Four Mini Chanels That Are Here to Stay

Chanel continues to lean in to the mini bag trend. You need only look at its Spring/Summer 2021 collection and the recent introduction of a mini Coco Handle. From small to really tiny, this little trend remains big (and easier on the wallet). Take a look at four iconic Chanel styles that are all the rage in their ‘Mini’ version.

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The 2.55 Chanel Mini

When Gabrielle Chanel created the iconic 2.55 bag (named after the date it was created – February 1955) it immediately and forever changed the concept of handbags. Chanel introduced the shoulder strap. Perhaps shockingly, at the time, women’s handbags did not have straps. Often also referred to as the “Reissue,” this style was reissued in 2005 for Chanel’s 50th anniversary.

The mini version of this bag features the signature chain of flat metal links, the familiar quilted pattern, and the mademoiselle turn lock. Unlike its larger siblings, it is single flap, not double, which expands the interior capacity.

Dimensions in inches: 6.6″ x 5.5″ x 2.1″
Starting Price: US$3,700

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Classic Mini - Square and Rectangle

When Karl Lagerfeld took over stewardship of the House of Chanel in 1983, he reinterpreted the iconic 2.55 handbag. Indeed, it is his version that we now call the Classic Flap bag. The most noticeable difference between the 2.55 and the Classic Bag is the addition of the show-stopping CC clasp – the seal of Chanel. Although Gabrielle Chanel actually designed the interlocked CC logo, the idea to use it as a bag clasp was Lagerfeld’s.

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With the classic mini there are two options – square and rectangular. Shape aside, the bags share a similar design including quilted leather, single flap interior, back pocket and an inner compartment, with two inside pockets (one of which is zipped). The strap on the bag is classic Chanel chain interlaced with leather. Although not adjustable as it is in the medium version of the Classic bag, the strap is long enough for a cross-body carry.

Both minis are available in a variety of colors and even in Chevron quilting. If you’re confused between the two, we suggest the square mini for a more casual and cute vibe and the rectangular one for a more dressy and formal look!

Dimensions in inches
Classic Flap Mini (Square) 5.3” x 6.6” x 3.1”
Classic Flap Mini (Rectangle ) 4.7” x 7.8” x 2.3”

Starting Price
Classic Flap Mini (Square) US$3,600
Classic Flap Mini (Rectangle ) US$3,800

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Coco Handle Mini

The Chanel Coco Handle first appeared in the Pre-Fall Winter 2015 Collection. It is named after the visionary founder of Chanel – Gabrielle Coco Chanel. Similar to the flap bag in many ways, the shape is trapezoidal, featuring a strong and prominent handle. The handle is a tell-tale feature that sets it apart from the Classic Flap style. Like the classic, this bag flaunts the signature Chanel quilting. Newer versions of the bag sport detachable straps, making it even more versatile. Now available in a cute little mini size about two inches smaller than the small, the Coco Handle Mini Handle fits your necessary essentials for a night about town!

Dimensions in inches: 5.1” × 7.4” × 3.5”
Price: Starting at US$3,700

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Mini Vanity Case

Through the 90’s Chanel created vanity bags for carrying cosmetics while travelling. The fashion house eventually added a shoulder strap allowing the case to also function as a handbag. Although the curved boxy shape with wrap-around zip is appealing, it does interfere with the functionality of the bag.

Moreover, while the mini vanity case is super cute, its small size doesn’t fit much inside. It definitely takes a note from Chanel’s Spring 2021 line where Virginie Viard used extremely tiny bags as accessories on the models. While the bag can fit just slightly more than the accessory-sized version, it is still more stylish and cute than it is functional.

Dimensions in inches: 3.3” × 4.3” × 2.7”
Price: Starting at US$1,350