About the Chanel Boy Bag
Introduced by Karl Lagerfeld as part of Chanel’s Fall/Winter 2011 collection, the Boy Chanel Handbag is one of Chanel’s most coveted bag styles. At the time of its release, most of Chanel’s flap bags skewed toward more formal styles, so the boxier, more modern design of the Boy bag–named after Coco Chanel’s first love, Arthur “Boy” Capel–was an instant hit with both young shoppers and long-time Chanel devotees.
Chanel Boy Bag Design and Features
Chanel collectors gravitate toward the Boy bag because of its edgy look, functionality and versatility. Key design details include quilted detailing on the front, a linear border around the edges and a rectangular lock clasp.
The Boy bag strap is chunkier than the jewelry-like chain on the Chanel Classic Flap. Part leather and part chain, the finish of the chain matches the color of the lock. Fashionistas on the go can carry the bag on the shoulder or across the chest, or it can be tucked under an arm for a dressier look.
A unique graphic lock closure distinguishes the Boy bag from other Chanel purses. Positioned on the front of the bag, the clasp mechanism features an ornamental embossed double C logo.
The interior of the classic Boy bag offers one large compartment and single slip pocket.
Chanel Boy Bag Materials and Colors
As of 2021, Chanel continues to release new iterations of the Boy bag each season, resulting in myriad styles and materials. The most popular variations of the Chanel Boy are either caviar or lambskin, with seasonal collections featuring tweed, patent, exotic leathers and more. In 2018, Chanel announced that they would no longer create products with exotic skins, so now crocodile, python and lizard versions can only be found on the secondhand market.
The Boy bag usually sports diamond- or chevron-quilted leather, but options abound and may include smooth, woven, embossed and even braided leather. Not a leather fan? There’s a Boy bag for you, too. The House has released this fan favorite in multiple materials, such as pleated denim, woven ribbon, fur, canvas and holographic PVC, just to name a few.
With the Boy bag, Chanel isn’t afraid to take risks. While the two most popular colors are black and beige, Boy bags can be found in every color of the rainbow, including an actual rainbow-colored bag. Chanel also releases the Boy bag in a variety of hardware colors and finishes. The most popular metal finishes are classic gold-tone and silver-tone, but bags can also be found in ruthenium, iridescent, antique gold and rainbow.
Classic Boy Chanel Bag Sizes
Small: 7.9 x 4.7 x 3.1 inches
Old Medium: 9.8 x 5.9 x 3.5 inches
New Medium: 11 x 7 x 3.5 inches
Large: 11.8 x 8.3 x 3.9 inches
Chanel introduced the “New Medium” size shortly after the Boy bag’s release. The new medium is a little bit larger, roomier and taller than the Old Medium and it boasts more interior pockets.
More Boy Bag Styles
Due to the popularity of the classic Boy Chanel bag, Chanel has applied the bag’s signature design details — bordered edge, double C graphic clasp lock and chunky chain — to a number of other silhouettes. Notable styles include the Boy tote, Boy top handle, Boy clutch and Boy wallet on chain.
Though technically considered a small leather good, the Boy WOC’s versatility makes it one of the most popular styles in the Boy the collection.
Collectibility of the Chanel Boy Bag
In 2021, suggested retail prices for the Boy WOC ranged from $2,100 to $3,000 depending on materials, with most versions listed for $2,700. Leather classic Boy bags, size Old Medium, cost nearly double at $5,300.
Chanel handbags retain their value, and bags in the Boy collection are no exception. Still, the resale market can offer more affordable options. Leather wallet on chain bags sold for an average of $1,600 at 2021 eBay auctions, and Old Medium examples of the classic Boy bag averaged $3,000. Materials and condition matter, and details such as the authenticity card, original dust bag and box add value. A special edition can fetch a premium, particularly if it’s a style no longer available in stores. For example, an ultra-rare Spring 2015 Flower Power Small Boy bag earned nearly $5,000 at a 2021 eBay auction.