current Market Trends
Since the Chanel GST was discontinued, it can only be found on the second-hand market and luxury resale platforms. Because the stock is limited and shrinking over time, especially for well-maintained or nearly new GST bags, the demand has become higher. As the supply decreases, the prices have steadily increased since the bag was discontinued. Before it was discontinued, the retail price of a new GST was around $2,900 to $3,500. Now, on the second-hand market, a GST in good condition usually sells for over $3,000. If you're lucky, you might find a nearly new GST for around $2,000 at Luxury Evermore, but since these bags are rare, they tend to sell out quickly.
Where to Buy Pre-Loved Chanel GST
Luxury Evermore is a trusted choice. As a boutique that focuses on second-hand luxury goods, Luxury Evermore offers many classic pre-loved bags, including rare styles like the Chanel GST. You can visit the Luxury Evermore website to check the current stock and find the GST bag you’ve been searching for.
At Luxury Evermore, every item is professionally authenticated to ensure its quality and authenticity. The platform provides detailed product descriptions and high-quality photos to help buyers get a clear view of each bag. Whether you're buying for your collection or everyday use, Luxury Evermore offers a reliable shopping experience.
%20is%20one%20of%20the%20brand's%20most%20popular%20handbags.%20Since%20its%20release%20in%20the%20early%2020...){kind=link}