A rare limited edition Chanel Rock in Moscow Camellia flap bag from the 2008/09 Paris-Moscou Métiers d’Art collection, designed under Karl Lagerfeld.
Made in black glossy embossed camellia with a slightly crinkled vinyl, silver-tone hardware and the classic leather-woven chain strap. The all-over camellia embossing gives the bag that beautiful textured surface. Very Chanel, but with a darker, more dramatic feel than the usual pretty camellia pieces.
This sits so well within Lagerfeld’s Paris-Moscou language for Chanel: romantic, slightly theatrical, heavy on texture and detail, but still very wearable. The collection played with Russian-inspired opulence, craft and decoration, and this bag feels like the accessory version of that idea. Classic Chanel codes, but pushed into something more collectible and less obvious. Vogue described Paris-Moscou as Lagerfeld’s theme for the Métiers d’Art collection, made to highlight the skills of Chanel’s specialist ateliers.
The shape is easy and functional, but the texture makes it feel special. A black Chanel flap, but not the one everyone else has.
Styling
I’d wear this with very simple pieces: a black coat, oversized blazer, white tee, column skirt, straight-leg denim. Also really good for evening when you want something more interesting than a plain black bag.
Details
Designer: Chanel
Collection: Rock in Moscow / Paris-Moscou Métiers d’Art
Era: 2008/09, Karl Lagerfeld era
Serial: 12-series, consistent with 2008–2009
Made in: Italy
Colour: Black
Material: Embossed camellia patent-finish vinyl / coated material, woven chain strap
Hardware: Silver-tone
Closure: CC magnetic closure
Interior: Satin lining with zip pocket
Condition: Good vintage condition with some signs of wear. Some wear to the chain/leather weave and light surface wear as . Overall still presents beautifully.
Measurements: 30cm x 20cm x 10cm
Why it made the cut
Because it has that perfect collector-but-wearable balance. It is recognisably Chanel, but not a basic classic flap. The camellia texture, crinkled shine and Rock in Moscow mood make it feel much more special. A proper Lagerfeld-era piece with enough edge to still feel exciting now.
