DESIGNER 101
Chanel 101: Five of the Most Rare &
Collectible Chanel BagS
By Taylor M. Dec 28, 2020
Over the last century, Chanel has earned its post as one of the most
influential fashion houses globally. Images of tweed jackets, little black dresses, and two-tone ballet flats have become synonymous with the French brand. Still, the most sought after of Chanel’s designs are their handbags. This guide serves to highlight five rare and highly collectible Chanel bags to look out for on the resale market.
The Chanel Hula Hoop Bag
The Chanel Hoola Hoop Bag
In Chanel’s SS 2013 collection, Karl Lagerfeld’s runway featured a showstopping new take on the Classic Flap: the Hula Hoop Bag. The design features the Classic Flap’s original shape restructured within a giant circular handle to mimic a life-size hula hoop. For practical everyday wear, the shoulder bag can be found in a scaled-down size. This bag serves as the perfect structured-statement piece while remaining identifiable with its famous Chanel characteristics.
The Chanel Vintage Round Top Handle Vanity Case & The Chanel Vintage Heart Handle Bag
The Chanel Round Top Handle Vanity Case on Rebag
Adored by fashionistas worldwide, the Vintage Round Top Handle Vanity Case is another highly collectible Chanel handbag. This 1994-1996 bag made appearances at many a fashion week and is quick to be snatched up when seen on the resale market. The structure of the bag elicits a retro feel, while the sleekness of the patent leather allows the 90s and early 00s aesthetic to shine through
The Chanel Vintage Heart Handle Bag
A sister of this silhouette is the Vintage Heart Handle Bag. This fashionable artifact has an unforgettable charm thanks to its unique heart-shaped design, making it another standout addition to any handbag collection.
The Chanel Plexiglass Conch Shell Minaudiere Clutch
The Chanel Plexiglass Conch Shell Minaudiere Clutch
In the Spring of 2012, Karl Lagerfeld was keen on all things ocean themed. This was made evident by his sand lined runway and the introduction of conch-shaped clutches. The Chanel Plexiglass Conch Shell Minaudiere Clutch is made of pearlescent plexiglass that embodies an ethereal seashore aesthetic. Though not the most practical of handbag silhouettes, the conch is guaranteed to turn heads on your next beach trip. That is… if you can spot it in time when it hits the resale market.
The Chanel Silk Rope Shoulder Flap Bag
The Chanel Silk Rope Shoulder Flap Bag, Courtesy of Live Auctioneers
For those looking to add a little texture to their handbag collection, the Silk Rope Shoulder Flap Bag is an excellent choice. The bag has surfaced on the market in an array of colors from beige to black to brown, but the bag’s unique texture is the real star of the show. Designed between 1997-1999, this bag features delicately twisted silk and a rope-like shoulder strap to match the body. With the combination of the timeless Chanel turn-lock hardware and a refreshed exterior, this handbag is perfect for those who enjoy the classics with a hint of modernity.
The Chanel Supermarket Basket Bag
The Chanel Supermarket Basket Bag
Perhaps one of the most memorable runway shows during Lagerfeld’s tenure was the Chanel Shopping Center show of FW 2014/15. This show provided the world with one of the most unique handbags in Chanel’s design history: the Shopping Basket Bag. The bag-basket combo features the chain found on Chanel Classic Flap Bags with a structured supermarket twist. This novelty piece is perfect for a growing handbag collection or just to make any mundane errands a chic experience.
