Chanel Gabrielle Small Purse/Cosmetic Bag in Blue Quilted Lambskin and Patent Calfskin
Crossbody/Pouch; subcategory: structured camera bag/cosmetic hybrid · Chanel (owned by Wertheimer family), Luxury Haute Couture Tier. Designed by Karl Lagerfeld as a tribute to Gabrielle Chanel.
Collection: Gabrielle de Chanel Line, introduced in the Spring/Summer 2017 Ready-to-Wear collection; permanent but with seasonal color variations.
Style
Crossbody/Pouch; subcategory: structured camera bag/cosmetic hybrid
Brand
Chanel (owned by Wertheimer family), Luxury Haute Couture Tier. Designed by Karl Lagerfeld as a tribute to Gabrielle Chanel.
Material
Mixed materials: diamond-quilted lambskin on the top portion and a rigid, smooth patent calfskin base. Typical Chanel machine-and-hand construction with painted edges on the base.
Dimensions
Small size: approximately 18cm W x 10cm H x 5cm D (7" x 4" x 2"). Strap drop is roughly 55cm (21") for crossbody wear.
Description
Inspired by the shape of vintage binocular cases, this Gabrielle Small Purse represents the utilitarian-chic aesthetic Karl Lagerfeld envisioned. It features a unique dual-texture construction with a supple quilted upper and a robust, structured base, reflecting the 'Gabrielle' philosophy of balancing soft femininity with masculine structure.
Key Features
Structured rigid bottom tray, diamond quilting, dual-material (lambskin/patent) contrast, and the discrete branding often found on the zipper or internal stamp.
Material & Construction
Mixed materials: diamond-quilted lambskin on the top portion and a rigid, smooth patent calfskin base. Typical Chanel machine-and-hand construction with painted edges on the base.
Color & Pattern
Dark Blue/Petrol Blue. Features the signature Chanel diamond quilting on the upper leather section. Monochromatic color scheme spanning the two different textures.
Hardware Details
Gold-tone hardware, likely with a matte or brushed finish typical of the Gabrielle line. Includes a leather-and-metal pull tab and D-ring attachments for the strap.
Interior Description
Typically lined in a contrasting burgundy or matching tonal textile (grosgrain). Internal features usually include a single open compartment and a brand-stamped leather heat stamp.
Closure Type
Top zipper closure with a decorative leather pull tab for secure access.
Strap & Handle Details
Single crossbody strap made of leather with adjustable metal buckle. Note: This specific variant lacks the multi-tone heavy chain typical of the larger Gabrielle Hobos.
Craftsmanship Details
Features the contrast of 'crumpled' soft leather against a hard-molded base. Stitching on the strap follows a precise parallel line, and the patent base is designed to provide shape retention for the softer upper.
Authentication Indicators
Symmetry of diamond quilts meeting the base, consistent stitch count on the leather strap, and hardware plating quality. Red flag: The quilting depth and leather grain on the upper portion appear less refined than typical Chanel lambskin; professional authentication is required.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Italy (standard for this specific model variant produced in Chanel leather goods ateliers).
Era & Period
Modern/Contemporary Era (Late 2010s). The Gabrielle line was Lagerfeld's last major pillar bag launch before his passing in 2019.
Age Estimate
Circa 2017-2020. The serial numbers for this era would range from 24xxxxxx to 30xxxxxx.
Cultural Significance
Represented a shift in Chanel's design language toward a more 'rock-and-roll' and edgy aesthetic compared to the classic 2.55 and Timeless Flap bags.
Condition Notes
Visibly Good to Very Good. The patent base shows light surface scuffing (typical of the high-shine finish). The upper lambskin retains its loft. Stitching on the strap looks intact. No significant corner wear visible.
Value Estimate
Original Retail: ~$1,200-$1,800. Current Resale Market: $900-$1,400 depending on full set availability (box/card).
Care & Maintenance
Clean patent leather with a soft damp cloth to avoid fingerprints. Use a dedicated leather conditioner for the lambskin upper. Store stuffed with tissue to maintain the structure of the soft upper leather.
Similar Handbags
Chanel O-Case (pouch style), Chanel Small Vanity Case (more square/box-like), and the larger Gabrielle Hobo (which features the iconic multi-chain strap).
Interesting Facts
The Gabrielle bag was the first Chanel bag designed to be explicitly marketed as unisex, though this smaller cosmetic/crossbody version remains popular primarily in the women's market.