Is The New Chanel 26S Small Shopping Bag a Trendy or Timeless Addition to My Collection?

Dear PurseBop:

Is the new Mathieu Blazy 26S Small Shopper really as good as it looks? I am not sure if it is a trendy bag or a new Chanel design that will be timeless and a great addition to my collection.

Dear Chanel Skeptic:

The Chanel Small Shopping bag has exploded in popularity right after it appeared on the Chanel Spring/Summer 2026 runway. The fact that it was made available for sale, first in Paris, then worldwide, immediately after the show created such a frenzy for this bag, as well as the Large Shopping bag, was marketing genius.

The Small Shopping bag feels like the new everyday bag because it strikes the perfect balance between structure and ease. Lightweight yet polished, its flat-quilted body and gently cinched sides create a silhouette that looks intentional without being stiff. The shoulder straps are elongated to fit comfortably over the shoulder, making it the natural choice for daily wear.

Many have compared the new Small Shopping bag to the Hermès Shoulder Birkin. Here is why Chanel has the lead in this race. Although hard to get presently as they are sold out, it will hopefully become a part of the regular collection and is reintroduced in future seasons. The price point is very attractive as well and less than half the retail cost of the Shoulder Birkin 29.

Blazy’s new design maintains the classic CC turn lock while modernizing the leather and quilting. It still feels and looks like a classic Chanel bag with a modern twist.

The size of the Small Shopping bag may be its best feature. It is just the right size as it sits comfortably between a small and large sized bag. For everyday use it can fit all the essentials and more comfortably without being too heavy or bulky. As such, it will transition seamlessly from day to night as well.

Overall, it could be the best new addition to your handbag collection.

Good luck acquiring one of these special new additions to the Chanel lineup.

Read:

8 Reasons we Love Chanel’s 26S Small Shopping Bag