I’ve had my eye on the Chanel 19 (named 19 for its birth year) since its debut back in March at the F/W 2019 show, but didn’t feel strongly enough about any available colorway to pull the trigger. All I knew was that I wanted the bag in tweed.
While I wait for a desirable colorway to become available, I ordered the Kurt Geiger London Large Kensington Tweed Shoulder Bag, which resembles the Chanel 19 in a number of ways: The geometric pattern (not quite a quilted diamond) on tweed, with a thick metal chain (combining the 19’s dual chain), and in a clean rectangular shape that subtly straddles slouchy and structured.
The Kensington is secured by (two east-west) magnetic-snap closures, and the bejeweled eagle on the outer flap is merely decorative. Under the flap are two compartments, the slimmer of which has a wall slip pocket. The “large” Kensington pictured in this post is fairly spacious (will fit lots of trinkets), but at 1.5 pounds empty, it is easy to overload.
The bag has some structure, but is slouchy enough that it can’t stand on its own, and looks slightly deflated when empty.
The convertible (pull-through) chain link strap (24″ drop) on the large Kensington allows it to be worn as a crossbody (this configuration is a touch too long on 5’2 me), or doubled up as a shoulder strap.
The Kensington’s retail price of $185.00 (now 40% off, or $110.98, online in the colorway pictured) is reasonable for the quality (no glaring workmanship issues, but expect to find a loose thread here and there), but bargain hunters might be rewarded by waiting for a sale, as most styles don’t stay full-price for long.
In addition to the tweed fabric pictured in this post, the Kurt Geiger Kensington Bag is also available in leather, covered in sequins, printed and embellished with crystals, done in rainbow diagonal stripes, with a faux pearl handle, and in velvet.
If the “large” (pictured; 11 ½”W x 9″H x 3 ¼”D with a convertible strap) isn’t the right size for you, the Kensington is available in additional sizes (measurements are approximate, as there are small variations across the same size): mini ($119.00-$135.00; 7 ¾”W x 5″H x 2 ½”D, with a 23 ½” strap drop), wallet on chain ($135.00; 7 ¾”W x 4 ½”H x 1″D with 23″ crossbody strap), regular ($195.00-265.00; 10 1/2”W x 7”H x 3 1/2”D with a 20″ strap drop), “extra extra large” ($295.00; 15″W x 9″H x 6″D with a 19″ convertible strap) and backpack ($249.00; 11 ¾”H x 10 ½”W x 4″D).
In the market for a tweed bag, but Kurt Geiger London isn’t for you? Here are some more options for your consideration:
Happy shopping!
