Over the years, Karl Lagerfeld has created some of the weird or should we say, unique, handbags for Chanel. Surprisingly, these one-of-a-kind bags are some of the brand’s best sellers from its collections. Chanel has released a variety of designs, taking inspirations from unexpected things like Matryoshka dolls, milk carton box, gas tank and even computer keyboard. Other people may find it funny, but for most Chanel fans, these bags are worth the price. No matter how out of this world the designs are, these Chanel bags are still getting a lot of praises, so expect more quirky bags from the brand.
Some of these bags are still available at consignment shops, but since these are limited edition pieces, prepare to spend more money if you want to own one.
1. Russian Doll
Also known as the Matryoshka Doll Bag, as it was literally inspired by the famous Russian dolls. The bag was presented for the Paris-Moscow Pre-Fall 2009 Collection. It retailed at $6,000 (USD) when it was released. It is made of resin and gold, and features the CC logo with the iconic chain/leather shoulder strap. Who says Russian nesting dolls are only for home decor?
2. Hula Hoop Bag
Gone are the days when hula hoops are just used for exercising. Karl Lagerfeld has transformed the famous toy hoop into an amazing handbag for the brand's Spring/Summer 2013 Collection. The bag's signature quilted lambskin leather was attached to two hoops to make it into a handbag. A mini size is currently available at The Real Real for $1,395 (USD).
3. Belt Buckle Minaudiere
The Chanel Paris-Dallas Metiers D’Art Pre-fall 2014 was shown in a rodeo setting. So it's no wonder that the collection will feature cowboy inspired accessories. One of the handbags in the collection was a minaudiere inspired by western belt buckles. The Belt Buckle Minaudiere was priced at $5,600 (USD) back in 2014.
4. Lait de Coco
One of the most popular bags from Chanel is the very adorable Lait de Coco bag from the Fall/Winter 2014 Collection. The collection has a grocery theme, and the Lait de Coco bag perfectly fits in it. It has a shape of a milk carton and made of metallic goatskin. It is also made available in patent leather and python. The bag is still available at Portero for a whopping $11,990 (USD).
5. Grocery Basket Bag
If you think baskets are only for supermarkets, you haven't seen this Chanel bag. Also from the Fall/Winter 2014 Collection, the Basket bag is a luxury version of the classic wire shopping basket. The limited edition bag was released for $10,350 (USD).
6. Dubai By Night Gas Tank
The Chanel Cruise 2015 Collection was held in Dubai. Obviously, the most talked about bag after the runway show was the gas tank inspired bag. The Dubai By Night Gas Tank bag was made available in plexiglass and quilted leather. The bag has a small handle and includes a chain/leather shoulder strap. The plexiglass bag is still on sale at Tradesy for $7,780 (USD).
7. Brasserie Gabrielle Plexiglass Plates Minaudiere
The Fall/Winter 2015 Collection has a Paris Brasserie theme, wherein the Grand Palais was transformed into a chic restaurant during the show. The plates minaudiere was introduced in the show, it is made of white plexiglass with a lambskin leather and kiss lock closure. The bag is currently available at Portero for $9,950 (USD).
8. Film Projector Buonasera Minaudiere
Karl Lagerfeld has taken his inspiration from a vintage film projector to create this unique bag. The Film Projector Buonasera Minaudiere was presented for the Métiers d’Art Pre-Fall 2016 Collection which was held at a film studio in Rome. It is made of resin and brass, and features embellished strass on the lens. The bag was priced at $13,000 (USD).
9. Evening in L’Atelier Minaudiere Bag
One of the favorites from the Fall/Winter 2016 Collection is the spool thread inspired bag. It is made of gold thread and black resin with an interlaced chain and leather shoulder strap. The evening bag retailed for $7,600 (USD).
10. Keyboard Pouch Bag
The latest from this season is the Keyboard Pouch Bag from the Spring/Summer 2017 Collection. The brand's newest collection entitled "Data Center Chanel" features technology inspired accessories. The Keyboard Pouch is made of calfskin and available in black and silver. It features the address of Coco Chanel's apartment, and comes with a cute robot charm. The bag retails for $950 (USD) and is still available in stores.
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