Why Chanel Received Backlash for its $825 Advent Calendar

In celebration of the classic Chanel No. 5 perfume’s 100th anniversary, the brand released its first-ever advent calendar. The limited-edition set included 27 different Channel items, which seemed like a steal for $825 until TikTok user Elise Harmon unboxed its contents. To her and her viewers’ dismay, it was not worth the hype nor the price tag.

Why Chanel Received Backlash for its $825 Advent Calendar
Photo: Chanel

What’s Inside Chanel’s Advent Calendar?

The most impeccable thing about the advent calendar has got to be the packaging since it was structured like an extra-large Channel No. 5 perfume bottle. Inside the black and white boxes label with the numbers five through 31 are an assortment of beauty products and collectibles from the brand. This includes a hand cream, red lipsticks, a Christmas tree ornament, and nail polish.

Why the Chanel Advent Calendar Went Viral

Chanel advertises it as “a calendar unlike any other.” As expected, this got consumers — one of them being Harmon — excited about getting their hands on the luxury brand’s first advent calendar. While there were some goodies she didn’t mind, the magnet, keychain, and empty Chanel dust bag were anti-climactic. She even criticized that the wax seal string bracelet was “giving plastic bottle cap.” Other comments pointed out that these were items you could just pick up at the stores for free.

Chanel Responds to the Backlash

As of November 6, Chanel has issued a statement in response to the backlash it received for its advent calendar. “This controversy is a bit of a shame because it was not what Chanel intended,” Bruno Pavlovsky, President of Fashion at Chanel told WWD. “Chanel thought it would please some of its customers by offering this type of product. Evidently, we see that you have to be careful and therefore, in the future, we will certainly be much more cautious,” he continued.

Chanel is not the only luxury brand to release an advent calendar this year, though, it certainly is one of the most expensive. Dior, Armani, and Saint Laurent have also dropped their versions and cost less than $600, in case you’re looking for an alternative.

Art Daniella Sison

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