Chanel Transparent PVC Quilted Medium Flap Bag with Neon Gradient
Shoulder Bag / Crossbody Flap Bag · Chanel (Wertheimer family), Ultra-Luxury Tier. Designed under the final years of Karl Lagerfeld.
Collection: Chanel Spring/Summer 2018 'L'Eau' Collection
Style
Shoulder Bag / Crossbody Flap Bag
Brand
Chanel (Wertheimer family), Ultra-Luxury Tier. Designed under the final years of Karl Lagerfeld.
Material
Constructed from transparent PVC (polyvinyl chloride) featuring the signature diamond quilting design. The edges are finished with tonal or contrasting leather/fabric binding. It is a machine-assembled piece necessary for high-frequency welding/stitching of plastic materials.
Dimensions
Approximately 25cm (W) x 15cm (H) x 7cm (D). Standard Medium Flap silhouette.
Description
A playful and avant-garde take on the most recognizable handbag silhouette in the world. This piece from the Spring/Summer 2018 collection swaps traditional caviar or lambskin for a vibrant, neon-gradient PVC. It captures the 'Logomania' and transparency trends of the late 2010s while maintaining the classic proportions of the Timeless Flap.
Key Features
Holographic/Neon gradient effect, transparent quilted PVC body, CC turn-lock, and the 'bag-in-a-bag' styling potential where users place smaller pouches inside for privacy.
Material & Construction
Constructed from transparent PVC (polyvinyl chloride) featuring the signature diamond quilting design. The edges are finished with tonal or contrasting leather/fabric binding. It is a machine-assembled piece necessary for high-frequency welding/stitching of plastic materials.
Color & Pattern
Multicolor Neon Gradient (Yellow, Orange, Pink) on a clear base. Patterns include the iconic Chanel diamond quilting embossed/stitched into the PVC.
Hardware Details
Silver-tone hardware including the signature CC interlocking turn-lock, metal grommets, and a curb link chain interwoven with leather.
Interior Description
Single open compartment with no lining due to its transparent nature. Interior contents are fully visible, making it a stylistic 'see-through' statement piece.
Closure Type
Interlocking CC Turn-lock on the front flap.
Strap & Handle Details
Classic Chanel chain-and-leather interwoven strap. It can be worn as a single long strap for crossbody use or doubled for a shorter shoulder drop.
Craftsmanship Details
Features precise stitching through heavy-gauge PVC, which requires specialized needles to prevent tearing. Alignment of the diamond quilting across the flap and body is consistent with Chanel's exacting standards.
Authentication Indicators
The placement of the diamond quilting, the quality of the CC hardware (crisp edges, no bubbling), the specific 2018-era font on any visible heat stamps, and the regularity of the chain weaving. Note: PVC versions are frequently replicated, requiring a check of the serial sticker typically located on a small leather tab inside.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in France or Italy. Produced in Chanel's specialized leather goods ateliers with high standards for PVC durability.
Era & Period
Late 2010s High-Fashion PVC Trend. Part of the SS18 show which featured a waterfall runway and massive emphasis on waterproof, transparent accessories.
Age Estimate
Circa 2018 (Production code will likely begin with 25 or 26 series).
Cultural Significance
Marked a shift where luxury brands embraced 'industrial' materials like plastic, elevating them to high-fashion status. It remains a favorite for street-style photographers due to its photogenic translucency.
Condition Notes
Excellent to Very Good. PVC is prone to yellowing over time, scratching, and clouding; however, the vibrant colors in this example remain bright. Structure appears well-maintained without significant bowing.
Value Estimate
Current resale market value: $2,500 - $4,500 USD. Value is highly dependent on the clarity of the plastic and lack of scratches.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid prolonged sunlight (causes PVC yellowing/cracking). Clean with a soft, damp cloth. Use a specialized plastic cleaner to remove fingerprints. Store with acid-free tissue to prevent the PVC from sticking to itself or other bags.
Similar Handbags
Chanel 'Sand by the Sea' PVC Flap, Prada Reedition 2000 in Nylon, or the Hermès Vinyl Kelly (limited souvenir edition).
Interesting Facts
The SS18 collection was one of Karl Lagerfeld’s most memorable 'spectacle' shows, featuring a 10-meter high recreation of the Gorges du Verdon waterfalls inside the Grand Palais.