I may not always personally adore a Chanel design, but it’s not very often that I look at the brand’s big new bag concept and wonder exactly what the brand was thinking. In fact, the only previous example that I can think of is the Chanel Girlfriend Bag, which was a hobo made to look like it was fashioned out of a sewed-up and tied-off Chanel leather jacket. The Girlfriend Bag is no longer made, and now the bag I’m having reservations about is the Chanel 31 Bag, which is brand new for Fall 2018 and available in boutiques now.
The Chanel 31 Bag is based on an archival Chanel design, and the principle shape can be worn three ways: carried in hand by the tote’s double top handles, carried on the shoulder with the optional thin straps, or folded over and used as a day clutch. The first run of bags also includes a clutch-only option, as well as two sizes of the original shape—the larger is 17.2″ wide, the smaller 14.4″. I’m not sure it would be a great idea to carry this bag like a clutch, even if it’s possible—leather tends to crease, and carrying it folded that sharply for any period of time will likely make the bag look at least a little rumpled and bent when it goes back to being a tote. There’s also a sort of folded shoulder bag-ish option that, frankly, I don’t understand.
In general, I sort of like the trend of hand-carried totes that likely inspired this bag’s resurrection from the archives, but when I saw the bags come down the runway, I couldn’t get past how cheap some of them looked. It’s possible that that was a case of some hurried sample bags, and I’m willing to admit the full leather options look notably better in their stock photos (but then again, they should, since those are produced and edited by the brand in order to sell bags).
For all-leather pieces, the smaller size of the 31 Bag shopper is $4,400, while the larger is $4,800. The bag also comes in a number of season variations with printed or tweed panels, which will run you a little bit less. Check out all the current versions of the bag below, and then let us know in the comments if you’re into it.
Chanel 31 Bag
$4,400
Chanel 31 Bag
$3,700
Chanel 31 Bag
$3,700
Chanel 31 Bag
$4,400
Chanel 31 Python Clutch
$6,500
Chanel 31 Large Bag
$4,000
Chanel 31 Large Bag
$4,500
Chanel 31 Large Bag
$4,800
Chanel 31 Large Bag
$4,500
Chanel 31 Large Bag
$4,000
Chanel 31 Large Shoulder Bag
$4,200
Chanel 31 Bag
$3,700
I actually like this bag!
I actually have the bag and find it amazing! I bought it in orange and pink – its lightweight, has a lovely drop when carried on shoulder, and looks great– has a fun edge to it! So I am the black sheep here – but it has my vote! : )
This is a very nice looking bag!
I do not necessarily dislike the bag but I certainly am not interested in purchasing it either. I adore Chanel and there are many other purchase worthy designs.
I like it!
If I had all the money in the world, I think this would be a fun bag option. I really like the colors and versatility- and it doesn’t look like everything else out there. I actually like it better than all the chains to deal with on the Gabrielle bag.
I like the 60’s style of the bag, but the garish patterns are too much.
Is anyone else noticing the link to the previous article about the looks at NYFW is broken? Or is it just me
Apologies, unsure what happened but the post is now fixed!
Thank you so much!
Yes.
Same for me, not working.
same
Same !
Same for me
I love the design! I’m not worried about leather creasing. The interior looks reaaaaaally cheap though.
NOPE.
If that nude and black one had chain handles – swoon. For now, just ehhh.
Maybe they should release archive style from the early 00’s. They had some very fun and fresh designs at that time.
This feels too vintage for my taste.
Oh dear.
Yikes
Hideous. You couldn’t pay me to carry one of those in public.
On the ugly side……
The ‘hole’ kind of handle is really uncomfortable on your hands, and they tend to make the bag look a bit frumpy, in my opinion.
I love the black version but I need to think more about the patterns. At first glance they look like wallpaper that my grandma would have had in the 70s or 80s, which I guess isn’t a bad thing but I just don’t like it in my soul! I am not opposed to the style, just the patterns and color combos give me pause.
I saw the patterns and the problem is that the fabric is not so nice- the texture of it…. I opted for the leather…I love it despite what everyone is saying!! : )
Maybe if it would have cost 50 Euro, it looks very uncomfy with the handels and the straps looks very boring and not classy at all. Big nope from me.
I really like all of the different versions of the bag, but I don’t like the bag itself. The straps seem to be too thin for the size of the bag.
It’s a HARD pass.
Definitely no.
?I came. I saw. I didn’t buy. ?
Veni. Vidi. Non emi. (I think? It’s been a long time since college Latin.)
Good enough for me! ??
I usually love all things Chanel. But from a practical standpoint, this bag wouldn’t work for me. I don’t think the handle would be comfortable in your hands. I have the same issue with the Lady Dior bags. For me, both are just artwork… they look pretty in pictures.
Bought it in orange and pink – love the style, lightweight, and is just a fun look when carrying — : )
Archived from the ’90s…. they LOOK like reruns! I agree with another commenter that the shoulder straps are far too thin — out of proportion — for the size of this bag. And yes, the quilted leather likely would show crease marks if you folded it too often/long. What WAS Chanel thinking? Was Chanel responding to the Hermes Halzan, which has a similar idea of folding, hand or should carry? For this price point, I’d def go Hermes, esp. given Hermes’ leather is much better!
no, they just don’t have anything cool and innovative to offer. like the other designers they went into the archives. they made this exact bag before in a non-foldable version with a beautiful chain strap that comes off