Celine Le 16 Bag by Hedi Slimane

[faith-aurora]

Yes! I totally agree about anyone wearing anything, I really love it too.
That’s really reassuring though, last time I was at a Celine the salesperson I shop with showed me the bag and I really loved it, but I believe it was the medium and it seemed a little small to me.
I’m going to Japan in two weeks and won’t how strong the dollar is against the yen right now, I’m thinking it would be a good time to pull the trigger…
I’ll definitely share my decision, too! Thanks very much!

I have the Large Celine 16 in Grey (pebbled grained calfskin). SA showed me both medium and large sizes - the large only just fits my 14” laptop and personal items for work, and the medium was too small.

I personally love the 16 as a work bag - rare enough so you don’t see it on the streets in passing much, handle/shoulder straps, enough compartments and pockets, beautiful lock and key hardware.

I find it’s wonderfully structured and made, and the refined feel to it gives it a certain versatility regardless of the gender you identify with.

Hope you enjoy wonderful Japan! Let us know how you go!

 

[saddlebaggle]

Saw this classic sized 16 on sale at VC! Never saw this avocado green color before, what a beautiful shade.

 

[jk777]

Didn't realize there's already a thread on the 16 bag.

I bought this beautiful Celine 16 small back in April 2021 so it's been in my collection for almost 2 years now. The first year I used it quite a bit but hasn't been used much for the 2nd year. The handle leather (and whatever adhesive is within the leather loop) has seem to have stretched and the handle drops like in the pictures below. The Celine SA tells me its normal wear and tear. Should I be more adamant about them fixing this for free or is do you all think it's truly wear and tear? I just haven't seen other people's Celine 16 bag handles be so loose and drop like this.

 

[sylvivia]

Didn't realize there's already a thread on the 16 bag.

I bought this beautiful Celine 16 small back in April 2021 so it's been in my collection for almost 2 years now. The first year I used it quite a bit but hasn't been used much for the 2nd year. The handle leather (and whatever adhesive is within the leather loop) has seem to have stretched and the handle drops like in the pictures below. The Celine SA tells me its normal wear and tear. Should I be more adamant about them fixing this for free or is do you all think it's truly wear and tear? I just haven't seen other people's Celine 16 bag handles be so loose and drop like this.

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I don't have any useful advice for you but I'm sorry to see you're having this experience with your 16 I've never seen one with a handle that flops to the side; I'm guessing most people buy this bag expecting the upright handle and would be equally disappointed in this. I'd probably reach out to Celine again to see if they're willing to help fix it for you.

 

[heatherB]

Didn't realize there's already a thread on the 16 bag.

I bought this beautiful Celine 16 small back in April 2021 so it's been in my collection for almost 2 years now. The first year I used it quite a bit but hasn't been used much for the 2nd year. The handle leather (and whatever adhesive is within the leather loop) has seem to have stretched and the handle drops like in the pictures below. The Celine SA tells me its normal wear and tear. Should I be more adamant about them fixing this for free or is do you all think it's truly wear and tear? I just haven't seen other people's Celine 16 bag handles be so loose and drop like this.

View attachment 5684342View attachment 5684343

It seems like this would be inevitable. Leather stretches. It wouldn’t bother me. You still have the ability to use the handle to hand carry, which is the true purpose.

 

[OCMomof3]

Was absolutely uninterested in the 16 until seeing it in the boutique today. Went in to see the Triomphe! The craftsmanship and beautiful details on the 16 sold me.

I am now planning on the small 16 in natural calfskin, after taking some time to think about it. I can tell that this bag will show scratches, etc, but I tend to baby my bags and won’t lose my head over some signs of use. I just can’t go for satinated leather after seeing that natural finish.

Pretty big size difference between small and medium, but I’m loving the small. Now the only thing not to like is the price tag!

 

[sylvivia]

Was absolutely uninterested in the 16 until seeing it in the boutique today. Went in to see the Triomphe! The craftsmanship and beautiful details on the 16 sold me.

I am now planning on the small 16 in natural calfskin, after taking some time to think about it. I can tell that this bag will show scratches, etc, but I tend to baby my bags and won’t lose my head over some signs of use. I just can’t go for satinated leather after seeing that natural finish.

Pretty big size difference between small and medium, but I’m loving the small. Now the only thing not to like is the price tag!

I had a similar experience going into the boutique! I was convinced I would get a Triomphe bag with satinated leather, and ended up loving the natural leather 16 so much that I went home with that instead.

While natural leather shows scratches at first, I love how Celine's natural leather ages over time—the rich dark patina it ultimately develops is a huge plus, rather than just being an acceptable consequence (which is how people tend to see satinated calfskin wear-and-tear). If you haven't seen the stunning photos in the Celine Natural Calfskin Club thread, I highly recommend taking a look!

 

[OCMomof3]

I had a similar experience going into the boutique! I was convinced I would get a Triomphe bag with satinated leather, and ended up loving the natural leather 16 so much that I went home with that instead.

While natural leather shows scratches at first, I love how Celine's natural leather ages over time—the rich dark patina it ultimately develops is a huge plus, rather than just being an acceptable consequence (which is how people tend to see satinated calfskin wear-and-tear). If you haven't seen the stunning photos in the Celine Natural Calfskin Club thread, I highly recommend taking a look!

Thank you! I’ll check that out.

 

[Sailor__Lula]

I’ve coveted the Celine 16 in the natural calf for ages.

I’m VERY tall (6’1) and was wondering what size you guys think works best for my frame - small vs. classique?

This would be my everyday bag, I WANT that rich patina. The small fit basically everything I carry…but is it just too petite?





Also - has anyone tried the new long straps they have? It’s annoying they don’t have measurements on the site but I’d love a longer strap for crossbody…I know this is the smooth calf but I’d otherwise get something custom made…

 

[sylvivia]

I’ve coveted the Celine 16 in the natural calf for ages.

I’m VERY tall (6’1) and was wondering what size you guys think works best for my frame - small vs. classique?

This would be my everyday bag, I WANT that rich patina. The small fit basically everything I carry…but is it just too petite?

View attachment 5708786

View attachment 5708785

Also - has anyone tried the new long straps they have? It’s annoying they don’t have measurements on the site but I’d love a longer strap for crossbody…I know this is the smooth calf but I’d otherwise get something custom made…

You look fantastic with both bags! Silhouette-wise, I prefer the Classique size on you, but I think your bag needs should come before traditional bag sizing guidance; e.g. if the Small fits everything you need and the Classique size is too heavy, then get the Small.

I've tried on the long strap you linked, and it was about the same length as the regular strap for the Celine 16 mini. I didn't buy the long strap, but I just measured the regular strap of my Celine 16 mini—it's 39 inches long, including the hooks. Hope that helps!

 

[Sailor__Lula]

You look fantastic with both bags! Silhouette-wise, I prefer the Classique size on you, but I think your bag needs should come before traditional bag sizing guidance; e.g. if the Small fits everything you need and the Classique size is too heavy, then get the Small.

I've tried on the long strap you linked, and it was about the same length as the regular strap for the Celine 16 mini. I didn't buy the long strap, but I just measured the regular strap of my Celine 16 mini—it's 39 inches long, including the hooks. Hope that helps!

Aww, thank you! I really appreciate the tip on the length of the strap. I’m also thinking the classique would frankly look odd as a crossbody, if I were to get a strap custom made. I just wanted to make sure the small didn’t look silly on my larger frame!

Of course, I’ve coveted the Celine 16 for so long and I went into Neiman Marcus today, and they had a Chanel boutique. I tried on the Jumbo Double flap with the Caviar leather for fun, and I (shockingly) totally loved it. I see why it’s such a classic choice. I’m now having an identity crisis lol! I may need to go try on some more things before I pull the trigger on anything…I don’t aspire to be a collector and would prefer to have 1 bag to start.

 

[portraitofalady]

Was absolutely uninterested in the 16 until seeing it in the boutique today. Went in to see the Triomphe! The craftsmanship and beautiful details on the 16 sold me.

I am now planning on the small 16 in natural calfskin, after taking some time to think about it. I can tell that this bag will show scratches, etc, but I tend to baby my bags and won’t lose my head over some signs of use. I just can’t go for satinated leather after seeing that natural finish.

Pretty big size difference between small and medium, but I’m loving the small. Now the only thing not to like is the price tag!

I had a similar experience going into the boutique! I was convinced I would get a Triomphe bag with satinated leather, and ended up loving the natural leather 16 so much that I went home with that instead.

While natural leather shows scratches at first, I love how Celine's natural leather ages over time—the rich dark patina it ultimately develops is a huge plus, rather than just being an acceptable consequence (which is how people tend to see satinated calfskin wear-and-tear). If you haven't seen the stunning photos in the Celine Natural Calfskin Club thread, I highly recommend taking a look!

Ooo I'm curious to hear what drew you both to the 16 over the Triomphe? I've loved the Triomphe for a few years after trying it on once but have started eyeing the 16 online. I haven't seen the 16 in person but I'm wondering if I might prefer the small or mini over the Triomphe.

 

[sylvivia]

Ooo I'm curious to hear what drew you both to the 16 over the Triomphe? I've loved the Triomphe for a few years after trying it on once but have started eyeing the 16 online. I haven't seen the 16 in person but I'm wondering if I might prefer the small or mini over the Triomphe.

For me, it was the mini 16's bag silhouette! I love the top handle combined with the slightly rounded curve of the bag—I prefer the way it looks on me over the squarish Triomphe. The strap of the 16 can also be removed to use it as a dainty handbag, which makes it extra versatile.

 

[portraitofalady]

For me, it was the mini 16's bag silhouette! I love the top handle combined with the slightly rounded curve of the bag—I prefer the way it looks on me over the squarish Triomphe. The strap of the 16 can also be removed to use it as a dainty handbag, which makes it extra versatile.

Those are the reasons I like it, too! Hoping I’ll be near a Celine boutique soon so I can try it on. I’ve always liked the Box bag/Triomphe design but the Box didn’t really suit me and while I really liked the Triomphe, I’m wondering if I’ll get tired of the metal logo. All my other bags have very minimal hardware and branding.

 

[OCMomof3]

Ooo I'm curious to hear what drew you both to the 16 over the Triomphe? I've loved the Triomphe for a few years after trying it on once but have started eyeing the 16 online. I haven't seen the 16 in person but I'm wondering if I might prefer the small or mini over the Triomphe.

I already have the Triomphe tan wallet in natural leather. I don’t mind the large logo on the wallet, and had fully planned to get the Triomphe bag to coordinate.

But aside from my BV Jodie and my Celine small Big Bag, I have pretty obvious branding on all of my bags. I guess I was drawn by the 16 because the branding is not as obvious as it is on the Triomphe. I also love the silhouette of the 16 and the top handle. I have enough flap bags - don’t truly need another one.

I realized all of this the minute I started looking at the 16 in the boutique! In the past, I was underwhelmed by pics of the 16 on social media. Seeing it in person made it very clear to me. This happened to me one other time with the Chanel 19. That one I actively disliked before seeing it in person.

If it’s possible for you, go see the 16 in person. There are some truly beautiful details to this bag (as others have mentioned), like the side pleating and top handle. Also, since you mentioned the mini 16, just know that it is very, very small. The size difference between the small and the medium is also pretty significant. I am 5’4’, petite but not tiny, and the small looked fantastic proportionally and has plenty of room for what I carry in a day (which is not a lot, but also not super minimal).