Chanel Matelasse Lapin (Rabbit) Fur Chain Shoulder Bag 2001-2002

An early-2000s Chanel tote crafted in soft camel-coloured rabbit fur, finished with a graphic black diamond pattern, tonal leather trims and black chain handles woven with leather.

The structured rectangular shape is relatively simple, which makes the texture and pattern even better. The fur turns Chanel’s signature matelassé into a print rather than traditional quilting, while the small black Coco Mark at the front and leather-woven chains make it unmistakably Chanel without feeling too classic.

Styling Tip

I would keep everything around this one quite simple and let the bag do the work. Think black tailored trousers with a knit and pointed shoes, or faded denim and a causal white T-shirt.

Karl Lagerfeld era

This tote comes from Karl Lagerfeld’s period as head designer at Chanel, when he was constantly taking the house’s most recognisable codes and reworking them in less expected ways. Quilting, chain handles and the interlocking CC are all here, but translated into fur, graphic contrast and a much more playful early-2000s language.

It is exactly what makes Lagerfeld-era Chanel from this period so interesting: clearly rooted in the house, but never too precious about its own codes.

Details

• Camel-coloured rabbit fur
• Contrasting black diamond pattern
• Black Coco Mark at front
• Tonal leather trims
• Black chain handles woven with tonal leather
• Zip-top closure
• Tonal leather interior
• Zipped interior compartment
• Made in Italy

Measurements

• Height: approximately 22 cm
• Width: approximately 27 cm
• Depth: approximately 9 cm

Condition

Good vintage condition with visible signs of previous wear consistent with age.

The rabbit fur remains soft and full overall, with some natural variation and areas where the pile has flattened from use as well as thinning and localized fur loss (balding) right where the zipper trim meets the side seam (see pics). The tonal leather trims and the leather woven through the chain handles show light creasing and wear.

The interior remains clean overall. The black quilting print isn't as clear in some parts anymore. 

Please refer closely to the photographs, which form an important part of the condition description.

Notes

Comes with Chanel authenticity card, internal sticker, dust bag and Chanel box.

Why It Made the Cut

Because this is exactly the kind of Chanel I love finding: unmistakably Chanel, but not another classic flap.

The fluffy lapin fur, graphic diamond pattern and black Coco Mark make it slightly strange in the best way. It feels very specific to the early 2000s and has all those familiar Chanel codes, just played with enough to make the whole thing much more interesting.

And despite being quite a statement piece, the simple shape and camel-and-black colour combination make it surprisingly easy to wear.