Chanel Buonasera Film Projector Minaudière — Pre‑Fall 2016 Rome Métiers d’Art

A cinematic objet d’art from one of Chanel’s most celebrated runway narratives, the Buonasera Film Projector Minaudière is a limited‑edition marvel that fuses vintage Italian film glamour with haute‑accessory craft. Created for the Pre‑Fall 2016 Rome Métiers d’Art collection, this piece is a standout symbol of the maison’s ability to transform storytelling into wearable sculpture. 

A story in light, shadow, and crystal

The 2016 Métiers d’Art show—set in Rome’s legendary film studios—paid homage to cinema’s golden age. From that very narrative emerged one of the collection’s most coveted accessories: a minaudière shaped like a vintage film projector, gleaming in black lucite with metallic accents, crystal embellishment, and thoughtful hardware detailing. Its design doesn’t merely mimic a camera; it captures the romance of old‑world filmmaking, turning each angle into a frame of pure elegance.

The piece’s technical artistry is unmistakable. Made from plexiglass or lucite, with leather lining and strap, and secured by a push‑clasp, it blends innovative materials with couture finishing. Specialist dealers describe it as rare—even among Chanel’s famed novelty bags—positioning it as a must‑have for serious collectors and museum‑level archives.

Collector cachet and market context

• Limited release, high demand: As a runway‑exclusive object, the Buonasera minaudière appeared in very small numbers, often reserved for top clients or select boutiques. Its scarcity is reflected in the secondary market, where it commands significant prices whenever available.

• Museum‑grade presence: At roughly 16.5 × 11.5 × 5 cm with a strap around 59 cm, the bag is large enough for essentials yet crafted as a showpiece—perfect for display or high‑glam evening use.

• Provenance and resale traction: Auction and dealer listings emphasise its runway roots and prestigious status, noting the piece as one of Chanel’s most expensive and desirable minaudières to date. 

Styling and legacy

This minaudière is designed to be seen and admired. It elevates a classic black gown, a metallic cocktail dress, or even a structured tuxedo‑style suit, serving as the show‑stopping focal point. For a collector, it is not just an accessory—it's a chapter of Chanel history, representing Karl Lagerfeld’s cinematic vision and the house’s mastery in merging storytelling with luxury hardware.

Because it is ultra‑rare, remaining examples are often quickly acquired by collectors, galleries, or fashion archivists. When offered in excellent or pristine condition with original presentation, they become enduring investments that hold cultural and financial value far beyond the season.

In sum: the Chanel Buonasera Film Projector Minaudière is a cinematic legend in bag form—exceptionally rare, steeped in narrative, and designed to delight both the wearer and the curator. A pinnacle acquisition for anyone who values couture history, rarity, and sculptural elegance.