Chanel's Boy Bag
Luxury fashion houses, especially those that have been around for a long time, have this hypnotic effect when they release something - anything, really. People can't help themselves. Consumers have long been accustomed to letting out “oohs” and “aahs” whenever a designer unveils something. But there are pieces from houses as legendary as these that, objectively, truly deserve wonder and amazement. Not because of the hype, but because of their ingenuity.
That is the case with the Chanel Boy Bag, which has only existed since 2011, but has already been presented as a new classic of the French brand. Of course, it bears the mouthwatering CC logo, but its design is a perfect balance between the old and the new world, while straddling the feminine and the masculine. Entirely in the spirit of Gabrielle Chanel herself. The Chanel Boy Bag is a favorite among celebrities and the fashion world for good reason. If you want to get one, read on to find out more:
What is Chanel's Boy Bag?
The Boy Bag was inspired by Arthur Capel, Gabrielle Chanel's first love, who intensely inspired her throughout her life. He also greatly influenced the way she dressed. It is this masculinity that is expressed in the Boy Bag through its square silhouette, rigid structure, angular lines and thick chain. To finish it off, there is the Lego-brick clasp with the CC logo. What sets the Boy Bag apart from its predecessors (the Flap Bag and the 2.55) is its more avant-garde and contemporary feel, which is both youthful and timeless.
Who designed Chanel's Boy Bag?
Karl Lagerfeld designed the Boy Bag, which was released in 2011. He drew inspiration from cartridge bags or bags used by those who go shooting or hunting. Sportswear or military uniforms have always been a source of inspiration for fashion, but Karl Lagerfeld knew how to infuse his decadent touch through the use of heavy hardware, varied fabrics (not just leather!) and ornaments. Throughout his tenure at Chanel, the late great designer constantly reinterpreted the Boy Bag, playing with different aesthetics ranging from grunge (studs and black leather) to romantic (pearls and tweed), or from classic to contemporary.
What are the different types of Chanel bags?
The Boy Bag is recognizable by its topstitched border surrounding a quilted center. In some versions, the quilted center features a chevron pattern, while other models feature “reverse quilting”: a quilted border and an unquilted body. Many Boy Bags are released seasonally, but the most common are those made in calfskin, grained calfskin or lambskin in solid colors, from neutral tones to bright shades.
For the hardware, most Boy Bags use metal in gold, silver or ruthenium tones. There have been seasonal versions such as rainbow metal, which were highly sought after! What sets the Boy Bag apart from the Flap Bag and the 2.55 is the chain strap attached to the leather. The bag can be worn on the shoulder or crossbody.
The sizes of Chanel's Boy Bag vary by season, but the most common are listed below:
1. The Small Boy
With dimensions of 8 inches (length), 4.7 inches (height) and 3.3 inches (width), the Small Boy handbag is not impractically tiny. It is the perfect size for cocktails, weekend brunches or special occasions that call for only the essentials.
2. The Boy
The regular size has dimensions of 9.8 inches (length), 5.9 inches (height) and 3.5 inches (width). It is spacious enough for busy days, but not too cumbersome so that you can wear it to casual events. The most popular colorway is arguably black calfskin with ruthenium-finish metal, which is both bold, cool and sophisticated. There has even been a “So Black” version with all-black hardware that fans snap up on the resale market.
3. The Large Boy
The largest Boy handbag has dimensions of 10.9 inches, 6.8 inches and 2.9 inches. It is not oversized but is large enough to carry more than the essentials, making it perfect for work and travel. The crossbody strap makes it even more practical!
How much does the Chanel Boy Bag cost?
The price of the Chanel Boy Bag varies depending on the size and the material used. The small Boy Bag starts at $4,900, but seasonal bags can cost much more. The regular-size Boy Bag starts at $5,200 but can go higher (or lower) when materials other than leather are used. Finally, the large Boy Bag starts at $5,600.
Why is the Chanel Boy Bag expensive?
Everyone knows how meticulous and time-consuming it is to make a designer handbag. But it is something else entirely to witness that craftsmanship in action. Chanel sometimes shares videos of its products being made. It is astonishing to see that even the topstitching on the leather is also done from scratch using a sewing machine. That is the craftsmanship and quality you are paying for.
Is the Chanel Boy Bag worth it?
Overall, the Chanel Boy Bag is very functional: It is spacious and its shoulder strap is very practical. If you are ready to splurge on this Chanel bag, it all comes down to design and choosing the color-material combination that will give you the best value for your money. For example, if you are a minimalist, neutral colors in calfskin or lambskin are for you. If your style is playful and eclectic, then bold shades are for you. If you are a maximalist, there are plenty of extravagant beaded or embroidered bags.
In a word, the Boy Bag Chanel is worth it because it is a modern classic that is not going anywhere anytime soon.
