Chanel is one of the world’s most coveted luxury bag brands. The French design house has a storied history and many of its bags are rooted in Chanel’s classic DNA. In fact, until a few years ago, Chanel was mostly known, and widely sought after, for its classics like the iconic Chanel Flap Bag and the brand’s beloved 2.55 Reissue. Then, in 2012, Chanel was at a crossroads of sorts, as they aimed to reach a younger consumer base and captivate the millennials who were gravitating towards the brand. Thus, the Boy Bag was born and it became a sensation overnight.
Before the Boy Bag’s release, Chanel’s lineup mainly consisted of the classics mentioned above, which were designed to fit into the lifestyles and wardrobes of its older clientele. It was this space in the brand’s offering that helped the Boy Bag to amass a cult following incredibly fast. And while the Boy Bag is a good alternative to Chanel’s more classic designs, it has stuck around and it is likely to continue to be a sales driver for the brand for years to come. But, what about Chanel’s newest lady—the 19 Bag? Can it amass a cult following and remain a staple in the brand’s collection? Let’s discuss.
The Chanel 19 bag, debuted last year and it is said to be inspired by the classic 2.55 bag. Like the 19 Bag, the 2.55 was also named after the year it was born. And while it’s just a year old, it has already become a beloved choice for celebrities, editors and influencers alike.
Though the Chanel 19 Bag is rooted in history and designed with the classic elements in mind that it was inspired by, the bag overall is too trendy to remain a staple longterm. With its slouchy silhouette, pillowy-soft leather and chunky chain detailing, it is very of the moment. While the Chanel 19 is likely to remain relevant for a handful of years at most, unlike the Boy Bag, it contains too many trend-driven elements to remain a staple in say 10-15 years. Additionally, its slouchy, soft silhouette is much harder to care for and maintain, meaning this bag won’t hold its shape as well as it’s more structured counterparts would over time.
Admittedly, the Chanel 19 is a beautiful bag that is both eye catching and relevant. And if you’re looking for a bag to wear now and love now, this bag is for you. But, if you want to invest in a Chanel that you can carry for life or give to future generations, you’d best be suited with a more structured, timeless silhouette.
I think it’s a fun bag if it costs $1600 but at this price this is not fun anymore – chanel is going the Hermes way and this is precisely the reason I don’t buy from Hermes – overpriced stuff and create an unnecessary shortage for no rhyme or reason
I bought the 19 last fall and I love love love it. I have not been able to put it down since I got it. I also have a classic and a 2.55 but this one is my favorite. I’m hard on my bags, I use them, I travel a lot, i throw them in overheads, I put them on the floor, I beat them up. I even ran Clorox wipes over my 19 … because Covid. It still looks like the day I brought it home. The leather is supple and soft. I can’t say how much I adore this bag. I’m not a fashion victim so I will continue to carry it even when it’s no longer the IG “it bag”.
Totally agree, I think this bag will stay in trend because it’s comfortable, light and easy to use.
Nope. It doesn’t seem to wear in very well, which for a $5000 bag is a massive issue. I don’t know that many people who can afford to wear a $5000 in for a few years then toss. It was a big problem with the Celine Luggage too but at least it wasn’t $5000.
Mine is wearing super well. I have carried it non-stop since November.
I truly hope not. Can’t imagine paying that much for what is essentially a leather travel pillow.
This is exactly what it looks like online and in person-a leather travel pillow!! Now when I go in the store and see them this will remain in my head-“what color leather pillow do you want?” None!
when I first saw the bag, I was in love with the shape but had never seen the strap really pictured online. When I moved into researching and watching reviews on the bag, only then did I learn of the strap and was IMMEDIATELY turned off with the different metals. A few weekends later we popped into our local boutique to pick up a few things and I asked my SA to see it in person just because I wanted to confirm my belief that it’s as hideous in person. She brought out the bag in a deeper red color, and I ended up eating my words and taking it home. I was talking to my SA about the bag because I love the more structured and classic styles, and am not a fan of anything really too trendy so I have mostly classic flaps in my collection. But the hue of red honestly works well with all the metals on the chain, and it is slouchy and soft but durable – I got the goat skin. Is it trendy? Yes, but I think the bag benefits more in the color you choose it in. The hot pinks and greens I’ve seen are a definitely no go with the chain. But the black, navy, deep red, beige look and wear well. Also depending on how you wear it, you do not see much of the chain on the bag. Overall I am pleased with the bag and to combat the slouchiness I got an insert to put inside. I got it in a small and will be adding a large to my collection when the right color comes. If anyone is curious, I urge you to look at it in person and try it on!
Xoxo
A former 19 flap hater
All the people hating this bag haven’t seen it in person. I adore mine.
Could not agree with your comment more! I didn’t think I was a 19’fan until I put it on me in person and fell in love. It’s a classic with an edgy modern twist. Really a beautiful bag
I traveled the same path. i love the classics and hated the 19 at first but gradually changed my mind. It is completely different from anything else Chanel has and feels so fresh and modern. I love the squishy feel and carrying options. It’s so much more luxurious than the Boy, which I never warmed to (and has poor resale value in general). Agree that some colors/materials work better than others. I have a white goatskin and the black/white herringbone tweed that incorporates the classic Chanel ribbon. Trendy and bright colors don’t work IMO because the mixed metals are already a lot to take in and the bag can look too busy. Will it become a classic? If the classic flap is the iconic option and the Boy is the edgy option, I think the 19 will become casual chic option for all ages.
I like it because it’s different and I prefer casual. I just would never bother with Chanel prices, so I’d choose the YSL Niki over this one.
I love it! I would totally buy one and keep it. I don’t even carry my Black Jumbo anymore.
Love it! I’ve never been a fan of the boy. It’s way too structured. This is the elegant but fresh modern version of the classic flaps. The fact that it’s K L”s last design C19 makes it even more iconic, classic and a forever bag.
I have two jumbo’s and to be honest they are dumb bags, heavy, hurt to carry and not easy to use.
It’s a nice bag, I like it. I will wait and see how it does in regard to sales before I would consider purchasing one. I guess I am skeptical in regard to longevity.
Agree with you there! I do like it—I appreciate the design, I think it’s very pretty to look at, but I also don’t mind a more relaxed silhouette. However like you I do wonder how long it will remain relevant and a sales driver for the brand.
I don’t like it. It looks sloppy, wrinkled and can’t make up its mind if it should have a silver chain or gold and both are used. However, it makes it look too busy.
That’s what I love about it! I am picky about matching….gold buttons on a coat or VCA jewelry…I want the bag to work with it…this bat matches anything I put on.
Agreed! I think it would have better staying power, but not with a two-toned chain. Doesn’t flow smoothly for me.
I don’t like it. It looks sloppy, wrinkled and can’t make up its mind if it should have a silver chain or gold and both are used. However, it makes it look too busy.
I agree with you. My main dislike with the bag is the silver AND gold chain.
Staying power?
It doesn’t even have the power to stay in shape
It’s not supposed to, it’s chick and casual and you can get an insert for it if it bothers you. I have four other chanel classic flap bags and they are simply not comfortable, heavy, formal…and just eh. I agree if it’s your ONLY chanel bag go with a classic medium flap…but for daily errands, shopping…throw around bag..this is it.
LOL!
OMG, THIS!! Best. Comment. Ever.
I just don’t like this bag..the droopy leather looks sloppy rather than cool, and it just doesn’t look very expensive or like it would hold up under regular use.
I think Chanel tries too hard to do different things with bag styles that should remain fairly predictable,, like Birkins. Structured bags are their forte and I think they should stay within those parameters.
Also, the new prices are obnoxious. I feel like they are saying;”Let’s see how much we can get these fools to drop on a new bag” and that it has very little, if anything to do with quality. You can’t tell me a flap can’t be sold for $3000 and still turn a profit.
Nope, it’s a cheap looking bag. Too slouchy, too square, and too loud hardware. May it soon be gone
The most elegant and chic casual bag i’ve seen in a decade. Love that it’s K “s last design.
I don’t love my boy bag as much anymore. Should have bought the reissue when it was still affordable for me. On the other hand, I’ve had my mom’s flap bag for over 20 years (this is a 30 year old bag guys!!!) and it looks almost new.
Yes , the reason why is I can wear this style on daily basis because of its unstructured casual look. I grew up seeing classic Chanel bags on ladies and I think they go with certain look and they look rigid and little uptight because they have structured look . With my style carrying a flap bag especially big one looks weird . Flap 19 is super cute especially tweed and fabric ones. I also love the beige leather. It’s buttery casual and cool.
It looks like a lazy design for me with the giant quilts (i even think the labour wouldn’t be as arduous as the normal classic), a bit of pieces from the Boy with the chain and quilts to keep it looking classic. My bet is it won’t be around for too long. When the Boy came up, it’s a much gorgeous and original design but still I uttered my opinion that it’s due to Karl, clientele pays such huge respect to Boy, by that time i was met with disagreements and look at where Boy is now..
I think the 19 looks a bit like the designer either
a) put pictures of different bags on a board and threw darts at it, deciding what parts of old bag designs they’d put in the new bag, or
b) came home drunk, after a grrrreat night, realized the new collection should be ready that day, and made a total masterpiece.
I think the bag looks tedious to carry/use, and very confusing.
I adore it since the day it has been released ! I’m saving to buy it for my 30th birthday 🙂 I already own a vintage bordeaux WOC and a vintage classic black flabpag maybe they are the reason why I’m now looking for a trendier Chanel.
I know the whole ‘puffer’ bag is having a moment, but I’m not sold on the way the Chanel 19 does it. I’m not a fan of how puffy bags age in general, as in a couple of years I don’t think it’ll look that great. I don’t even think it looks great now. There are better done puffy bags in my opinion. But it just may be my own personal bias since I’m not a fan of any Chanel classic bags.