This scarlet red Chanel jacket is quite possibly the most stunning jacket in my entire collection, and that is saying something because I even own the ultimate Egypt jacket.
Designed by Karl Lagerfeld for the fall of 1991, it says collection 29 at the top. This was back when Chanel didn’t have the current letter system for its collections.
A 3 Decade+ Old Beauty
Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the age of this beautiful jacket. This jacket was made in 1991, and I purchased it in 2023.
Thirty-two + years is fairly old for a piece of clothing. It was in pristine condition for its age. I imagine it sat in a 5th Avenue closet for 30 years and barely saw the light of the day.
That will change soon! I will wear it to shreds!
Beauty In Simplicity -Scarlet Edition
The thing about this red Chanel jacket is that it is super simple. Just solid, red wool tweed with two pockets & stunning 24 kt. gold-plated buttons.
There is no fussy trim everywhere, no crystals on buttons, and absolutely nothing to distract from the spectacular, deep, scarlet red color of the tweed.
Another Real Real Red Jacket Purchase
As you know, I am a huge fan of TRR for pre-loved Chanel jackets. Here are my tips on shopping on TRR for vintage Chanel jackets.
I spotted this beauty on TRR several months ago. I added it to my faves, thinking it’s surely going to sell out quickly.
It sat there for months! There was a reason for that. I will share this in detail later. It kept dropping in price with no takers.
So I decided to bring her home, and I am glad I did.
Chanel Jacket For Under $1000?
Well, I paid slightly over $1000 for this one, but $1078 is close enough, and to be honest, had I waited a few more days, it would’ve dropped below $1000, but I wasn’t going to risk losing it.
The jacket was originally listed at $2695, which was a fair price for it. Any private Instagram reseller would’ve offered it for that much.
It was quite possibly the best $ 1,000 spent so far in all of my Chanel jacket purchases.
Measurement Errors = Bargain Chanel
The reason ( I think) this beauty sat for so long is that there was a major error in the measurements on the listing.
This is an issue with TRR listings that I spot frequently. The measurements don’t match the size at all!
This was a size 42 jacket (Large) listed as a 32.5″ bust! It doesn’t make any sense. A 32.5″ bust might be too small for even a size 34 jacket, which is the smallest in Chanel jackets.
I think it is because of the error in sizing. Nobody dared to buy it. It sounded so tiny!
Since it wasn’t selling, TRR kept dropping the price, and eventually, it ended up at 60% off and an absolute bargain.
The thing about TRR is that once an item drops below a 30% discount, it becomes a final sale. That means it’s not returnable, and you are stuck with it.
Sometimes, Gambles Pay Off
I am very risk-averse when it comes to high-end purchases. I have been burnt too many times. I could not get over the measurement inconsistencies in the listing.
So, I sat on the fence for months, hoping someone would buy it so I didn’t have to. Haha! Like someone was twisting my arm?
Once the price was close to $ 1,000, I figured I would consign it and get some money back if it didn’t fit.
Luckily, this beauty fits me almost perfectly. The actual bust measurement was **” It is actually slightly large at the bust, but that is ok. I got my trusted tailor for that.
Scarlet Red Chanel Tweed
Now, let’s ogle over this beauty. The deep, true red is to die for. It is warm, red, doesn’t read burgundy & it’s vibrant. The texture adds interest to an otherwise plain jacket.
I would rate the beauty & color of this tweed 5 out of 5
The lining has micro CCs, and it’s made of 100% silk. When the inside of a garment looks this good, you know you have a true gem in your hands.
This tweed type is very durable for easy wear because it won’t get snags and pulls like the Lesage tweeds. My Dubai ribbon tweed jacket has pulls everywhere! That won’t be an issue with this beauty.
I would give this 5 out of 5 for carefree wearability
24 Karat Gold Plated Basketweave Buttons
Let’s take a minute to admire the beauty of these oversized gold-plated buttons. You have five on the front and three on each sleeve; that’s it.
The buttons have a basketweave texture & the warmth of the gold is just the perfect match for the depth of the red.
Vintage Chanel buttons used to be 24 Karat gold plated… quite a luxurious finish. I believe they ended the practice in the early 2000s. I could be wrong.
Back in the day, Chanel did not stamp its CC logo front and center on each button, and I find that way more desirable.
It’s the ultimate quiet luxury you can wear around anyone. No one will ever know it’s Chanel, as there is zero visible branding.
5 out of 5 for the beauty and scale of the buttons
Cut & Fit Of Red Chanel Jacket
Vintage Chanel jackets tend to be longer. This one is 29″ long. That’s almost a coat length for me since I am 5ft tall.
It is slightly flared towards the bottom, not your typical boxy Chanel jacket.
I absolutely adore how the peter pan collar neckline, but what I love even more is that the neckline is mirrored at the bottom slit.
Do you see what I am seeing? The repetition of the shape is a beautiful (and subtle) design detail. One more reason why the jacket looks “simply beautiful.”
I would rate the cut & fit at 5 out of 5
Wearable Luxury Art
For all the reasons above, this red Chanel jacket is one of the most wearable jackets in my collection.
- Absence of any branding.
- Vibrant red color.
- Simple, gold buttons.
- It’s a good length to give warmth in cooler months.
I would wear this as a jacket or as a topcoat to a work party and running an errand after the party in this jacket.
I would rate this 5 out of 5 for “Can you wear it to the grocery store?”
Final Thoughts
This is my top 3 Chanel jacket purchases so far. After several little black jackets, a vibrant red is very refreshing.
It is going to be my go-to jacket for fall. I already know it.
If you come across this beauty, definitely snag it, don’t hesitate. She is beautiful!
