We all know about the Hermès Kelly—inarguably one of the most famous and coveted bags in the world. But did you know Chanel also has its own Kelly?
The Chanel Kelly first made waves in the 1980s as the brand’s take on the classic top-handle silhouette. Then, in their Fall/Winter 2023 Ready-to-Wear collection, Chanel re-introduced a new and updated version of the Chanel Kelly, also known as the Kelly Shopping Bag. It instantly sold out during presale and, for a moment, became the most difficult bag to get. You may have even spotted it on Margot Robbie while she was promoting the Barbie movie—and honestly, seeing it on her was enough to get us hooked.
The History of the Chanel Kelly
The Chanel Kelly first emerged in the 1980s as a structured, ladylike alternative to the brand’s more relaxed shoulder bags. Unlike other Chanel designs, this bag stood out with its refined top handle, giving it a sophisticated, polished look that vintage collectors now treasure. While Chanel rarely names its bags, collectors and enthusiasts dubbed this design the "Chanel Kelly" as a nod to its elegant, timeless aesthetic. Fast forward to today, and Chanel has breathed new life into this design with the introduction of the Nano Shopping Bag—an updated version that still pays homage to the original.
The Chanel Kelly’s Sizes and Features
The Chanel Kelly Shopping bag comes in several sizes: the nano, small, and large. The nano measures approximately 5" x 3.25" x 1.5", while the small measures at around 7.75" x 5" x 2.5". Both bags retain the elegant trapezoidal silhouette and the signature Chanel quilt pattern, but this updated version features a bold, modernized tab closure instead of the traditional full flap. The top handle is noticeably thicker, adding to its contemporary appeal, and it now comes with a non-detachable chain strap for added versatility. It can be worn crossbody, over the shoulder, or carried by hand. The interiors are lined with leather and include a zip pocket and a slip pocket, perfect for carrying essentials like credit cards and ID. Material options include classic calfskin and lambskin, with limited-edition variations in exotic leathers like alligator. The large, however, standing at 9.25" x 6.5" x 2.7" doesn't come in a quilted pattern, instead it has a smooth surface for that extra vintage vibe.
How Much Does the Chanel Kelly Cost?
With Chanel bags consistently rising in value, the Kelly—both vintage and new—has become a highly sought-after piece. At luxury resellers, you can purchase a Chanel Kelly for upwards of $4,500, with rarer versions selling for as high as $18,500.
Nano Kelly Shopper Black in White & Sequin Tweed Brushed Gold Hardware, $4500 (approx. P257,706), CHANEL, madisonavenuecouture.com*
Nano Kelly Shopper Blue Shiny Aged Calfskin Brushed Gold Hardware, $5200 (approx. P297,793.60), CHANEL, madisonavenuecouture.com*
Small Kelly Shopper White Shiny Aged Calfskin Brushed Gold Hardware, $7950 (approx. P455,280.60), CHANEL, madisonavenuecouture.com*
Vintage Chanel Micro Kelly Child Flap Bag Pink and Black Tweed Boucle Gold Hardware, $12,500 (approx. P715,850), CHANEL, madisonavenuecouture.com*
Vintage Chanel Micro Kelly Child White Rabbit Fur Gold Hardware, $18,500 (approx. P1,059,458), CHANEL, madisonavenuecouture.com*
Celebrities Spotted with the Chanel Kelly
Margot Robbie
Styled by Andrew Mukamal, Margot Robbie was spotted with the Chanel Kelly bag several times during her promotional tour for Barbie, and it really was the perfect accessory to her vibrant, Barbie-inspired outfits.
Maine Mendoza
Maine Mendoza’s birthday tradition of wearing an all-Chanel outfit for her celebration is a fashion highlight every year. She paired the Chanel Kelly bag with a stunning little black dress featuring chic CC logo strap details.
Verniece Enciso
Verniece Enciso stuns in a chic winter ensemble, pairing a beige ribbed-knit turtleneck dress with a long wool coat in a slightly deeper tone. She finishes the look with a skintone Chanel Kelly bag, completing her luxe monochrome ensemble.
Marj Maroket
Marj Maroket embraces bold styling with a pearl-embellished denim jacket over a pink knit top and magenta accent belt. Powder blue suede boots make a statement, perfectly matching the beauty content creator's Chanel Kelly bag in the same hue.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish, who shares the same stylist as Margot Robbie, embraced preppy red-carpet style at the 2024 Oscars, wearing a full Chanel look that featured a Chanel Kelly tweed bag. She paired a crisp white button-up with sparkling buttons, an oversized black blazer, and a pencil skirt, finishing the look with black leather Mary Jane shoes and white socks for that full prep aesthetic.
BLACKPINK Jennie
Ultimate Chanel muse Jennie Kim is casually chic in a cowl draped bodysuit, matched with a pair of barrel jeans. She punctuates the off-duty look with a black Kelly bag to go with her black top.
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande sports a vintage Kelly from the 90's, which she styles with an archival frock from that era.
Bella Racelis
A minimalist outfit doesn't always have to be boring. Case in point: this outfit on vlogger Bella Racelis, where she sports a popcorn sleeves top and bloomer shorts with a pair of strappy kitten heels. She spruces up the look with dainty jewelry, plus a white Chanel Kelly.
Kylie Verzosa
Kylie Verzosa channels her bold feminine energy in an all-black number: a laced body suit, dress shorts, and an oversized blazer draped over her frame. Accented with yellow gold jewelry, she completes the monochrome look with a Kelly bag.
Kimi Yap
Dressed in an emerald green frock, celebrity stylist Kimi Yap completes her travel OOTD with a black Chanel Kelly purse styled as a hands-free, crossbody bag.
*Note: Some of the prices mentioned in this article have been sourced from authorized resellers and not directly from the brand's official website. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, it is important to note that prices may vary depending on the reseller and the region. We encourage readers to visit the official brand website or consult authorized resellers for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
