Update: April 21st, 2023
My review of the Chanel Mini 22 after using it during my travels to Europe. Published at the end of this article. Scroll to bottom.
Did you read Bag Trends Creating a Buzz in 2023? If you haven’t, please go there first then come back to this story.
The morning I was leaving for Paris Fashion Week, BopTalk and I had this exchange about one of the top bags of 2023.
(Blue is BopTalk and Gray is PurseBop in the text thread below).
PART I: Friday, March 3
Of course as soon as we arrived in Paris, we took off shopping. After browsing and drooling over the bag display at Hermès FSH, we both turned to one another with a naughty look. The Chanel boutique was right across the street.
“Chanel???? Should we pop in for just a minute?” We both nodded and dashed off immediately.
The prices had just gone up that week and we were planning to do some live investigative reporting. We swore up and down not to buy anything because the price increases were just so shocking.
Time stamp: we finished at Hermès at 6:35pm on March 3rd, the day of arrival.
“Yes, but of course. After all, I need new sunnies to wear at the H show tomorrow,” I laughed.
“Let’s see if my SA is here,” suggested BopTalk.
We walk in and immediately head to sunglasses by the door. I tried several styles, none that were appealing. Meanwhile Boptalk requested to meet with her longtime SA and was directed to the lower level.
The Chanel door hostess chimes in, “We have more sunglasses downstairs too.”
We headed downstairs, avoiding the bags that we dare not purchase. Only focused on sunnies, lol – supposedly. Boptalk’s SA greeted us with a smile and she signaled with her index finger raised to wait while she wrapped up with a client.
After about 30 minutes went by and we finished browsing for sunglasses, we gently interrupted.
“Bonjour, should we come back later?” BopTalk asked.
I added, “Excuse me, we were just wondering if you had the new mini Chanel 22 available to see?”
“Please wait a few moments. I’m just finishing up,” she said. Then whispering softly, “I have one that I can show you, but it cannot be sold.”
We turned to each other with gleaming eyes. This was something worth putting our chocolate croissants on hold for.
“I can’t wait to see this, although truthfully I am not a 22 fan,” I said excitedly.
“I’m not gonna lie but I can’t stop thinking about it – even on the flight I was searching for more pics. The regular size Chanel 22 still looks like a trash bag to me, but the mini is so cute,” replied BopTalk.
Our SA returned to us with a huge smile. In her gloved hands was a rose gold mini Chanel 22.
“Thank you so much for waiting. This is the only mini 22 we have in stock. I can just show you this for size but it cannot be purchased. I am sorry. Unfortunately all the units have been pre-sold to customers. There are 40 orders and they are all reserved,” she explained.
“May we please try it on?” I asked.
“Of course!” she said.
I slipped the chain strap over my head and positioned the bag in crossbody style.
BopTalk exclaims, “OH MY GOD! This is it. It’s so freaking cute.”
“It’s TO DIE FOR!” I squealed.
Our SA laughed at us and left us for a few moments. At which point, the two of us were completely hypnotized by this little bag.
BopTalk tried on the bag next while I styled the chains and straps correctly.
“We are NOT leaving without this bag,” I declared.
We studied the inside of the bag, reviewed its capacity. We took turns putting in our phones and wallets, seeing that there was plenty of space. We took comparison photos with my Lizard ombré Constance 18 as reference for size. How in the world could we get this bag?
Finally our SA returned with good news. “I have asked my manager and she said I can sell you this bag if you desire.”
Both our eyes widened. Literally doing the happy dance.
We both asked in unison, “Are there two??”
“Sorry, this is the only one we have in stock,” she apologized.
We looked at each other in dismay. Who would be the lucky gal to take home this first mini Chanel 22?
“Do you have the mini black 22 with pearls? That is the one that I have been looking for,” I asked.
She said, “Yes, we have one. But it’s reserved for my manager’s client. I can bring it for you to see.”
She walked away in search for the black mini 22 with the pearl strand.
As we were waiting, other customers were drooling over this rose gold cutie. Another SA came to take the bag. While we thought he was wrapping it for our purchase, it was actually going into the hands of his customer.
“NOOOOOO,” we mouthed silently in slow motion, our heads turning toward the bag. He literally had to pry it from our hands.
Our SA returned with the black pearl mini in hand. Although distracted, I overheard in my broken French that the other customer was offering her credit card to have the rose gold mini 22 rung up immediately. I alerted our SA in panic! “Please let them know that we are purchasing this bag.”
She promptly told them the bag was sold and summoned it back to our counter. We both let out a huge sigh of relief.
We ooh’ed and ahh’ed over the black pearl mini that she had just brought out.
“We must get this bag please. Is this or any other color available anywhere else here in Paris?” I asked.
She whipped out her phone and scrolled in search of any inventory. She even called three different boutiques that may have some secret stock reserved. She really was trying her best.
She shook her head, “I’m so sorry. There are none available in Paris right now. But the collection just launched so it may arrive while you are here. Please keep in touch and I can let you know if one comes in.”
We look at each other in disappointment.
Turning to BopTalk, I said “I want you to have this… so you take this one. It looks adorable on you and matches your nails. And I will take my chances at scoring another.”
“No, I want you to take it. You love it so much,” she replied sadly.
It was a compassionate moment between the two of us, handbag-obsessed girls. Ultimately, I insisted that Boptalk make the purchase. There was so much shared joy in the score. We imagined doing a double unboxing by the Eiffel Tower whenever I purchased my Chanel mini 22.
While we kept in touch with our SA, she was unable to find the black pearl mini version all week.
The SA returns with it all packaged up.
PART II: Saturday, March 4
On Sunday morning. I attended the Lanvin runway show followed by an intimate VIP lunch at Hôtel de Crillon.
Meanwhile, Boptalk was roaming the Parisian streets and enjoying some leisurely shopping. What I didn’t know is she was on a mission to find me another mini Chanel 22 bag.
Waiting for the Lanvin show to start with @pursespotter_karenzkloset
Lanvin VIP luncheon at Hotel de Crillion.
As I was enjoying the luncheon, BopTalk was blowing up my phone in a panic. She had found the bag. It had been proven impossible to find and here one was waiting to be snatched up.
After several unread texts and missed calls, I finally answered.
BopTalk was unable to reserve it for me to see in person. So sadly, it was left for the next lucky customer. When we finally met up, we both agreed it was beautiful, but was totally giving off fall vibes.
PART III: Sunday, March 5
On Monday, we had an appointment at Chanel Rue Cambon. We walked straight over from the morning Hermès presentation where we spent several hours drooling over the new F/W RTW and exciting bags including the Harness and Fringe Birkins.
Read:
Part I: Hermès Unveils 6 New Handbags for Fall/Winter 2023
Part II: New Hermès Bags, Ready-to-Wear and SLGs to Expect in Fall/Winter 2023
We were all very much at home working with one SA. I had one thing on my agenda and that was to secure a Chanel 22 mini.
After a quick stroll and scan of the second floor, it was time to get down to business.
“I am desperately seeking a Chanel 22 mini in any color except the burgundy red and the very pale yellow (it looks very anemic to be called a yellow). My first choice is the black with pearls,” I said to the SA.
“Ah, the 22 mini,” he replied. “That’s the most requested bag of the moment. Let me see what I can do.”
He began scrolling through his phone, not letting on anything with his expressions. I stood patiently focused on any twitch of his expressions. He was a very pleasant looking gentleman and his demeanor matched.
“May I step away to confer with one of my colleagues?” he asked. “I see a yellow piece in our inventory, but it might be on display. Let me see what I can do about it.”
“Oh dear. I’m not particularly fond of the yellow,” I said, disappointed.
“Let’s have a look at it, you never know,” BopTalk suggested.
He nodded, agreeing, “Let me show you the color on a larger version of the 22 up here on this floor before I request for the display.”
“Wonderful,” I said.
I followed him to the far wall of the boutique and it only took a glance at it to know that it wasn’t for me. He excused himself for a few moments and I walked back to the girls. The girls were having a field day trying different looks, brooches, cardigans and more pretty bags.
We lost total track of time. The Chanel SA finally returns with a warm grin.
From Rue Cambon to the Chicago River when the river turns green for St. Patricks Day.
Just by chance, the most epic backdrop for this reveal.
Happily he announced, “I think I have found something for you Madame.”
“Oh I can’t wait!” BopTalk exclaimed, eyes widening.
“Really?” I squealed exuberantly.
“Madame, I have found one piece in black calfskin with gold chains, no pearls though… would you like to see it? I can request it for you but it will take a few minutes more.” he said.
“OMG, YESSSSSS please,” said BopTalk. “This will be perfect… you mentioned the other day how you didn’t love the crinkled shiny leather.”
“Let’s see it at least,” I said. “I do want black as it will serve me well 8 out of 12 months in Chicago and for quick trips to NYC. I love how easy the style is. It’s like a dressed up Goyard Anjou tote,” I giggled. “And you know how much I have used those this year. Maybe a less dressed up version of this 22 will come in extra handy. I lack casual pieces other than classic flaps in my Chanel collection. I turned to the girls and said, “you realize guys, one could actually wear this cross body and carry a Birkin or Kelly, especially running through airports.”
Just kidding, my mind always wanders to traveling scenarios, I wonder why, haha.
As he removed the chains from the delicately wrapped paper, he said, “Here you go Madame,” as he gently placed the mini in my hands.
We simultaneously marveled over the bag. “Yes, we love it!” I tried it on, then Boptalk tried it too. It was simply perfect. All the drama, yet an unexplained simplicity.
Voila, the deal was done. The only thing we had wished was that we could have purchased these minis at pre- price increase. The rose gold mini was €4,900 pre-increase but we paid €5,150 euros. And this black calfskin mini 22 was €4,700 pre-increase and today we paid €4,950.
FYI, here in the US these minis are $5,200 and $5,000 respectively for rose gold and black. At least we both were able to save a few hundred euros on the 12% VAT refund. (However after declaring at customs, the savings is not significant.) Savings or not, there’s always a little extra magic when shopping in Paris. And the white box, that’s the extra cherry on top.
| Chanel Mini 22 | USD Price (3/5/23) | Euro Price (3/5/23) |
| Chanel 22 Mini Black | $5,000 | €4,950 |
| Chanel 22 Mini Black with Pearls | $5,300 | €5,250 |
| Classic 22 Mini Metallic | $5,200 | €5,150 |
We never got that Eiffel Tower unboxing photo. But here’s these two beauties in two opposite climates until they reunite once again in the City of Light.
Love PurseBop
Xo
Image courtesy @islandrunrmom
Image courtesy @dorimarkakos
View this post on Instagram
Update April 21st, 2023.
My review post trip to Portugal.
I thought it would be prudent to chime in on my feedback of the precious Chanel mini 22 after having traveled with it and toted it everywhere on my recent 10 day trip to Portugal. I’m going to stay brief, so let me dive straight in.
First let me address my initial concern that the top would remain open and would constantly present the fear of things falling out. This was mitigated by the fact that I primarily wore the bag crossbody during my entire trip. Because the bag is soft, and I do not over stuff it, I actually didn’t and even need to remove the bag when sitting in a car with a seatbelt . So essentially what I’m trying to say is that, despite the fact that it has an open top, this did not present an issue for me during my trip because of the way I wore it. Also, to be noted that the leather does soften, which does allow the chains to be tugged to create a narrower opening on top and a prettier silhouette.
Duoro Valley, Portugal.
One of favorite aspects of using this bag during travel was the fact that it carried my iPhone 14 Pro Max, our two passports and boarding cards comfortably in transit. I also would carry my calvi, lipstick, compact and possibly my Celine glasses but without the case. I am not a girl that has ever enjoyed slouchy bags. However, the ease, comfort and the light weight nature of this mini tote makes it my all-time favorite for travel at the moment.
I think I am one of the few that doesn’t have a mini Evelyne, which many of my girlfriends used during travel. I can’t quite explain why I have never bought one for personal use (and maybe now I should consider one). But this little Chanel has all the drama that I love, along with functionality that’s necessary for travel. Also to be noted that when I did not need to carry the mini 22 it was so easy to dump into my neverfull tote. When traveling through the airports, I was wearing the Chanel mini 22 crossbody and hand carrying my Louis Vuitton Neverfull, but for example, inside the aircraft, the mini 22 would sit inside my tote .
Sitting in a tuk tuk in Lisbon, Portugal.
Wine tasting in Duoro Valley, Portugal.
I am so glad that I chose black for myself. As it coordinated beautifully with my daytime Hermès bouncing sneakers, and evening flats. Whether I was wearing my Gucci cape, new Moncler raincoat, or my Chanel jean jacket, it always looked chic (those are the three jackets I carried for the trip). I loved that little “extra quality” that I’m going to call “oomph” that this cutie has. I really felt it transitioned nicely from day to night.
Many of you have reached out to ask about quality, and till date I have no issues— however, I’ve only used the cutie for a couple of weeks.
When selecting my bags for the trip, I was cognizant to not select bags that were rigid or structured, as they are much harder to pack and care for. I really wanted a stress-free grouping of bags for this trip as I knew there was going to be a lot of moving from place to place. I hope this helps those of you contemplating the mini 22. Two thumbs up from me.
Love PurseBop
XO
The bags that made the trip.
Friends of the same feathers, flock together. Porto, Portugal.
View this post on Instagram
Updated: May 4th, 2023
Comments