Presenting the Chanel 25—the must-know bag for 2025.

      Last October, I went to the Chanel spring/summer 2025 runway show in Paris. This collection was a return to the iconic Grand Palais venue and was the epitome of Chanel. The use of tweed, chiffon, bows, and feathers was very much in line with Coco's style, as was the color palette of black, white, and pastels seen on the models as they walked the runway. The striking accessories—ranging from two-tone Mary Jane heels to quilted bags—caused a buzz among front-row attendees discussing which items were at the top of their spring 2025 shopping lists, with the Chanel 25 bag clearly leading the pack. Fast-forward to spring 2025, and Dua Lipa and Jennie were announced as the faces of the handbag campaign, featuring photos by David Sims and films directed by Gordon von Steiner. The new bag has just hit the stores and is already one of the most talked-about accessories of 2025, making its way into the wardrobes of insiders like Morgan Stewart. I have been collecting Chanel bags for years, including the 2.55 reissue that I’ve had for over a decade and the recent addition of the Chanel 22 mini, so I was eager to try out the new bag. Below are my impressions of the Chanel 25, which is set to become one of the most sought-after designer bags of 2025.

      The Chanel 25 bag, aptly named, is the major bag launch for the French fashion house in 2025. It comes in small, medium, and large sizes, various color options, gold-tone metal hardware, and materials like grained calfskin leather and washed denim. Each bag features Chanel's classic quilting, a chain strap, CC closure, and cargo pockets that provide a utilitarian touch. To compare the different sizes, I tried each one out—more details to come.

      Chanel 25 Small Bag

      I started with the small Chanel 25 bag because it's ideal for any on-the-go outfit. If you're in the market for a shoulder bag that you can easily throw on your arm without carrying too many items, this is a great choice. Regardless of size, every Chanel 25 bag comes with a belted strap that allows for size adjustment of the opening. I managed to fit my essentials, including my iPhone, sunglasses, beauty products, and headphones, with ample space left for more.

      The small version offers the widest array of color options, including eight leather variations in a mix of neutrals, pastels, and metallics, plus two denim styles. I chose the lovely buttercream yellow, a versatile color that blends seamlessly with my mostly neutral wardrobe. With pastels trending this season, I've found myself drawn to soft hues that pair well with the dark-wash denim and suede trench coats I frequently wear.

      Dimensions: 11.8 x 10.2 x 5.5 in

      Chanel Medium 25 Bag

      The medium Chanel 25 bag is a size I anticipate will be popular among shoppers as it balances the everyday practicality of the small size with the spaciousness of the larger version. This mid-size bag is perfect for use as a tote, accommodating larger items without being so oversized that it becomes cumbersome to carry all day. The cargo pockets are a useful feature for storing items that need to be easily accessible, like my headphones and iPhone when navigating the subway in New York. I was able to slip in a magazine along with all my everyday essentials, which include sunglasses, lip balm, and hair accessories.

      Dimensions: 11.8 x 10.2 x 5.5 in

      Chanel Large 25 Bag

      The largest version of the Chanel 25 bag—the large—would be my choice for anything from a work bag to an airplane carry-on. This oversized tote is spacious enough for a laptop and other office belongings and can also accommodate travel essentials (for me, that means a cashmere sweater, slippers, and an eye mask). This roomy bag embraces the XXL tote trend without feeling overly large, providing ample storage space. For a day out, I was able to fit my laptop, a film camera, and accessories, including my Chanel card case that perfectly matches the black quilted bag.

      Bag Dimensions: 16.5 x 14.2 x 5.9 in