Vintage Chanel Mini Matelassé 18 Navy Lambskin Gold Hardware Crossbody

A beautifully presented vintage Chanel Mini Matelassé crafted in deep navy leather with classic diamond quilting, gold-tone hardware and an unusually versatile long chain shoulder strap.

The approximately 18.3 cm silhouette retains the refined compact proportions associated with vintage Chanel Mini bags, while the approximately 110 cm chain provides greater flexibility for modern shoulder and crossbody styling.

The deep navy color appears almost black in subdued lighting while revealing a distinctive blue tone under brighter conditions, offering a subtle alternative to the classic black Chanel palette.

Warm gold-tone hardware provides elegant contrast, with the interlocking CC motif forming the focal point of the quilted flap.

The Japanese source grades this example Condition A, with only light age-related rubbing, small scratches, minor hardware marks and slight shape relaxation noted.

The interior lining has been replaced previously by a third-party repair provider and is not original to the bag. This restoration is fully disclosed and reflected in the pricing.

For buyers seeking the beauty of vintage Chanel in a highly wearable configuration, the combination of deep navy leather, gold hardware and a longer chain makes this an especially versatile example.

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DESIGN

The design is quintessential Chanel.

Diamond quilting creates soft dimensionality across the leather surface.

A compact flap defines the front, anchored by a gold-tone interlocking CC motif.

The gold-and-leather chain introduces movement and jewelry-like detail without overwhelming the small silhouette.

There is no unnecessary decoration.

Its identity comes entirely from proportion, leather, quilting and hardware.

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COLOR & MATERIAL

The deep navy leather gives the bag much of the versatility of black while providing a more unusual vintage color story.

Against the blue-black surface, the gold-tone hardware appears especially warm.

The combination works beautifully with:

black

navy

white

cream

grey

denim

camel

and eveningwear.

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FUNCTION & SCALE

Approximate dimensions:

18.3 cm / 7.2 in wide

11.5 cm / 4.5 in high

5 cm / 2.0 in deep

Chain: approx. 110 cm / 43.3 in

The longer chain makes this example particularly useful for shoulder or crossbody wear.

The compact interior is best suited to daily essentials such as:

phone

card holder

keys

lipstick

small personal items

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CONDITION & RESTORATION

The Japanese source grades this example A, indicating a comparatively clean overall vintage condition.

Minor storage rubbing, small scratches, light hardware marks and slight shape relaxation are noted.

The interior lining has previously been replaced by a third-party repair provider and is therefore not original to the bag.

This restoration is disclosed as part of the item's history and is reflected in its pricing.

The exterior remains particularly attractive and well presented for a vintage Chanel piece.

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WHY THIS PIECE WORKS

This bag offers a compelling compromise between collector aesthetics and everyday usability.

The exterior preserves all of the vintage Chanel language buyers want:

navy lambskin

gold hardware

diamond quilting

CC motif

chain strap

while the renewed interior makes it particularly suitable for someone who intends to actually wear the bag rather than preserve it as an untouched archive object.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Chanel

Model: Mini Matelassé

Size: approx. 18.3 cm

Material: Leather / Lambskin-type leather

Color: Navy

Hardware: Gold-tone

Width: approx. 18.3 cm / 7.2 in

Height: approx. 11.5 cm / 4.5 in

Depth: approx. 5 cm / 2.0 in

Chain Length: approx. 110 cm / 43.3 in

Condition: A / Very good vintage condition

Restoration: Third-party interior lining replacement

Accessories: None

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Authenticity & Stewardship

Evaluated under the Japonista High-End Footwear Authentication Framework™:

• Brand, model, release, and production-run verification

• Material assessment including premium leathers, technical textiles, and custom components

• Construction method analysis (hand-finishing, bonding, stitching, and sole architecture)

• Condition grading with attention to wear, sole integrity, and factory finish consistency

Guaranteed 100% Authentic.
Every pair is curated under the Japonista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™, with strict scrutiny appropriate to luxury and brand-driven markets.

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A Note on Brand, Release Context, and Design Authority

High-end sneakers and branded footwear exist at the intersection of design authorship, controlled scarcity, and cultural signal. Whether produced by luxury houses, celebrated collaborations, or limited technical runs, these objects are defined as much by context of release as by physical construction.

At Japonista, we approach high-end footwear as design artifacts rather than trend items. Original intent, model lineage, and production context are evaluated alongside material quality and aging behavior. Wear, when present, is interpreted carefully—distinguished from misuse, and documented transparently.

Deadstock condition is respected, but not fetishized at the expense of material honesty or long-term stability. Our stewardship balances market literacy with curatorial restraint.

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Inquiries, Availability, and Private Consideration

Some pairs may allow thoughtful discussion, while others are held firmly due to rarity, archive significance, or condition tier. All inquiries are reviewed personally and discreetly, with clear disclosure regarding sizing, wearability, storage history, and preservation considerations.

Collectors assembling reference-grade footwear archives, investment-aware collections, or culturally focused design libraries are encouraged to consult with our team.

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Concierge Support & Collector Guidance

Japonista Concierge™ provides informed guidance on:

• Release hierarchies and collaboration context

• Condition grading and long-term material behavior

• Storage strategies for premium leathers and technical soles

• Strategic acquisition planning across luxury and limited markets

Whether the intent is archival preservation or selective wear, we support acquisitions with clarity and discretion.

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Before Proceeding

We kindly encourage collectors to review our shop policies and house guidelines, available through the links in our website footer, which outline shipping, handling, and conditions specific to vintage, sacred, and collectible works.

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A Closing Note

Thank you for exploring Japonista’s high-end and branded footwear archive. These objects reflect moments where design authority, cultural influence, and controlled production converge—and we are honored to steward them with the seriousness they warrant.

If you have questions or wish to explore related items, please feel free to contact Japonista Concierge™ at any time.