PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANEL
Launching an all-new flagship bag is a monumental task for a storied fashion house steeped in history and boasting a rich roster of iconic designs. Yet the #CHANEL25 arrives with confidence, swiftly earning its status as a contemporary icon. Its hobo-inspired silhouette shows how the maison’s enduring codes adapt for modern, always-on lifestyles.
Unlike the Classic 11.12 Handbag, the vintage-leaning 2.55 or the boxy-cool Boy Chanel, Chanel’s current It bag favours relaxed elegance. The proportions feel assured, versatile and quietly bold. If you have been curious about the Chanel 25, here are 10 things worth knowing about it.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANEL
01 - Like the equally contemporary Chanel 19 and Chanel 22, the Chanel 25 takes its name from the year of launch. This naming convention not only signals its status as a current house pillar. It also positions the bag as a style that sees refreshing iterations season after season.
02 - The silhouette trades the familiar structure of the classic flap bags in favour of a soft-sided hobo shape. No matter the size or material, the use of lozenge quilting remains consistent. This instantly recognisable motif firmly anchors the design in Chanel’s visual language.
03 - One of the key defining details of the Chanel 25 is its pair of oversized exterior side pockets. While decorative, they are also completely functional. Designed to provide quick access, they comfortably hold a phone, beauty items and other daily essentials.
04 - Hardware plays a starring role through a chunky braided chain. Depending on the season, leather or fabric is often interwoven through it. On larger sizes, an additional leather shoulder pad ensures comfort while supporting the bag’s substantial capacity.
05 - There are no flaps or unnecessary zips to deal with, because ease of use defines the Chanel 25. Instead, the combination of a drawstring chain pull and a gold-tone CC clasp cinches the bag’s opening. Of course, these also serve as the ultimate statement hardware.
06 - Built for everyday versatility, the design comes in multiple sizes. Its initial launch saw three, starting with the small that works well for daily errands. Meanwhile, the medium and large sizes are suitable as chic work bags or travel companions, fitting an iPad with ease.
07 - For #CHANELCruise, the adorable mini Chanel 25 joined the line-up. Measuring just 22 cm wide and 20 cm high, the petite piece tucks neatly under the arm. Choice of materials range from suede calfskin to metallic grained finishes.
08 - Besides the signature hobo silhouette, the style also appears as a backpack. Redesigned straps and a short top handle offer alternative carry options, if you’d rather not sling it over the shoulders. This evolution further reinforces the design’s adaptability.
09 - While the original comes in classic grained calfskin, seasonal variations keep the Chanel 25 feeling current. For example, recent releases include washed denim from spring-summer 2025 and crumpled shearling for fall-winter 2025.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANEL
10 - With the exception of the silver metallic-grained calfskin, all Chanel 25 handbags feature gold-tone metallic hardware. In Singapore, prices start at SGD8600 for the mini, while the small comes in at SGD9090. Expect to fork out SGD9690 for the medium and SGD10,500 for the large.
