Chanel’s Movie Camera Bag Can Be Yours for $13K

From Kate Spade to Edie Parker, whimsical bags — think: ice cream trucks and picnic baskets — are adding personality to red-carpet ensembles.

Now, thanks to Chanel, fashion enthusiasts can let their love of cinema shine with a literal token of their passion: a movie camera-shaped handbag. The pricey piece, crafted of resin, brass, strass and silver metal, is available now for a cool $13,000 at the Beverly Hills Chanel boutique and other Chanel stores.

To put the cost in perspective, it should be noted that you can purchase an actual vintage film camera (the same style after which Chanel’s bag was modeled) on eBay for $500. Meanwhile, a modern-day professional camera starts at $70K — but it won’t come with Chanel’s double “C” insignia, which is a proven worthwhile investment in itself. 

Karl Lagerfeld debuted the minaudiere bag at Chanel’s Metiers d’Arte show in December. The film inspired-piece may have been a nod to the show’s venue, the Cinecitta Studio in Rome, which is considered by many to be the heart of Italian cinema.

Given Lagerfeld’s recent obsession with old Hollywood, as seen in his Chanel short film campaigns starring longtime muse Kristen Stewart, the decision to create a tribute to the industry in handbag form comes as no surprise. Plus, a movie camera carryall is the perfect #Meta accessory for his fleet of young Hollywood ambassadors, including Lily-Rose Depp and Willow Smith. 

PICTURE THIS: A model carries Chanel’s minaudiere bag at the Chanel Metiers d’Arte 2015/2016 show in Rome. (Photo: Getty Images)

10:47 a.m. Monday, June 20: Updated with information about availability in Beverly Hills.