The Chanel Cardholder, Chic Alternative to Chanel Wallet on Chain
While the Wallet on a Chain (or WOC) launched in 1997 often receives the most attention as the perfect card carrying cross body, the Chanel Card Holder on a chain is a chic alternative. It is also compact, has a few slots to carry your essential cards and a chain strap that can be carried as a cross body. The Chanel WOC was instantly popular due to being effortlessly stylish, simple and chic but the slightly smaller and less expensive Chanel Card Holder on a chain provides the same function in an even smaller size. The Chanel Card Holder is also popular on the resale market due to it's lower price and similar functionality.
The Chanel Card Holder is the Perfect Micro Bag
The tiny purse trend continues to take center stage, captivating the fashion industry as the size of highly sought-after bags continues to shrink. Chanel micro bags continued to be featured in it's Spring 2023 Collection. Strikingly cute but undeniably impractical, mini, micro, and petite bags are all the rage. While some mini bags fit the daily essentials, a Chanel Card Holder on a chain is still practical way to carry a few cards. These modernized, bite-size bags have a rich history, tracing back to the sexual revolution of the 1960s and ‘70s. This social movement challenged the traditional codes of behavior related to sexuality, and reversing a historically restrictive dress code for women was just one piece of the puzzle. Long skirts were shortened to miniskirts and tights replaced nylon stockings, encouraging women to confidently embrace their figures. As garment silhouettes shrunk, bags shrunk with them, further complementing the changing style of the modern woman. Carrying a mini bag eases mobility, so it comes as no surprise that women in the 21st century are reclaiming this liberating style with micro bags.
The Chanel Card Holder is Aligned with the Macro Trend of Micro Bags
Looking ahead to 2023, it is clear that the fervor for these micro bags is still in full force, as reinvigorated a few years back by French fashion designer Simon Porte Jacquemus. In the Spring/Summer 2018 collection for his eponymous label, Jacquemus unveiled an instant hit: the three-inch Le Chiquito bag. For his Fall/Winter 2019 show, Jacquemus went a step further and debuted the Mini Le Chiquito, shrinking the height of the already toy-sized bag to two inches. Other luxury brands, from Telfar and JW Pei to Dior and Chanel, quickly followed suit, designing their own take on the accessory bag trend. Interestingly, it was Karl Lagerfeld who saw potential in the micro bag before anyone else. For the Fendi Spring/Summer 2015 collection, he shrunk the signature Peekaboo bag and adorned it with fluffy fur charms, each larger than the bag itself.
Additionally, the tremendous buzz of the micro bag can be largely attributed to the celebrities and trendsetters who propel its burgeoning demand. In an iconic fashion moment, Lizzo sported an almost microscopic Valentino Garavani bag on the AMAs red carpet in 2019, bringing the ‘micro’ in micro bag to a new extreme. Street-style legends like Zoë Kravitz, Emily Ratajkowski, and Kendall Jenner have also incorporated the micro bag into their everyday looks, embracing it for a more casual wear.
Sotheby's Specialists Favorite Chanel Card Holders on a Chain
Sotheby's Specialists reviewed the current selection of Chanel Card Holders on a Chain and picked their favorites. New Chanel Card Holders are listed regularly on Sotheby's Buy Now Marketplace, so make sure to browse often to find your perfect go to Chanel hands free accessory.
The first pick is a classic black quilted lambskin Chanel Card Holder with a gold chain from 2022 collection. It has iconic Chanel details and closes with a pretty black gross grain ribbon bow. It is structured and opens with 4 card slots. The leather chain strap can be carried as both a cross body or on the shoulder. The Chanel Card Holders are also small enough to be attached to a belt loop and wrapped around a strap of another larger bag or tote.
Our next pick is a bright pink calfskin flap Chanel Card Holder with a top handle and gold hardware. The top handle adds fun detail that is a classic Chanel style and the leather chain strap makes it a functional hands free cross body bag. The pouch inside is large enough for a few cards, keys and lipstick. The bright color, iconic quilting and double C closure make this micro bag a fun and stand out micro bag.
Our final pick was featured during the Chanel 2020 spring ready-to-wear collection. The crystal micro flap Chanel Card Holder with sliver leather chain strap is classic Chanel but unexpected due to the blue ombre pattern. We love this for evening both for its size and sparkle. The flap opens to a small pouch that can carry the most basic essentials.
