In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.
—Coco Chanel
From hula hoops to rocket ships, there’s a world of Chanel wonders that have haunted the imagination of luxury lovers. Not only are they irreplaceable, but they’re also irresistible. Let’s strut down runways past and discover ultra-rare Chanel handbags that will drop your jaw—and that you, luxury lover, can only find at FASHIONPHILE.
Before Matthieu Blazy, There Was Karl Lagerfeld.
Like Matthieu, Karl Lagerfeld was appointed Creative Director of Chanel when the brand was in a luxury lull. Its influence had waned to the point that Karl was advised not to touch it. But touch it and sculpt it he did, restoring its original luster—and oh was it haute.
When Lagerfeld took the throne, he thrust Chanel back into the spotlight and started a cultural movement with Métiers d’Art. Pronounced may-tyay dar, it’s French for artistic crafts. As the name suggests, it showcases the skills of the house’s specialized ateliers, including Lesage (embroidery and tweed), Lemarié (feathers and flowers), and Goossens (goldsmithing).
Karl Lagerfeld’s tenure was defined by the magnificent fashion pieces born from his globe-trotting Métiers d’Art and Cruise collections. Every year, these shows traveled to a new city—from the street markets of Salzburg to the boardwalks of California—to draw inspiration from local culture. Among these pieces were many magnificent minaudieres. But what exactly is a minaudiere?
Created in 1933 by Van Cleef Arpels, this compact, rigid accessory functions more like a piece of jewelry than a traditional evening bag. While Karl didn’t invent the minaudiere, he certainly launched it, making it a Chanel show mainstay (think Matthieu Blazy’s Peanut minaudiere).
But what makes them so special? Well, beyond their playful, sculptural appeal, they’re produced in limited quantities and tend to only be available to Chanel’s high clientele (unless you shop at FASHIONPHILE, of course).
Rare Chanel Finds
Ready to go nuts for some fine Chanel finds?
Chanel Alligator Medium Double Flap Red
First Appeared: 1983 (The Silhouette)
Karl Lagerfeld’s 1983 debut show was the big bang for modern Chanel. It was here that he took the bones of the 1955 Chanel 2.55 and added the iconic CC turn-lock and leather-intertwined chain to create the Double Flap silhouette we know today. While this specific vibrant red alligator version wasn’t on that first runway, it is the ultimate realization of that 1983 blueprint. Since Chanel ceased using exotic skins in 2018, this piece has transitioned from a runway evolution to a permanent historical artifact.
Haute Tip: Learn about the Chanel Classic Flap and 2.55 Reissue Flap here.
Chanel Hula Hoop Flap
First Appeared: Spring/Summer 2013 Ready-to-Wear
Defying the laws of handbag physics, this oversized circular frame houses a classic flap. Debuted in Paris, it is a sculptural masterpiece that turned a simple beach accessory into the ultimate high-fashion statement. It became a viral sensation, famously seen everywhere from the runway to the arms of Kris Jenner.
Chanel Grocery Basket
First Appeared: Fall/Winter 2014 Ready-to-Wear
This brass-and-leather interlaced basket turned the supermarket aisle into a high-fashion runway at the Grand Palais. It is a witty nod to consumerism that only Lagerfeld could make feel as essential as eggs.
Chanel Painted Feministe Newsprint Double Flap
First Appeared: Spring/Summer 2015 Ready-to-Wear
Making a statement in more ways than one, this canvas flap features a protest-inspired print from the Boulevard Chanel runway. It represents a rare intersection of street art and high luxury that captured the spirit of Paris in 2015.
Chanel Wood Havana By Night Cigar Box Minaudiere
First Appeared: Cruise 2016/17
An ode to Cuban culture, this wood-carved clutch mimics a vintage cigar box. Debuted on the Paseo del Prado in Havana, it’s a sophisticated conversation starter, perfect for smoking and non-smoking sections alike.
Chanel Rocket Ship Minaudiere
First Appeared: Fall/Winter 2017 Ready-to-Wear
Taking the brand to new heights, this resin and silver-tone metal rocket features Chanel Ground Control branding. It was the star of a space-themed show that famously featured a life-sized rocket launch inside the Grand Palais, making it a piece of fashion history for the interstellar collector.
Chanel Plexiglass Crystal Quilted Minaudiere
First Appeared: Fall/Winter 2017 Ready-to-Wear
Sharing the same runway as the stellar Rocket Ship, this clutch mimics the brand’s quilting using rows of crystals set against black plexiglass. It’s a high-tech take on the Classic Flap silhouette.
Chanel CC Over The Moon Minaudiere
First Appeared: Cruise 2017/18
This crescent-shaped clutch is out of this world. Inspired by the Greek “La Modernité de l’Antiquité” show, it represents a Space Age era of Chanel and uses a celestial, curved silhouette to mirror the phases of the moon.
Chanel Success Story Set of 4 Mini Bags
First Appeared: Métiers d’Art 2019/20
This quilted trunk houses four titans of the brand. Debuted during the “31 rue Cambon” show in Paris, the set includes miniature versions of the 2.55, the Classic Flap, the Boy Bag, and the Gabrielle.
Chanel Beech Wood Vanity Case
First Appeared: Cruise 2021/22
Inspired by the limestone quarries of the Carrières de Lumières in Provence, it’s an architectural piece that swaps traditional leather for raw, natural wood to match the earthy, sun-drenched vibe of the French countryside.
Haute Tip: Learn more about Chanel vanity cases here.
Chanel Slot Machine Minaudiere
First Appeared: Cruise 2022/23
High stakes meet high fashion in this Monte Carlo-inspired piece. This functional work of art features intricate crystal work that captures the neon glow of a luxury casino in Monaco. Hit the jackpot with this lucky find.
Crystal Embellished Metallic Mini Chanel 22
First Appeared: Cruise 2023/24
Retro glam meets the Chanel 22. Debuted as part of the cinematic Los Angeles collection, this version was designed to evoke the Hollywood parties of the “70s and “80s. It’s made for a bougie boogie.
Haute Tip: Learn more about the Chanel 22 here.
Chanel Los Angeles Mini Van Minaudiere
First Appeared: Cruise 2023/24
Part of the same shimmering show, this tribute to California cool captures the spirit of a sunset drive down the Pacific Coast Highway. Debuted in Los Angeles, it’s a nostalgic, high-octane take on the classic surf van aesthetic. Vroom vroom…
Ride into the Sunset with Chanel
Go around the world and over the moon with a bag as rare as you. Shop ultra-rare Chanel bags at FASHIONPHILE now.
