1960s Chanel Haute Couture Pink and Purple Tweed Ensemble
About the Item
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 PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- 1980s Geoffrey Beene Grey Long Sleeve JumpsuitBy Geoffrey BeeneLocated in Toronto, Ontario1980s wool jersey Geoffrey Beene grey long sleeve jumpsuit with black striped front panel detail. Round neckline, curved detail at the waist and s...Category
1980s American Jumpsuits
- 1980s Romeo Gigli Black Shirt and Skirt EnsembleBy Romeo GigliLocated in Toronto, Ontario1980s Romeo Gigli black natural cotton ensemble. Long tunic blouse with a knit collar and small grey mother of pearl buttons. Loose fit through body, but tapers towards hem. High wai...Category
1980s American Dress and Coat Ensembles
- 1980s Chanel Knit Navy Short Sleeve EnsembleBy ChanelLocated in Toronto, OntarioPerfect for the summer, this 1980s Chanel navy knit ensemble is amazing when worn together or 3 great pieces to add to any wardrobe. The short sleeve sweater jacket buttons up the fr...Category
1980s French Skirt Suits
- 1980s Valentino Midi Skirt Suit with Red Jacket and Velvet DetailsBy ValentinoLocated in Toronto, Ontario1980s Valentino midi skirt suit with velvet details. The collarless jacket is made of a horizontally ribbed red fabric with two front pockets on t...Category
1980s Italian Skirt Suits
- 1990s Akris White and Blue Polka Dot & Embroidered Leaf Cotton EnsembleLocated in Toronto, OntarioVery pretty Akris shirt and skirt set from the 1990s. Beautiful white cotton with an all over royal blue abstract polka dot print that looks hand painted. The set is further detailed...Category
1990s Swiss Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- 1980s Adolfo Black Wool Knit Plaid Skirt Suit with Yellow TrimBy AdolfoLocated in Toronto, Ontario1980s Adolfo skirt suit. Black tweedy knit with grey, taupe and cream plaid and butter yellow grosgrain trim. Jacket features a Mandarin collar and horizo...Category
1980s American Skirt Suits
- JEAN PAUL GAULTIER SS 2001 co-ord mesh shirt and trousers Bacteria printBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in Genève, CHCo-ord set with iconic Bacteria print from Gaultier SS 2001, fantastic condition. Made in Italy. Set is Top is in size XL, made of extremely flexible polyamide mesh and can fit from...Category
Early 2000s Italian Trouser Pant Suits
- Gianni Versace Suit Pink Jacket Skirt Set 1990'sBy Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GBGianni Versace Suit Pink Jacket Skirt Set 1990's 2 Piece - Jacket and Skirt co-ord. Waffle Suede Detail. Medusa Clear Buttons. Very Rare Piece. CONDITION: This item is a vintage...Category
1990s Skirt Suits
- Kenzo Jungle Velvet Red SuitBy Kenzo JungleLocated in London, GBKenzo Jungle Red Suit Jacket Blazer Skirt Floral Velvet Suit Jacket and Skirt Co-Ord Set Velvety Rose Pattern Detail CONDITION: This item is a vintage/pre-worn piece so some sign...Category
1990s Skirt Suits
- Dolce & Gabbana Suit Grey Leopard Blazer Jacket Skirt SuitBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in London, GBDolce & Gabbana Suit Grey Leopard Blazer Jacket Skirt Suit CONDITION: This item is a vintage/pre-worn piece so some signs of natural wear and age are to be expected. However good ...Category
1990s Skirt Suits
- Alexander McQueen Vintage Sequin Embellished Jumpsuit Fall/Winter 2003 Sz 38ITBy Alexander McQueenLocated in Saint Petersburg, FLAlexander McQueen Vintage Sequin Embellished Jumpsuit Fall/Winter 2003 Sz 38IT Jumpsuit is pictured with a Christian Dior Fall 1999 necklace not included.Category
Early 2000s Italian Jumpsuits
- Christian Dior John Galliano Vintage Dress & Jacket Fall/Winter 2001 Size 36FRBy John Galliano for Christian DiorLocated in Saint Petersburg, FLChristian Dior Vintage Dress and Jacket with Fur Collar. Dress Size 36FR Jacket Size 38FR Fall/Winter 2001 - John Galliano for Christian Dior.Category
Early 2000s French Skirt Suits
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.