Chanel Vanity Cases: 2023 Complete Guide & Review To A Modern Classic

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The Chanel vanity bag is one that has Chanel fans divided. Love them or hate them, they are a very special type of bag. We’re going on a deep dive on the Chanel vanity cases, including their history, sizes, what fits inside, pros & cons and more.

We’re huge fans of 2.55s and Classic Flaps, but sometimes we’re looking for a bag that stands out from the rest. That’s where Chanel Vanity Cases come in. 

These unique, boxy bags inspired by jewelry cases were first introduced in the 90s and remain popular to this day. We’ve gathered all of the information you need to know about this funky style. 

About Chanel Vanity Cases 

The first iteration of Chanel’s Vanity Cases was introduced in the 90s by legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld.

As the self-proclaimed “channeler of Coco,” Lagerfeld sought to adapt Chanel’s iconic designs to suit the modern woman. His original Vanity Cases were a prime example of this mission. 

Lagerfeld’s Vanity Cases were inspired by Audrey Hepburn-era jewelry boxes and cosmetic cases women used to hold toiletries while traveling. 

This style was incredibly rare due to limited production at the time. However, it was reimagined for the Chanel Airlines Spring/Summer 2016 collection and continues to be a part of Chanel’s collection.  

The revived style became an instant success thanks to its versatility and unmistakable Chanel features. It is often referred to as the CC Filagree Vanity Case. 

In addition to the traditional boxy design, Chanel also released round and flap versions of the bag. 

Design features of Chanel Vanity Cases 

Although the Vanity Case comes in several styles, all of them have characteristics in common: a boxy shape, a zipper going around the perimeter of the bag, and a short top handle. 

The earliest version of the bag was released in black caviar leather with the iconic interlocking CC logo. This model was more closely aligned with the traditional look of a vanity case. 

Versions of the bag released after 2016 feature diamond quilting, Chanel’s signature woven chain leather strap, an oversized CC logo, and tags. One tag holds a large CC charm lock, while the other holds keys for the lock. 

Like real luggage, the Chanel Vanity unzips around the perimeter and has numerous inner compartments for storage. Inside, there are two open compartments, a zippered side pocket, and a middle zippered compartment. 

It has both a shoulder strap and a top handle, allowing it to be carried crossbody or by hand. 

Chanel Vanity Case Sizes

The Filagree Vanity Case comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large. See the table below for exact dimensions. 

Chanel Filagree Vanity Case Size

Style	Dimensions in inches (L x H x W)	Dimensions in centimeters (L x H x W)
Chanel Vanity Case Small	6.7in x 5.1in x 2.8in	17cm x 13cm x 7cm
Chanel Vanity Case Medium	8.3in x 6.3in x 3.1in	21cm x 16cm x 8cm
Chanel Vanity Case Large	9.4in x 6.7in x 3.9in	24cm x 17cm x 10cm

Other Chanel Vanity Bags Dimensions

Style	Dimensions in inches (L x H x W)	Dimensions in centimeters (L x H x W)
Small Vanity With Chain	3.7 × 6.6 × 3.1 in	9.5 × 17 × 8 cm
Small Vanity With Chain & Top Handle	3.7 × 6.2 × 3.1 in	9.5 × 16 × 8 cm
Mini Vanity With Chain	4 x 3.5 x 3 in	10 x 9 x 8 cm
Vanity With 2 Top Handles	5.9 × 8 × 4.1 in	15 × 20.5 × 10.5 cm

Other Chanel Vanity Bags By Year

Small Vanity with Classic Chain – Released in 2020

This very classic looking beauty has been launched in 2020. Unlike many new Chanel bags, this Chanel vanity bag comes in caviar leather, so it’s quite sturdy and scratch resistant. This tiny bag will fit your phone, a cardholder, lipstick and keys.

Mini Chanel Vanity – Released in 2021

We won’t lie, there’s not much you can fit in this mini Chanel vanity case bag. If we can even call it a bag! It was released in 2021 and it was quite popular at the time, maybe due to the “small bag” craze. It won’t fit your phone, just some cards and keys (as long as they’re not too bulky).

Chanel Vanity Case With A Top Handle – Released in 2022

Unfortunately for us, caviar lovers – this Chanel Vanity bag comes in lambskin only. It was released in 2022 and it looks very similar to the 2020 version except it also features a top handle. So, it’s a perfect little evening bag that will surely stand out.

Chanel Vanity Bag With Top Handle & Metal – Released in 2022

Another version of the cute Chanel Vanity is this Fall 2022 release – the difference here is that the top handle is partly covered in gold-toned metal (which is great if you’re worried about color transfer on the handle). This vanity bag comes in burgundy and black and it’s made out of lambskin leather.

Mini Chanel Vanity Bag Coco Crush Ball – Cruise 2023

This adorable Vanity bag is part of Chanel’s 23C collection (like the awesome rainbow Classic Flap).It features the Coco Crush Ball, which means that the chain is adjustable. It’s a mini mini bag, so don’t expect it to hold too much. However, we have to admit, it’s a sweet bag, especially in patent.

Chanel Vanity Case With Two Top Handles – 22B

This Vanity case was a part of the 22B collection, released in September 2022 – although, you can still find some in the boutiques in 2023. It’s a special type of a vanity bag because it has the two handles, which resembles more a regular handbag.

Chanel Vanity Case Prices

Chanel still features the Filagree Vanity Case on its website. Remember, it’s not possible to buy Chanel bags online, but product listings do give an accurate estimate of what you can expect to pay for this handbag. 

The small Vanity Case in Calfskin and Gold-Tone Metal is currently listed at $4,100, whereas the medium is listed at $4,700. 

If you’re looking for a preloved Vanity case on a site like Fashionphile, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 up to $4,400. Rarer metallic styles sell for over $5,000. 

Chanel Vanity Case Materials 

More often than not, Chanel makes its vanity cases out of Caviar leather. This leather is lightweight, durable, and scratch-resistant. 

While most bags are made out of leather, Chanel doesn’t shy away from using unique materials in its seasonal versions of this bag. 

Past collections have featured vanity cases made out of PVC patent leather, rattan, and denim. 

Colors

Black, navy, nude, and nude/black are the most popular colors for the Vanity Case. Seasonal collections have featured bags in pink, green, silver, white, and iridescent metallics. 

The hardware is available in gold or silver. 

What Fits Inside Chanel Vanity Cases? 

The mini size does not really fit anything. It won’t fit a phone or even a card holder. It’s more a bag that you would if you carry your phone in your hand, and only need a card or two with you and maybe a lipstick.

The small size is perfect for use as a crossbody bag and fits a phone, lipstick, cardholder, and keys. 

Naturally, the medium is more spacious and can accommodate a larger wallet and makeup bag. It also has built-in card slots. 

The large case opens fully (like a suitcase), making it super spacious. It can even fit larger objects like an iPad mini. This size comes with an extra slip pocket and a detachable mirror. 

Pros and Cons of Chanel Vanity Cases

Pros:

• Can be carried in hand, over the shoulder, or as a crossbody
• Inner compartments and a zippered pocket keep your belongings secure
• Bags made of Caviar leather are durable 
• Classic Chanel details (quilting, CC motif, woven chain and leather strap)

Cons: 

• Design makes it hard to open and get stuff out of
• Shoulder strap isn’t removable and dangles when carried by the top handle
• Chain gets tangled and can look messy
• Heavy due to novelty lock and key  
• Lining and handle are Lambskin leather that scratches easily 

Are Chanel Vanity Cases Worth Buying? 

Ultimately, you’re the only one who can decide whether or not a bag is right for you. Hopefully, this Chanel Vanity case review has helped you make a decision.

That said, we’re pretty big fans of Chanel’s Vanity Cases for a few reasons. 

For starters, they’ve got a unique shape you don’t see every day. Just that fact alone means that you’re bound to get a lot of compliments. 

Another reason we appreciate this bag is that it has all of the Chanel features we love: quilting, a CC motif, and a woven chain and leather strap. 

Lastly, this bag is a gem because of the adorable lock and key that come with it. They’re not practical at all, but they lend a special touch to an already lovely handbag.