Review: The Chloe Paddington Is Back — And I Couldn’t Grab One Fast Enough

Ralph Lauren Shirt, Reiss Jeans both Vinted

Oh my goodness. The Chloé Paddington is officially back for 2025. Yes yes yes — Daisy Edgar-Jones was out & about swinging one, and suddenly it’s 2005 again and I need a pair of bootcut jeans, a Lancôme Juicy Tube, and my old Clinique compact. I found the dreamiest vintage Paddington in a soft, tan brown with the kind of butter-like leather that just doesn’t exist anymore — and snapped her up for £230 from Designer Exchange. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever clicked “Buy Now” so fast.

Did I buy it because it’s trending? Yes.

Did I also buy it because she’s an absolute icon of a bag? Also yes.

Did I buy it to try and trick myself into thinking I’m a cool Gen Z not a millennial? Maybe

A Little History (because this bag is fashion history):

The Paddington first launched in 2005 under Chloé’s then-creative director Phoebe Philo, and it instantly became the “It” bag. It sold out before it even hit stores, with waitlists months long and was spotted on every A-lister who mattered (to me): Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Mischa Barton, Paris Hilton, and of course the Olsen twins (who somehow always managed to make it look cooler than everyone else).

It was oversized, slouchy, and had that signature heavy padlock that made it instantly recognisable — and absurdly heavy.

But let’s talk honestly: this bag is heavy.

And I mean seriously. The leather is thick and sumptuous — glorious to touch but not so glorious to carry and that iconic padlock? I swear it’s a weapon. I actually (like seriously) nearly cracked our marble table by flinging it down. Whoops. Caution: she’s chic, but she’s dangerous.

In terms of size and shape:

Mine is the version with the zip compartment on the bottom and a main compartment on top. She’s wide, but not that deep maybe 20cm.

If you pack it full and zip it - it fits a lot.

But if you don’t zip your bag and only have a few loose items in there, you run the risk of them falling out - because the weight of the padlock flattens the bag. (see photo to better illustrate this)

BUT: she fits perfectly on the shoulder. Slouchy, low, effortless. I felt like 2004 Sienna Miller immediately.

My advice?

Skip the reissue. Go vintage.

Let’s be real: the original Paddingtons were made with better materials. The leather on mine is thick, grained, soft — the kind that ages beautifully. The reissued versions might have the same silhouette, but they won’t have the soul (or leather and padlock quality). If you’re going to buy into the trend, buy into the original moment when fashion was chaotic, fun, and unapologetically boho.

The Paddington is having her moment again and honestly, I’m so glad she’s back.

Would I recommend?

Yes, but only at cheap preloved prices. Just maybe don’t swing it near anything breakable.

V&A Handbag Exhibition