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PurseBop’s new Chanel Kelly (Chanel Nano bag)
The Kelly bag (also referred as the Chanel Nano bag), renowned for its undeniably ladylike design, has long been favored by bag enthusiasts and collectors. However, today we shift our gaze from the iconic Hermès Kelly to Chanel’s iteration. Chanel lovers may be familiar with the brand’s iconic top-handle Kelly bag from the 1980s and 90s, now a favorite for vintage Chanel collectors. At the heart of Chanel’s Kelly bag design is the introduction of a chic top handle – appropriately dubbed the Kelly handle. Timeless and elegant, the Chanel Kelly transcends trends and remains a classic style today.
Read: Navigating the Highly Collectable World of Vintage Chanel
Comparison of the Chanel Nano with the Chanel Heart Bag. Image courtesy @pursebop
NYC nights with the new Chanel Nano. Image courtesy @pursebop
Vintage Chanel Kelly. Image courtesy: @karolina.fw
Despite all the chatter about big bags returning to the fashion forefront, small bag energy is here to stay. With prices skyrocketing every year at Chanel, it probably is no surprise that mini bags and small leather goods continue to rise in popularity. (Read: Budget Friendly Chanel Bags Under 5K). But the cost isn’t everything. Mini bags have become a fabulous companion for modern life. It all comes down to minimalism – a paring down of sorts – while packing a punch with a tiny fashion statement.
Vintage Chanel Kelly bag. Image courtesy: @karolina.fw
And Chanel, of course, is no stranger to this trend. Now it is giving us a true vintage revival with the introduction of its new Chanel Kelly bags. Perfectly petite, these miniature top-handle bags are sure to be a hit with vintage lovers and new collectors alike.
Much like their predecessor, the all-new Chanel Kelly bags are crafted in smooth black quilted lambskin with curved top handles. The slightly trapezoidal shape is reminiscent of the vintage style, however, the quilting is definitely more prominent. In addition, the fastening appears to be a modernized update featuring an open top with a thick tab closure, rather than the original full flap. The bag also now features a significantly thicker top handle that is somewhat oversized in comparison to the bag itself. And unlike the original Chanel Kelly with its 24K gold-plated hardware, the reinvented version uses a light gold metal.
Image courtesy Kathia Pinto
Image courtesy: @gabwallerdotcom
This new bag is available in two different sizes – small and large, however, both are pretty petite in scale. Coming in at 3.2” x 4.9” x 1.5”, the small would perhaps be more aptly called nano or micro. It certainly won’t hold much more than a couple of credit cards. That said, the so-called large size isn’t that much roomier – coming in at an ever so slightly more spacious 5.1” x 7.4” x 2.7”.
All size variations include an iconic chain non-detachable shoulder strap – however, we don’t yet know if long enough to wear crossbody. However, all bags can be used hand-held with their top-handles.
We are hearing rumors that the bag will come in multiple color ways: Black, Blue, Coral Pink. Light Pink, Red and White. As far as which colors will be available in the US, we will update as more information becomes available.
Image courtesy: @gabwallerdotcom
Clearly, the craze for Chanel minis continues, as it is reported that the new small Kelly sold out during presale at Chanel boutiques. While it is without a doubt a cute vintage vibe, at what cost? In either case, this all-new Chanel Kelly is certainly not for those on a budget… In terms of price, the Chanel website currently lists the small model for $3,000, while the large listed at $4,400.
However, as prices for vintage Chanel continue to soar, perhaps this new alternative will prove to be the better option.
| Style | Size | USD ($) | Euro (€) |
| Clutch with Chain | 3.2 × 4.9 × 1.6 in | $3,000 | €2,900 |
| Mini Shopping Bag | 5.1 × 7.4 × 2.7 in | $4,400 | €4,300 |
What are your thoughts on this new Chanel Kelly? Is this new vintage vibe making your heart sing? Or do you prefer the classic ‘90s pieces? Let us know your thoughts on these mini bags.
Read related articles:
Vintage Vault Vol. 1: Navigating the Highly Collectable World of Vintage Chanel
Vintage Vault Vol. 2: 5 Most Coveted Vintage Chanel Bags
Budget Friendly Chanel Bags Under 5K
No More Chanel Classic Flaps For Me
Chanel Has Not Ruled Out Increasing Prices Again This Year
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PurseBop
XO
Updated: September 15th, 2023
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