IMAGE: CHANEL

Chanel’s statement-making novelty bags (the minaudière, in particular) have been a staple of their runway collections season after season, but eagle-eyed fans would have realised that there weren’t any to be found during its #CHANELFallWinter runway presentation. Sure, there were plenty of flap bags and the all-new diamond-shaped leather handbags, but the always iconic minaudière was missing. Until now.

Yes, the famed N°5 Perfume Bottle Bag is back, and this time, Chanel (or rather, Creative Director Virginie Viard) has cleverly added elements from the Fall-Winter 2020 collection, breathing new life with the addition of Byzantine-inspired jewels in front.

The see-through bag first made an appearance at Cruise 2014, coming in a similar shape and proportion to the unmistakable N°5 perfume bottle. From the bottle cap to the octagonal-shaped body, Chanel managed to create a beautiful evening bag that measures 20 cm high and 12 cm wide, giving it an additional leather-interlaced chain strap if you prefer carrying it over the shoulder or across the body.

Along with the bejewelled version with crystals, Chanel has released a second version in opaque black and white, the combination of colours reminding one of a checkerboard design. As with all seasonal minaudière creations, these ones should be in the 5-digit range, with prices available only upon request at the boutiques.

For more information, do visit CHANEL.com

IMAGE: CHANEL