Chanel 26S Small Shopping Tote vs Hermès Shoulder Birkin: A First Impressions Review

Not every Chanel handbag arrives with puffy quilts and chain shoulder straps.

With Matthieu Blazy at the helm, Chanel enters a noticeably new chapter — one that reinterprets familiar House codes through a more contemporary lens. For long-time collectors and devoted fans, this shift is likely to feel both compelling and divisive.

Naturally, this change also invites curiosity. For PurseBop, it marks a first encounter with a handbag from Matthieu Blazy’s Spring–Summer 2026 collection.

She gives us an upclose view of her latest Chanel addition — from first impressions and practicality to how it compares with a long-time favorite, the Hermès Shoulder Birkin 29.

What new bag did you add from Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel runway?

I’m really excited to add the Small Shopping Tote from Matthieu Blazy’s debut in burgundy with gold-tone hardware to my collection. While I’ve already picked up a handful of ready-to-wear pieces, this is the first handbag that really sparked my curiosity.

Why did you pick this bag?

I was immediately drawn to this bag because of the proportions. It’s no secret that my Hermès Shoulder Birkin is probably my most used bag, so when I saw this shape on the runway — especially those elongated top handles — I felt it might be the perfect addition.

How does the bag feel without the traditional chain straps? What do you think of the quality?

The absence of Chanel’s traditional chain straps immediately shifts the feel of the bag — it’s much softer and more relaxed in wear. The leather shoulder straps are also super elongated, so they sit very comfortably on the shoulder, whether worn over a light top or layered over a jacket.

As for quality, only time will tell. For now, the construction of the bag seems solid, and the stitching secure. The leather is very soft and beautifully supple — it’s a version of caviar that feels softer and less structured than what we’re familiar with.

How does the interior layout work, and how functional is the bag in terms of storage?

There are multiple compartments, which I’m excited to explore in more detail. There’s a back pocket, a zippered centre compartment, and a spacious front section. Overall, it feels like there’s a surprising amount of space.

How would you compare your new Chanel Shopping Tote with the Shoulder Birkin?

So let’s take a moment to compare it to my favorite — the Shoulder Birkin 29, which measures approximately 11.5 x 6.25 x 5 inches (29 x x 16 x 13 cm). I love it for its slightly more compact proportions compared to the Birkin 30, its lightweight feel, and yet its impressive capacity.

In comparison, the Chanel Small ShoppingTote measures around 12.6 x 5.9 x 4.5 inches (32 x 15 x 11.5 cm) – making it just a touch more elongated than the Shoulder Birkin.

One of the most noticeable differences between the bags is the handles. The Chanel features significantly longer top handles designed for true shoulder wear, whereas the Shoulder Birkin’s are noticeably shorter and can sometimes prove trickier to wear comfortably, despite its name.

Beyond that, the two bags have an entirely different character — the Shoulder Birkin is rigid and architectural, while the Chanel is supple, yielding, and drapes far more naturally against the body.

How would you style the bag?

I see myself wearing this bag very casually for daytime — with blue or white jeans, and sneakers or ballet flats. It’s an easy, relaxed kind of styling. And of course, it pairs perfectly with my Bottega Veneta leather jacket.

Did anyone inspired you to add this piece to your collection?

I’m rarely influenced by models, but Bhavitha Mandava has a certain spunk — she’s fresh, she’s humble, and oh so gorgeous. I admit she’s also worn a long leather trench I am obsessed with and could only dream of owning :)

Image courtesy: @bhavithamandava

Image courtesy: @bhavithamandava

What do you think of Chanel’s new Small Shopping Tote? Is this a silhouette you could see yourself carrying, or do you still prefer the structure of the Hermès Shoulder Birkin?