Fall 1999 Chanel Black and Cream Felted Wool Maxi Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Toronto, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU22827214421
Chanel
In the years following the opening of her modest millinery shop, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel became a pivotal designer of both fashionable casual wear and Paris haute couture as well as an icon and arbiter of 20th-century style with her bob haircut and pearls. Today vintage Chanel handbags, jackets and evening dresses are among the most sought-after clothing and accessories for fashion lovers all over the world.
The first Chanel shop was established in 1910 in Paris on rue Cambon by the young milliner Gabrielle Chanel (1883–1971), who had picked up the nickname “Coco” while working as a club singer. The boutique drew the attention of the Parisian fashion elite who popularized her wide-brimmed Chanel Modes hats. Soon she added a sportswear store in the Normandy resort town of Deauville, where Coco set the tone for her defining sense of style — traditionally masculine garments reimagined for feminine shapes, made from simple jersey fabric.
Effortless and elegant, Chanel's designs promoted comfort and grace in women’s wear that had been dominated in the previous century by complicated layers of fabric and cumbersome corsets. She followed this success with a couture house, opened in 1915 in Biarritz.
But Chanel was not born into a life of glamour. Following the death of her mother, her father left her in an orphanage where she lived until the age of 18. It was there that she learned to sew as well as appreciate the classic pairing of black and white as worn by the nuns.
In 1926, Chanel introduced her first little black dress, reclaiming a color that had once been reserved for mourning and working-class women. That same decade, she debuted her perfume, Chanel No. 5, as well as the Chanel suit with a fitted skirt, inspired by the boxy lines of men’s clothing and employing a sporty tweed.
Chanel closed her fashion operations during World War II, then returned to the industry in 1954 to design for the functional needs of modern women.
Structure and wearability endured in all of Chanel’s clothing and accessories, like the quilted leather 2.55 handbag — a 1955 update of a 1920s-era design — with its gold-chain shoulder strap that freed up a woman’s hands. Her collarless jacket reacted against the constricting styles of Christian Dior's New Look, replacing them with a design that was timeless, an instant classic. The 1957 two-tone slingback pumps had a practical heel height while offering a bold statement in the black tip of the shoes.
After Coco Chanel died in 1971, the brand underwent several changes in leadership, including fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, who took over as artistic director in 1983. Over the years, the company has continued to innovate, such as expanding into ready-to-wear fashion in 1978 and, in 2002, establishing a subsidiary company — Paraffection — dedicated to preserving the heritage skills of fashion artisan workshops. The House of Chanel still operates its flagship on rue Cambon in Paris, where it all began.
Browse vintage Chanel bags, evening dresses, shoes, jewelry and other clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Toronto, Canada
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Pauline Trigere Early 1960's Black and Cream Silk Taffeta Strapless GownBy Pauline TrigèreLocated in Toronto, OntarioElegant early 1960's black and cream silk taffeta strapless gown by Pauline Trigere. The gown is colorblocked with a cream bodice, black top skirt and cream hem. The top of the bodic...Category
1960s French Evening Gowns
- 1980s Raffaella Curiel Black Lace and Sequin GownLocated in Toronto, Ontario1980s Raffaella Curiel evening gown. Semi-sheer black lace drop waist bodice, embellished with sequins. Tiered black silk taffeta skirt with bow detail. Invisible zipper closure up c...Category
1980s Italian Evening Gowns
- 1970s Adolfo Gold Lace Beaded Evening TunicBy AdolfoLocated in Toronto, OntarioExquisite Adolfo gold lace beaded evening tunic from the 1970s. Beautifully detailed with gold sequin applique throughout and faux pearl, emerald marquis bead and gold thread trim along the collar, front placket, cuffs and hem. Fastens with a hidden zipper down the front. Perfect worn with a simple black slip or over a black tank top and black cigarette pants...Category
1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1960s Anonymous Black Long Sleeve Gown with Polka Dot Net Overlay and Gold SashLocated in Toronto, OntarioGorgeous black long sleeve gown from the 1960s. The label is from Stanley Korshak, a famous upscale ladies boutique in Dallas whose heigh day was from ...Category
1960s American Evening Gowns
- 1980's Alfred Bosand Royal Blue and Gold Dynasty Inspired Column GownBy Alfred BosandLocated in Toronto, OntarioDynasty era late 70's early 80's 's Alfred Bosand empress Josephine style gown. Plisé pleated origami style short sleeves with matching detail above the hemline. Square low cut neckl...Category
1970s American Evening Gowns
- 1970s Anonymous Red and Black Leaf Print GownLocated in Toronto, OntarioVintage 1970s romantic red and black leaf print silk jacquard gown. Features ruffle at bust, short, romantic sleeves, tie at nape of neck, slight drop waist and tiered skirt. Black u...Category
1970s Evening Gowns
- 1970's White Gown with TrainLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis 1970's white gown is a timeless statement piece for any wedding. Crafted with intricate lace detail and an elegant wedding train, this gown is sure ...Category
1970s Wedding Dresses
- North Beach Spring 1985 White Leather Cross Back DressBy North Beach LeatherLocated in Los Angeles, CAOur Spring 1985 North Beach White Leather Cross Back Dress is an elevated mini dress that truly hugs the figure. It features full genuine leather construction, a flattering stitch d...Category
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Azzedine Alaia red and cream cotton jersey bodysuit and fishtail skirt, ss 1993By Azzedine AlaïaLocated in London, GB▪ Azzedine Alaia red and cream cotton jersey 2 piece set ▪ Fitted high-rise bodysuit ▪ Fishtail skirt ▪ Scalloped edges ▪ Ribbed waistband ▪ Concealed zipper at centre back ▪ 76...Category
1990s Italian Skirt Suits
- Worlds End cream and brown acid wash toga dress with extra long train, S/S 1982By Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren, Worlds EndLocated in London, GBWorlds End by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren Extremely rare toga dress made from cotton with extra long train and cut out sides. Savages, Spring-Sumer 1982Category
1980s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Worlds End by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren Cotton Toga Dress, fw 1982By Worlds EndLocated in London, GBDesigned by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren 'Buffalo / Nostalgia of Mud' Fall-Winter 1982Category
1980s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gianni Versace cream leather and black lace evening dress, ss 2002By Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GB▪ Gianni Versace cream leather and black lace evening dress ▪ Deep plunge neckline ▪ High neck ▪ Long Sleeves ▪ Nude mesh ▪ Tight fit ▪ C...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
From the Runway to Rihanna, These Chanel Pearl Sunglasses Are the Peak of ’90s Chic
This cheeky accessory is seriously fun.
With a Wink, Karl Lagerfeld Sent This Egg-Carton-Shaped Chanel Bag Down the Runway
For the brand’s 2014–15 ready-to-wear show in Paris, the designer was inspired by a most unexpected place: the supermarket.