Chanel is often remembered for her revolutionary style and her brave innovations, bringing not just new products and finishes but entirely new concepts to the luxury market.
Coco Chanel’s own approach was to combine the look and aesthetic of a bag with its practical function. She introduced the long shoulder strap that has become a hallmark of countless modern bags, and was generous in her integration of internal pockets within the lining of each bag.
As a result of this, Chanel’s bags are considered timeless in their own right – while also representing great leaps forward in modern fashion.
One such leap was to take her most popular bags and their core features and introduce a smaller and more compact size. You will notice as you browse the Chanel Mini bags that the quilting is the same, the material finish is the same, and the luxury brand offers the same variety of colours and hardware details. All that’s different is the size – and it may or may not surprise you to learn that often the Mini versions are the most expensive and hardest to buy.
To cut a long story short, the Chanel Mini became a popular option for those seeking a more relaxed and informal bag, large enough to hold necessities but not so big that it overwhelms an outfit. So, what choices do buyers have when selecting a Chanel Mini, and what are the key features that make the Mini Rectangular so coveted and sought after?
Key Features of the Mini Rectangular
The Mini Rectangular bag is a compact version of the Chanel Classic, released in 2010 as part of a collection of Chanel bags that embody the core design features but with much smaller dimensions.
The wearability of these Mini bags varies from buyer to buyer, with some coveting the night-out ‘clutch bag’ vibes of a Mini Chanel, while others see the smaller bag as an everyday wearable – something suitable for carrying around from day to night.
The shape of the bag replicates the standard Classic, with the proportions matching those of the larger bag. That means that the stitched pattern across the material balances with the length of the bag and the placement of the clasp. These dimensions are similarly balanced against the length of the strap, with the strap drop something that is carefully considered within the sizing dimensions of the bag.
The creation of this bag was born from the popularity of the smaller-sized Classic bags, bridging the size of the Mini Square Chanel with the aesthetic value of the Classic Rectangular bag.
What Is the Chanel Mini Rectangular Made Of?
This is where Chanel as a brand really comes into its own. The plethora of materials that Chanel uses across its different collections is vast, ranging from classic leathers to the more weird and wonderful uses of tweed and other wool-based materials.
In 2019, Chanel banned the use of exotic skins and furs in its bag collection, representing a major step forward for sustainability in the world of luxury style and fashion. While vintage bags that use these pricey and rare materials still exist and are available on the second-hand market, the extent of Chanel’s replacement materials means that these expensive animal skins are no longer required.
Most of the standard Chanel Mini Rectangular bags are made using one of Chanel’s core leathers: Caviar, Lambskin, Sheepskin, or Goatskin – all of which combine durability with a supple texture and soft-touch finish and work well within the boundaries of Chanel’s colour palette.
Available Sizes: What Constitutes a Mini?
The Mini Rectangular bag is the name given to one very specific model: measuring 20cm in length by 12cm in height and 6cm in depth.
These are not the only dimensions used to create a Chanel Mini, however. For example, the Mini Square is another option, measuring 17cm by 13.5cm by 8cm. The next size up from the Rectangular bag is the Small Classic, which measures 23cm by 14.5cm by 6cm.
Suffice to say, prior to the introduction and rollout of the Mini bags, the smallest bag was not really that small – making it a compact handbag but not as portable as something that can be slung over your shoulder with ease.
The Popularity of Mini Bags
Of course, the most important thing to note when browsing any Chanel Mini bag is the incredible attention to detail. These bags may be small, but they are typically considered the most sought-after and the most valuable bags in any Chanel collection – because of the extremely high demand that follows each release. Any style lover or Chanel fan will know that the brand is built on limited supply and high demand, but when it comes to the Mini bags, this is more prolific than ever.
And we can’t ignore the role that celebrity culture plays in the ever-increasing popularity of Mini bags. With countless celebrities being pictured on the red carpet, on the high street, and at events with a Mini bag doubling up as an accessory to their outfit, A-lister trendsetters have embraced the power of the Mini bag tenfold.
Which Hardware Option Is Right for You?
Finally to hardware, which is seen on the Chanel clasp at the front of the Mini Rectangular. Chanel is renowned for using premium materials across every detail of its bags, with the Mini Rectangular using the twisting CC lock to keep the flap firmly closed.
Some of the most popular options seen across different Chanel collections and models include polished gold, matte gold, rose gold, polished silver, black, incognito (the same colour as the material), and 24k hardware.
Choosing the right hardware for you will depend on your preferred jewellery and metallics, your wardrobe, and personal style. If you are buying a second-hand Chanel Mini, the hardware you choose will also depend on availability and which hardware is present on the bag of your choice.
To discover how it feels to carry a Chanel Mini Rectangular on your arm, head to your local boutique reseller and browse their full collection.