Stella McCartney
Falabella Faux-Leather Chain Handbag
This compact Falabella handbag from Stella McCartney is a square-shaped women's shoulder bag crafted from black polyester faux leather with a pebbled texture, a recycled-polyester satin lining, and silver-tone chain trim and shoulder strap. It measures 7 by 7 by 2 inches (18 cm H x 18 cm L x 5 cm W), closes with a magnetic snap, includes an inner slip pocket, and is made in Italy. User reviews indicate the faux-leather fabric is durable and resists stretching, but the chain adds considerable weight and the hardware may discolor over years of use.
- Material
- Polyester faux leather with recycled polyester lining
- Gender
- female
- Style
- modern, minimal
- Category
- Luggage & Bags > Shopping Totes
Specifications
Geometric faux-leather chain handbag with magnetic closure and inner pocket, lined with recycled polyester.
Magnetic closure, inner pocket, chain strap, faux-leather construction, recycled lining.
- Material
- Polyester faux leather with recycled polyester lining
- Style
- modern, minimal
- Occasion
- everyday, date-night
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Dimensions
- 7x2x7 in
- Category
- Luggage & Bags > Shopping Totes
Additional Attributes
- faux leather
- recycled polyester lining
- magnetic closure
- inner pocket
- made in Italy
- chain strap
Product Insights
The Stella McCartney Falabella Faux-Leather Chain Handbag is an iconic IT bag since 2009, made from polyester faux leather that lasts 4–7 years without peeling or cracking, backed by B Corp certification for sustainable luxury. However, its permanently attached chain strap is heavy, digs into the shoulder, tarnishes over time, and requires professional repair; the interior fits an iPhone 15 Pro Max and passport but not a cased Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or continental wallet, and the chain can be worn long or doubled but not removed. At CAD 1450, many recommend buying pre-loved for better value, and while the 3-chain foldover model is considered fussy and less practical than the 2-chain, the bag remains a style icon best suited for evenings or light errands.
Verified claims
- Comfort
- Heavy chain strap digs into shoulder, causes discomfort for extended wear.
- Strap removability
- Chain strap is permanently attached and cannot be removed by the user.
- Material
- Polyester faux leather lasts 4–7 years without peeling or cracking.
- Value
- At CAD 1450, many recommend buying pre-loved for better value.
- Tarnish
- Buyers report chain tarnish over time; the faux leather body resists wear.
- Maintenance
- Tarnish can be polished away; non-removable chain may require professional repair.
- Interior capacity
- Fits iPhone 15 Pro Max and passport, but not cased Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or continental wallet.
- Inner pocket
- Inner pocket fits credit cards and folded cash.
- Ethical cachet
- Stella McCartney is B Corp certified, reinforcing the bag as a sustainable-luxury choice.
- B Corp certification
- Stella McCartney earned B Corp certification in 2023.
- Chain hardware
- The chain is the main wear area: it can tarnish and is not user-replaceable; if damaged, professional assessment is required for repair or possible replacement.
- Strap adjustability
- The chain strap can be doubled through side loops for a shorter shoulder drop.
- Strap configuration
- Non-removable chain strap can be worn long or doubled.
- Day-to-night use
- The heavy chain and compact interior limit its practicality as an all-day bag.
- Cleaning
- Wipe faux leather with a damp cloth and mild soap; polish chain with a jewelry cloth.
- Chain repair
- The permanently attached chain strap requires professional repair if damaged.
- Faux leather durability
- The polyester faux leather holds up well over time: it generally does not peel, crack, or stain easily, and many users report it stays in great condition for years with regular use.
- Value
- It offers high quality and lasting durability, but the premium price for vegan leather and the heavy chain make it polarizing; many recommend buying pre-loved to offset the cost.
- Wallet fit
- A compact bifold wallet (approx. 3.5 × 4.5 inches) slips easily next to a phone, but a standard continental checkbook wallet (7.5 × 4 inches) will not fit within the 7-inch length and will prevent the magnetic closure from engaging.
- Cosmetic and key capacity
- A standard 3-inch lipstick tube and a pair of keys or a slim car key fob fit comfortably above the phone in the 2-inch deep main body, but a full-size sunglass case or clunky key ring will bulge against the flap.
- Quality
- The quality is generally excellent: many users report the material holds up well for years without stretching, tearing, or staining, especially when bought pre-owned.
Product record
- Title
- Falabella Faux-Leather Chain Handbag
- Brand
- Stella McCartney
- Price
- 1450 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 19 sourcesUses
Everyday purse with a signature chain-strap look
This shoulder bag is designed to be carried daily, with a thick silver-tone curb chain that trims the edges and forms a single long shoulder strap that doubles as a handle. One owner reports using theirs as an everyday purse with the fabric and chains still in pristine condition after four years, though other owners note the chains make the bag heavy even when empty and that the shoulder strap can dig into the skin after a couple of hours of wear.[1,2,4,6,7,8]
An everyday bag you can carry for years
Shoppers describe the Falabella as an everyday purse that holds up over long-term use: one owner reports the fabric still looks great after around 7 years, with no stretching, staining, or tearing, and another says theirs stayed in pristine condition after 4 years of daily use. The chain can be the first place aging shows—one long-term owner notes slight discoloration from years of being held. Another commenter recalls a coworker's bag still looking good despite very rough treatment, though these are individual reported experiences.[3,4,5]
Product comparison
Compared within this brand.
| Falabella Faux-Leather Chain Handbag: Choose this if you want a small (18 by 18 by 5 cm), boxy black shoulder bag from Stella McCartney's flagship Falabella line, with silver-tone curb chain edge trim, a chain shoulder strap, magnetic closure, and an interior pocket in a satiny logo lining. It is a fully vegan, polyester-based faux-leather bag made in Italy, and long-term owners report the fabric holding up well over years of wear, though one noted the chain discolored slightly. Be aware that owners report the chains make the bag heavy even when empty, and the shoulder strap can dig into the skin after a couple of hours of wear.[2,3,6,8,9] | Studded Logo Tote Bag: Choose this if you want a structured, everyday tote in navy that carries by its double-layered grab handles or a removable adjustable crossbody strap, with a magnetic button closure, a matching removable inner pouch, and Stella McCartney's round studded logo on the front. It's made in Italy from pebbled faux leather (100% polyamide with a polyurethane coating) and comes with a branded dust bag; one Reddit commenter reported their three bags stayed in excellent condition despite heavy wear. Note it's offered in one size with no listed dimensions, and the lining is described inconsistently across sources (felt, 100% polyamide, and a suede-like dark lining).[10,11,12,13] | Mini Falabella Faux-Leather Chain Handbag: Choose this if you want Stella McCartney's flagship Falabella in a mini, vegan form: it is handmade in Italy from 100% polyester faux leather with silver curb-chain trim and straps, a magnetic closure, an inner slip pocket, and a satin recycled-polyester lining, in a black, roughly 9.5 by 10.5 inch body about 3.25 inches deep. It suits light, everyday carry—owners describe it as a cute, stylish bag whose fabric holds up well over years of use, though some note the chain makes it heavy even when empty and can dig into the shoulder after a couple of hours, making it a poor pick for hauling weighty items.[2,3,4,14,15,16,17,18,19] |
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front-facing small square-shaped shoulder bag in black pebbled faux-leather with an attached silver-tone curb chain that trims the edges and forms the shoulder strap; round silver medallion hangs near top left front.
- Overall shapeBoxy square-to-rectangular silhouette with a slightly narrower top edge and flat base so the bag stands upright in the image; top corners are slightly angled.
1 region
x 0.17 · y 0.52 · w 0.66 · h 0.34 (high) - Material and finishBlack pebbled faux-leather surface with a subtle metallic sheen and fine grain texture visible across the front panel.
1 region
x 0.19 · y 0.54 · w 0.62 · h 0.28 (high) - Edge trimSilver-tone curb chain sewn into the perimeter seam, forming a continuous decorative trim around the front and side edges with visible whipstitching where the chain meets the material.
1 region
x 0.16 · y 0.49 · w 0.68 · h 0.34 (high) - Shoulder strapSingle long silver-tone curb chain strap composed of the same link style as the edge trim, arranged in front of the bag in loose curves and extending out of frame on the right and left.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.77 · w 0.88 · h 0.16 (high); x 0.38 · y 0.45 · w 0.30 · h 0.18 (high) - Hanging medallionSmall round silver medallion attached near the upper left front panel, disc has raised lettering around its rim.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.57 · w 0.06 · h 0.06 (high) - Medallion text“STELLA MCCARTNEY”Partial
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.57 · w 0.06 · h 0.06 (medium) - Seam and stitchingVisible whipstitch detail where the chain is stitched into the bag along the top and side seams; stitching contrasts subtly against the black surface.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.49 · w 0.64 · h 0.12 (high)
Other
Studio product shot with neutral light gray background, soft shadow under the bag, even diffuse lighting and no props other than the bag's own chain strap laid out in front.
- BackgroundUniform light gray studio background covering the whole image.
- ShadowingSoft diffuse shadow directly beneath the bag and faint shadowing to the lower right, indicating overhead diffuse lighting.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.80 · w 0.60 · h 0.10 (medium) - Shot compositionBag centered in lower half of frame with generous empty space above; image crops some chain ends at left and right edges.
Colors
black with metallic sheen· body#21211Epolished silver· chain trim and strapsilver disc· medallion#BBBDBB- Overall shapeBoxy square-to-rectangular silhouette with a slightly narrower top edge and flat base so the bag stands upright in the image; top corners are slightly angled.
- 02
Product
Side/angled view of a black textured faux-leather handbag with a shiny silver curb chain used as edge trim and shoulder strap; the bag sits on a light surface and the chain extends onto the foreground surface.
- Overall shapeSoft-sided trapezoidal handbag seen from a slightly angled side view; front face slopes inward toward the top edge and the base appears flat on the surface.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.06 · w 0.78 · h 0.78 (high) - Exterior materialMatte, fine-pebbled textured faux-leather or suede-like surface covering the bag exterior, visible as dense small grain across the main body.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.22 · w 0.50 · h 0.55 (high) - Edge trim constructionShiny silver curb chain stitched or looped along the side and top edges of the bag, forming a continuous metallic border.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.08 · w 0.78 · h 0.84 (high) - Shoulder strap detailLong silver curb-chain shoulder strap that doubles as a handle; one segment drapes inside the bag opening and another segment extends across the foreground on the surface.
2 regions
x 0.20 · y 0.04 · w 0.40 · h 0.40 (high); x 0.06 · y 0.78 · w 0.60 · h 0.18 (high) - Side gussetLeft-side gusset panel visible with slight gathering and creasing, showing the bag expands inward from the trimmed edge.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.18 · w 0.28 · h 0.60 (high) - Top opening detailTop opening shows a row of dense stitching or braided trim where the chain meets the fabric, visible as a horizontal textured band at the bag rim.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.02 · w 0.44 · h 0.12 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a light neutral background with soft shadow and even diffuse lighting; image is cropped so the rightmost edge of the bag extends near the frame edge.
- Background and surfaceUniform light gray background and matching light surface with a soft shadow beneath the bag.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Shot compositionAngled side/three-quarter crop focusing on the bag's left-to-front portion; right edge of the bag is close to the image border and partially cropped.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.00 · w 0.60 · h 1.00 (high) - Lighting and reflectionsSoft, even lighting with specular highlights visible on the metallic chain but minimal glare on the matte bag body.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.02 · w 0.60 · h 0.80 (high)
Colors
matte black· bag body#0E0E0Apolished silver· chain trim and strap- Overall shapeSoft-sided trapezoidal handbag seen from a slightly angled side view; front face slopes inward toward the top edge and the base appears flat on the surface.
- 03
Product
Close-up of a small black pebbled faux-leather handbag interior showing chain trim, whipstitch edging, a magnetic snap, an interior card pocket with a black trim, and a pink satin lining with a repeating logo pattern.
- Exterior materialBlack pebbled faux-leather exterior with a slightly napped, textured surface visible on the flap and body.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.45 · w 0.60 · h 0.45 (high) - Whipstitch edgeRaised whipstitch binding along the bag edge where the chain is inset, formed from the black material folded and stitched over the chain trim.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.05 · w 0.72 · h 0.30 (high) - Chain trim and strapThick curb-style silver-toned metal chain used as edge trim and shoulder strap, visible running around the bag opening and draped across the interior.
2 regions
x 0.60 · y 0.00 · w 0.37 · h 0.45 (high); x 0.18 · y 0.56 · w 0.62 · h 0.28 (high) - Magnetic snapRound metal magnetic snap on the interior flap with small circular text around its rim.
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.14 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high) - Interior card pocketInterior flat card or slip pocket edged with a narrow black trim, stitched to the lining and set along the inner back wall.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.33 · w 0.50 · h 0.27 (high) - Interior lining patternLight pink/rose-gold satin lining with a small repeating embossed or printed logo/monogram pattern visible across the fabric surface.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.36 · w 0.45 · h 0.35 (high) - Debossed label on pocket trimRectangular black patch on the pocket trim with debossed characters; text is shallow and partially legible.Partial
1 region
x 0.32 · y 0.42 · w 0.22 · h 0.10 (medium) - Snap rim text“Circular text around the magnetic snap rim; characters are visible around the edge but not fully distinct.”Partial
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.14 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (medium)
Other
Studio product shot focused on the bag interior with neutral light-gray background; soft, diffuse lighting creates mild highlights on the chain and low shadows inside the bag.
- Shot compositionTight close-up framing from an overhead angled view focusing on the open top of the bag and interior pocket.
- Background and surfaceUniform pale light-gray background with no visible props or packaging.
- Lighting and reflectionsSoft diffuse studio lighting producing subtle highlights on the silver chain and mild sheen on the satin lining; small specular reflections on metal surfaces.
- Image cropRight-side of the bag is cropped so the chain continues off-frame at the lower right corner.
1 region
x 0.75 · y 0.60 · w 0.24 · h 0.36 (high)
Colors
black· exterior body#0E0E0Bmetallic silver· chain hardwarerose gold pink· interior liningblack (smooth trim)· pocket trim and internal patch#0E0D09- Exterior materialBlack pebbled faux-leather exterior with a slightly napped, textured surface visible on the flap and body.
Brand PDP Lookup
- Brand
- Stella McCartney
Falabella Fold-Over Tote Bag
Documents & Data
Reddit Insights
6 threads · r/handbags, r/femalefashionadvice, r/BuyItForLifeReddit users have mixed feelings about the Stella McCartney Falabella: while many praise its quality and timeless design, the heavy chain and impracticality for daily use are significant drawbacks.
Positive sentiments focus on durability and style, while negative sentiments repeatedly highlight the bag's heavy chain and discomfort. Some consider it outdated, others find it iconic.
Themes
Use Cases
- Evening / night out
- Everyday errands (with light items)
- Not suitable for heavy loads (school/college)
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Zara / high street brands
Stella McCartney's Falabella faux leather is considered significantly higher quality than typical high street vegan leather, being softer and more durable.
vs Prada nylon
One user suggested Prada nylon as a more durable BIFL alternative, while others defended Stella McCartney's materials.
Source Threads
Quality and weight concerns of the Falabella
It was the IT bag in 2009, which stood the test of time. The price doesn't justify being vegan and the chains on the bag make it really heavy even when it's empty. The shoulder bag digs through your skin after wearing it for a couple of hours. Aside from that it's a cute bag.
u/No-Conversation-1030r/handbagsView thread →
Falabella faux leather quality compared to high street brands
Tbf the quality of Stella McCartney bags is wayyy better than the sort of thing you’d get at Zara for instance. The faux leather on the Falabella is a little softer/not as shiny, which seems to make it more durable.
u/Celebrating_socksr/femalefashionadviceView thread →
Long-term durability and chain discoloration
I’ve had my black falabella bag for around 7 years now and the fabric itself still looks great. It hasn’t stretched out, stained, torn or anything like that. The only obvious sign of aging is on the chain, where it’s now a little discoloured from years of being held.
u/velvet_apricotr/handbagsView thread →
Impressions of the Falabella as an everyday bag
I have one, I bought it a couple of years ago. I still absolutely love the look of it (whenever I see a Falabella in any color combination, I always do a double take cos I'm so drawn to them), but I hardly ever use it, because it's very impractical for me. It's heavy and the model I have (the 3-chain foldover tote) is fussy, it's difficult to make it look right and I find myself having to adjust the bag all the time when I'm out to make it look nicer.
u/francyfra79r/handbagsView thread →
Durability despite rough use and recommendation to buy pre-loved
I worked with a girl in the mid 2010s who had this bag and she beat it to absolute shit and it still looked good. I'd honestly start with used.
u/chartreusepapooser/handbagsView thread →
Positive four-year experience with everyday use
I have one that I bought new four years ago (black with gold hardware) and use as my everyday purse. It is still in pristine condition, both the fabric and the chains. I think many people who automatically dismiss Stella McCartney bags as plastic have not experienced her materials firsthand.
u/DatAcidr/BuyItForLifeView thread →