For most handbag lovers, Chanel is unequivocally synonymous with the Chanel Classic Flap Bag. While the shape is one of the, if not the most, iconic bags for the House of Chanel and the handbag world as a whole, there are a myriad of other bags to discover, too. Of course, there are the classics, both new and old, like the 2.55, Boy Bag, Coco Handle, and more, but there’s one bag that somehow flies under the radar.
I’m talking about the chic and sleek but incredibly slept-on Chanel 31.
The Chanel 31: a Quick Refresher
Karl Lagerfeld was appointed Creative Director of Chanel in 1983, and his reign at the iconic French House made Chanel the brand it is today. Lagerfeld completely revolutionized the House with his unique perspective and his ability to master timeless designs that still fit the modern woman.
In 2018, a year before his death, Lagerfeld introduced the Chanel 31 Bag on the runway for Fall 2018, betting big on its debut. Based on a design from the brand’s archives, the Chanel 31 Bag originally arrived in 2 sizes—classic and large—meant to be carried by the bag’s top handles, over the shoulder with the thin leather straps, or worn folded over as a clutch.
Truthfully, I did not like the bag when it originally debuted, and I found the crinkled leather that was used on many of the bags to look messy, but over the years, Chanel has tweaked the Chanel 31 bag, offering smaller sizes and longer chain straps. New versions of the bag also offer a bit more structure.
While I (admittedly) often forget about the Chanel 31 bag because it was never really on my radar from its inception, each time I see the bag IRL (which isn’t often) or in photos commissioned for PurseBlog, I realize how much I like it.
Maybe it’s the bag’s under-the-radar appeal that I gravitate towards, but I find the Chanel 31 bag to be quite unique and underrated. It has a certain air of elegance and a unique allure that I keep coming back to. There is just something so chic about a top-handle carry of its kind, and its thin shape can also be delicately tucked under the arm.
What do you think? Does the Chanel 31 bag deserve more attention?
It looks outdated and grandmaish
I think that is why I like it. It is a style from the past, but now has a place in modern fashion. I really like it.
I have a 31 bag from the La Pausa collection, and I love it SO much! As I child of the 80’s, I admit the glossy white chevron leather first attracted my attention, but the bag itself is fantastic too. I have a small. It’s the perfect size for essentials plus whatever extras the day brings. The straps are long enough for crossbody, but the feel and heft of the leather is so nice under the arm that that’s how I usually carry it. I’m a big fan! Hopefully I’ll add one of the gorgeous color block 31’s of Fall 2018 some day! Thank you for the blog, it makes my day to see it in the Inbox!!
Oooo I want a 31 mini. It would be perfect for travel. Thrown in a designer tote. Very chic for shopping as well.
One of my favorite bags.
Did you mean “underrated”?
I have had a really bad experience with Chanel customer service refusing to fix my new shopping tote and now they’re threatening to throw it out! If anyone has advice including purseblog I would welcome it. Otherwise just a cautionary note for others who spend $1000s on a bag thinking you have a warranty, beware of my experience with Chanel!
You’ve spoken about this on multiple occasions. Why don’t you pick up your bag, since they’re not going to fix it, and take it to a shop that repairs bags? Unfortunately,I have purchased Chanel bags that fell apart too quickly. Due to this I won’t buy anymore Chanel bags…it’s a waste of my money.
Makes sense thank you—that’s where I’m at.
I believe I remember you posting about this bag previously, it is not an authentic bag and likely the reason Chanel will not repair it.
It’s real. I purchased at Chanel. It has a warranty. It’s at the store I purchased it. They’re threatening to throw in the trash now!
Warranty? Other than a sales receipt, I don’t believe I’ve ever received a warranty for any Chanel purchase.
Do we know if Anna purchased it directly from a Chanel boutique or a 2nd hand seller? If it’s the latter then there’s a strong possibility it isn’t authentic. It’s unfortunate especially if she paid thousands.
Yes paid $1000s and purchased from
Chanel City Center in Washington DC on March 20, 2024.
I find it completely implausible a Chanel boutique would throw your bag away that you apparently brought directly from them. I’ve seen you repetitive commentary on so many purseblog stories. Saying the same thing, bad mouthing chanel and claiming what you are claiming. The truth is not truthing.
Are you going to post the same comment over and over on every page?
Thank you Charlie— for your kind helpful words!
Thank you for informing us about your bad experience with Chanel. Likely poorly made bad so they can cut costs abd make more profit. Give your money to indie brands that focus on a quality product and good customer service, not on plastering celebrity faces to sell their cheap sweatshop products
I love it!!