Chanel Flaps are great. There’s no denying it. As are the 2.55, the Boy Bag and the rest of the Chanel family. But some of the House’s most imaginative accessories transform everyday objects into wearable art. Think perfume bottles, milk cartons, slot machines and children’s toys. Chanel minaudières are small, structured evening bags that put the idea itself centre stage.Karl Lagerfeld made these miniature masterpieces a signature of his collections, and Virginie Viard continued that playful tradition. With Matthieu Blazy now leading Chanel, these earlier designs offer a fascinating way to explore the House’s creative history.
Collectors paradise
Why Collect Chanel Minaudières?
Often tied to a particular runway theme or season, Chanel minaudières can be difficult to find again once their original collection has left boutiques. Their appeal lies in the combination of distinctive design, craftsmanship and fashion history. Rewind Vintage Affairs brings together a curated collection of pre-owned Chanel minaudières, from playful novelty clutches to intricately embellished evening bags. Keep reading to discover ten of our favourite Chanel minaudières and the collections behind them.
Keep reading to discover ten of our favourite Chanel minaudières and the collections behind them.
THE SUPERMARKET COLLECTION
Chanel 2014 Pink Python Lait de Coco Milk Carton Bag
An everyday milk carton, given the Chanel treatment. This pink python Lait de Coco bag revisits the supermarket fantasy of Karl Lagerfeld’s Autumn/Winter 2014 collection, with textured exotic leather, an oversized stitched CC logo and silver-tone hardware. A leather-interwoven chain makes this playful Chanel novelty bag easy to wear over the shoulder.
CASINO ROYALE
Chanel 2023 Slot Machine Casino Minaudière Clutch Jackpot
From Virginie Viard’s Monte-Carlo-inspired Cruise 2023 collection, the Chanel Slot Machine Casino Minaudière turns an evening bag into a miniature gaming machine. Plexiglass, colourful crystals, a decorative lever and tiny coin details capture the collection’s casino references, while the chain strap keeps this statement clutch ready for a night out
THE ICONIC NO. 5
Chanel No.5 Perfume Box Minaudière Clutch
Chanel No. 5, with room for more than fragrance. This Spring/Summer 2021 perfume box minaudière recreates the famous packaging in black-and-white plexiglass. Its clean rectangular shape and leather crossbody strap make a graphic alternative to a classic evening bag, celebrating Chanel’s fragrance heritage through a wonderfully literal design.
THE WINTER WONDERLAND
Chanel 2010 Limited Edition Ice Cube Minaudière Clutch
A little piece of Chanel’s winter wonderland. The Ice Cube Minaudière comes from Karl Lagerfeld’s Autumn/Winter 2010 collection, remembered for its spectacular iceberg set. Its angular construction, expandable accordion sides and silver-tone clasp give this sculptural Chanel clutch an icy character; the leather-chain strap tucks inside for hand-held wear.
PARIS-SHANGHAI
Chanel 2010 Paris-Shanghai China Doll Minaudière
From the Pre-Fall 2010 Paris-Shanghai Métiers d’Art collection, this Chanel China Doll Minaudière brings intricate decoration to a glossy black resin, matryoshka-inspired silhouette. Crystal details, pearl-effect camellias, metallic latticework and a black tassel surround the CC turn-lock. Part evening bag, part miniature sculpture, it captures Lagerfeld’s theatrical approach to accessories.
CHANEL AIRLINES
Chanel 2016 Trolley Pink Minaudière Clutch
Cabin baggage, Chanel style. Created for Spring/Summer 2016, the pink Trolley Minaudière belongs to the season of Lagerfeld’s Chanel Airlines airport show. Pink resin and quilted lambskin recreate a miniature suitcase, complete with gold-tone hardware and wheels. A drop-in chain shoulder strap turns the travel-inspired design into a compact evening companion.
BUILDING BLOCKS
Chanel Translucent Yellow Lucite Lego Minaudière
Building blocks become an evening accessory in this translucent yellow-green Chanel Lego Minaudière. The brick-inspired design belongs to the playful Boy Brick family introduced in 2013, with oversized black CC branding, contrasting block details and a silver-tone chain. Its rigid lucite silhouette brings a vivid pop of colour to the Chanel novelty bag wardrobe.
PARIS-ROMA
Chanel Paris-Roma No. 5 Perfume Bottle Minaudière Clutch
The Chanel No. 5 bottle takes a Roman holiday. From the 2016 Paris-Rome Métiers d’Art collection, this perfume bottle minaudière pairs white marble-effect plexiglass with a faceted stopper and a CC plaque inscribed “PARIS-ROMA”. The sculptural shape connects Chanel’s fragrance heritage with the collection’s Italian setting, creating an unmistakable statement evening bag.
AN ARCHITECTURAL AFFAIR
Chanel 2015 CC Moucharabieh Minaudière Clutch
Architecture in the palm of your hand. From Karl Lagerfeld’s Resort 2015 collection, presented in Dubai, the Chanel CC Moucharabieh Minaudière uses repeating CC motifs to create an intricate openwork lattice. Gold-tone metal, a circular clasp and a delicate chain give this rectangular evening clutch its jewel-like finish and distinctive geometric character.
THE LION OF CHANEL
Chanel 2023 Lion Head Minaudière Clutch
A small bag with a commanding presence. From the Paris-Dakar Métiers d’Art Pre-Fall 2023 collection, this Chanel Lion Head Minaudière pairs round black quilted lambskin with a gold-tone lion and a mane of glass pearls. The motif recalls Gabrielle Chanel’s Leo star sign, while a leather-chain strap completes this jewellery-like evening bag.
THE COLLECTOR'S EDIT
Find Your Chanel Minaudière
Whether you love a playful milk carton or an ornate lion head, these bags offer a different way to wear Chanel. Explore Rewind’s Chanel minaudière collection or browse our pre-owned Chanel bags to find your own miniature masterpiece. For a particular piece, contact our team about sourcing and current availability.