By @ariella_mom

In 2023 Chanel paid tribute to old Hollywood and Los Angeles in general with its opulent Cruise 2024 fashion show. I felt so fortunate to see Virginie Viard’s interpretation of my hometown with all of its glitz and glamour. Chanel hosted the show at Paramount Studios, a perfect setting for the display that was about to be revealed.

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Image courtesy Vogue.com

Despite the frosty nip in the air, atypical of Los Angeles in May, I was glued to my seat as I devoured look after look. The clothes were spectacular and glitzy and the bags were so on point.

I immediately reserved “The Great Gatsby” bag (as my daughter calls it) the one with the Swarovski crystals. I noted the mirrored flap bags with the star attachment and was unsure about them. However, when Cruise began to ship in November, I was shown the silver mini rectangle with a star and instantly fell in love with its simplicity, glitz, and neutrality. The star is such a bonus as it is not just a decoration. Rather, it is an über-mini case to that carries my medicine holder and hand wipes (more about capacity later). The mini measures: 12.5 x 19 x 5 cm and is a favorite size. It has a back pocket. The price is $6000.

I was enjoying this bag greatly, but the size is somewhat limiting. Recognizing that I could use a dash more space as I tend to carry a lot, I asked for a gold mini square. When it arrived, I was thrilled. This one measures 15 x 20 x 6.5 cm which is a perfect size for essentials plus. It also has a back pocket. Price is $6300.

I was purse-satisfied when I received my SA’s text: “You have to have this one. This is so special. The purple is TDF and it’s large like you like.” And so the purple appeared in my life. With dimensions of 15.5 x 24 x 7.5 cm, it packs a punch and fits as much as a classic medium flap does. It is priced at a hefty $6800 and is the least popular. Like Hermes bags, Chanel also has a mini devotee club. Surprisingly, this cruise collection features large bags including maxis and super maxis but I am not sure how they sell.

I keep asking myself whether I need three glitzy Hollywood Boulevard mirror bags but they’re each so different. And just like I fell in love with the heart bags, all of these have my heart.

Capacity

The mini is equivalent to the classic mini in terms of what you can carry. I must mention that the leather is stiffer so it’s not as easy to fill it up as are the lamb and caviar minis. That being said, you can stash lipstick and hand wipes in the star, and a large iPhone fits easily in the mini.

The mini square in this rendition actually is larger than the mini rectangle and fits a bit more. A phone fits easily, and you can add glasses in a soft case on top of the essentials. It’s a bit more roomy than the mini 2.55.

The purple medium accommodates all of the above plus more. Think of it like a medium Classic Flap.

Will these become collector items as @howshespendsit predicts (she collected a stunning triad as well) or will they just be a reminder of Chanel’s fun and glitzy LA show and season? Only time will tell. If you love them. Get one, you won’t regret it. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea but it has gained quite a following. Ask @mrsjprize, @ccccurator, or any other Chanel bag lover.