Chanel 2005 Pearl Minaudière

An iconic and highly collectible piece from Chanel’s mid-2000s runway era, the Pearl Minaudière (2005) marks one of the earliest expressions of Karl Lagerfeld’s vision of the minaudière as a sculptural object rather than a conventional handbag.

This first-edition sphere clutch reinterprets one of Chanel’s most enduring symbols—the pearl—into a bold, architectural form. Crafted in plexiglass/lucite with a pearlized finish, the spherical body evokes a giant couture pearl, contrasted with black ribbon detailing and finished with signature CC hardware, creating a striking balance between classic Chanel codes and avant-garde design.

Introduced at a time when Chanel began producing novelty minaudières in extremely limited quantities, this model is widely regarded by collectors as the origin piece of the Pearl Minaudière lineage, which later expanded into other pearl and jewelry-inspired evening bags. These early editions were typically reserved for select boutique clients and were never produced at scale.

Beyond its visual impact, the Pearl Minaudière holds strong significance in the secondary market. Chanel novelty minaudières from the early 2000s are among the most sought-after collectibles, prized for their rarity, runway provenance, and object-like nature. The pearl motif—central to Gabrielle Chanel’s aesthetic—further reinforces its timeless appeal and long-term desirability.

A true wearable objet d’art, this piece transcends seasonal fashion and stands as a museum-worthy example of Chanel’s creative experimentation during the Lagerfeld era.