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Chanel 18a

Chanel 18A Black Lucite Paris Hamburg Minaudiere Shipping Container Clutch
Chanel 18A Black Lucite Paris Hamburg Minaudiere Shipping Container Clutch

Chanel 18A Black Lucite Paris Hamburg Minaudiere Shipping Container Clutch

By Chanel

Located in New York, NY

Listing Title: Chanel 18A Black Lucite Paris Hamburg Minaudiere Shipping Container Clutch SKU: Z149827 MSRP: 11200.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

CHANEL 18A black Paris Hamburg Metier D'art wool tuxedo blazer FR40 L
CHANEL 18A black Paris Hamburg Metier D'art wool tuxedo blazer FR40 L

CHANEL 18A black Paris Hamburg Metier D'art wool tuxedo blazer FR40 L

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, NT

CHANEL 18A black Paris Hamburg Metier D'art wool tuxedo blazer FR40 L Reference: CNPG/A00101 Brand: Chanel Collection: 18A Paris Hamburg Material: Wool Color: Black Pattern: Solid Cl...

Category

2010s French Blazers

Runway CHANEL 18A Paris Hamburg Metier D'art navy velvet tuxedo blazer FR46
Runway CHANEL 18A Paris Hamburg Metier D'art navy velvet tuxedo blazer FR46

Runway CHANEL 18A Paris Hamburg Metier D'art navy velvet tuxedo blazer FR46

By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, NT

Runway CHANEL 18A Paris Hamburg Metier D'art navy velvet tuxedo blazer FR46 Reference: BMPA/A00157 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 18A Paris Hamburg - Runway Mater...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Blazers

CHANEL black wool 18A HAMBURG SHIMMERY CROPPED Jacket 38 S
CHANEL black wool 18A HAMBURG SHIMMERY CROPPED Jacket 38 S

CHANEL black wool 18A HAMBURG SHIMMERY CROPPED Jacket 38 S

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

This 100% authentic Chanel double-breasted evening jacket in black shimmery woven wool (90%), silk (26%), and polyester (14%) exudes timeless elegance.

Category

2010s Jackets

CHANEL blue washed cotton 18A HAMBRUG DRAWSTRING Jeans Pants 40 M
CHANEL blue washed cotton 18A HAMBRUG DRAWSTRING Jeans Pants 40 M

CHANEL blue washed cotton 18A HAMBRUG DRAWSTRING Jeans Pants 40 M

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

Unlined for a lightweight, effortless feel, these jeans embody the cool, iconic style of Chanel. Have been worn and is in excellent condition. 2018 Paris-Hamburg Metiers d'Art Mea...

Category

2010s Bermuda Shorts

CHANEL cream & red cotton 18A HAMBURG TWEED MINI Skirt 40 M
CHANEL cream & red cotton 18A HAMBURG TWEED MINI Skirt 40 M

CHANEL cream & red cotton 18A HAMBURG TWEED MINI Skirt 40 M

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

This 100% authentic Chanel mini skirt in cream and beige tweed embodies timeless elegance with a playful edge.

Category

2010s Pencil Skirts

CHANEL beige multi wool 2018 18A HAMBURG TWEED Jacket 46 L
CHANEL beige multi wool 2018 18A HAMBURG TWEED Jacket 46 L

CHANEL beige multi wool 2018 18A HAMBURG TWEED Jacket 46 L

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Chanel 2018 Hamburg bouclé tweed jacket in pale petrol, plum, pink, yellow and beige wool (51%), viscose (18%), polyamide (15%), mohair (5%), alpaca (5%), polyester (4...

Category

2010s Coats

CHANEL navy blue wool 2018 18A HAMBURG Peacoat Coat Jacket 36 XS
CHANEL navy blue wool 2018 18A HAMBURG Peacoat Coat Jacket 36 XS

CHANEL navy blue wool 2018 18A HAMBURG Peacoat Coat Jacket 36 XS

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Chanel peacoat in navy blue wool (100%). Features a back belt, two front flap pockets and folded cuffs. Opens with anchor embellished gunmetal buttons. Lined in navy b...

Category

2010s Coats

CHANEL navy blue 2018 18A HAMBURG SUEDE & SHEARLING Coat Jacket 38 S
CHANEL navy blue 2018 18A HAMBURG SUEDE & SHEARLING Coat Jacket 38 S

CHANEL navy blue 2018 18A HAMBURG SUEDE & SHEARLING Coat Jacket 38 S

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Chanel 2018 Hamburg double breasted coat in navy dyed lamb shearling (100%). Features two chest pockets and two patch pockets on the front. Has a sailors flap and a be...

Category

2010s Coats

CHANEL navy blue cotton & wool 2018 18A HAMBURG BUTTONED NECK KNIT Dress 36 XS
CHANEL navy blue cotton & wool 2018 18A HAMBURG BUTTONED NECK KNIT Dress 36 XS

CHANEL navy blue cotton & wool 2018 18A HAMBURG BUTTONED NECK KNIT Dress 36 XS

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Chanel braid knit dress in navy blue cotton (40%), wool (35%) and polyamide (25%). Features dark silver anchor buttons on the neck and two buttoned pockets on the fron...

Category

2010s Casual Dresses

CHANEL navy blue & white wool blend 2018 18A HAMBURG CHUNKY KNIT Sweater 40 M
CHANEL navy blue & white wool blend 2018 18A HAMBURG CHUNKY KNIT Sweater 40 M

CHANEL navy blue & white wool blend 2018 18A HAMBURG CHUNKY KNIT Sweater 40 M

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Chanel 2018 Hamburg chunky knit sweater in navy and off-white wool (69%), cashmere (30%) and polyamide (1%). Features long sleeves, a 'CC' emblem on the front and lure...

Category

2010s Pullovers

Bracelet Vintage Chanel Icon
Bracelet Vintage Chanel Icon

Bracelet Vintage Chanel Icon

By Chanel

Located in SÈVRES, FR

Avec son design raffiné et sa finition dorée lumineuse, ce bijou vintage représente l’univers chic et sophistiqué propre à Chanel. Dimensions : 18 cm de longueur. Une taille idéale ...

Category

Early 2000s French Chain Bracelets

Materials

Base Metal

CHANEL 2018 Runway Forest Fairies patent pointed square toe derby oxford EU37.5
CHANEL 2018 Runway Forest Fairies patent pointed square toe derby oxford EU37.5

CHANEL 2018 Runway Forest Fairies patent pointed square toe derby oxford EU37.5

By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, NT

CHANEL 2018 Runway Forest Fairies black patent pointed square toe derby oxford EU37.5 Reference: TGAS/F00418 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 18A Forest Fairies Mat...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Brogues

Recent Sales

CHANEL 18A Hamburg Black CC Logo Camellia Jacket Blazer Sz.40
CHANEL 18A Hamburg Black CC Logo Camellia Jacket Blazer Sz.40

CHANEL 18A Hamburg Black CC Logo Camellia Jacket Blazer Sz.40

By Chanel

Located in Krakow, PL

Absolutely stunning Chanel 18A Hamburg jacket! This black fantasy terrycloth jacket features a camellia flower and CC logo print.

Category

2010s Blazers

CHANEL 18A Parus Hamburg Runway grey tweed red braid black patent sailor hat S
CHANEL 18A Parus Hamburg Runway grey tweed red braid black patent sailor hat S

CHANEL 18A Parus Hamburg Runway grey tweed red braid black patent sailor hat S

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, NT

CHANEL 18A Parus Hamburg Runway grey tweed red braid black patent sailor hat S Brand: Chanel Collection: 18A Paris Hamburg Runway Material: Tweed Color: Grey Pattern: Solid Extra Det...

Category

2010s French Hats

rare CHANEL 18A Runway gold CC leather over knee long boots EU38.5
rare CHANEL 18A Runway gold CC leather over knee long boots EU38.5

rare CHANEL 18A Runway gold CC leather over knee long boots EU38.5

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, NT

rare CHANEL 18A Runway gold CC leather over knee long boots EU38.5 Reference: BSHW/A00183 Brand: Chanel Collection: 18A - Runway Material: Leather Color: Gold, Black Pattern: Abstrac...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Boots

rare CHANEL 18A Runway gold CC leather over knee long boots EU38.5
rare CHANEL 18A Runway gold CC leather over knee long boots EU38.5

rare CHANEL 18A Runway gold CC leather over knee long boots EU38.5

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, NT

rare CHANEL 18A Runway gold CC leather over knee long boots EU38.5 Reference: BSHW/A00183 Brand: Chanel Collection: 18A - Runway Material: Leather Color: Gold, Black Pattern: Abstrac...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Boots

rare CHANEL 18A Runway gold CC leather over knee long boots EU38.5
rare CHANEL 18A Runway gold CC leather over knee long boots EU38.5

rare CHANEL 18A Runway gold CC leather over knee long boots EU38.5

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, NT

rare CHANEL 18A Runway gold CC leather over knee long boots EU38.5 Reference: BSHW/A00183 Brand: Chanel Collection: 18A - Runway Material: Leather Color: Gold, Black Pattern: Abstrac...

Category

2010s Italian Boots

Runway CHANEL 18A Paris Hamburg Metier D'art navy velvet tuxedo blazer FR46
Runway CHANEL 18A Paris Hamburg Metier D'art navy velvet tuxedo blazer FR46

Runway CHANEL 18A Paris Hamburg Metier D'art navy velvet tuxedo blazer FR46

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, NT

Runway CHANEL 18A Paris Hamburg Metier D'art navy velvet tuxedo blazer FR46 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 18A Paris Hamburg Material: Velvet Color: Navy Pattern...

Category

2010s French Blazers

runway CHANEL 18A white alpaca knit dual patch pocket oversized sweater FR42
runway CHANEL 18A white alpaca knit dual patch pocket oversized sweater FR42

runway CHANEL 18A white alpaca knit dual patch pocket oversized sweater FR42

By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, NT

runway CHANEL 18A white alpaca knit dual patch pocket oversized sweater FR42 Brand: CHANEL Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 18A Model Name / Style: Sweater Material: Alpaca Color...

Category

2010s Italian Pullovers

runway CHANEL 18A navy wool cashmere cable knit sailor collar sweater dress FR42
runway CHANEL 18A navy wool cashmere cable knit sailor collar sweater dress FR42

runway CHANEL 18A navy wool cashmere cable knit sailor collar sweater dress FR42

By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, NT

runway CHANEL 18A navy wool cashmere cable knit sailor collar sweater dress FR42 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 2018 Metier D'Arts Model Name / Style: Sweater dre...

Category

2010s French Casual Dresses

Runway CHANEL 18A Paris Hamburg Metier D'art navy velvet tuxedo blazer FR46
Runway CHANEL 18A Paris Hamburg Metier D'art navy velvet tuxedo blazer FR46

Runway CHANEL 18A Paris Hamburg Metier D'art navy velvet tuxedo blazer FR46

By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, NT

Runway CHANEL 18A Paris Hamburg Metier D'art navy velvet tuxedo blazer FR46 Reference: BMPA/A00157 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 18A Paris Hamburg - Runway Mater...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Blazers

Runway CHANEL 18A Paris Hamburg Metier D'art navy velvet tuxedo blazer FR46
Runway CHANEL 18A Paris Hamburg Metier D'art navy velvet tuxedo blazer FR46

Runway CHANEL 18A Paris Hamburg Metier D'art navy velvet tuxedo blazer FR46

By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, NT

Runway CHANEL 18A Paris Hamburg Metier D'art navy velvet tuxedo blazer FR46 Reference: BMPA/A00157 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 18A Paris Hamburg - Runway Mater...

Category

2010s French Blazers

CHANEL 18A Paris Hamburg Metier D'art navy velvet satin lapel crystal CC tuxedo
CHANEL 18A Paris Hamburg Metier D'art navy velvet satin lapel crystal CC tuxedo

CHANEL 18A Paris Hamburg Metier D'art navy velvet satin lapel crystal CC tuxedo

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, NT

CHANEL 18A Paris Hamburg Metier D'art navy velvet satin lapel crystal CC tuxedo blazer FR46 Reference: ZING/A00157 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 18A Materia...

Category

2010s Blazers

runway CHANEL 18A Paris-Hamburg grey fantasy tweed sailor collar jacket FR46
runway CHANEL 18A Paris-Hamburg grey fantasy tweed sailor collar jacket FR46

runway CHANEL 18A Paris-Hamburg grey fantasy tweed sailor collar jacket FR46

By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, NT

runway CHANEL 18A Paris-Hamburg grey fantasy tweed sailor collar jacket FR46 Brand: CHANEL Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 18A Model Name / Style: Tweed jacket Material: Acrylic...

Category

2010s French Blazers

Chanel Plexiglass Octagon Minaudière Bag-18A Collection
Chanel Plexiglass Octagon Minaudière Bag-18A Collection

Chanel Plexiglass Octagon Minaudière Bag-18A Collection

By Chanel

Located in San Francisco, CA

Inclusions: Comes with original Chanel dust bag. Dimensions (approximate): 14 x 12 x 4 cm Strap Drop: 55 cm A bold and sculptural statement piece from one of Chanel's standout sea...

Category

2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières

CHANEL black leather 2018 18A HAMBURG QUILTED CHAIN Ankle Boots Shoes 39
CHANEL black leather 2018 18A HAMBURG QUILTED CHAIN Ankle Boots Shoes 39

CHANEL black leather 2018 18A HAMBURG QUILTED CHAIN Ankle Boots Shoes 39

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Chanel quilted ankle boots in black crinkled leather embellished with antique gold-tone logo chain, side zipper, patent leather heel and classic black grosgrain cap toe.

Category

2010s Shoes

CHANEL black & cream leather 18A HAMBURG DERBY Flats Shoes 41 fit 40
CHANEL black & cream leather 18A HAMBURG DERBY Flats Shoes 41 fit 40

CHANEL black & cream leather 18A HAMBURG DERBY Flats Shoes 41 fit 40

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

These 100% authentic Chanel lace-up shoes are crafted from white leather with quilt embossing and accented with black leather for a classic, elegant contrast. Featuring zigzag edges,...

Category

2010s Shoes

CHANEL navy blue & white 2018 18A HAMBURG CHUNKY KNIT MINI Skirt 38 S
CHANEL navy blue & white 2018 18A HAMBURG CHUNKY KNIT MINI Skirt 38 S

CHANEL navy blue & white 2018 18A HAMBURG CHUNKY KNIT MINI Skirt 38 S

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Chanel 2018 Hamburg-Paris chunky knit mini skirt in navy and off-white wool (69%), cashmere (30%) and polyamide (1%). Unlined. Has been worn and is in excellent condit...

Category

2010s Pencil Skirts

CHANEL navy blue & white 2018 18A HAMBURG CHUNKY KNIT MINI Skirt 38 S
CHANEL navy blue & white 2018 18A HAMBURG CHUNKY KNIT MINI Skirt 38 S

CHANEL navy blue & white 2018 18A HAMBURG CHUNKY KNIT MINI Skirt 38 S

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Chanel 2018 Hamburg-Paris chunky knit mini skirt in navy and off-white wool (69%), cashmere (30%) and polyamide (1%). Unlined. Has been worn and is in excellent condit...

Category

2010s Pencil Skirts

CHANEL navy blue & white wool blend 2018 18A HAMBURG CHUNKY KNIT Sweater 38 S
CHANEL navy blue & white wool blend 2018 18A HAMBURG CHUNKY KNIT Sweater 38 S

CHANEL navy blue & white wool blend 2018 18A HAMBURG CHUNKY KNIT Sweater 38 S

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Chanel 2018 Hamburg chunky knit sweater in navy and off-white wool (69%), cashmere (30%) and polyamide (1%). Features long sleeves, a 'CC' emblem on the front and lure...

Category

2010s Pullovers

CHANEL navy blue & white wool 2018 18A HAMBURG HOODED CHUNKY KNIT Jacket 38 S
CHANEL navy blue & white wool 2018 18A HAMBURG HOODED CHUNKY KNIT Jacket 38 S

CHANEL navy blue & white wool 2018 18A HAMBURG HOODED CHUNKY KNIT Jacket 38 S

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Chanel 2018 Hamburg chunky knit cardigan in navy and off-white wool (69%), cashmere (30%) and polyamide (1%). Features long sleeves, a sailors flap at the back and two...

Category

2010s Jackets

Chanel Camelia Flower White Agate Yellow Gold Earrings
Chanel Camelia Flower White Agate Yellow Gold Earrings

Chanel Camelia Flower White Agate Yellow Gold Earrings

By Chanel

Located in Bethesda, MD

From Chanel, A pair of 18 karat yellow gold white agate camellia flower earrings.

Category

Early 2000s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Agate

CHANEL B18A CC logo gold tone textured anchor nautical pendant necklace
CHANEL B18A CC logo gold tone textured anchor nautical pendant necklace

CHANEL B18A CC logo gold tone textured anchor nautical pendant necklace

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, NT

CHANEL B18A CC logo gold tone textured anchor nautical pendant necklace Reference: TGAS/C01555 Brand: Chanel Designer: Virginie Viard Collection: 18A Paris Hamburg Material: Metal Co...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold

CHANEL 18A Parus Hamburg Runway grey tweed red braid black patent sailor hat S
CHANEL 18A Parus Hamburg Runway grey tweed red braid black patent sailor hat S

CHANEL 18A Parus Hamburg Runway grey tweed red braid black patent sailor hat S

By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld

Located in Hong Kong, NT

CHANEL 18A Parus Hamburg Runway grey tweed red braid black patent sailor hat S Reference: BMPA/A00223 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 18A Paris Hamburg - Runway Ma...

Category

2010s French Hats

CHANEL blue & brown 2018 18A HAMBURG CAMELLIA TWEED Brooch
CHANEL blue & brown 2018 18A HAMBURG CAMELLIA TWEED Brooch

CHANEL blue & brown 2018 18A HAMBURG CAMELLIA TWEED Brooch

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Chanel Camellia brooch in cognac brown, black and beige tweed fabric and navy wool embellished with a small CC logo in navy. Has been worn and is in excellent conditio...

Category

2010s Brooches

CHANEL black leather 2018 18A HAMBURG FINGERLESS LONG Gloves 7
CHANEL black leather 2018 18A HAMBURG FINGERLESS LONG Gloves 7

CHANEL black leather 2018 18A HAMBURG FINGERLESS LONG Gloves 7

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Chanel 2018 Hamburg long fingerless gloves in black smooth lambskin embellished silver-tone CC logo.

Category

2010s Unknown Gloves

CHANEL blue & white wool 2018 18A HAMBURG ZIGZAG Peacoat Jacket 40 M
CHANEL blue & white wool 2018 18A HAMBURG ZIGZAG Peacoat Jacket 40 M

CHANEL blue & white wool 2018 18A HAMBURG ZIGZAG Peacoat Jacket 40 M

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Chanel 2018 Paris-Hamburg zig-zag peacoat in navy and off-white wool (98%) and elastane (2%). Features a sailor flap collar and buttoned cuffs. Has two slit pockets an...

Category

2010s Jackets

Chanel 18S Transparent Crystal Bead CC Logo Teardrop Necklace / Belt
Chanel 18S Transparent Crystal Bead CC Logo Teardrop Necklace / Belt

Chanel 18S Transparent Crystal Bead CC Logo Teardrop Necklace / Belt

By Chanel

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Marked Chanel A 18 S, Made in France. Coco Chanel said: "A woman should be two things: classy and fabulous."

Category

20th Century French Other Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Acrylic

Chanel 2018 18A Runway Métiers d’Art Paris-Hamburg Navy Mini Skirt FR 40/ US 8
Chanel 2018 18A Runway Métiers d’Art Paris-Hamburg Navy Mini Skirt FR 40/ US 8

Chanel 2018 18A Runway Métiers d’Art Paris-Hamburg Navy Mini Skirt FR 40/ US 8

By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel

Located in Ormond Beach, FL

One of the most wanted, sold out & iconic pieces of all the Chanel 2018 collections. Very rare & fabulous, Chanel runway Metiers d'Art 18A "Paris-Hamburg", navy & ivory mini skirt in...

Category

2010s French Pencil Skirts

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Chanel 18a For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate chanel 18a for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold — can elevate any look. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Making the right choice when shopping for a chanel 18a may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. While most can agree that any chanel 18a from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 548 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also mixed cut and brilliant cut versions for sale. When shopping for a chanel 18a, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Chanel 18a?

Prices for a chanel 18a can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $600 and can go as high as $155,720, while this accessory, on average, fetches $5,450.

Chanel for sale on 1stDibs

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. The 1957 two-tone slingback pumps had a practical heel height while offering a bold statement in the black tip of the shoes. 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. 

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. His collections for Chanel displayed his knack for synthesizing old and new, high and low. Lagerfeld revived Chanel ballet flats and thoroughly embraced the classic logo's interlocking CCs, which took the form of a clasp featured on so many of the rare Chanel bags that are much sought after today.

Vintage Karl Lagerfeld designs for Chanel dresses, coats and other clothing of the 1980s, '90s and 2000s riffed on its iconography, accenting a lexicon of Chanel-isms with tastes of the moment. And as the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers, vintage Chanel bags of the 1990s are among the most prized of the brand’s offerings.

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.