Chanel classic flap bag -Mini rectangle

Collectors’ Insights

This Chanel Classic Flap Bag in blue caviar suede with silver-tone hardware belongs to the 17-series, dating to approximately 2012–2013.

The Mini Rectangle is one of the most coveted silhouettes in the Classic Flap line due to its rare combination of compact structure and full-flap design. Originally introduced as a seasonal variation, early Mini Rectangles were produced in highly limited batches and remained absent from Chanel’s permanent lineup until years later, contributing to their collectability.

Its leather finish, a rare suede-treated caviar, is what makes this particular piece especially distinctive. This hybrid material blends the resilience and pebbled texture of caviar with the soft, velvety surface of suede — a finish seldom seen in Chanel’s standard offerings. Bags crafted in this leather are scarce and often produced in a narrow range of seasonal shades.

The rich blue tone, paired with silver-tone hardware, reflects a tonal balance that Chanel favored in the early 2010s under Karl Lagerfeld’s creative direction. During this period, several seasonal experiments were introduced, many of which were not repeated, making certain combinations like this one both rare and desirable for archival collectors.