Chanel 26: The Return of the No-Nonsense Shoulder Bag

@dualipa IG

Let’s cut to the chase because this shoulder bag is already getting a lot of hate. The Chanel 26 embodies something that feels… calm. No crazy logos (other than the double C) that screams for attention, no gimmicks, no theatrics. The Chanel 26 is exactly what it looks like…a sleek, simple, shoulder bag. Period. In a time when bags are either doing too much or desperately trying to go viral, the Chanel 26 is refreshingly uninterested in trends, and that’s precisely the appeal.

When I first saw this bag I instantly thought of a 90’s shoulder bag, but slightly reimagined. This handbag feels like a nod to the era of effortless shoulder bags worn tight under the arm, paired with a slip dress, a sharp blazer, or low-rise denim (depending on how brave you’re feeling). It has that “grab-and-go, don’t overthink it” energy that defined the decade. The simplicity allows the craftsmanship, structure, and leather to speak for themselves. It’s understated luxury in its purest form…the kind that quietly signals taste rather than trend-chasing.

Now let’s talk about the hate this handbag is already receiving. The loudest complaint? The shoulder straps. They’re long. Like, intentionally long, and for a lot of people, that’s exactly the problem. We’re coming off years of micro bags, top-handle obsessions, and perfectly tucked shoulder straps. The Chanel 26 does the opposite. The straps hang. They elongate the silhouette. They’re very 90s, very “I threw this on and left,” and very unapologetic. For some, that reads as effortless. For others, it reads as awkward.

Now let’s talk about the anticipated price point panic. Perhaps one of the biggest reasons why people are mad: the assumed price. Anytime Chanel releases a bag that looks simple people start doing mental math and spiraling. “No way this costs that much.” “It looks basic.” “For that price, I need drama.” That’s the disconnect. Chanel isn’t charging for bells and whistles here. They’re charging for: the house, the leather, the restraint and the fact that it doesn’t need to prove itself. Minimal bags always trigger price outrage because there’s nothing distracting you from the cost. No novelty hardware to justify it. No trend gimmick to soften the blow. Just design and branding, standing alone.

This is not a bag for instant validation. It’s a slow-burn bag. The kind that looks better in motion, better over time, and better once everyone else moves on to the next thing. You either get it—or you don’t.

xx

Rana