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Chanel 70s

Chanel 70's Hat & Purse Necklace
Chanel 70's Hat & Purse Necklace

Chanel 70's Hat & Purse Necklace

By Chanel

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Chanel 70's Hat & Purse Necklace is a vintage collectible featuring a hat and purse pendant.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scarves

Chanel Minaudière Double Circle 70s Style Runway Rare Black & Metallic Clutch
Chanel Minaudière Double Circle 70s Style Runway Rare Black & Metallic Clutch

Chanel Minaudière Double Circle 70s Style Runway Rare Black & Metallic Clutch

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Gold lambskin Chanel and white patent leather 70's style clutch with white cc enamel detail 2007 {VINTAGE 15 Years} Gold Hardware Double kiss-lock closure Interior white satin linin...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Clutches

Chanel Black Metallic Minaudière Double Circle Runway Clutch
Chanel Black Metallic Minaudière Double Circle Runway Clutch

Chanel Black Metallic Minaudière Double Circle Runway Clutch

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Gold lambskin Chanel and white patent leather 70's style clutch with white cc enamel detail 2007 {VINTAGE 17 Years} Gold Hardware Double kiss-lock closure Interior white satin linin...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Clutches

Recent Sales

Chanel Iconic Sunglasses 1970s
Chanel Iconic Sunglasses 1970s

Chanel Iconic Sunglasses 1970s

Unavailable

H 2.4 in W 5.7 in

Chanel Iconic Sunglasses 1970s

By Chanel

Located in Vienna, AT

Iconic ‘70s Chanel Black Round Sunglasses with Gold-tone CC Logo on both temples in excellent condition. 14.5 cm width 6 cm height

Category

1970s French Sunglasses

Chanel Haute Couture set from the 1970s
Chanel Haute Couture set from the 1970s

Chanel Haute Couture set from the 1970s

By Chanel

Located in Paris, IDF

Typical 70s Chanel Haute Couture Set made of striped wool in purple tones.

Category

1970s French Skirt Suits

Pat Sandler for Neiman Marcus Cotton Lace Dress Gown, 1970s
Pat Sandler for Neiman Marcus Cotton Lace Dress Gown, 1970s

Pat Sandler for Neiman Marcus Cotton Lace Dress Gown, 1970s

By Pat Sandler

Located in Houston, TX

Chanel those 70's summers in this bohemian lace short sleeve dress by Pat Sandler.

Category

1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Chanel 70's Sautoir Pearls Necklace
Chanel 70's Sautoir Pearls Necklace

Chanel 70's Sautoir Pearls Necklace

By Chanel

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This is a Rare 1970's Chanel Pearl gold plated necklace is in excellent condition and a collector's item. Long to be double wrapped and worn as a single piece.

Category

1970s French Scarves

Chanel 70's Floral Day Ensemble
Chanel 70's Floral Day Ensemble

Chanel 70's Floral Day Ensemble

Located in New York, NY

Chanel navy and white sheer,floral print, silk gauze ensemble consisting of a smocked "gypsy" style blouse with sleeves that reach the elbow and a gathered skirt. label reads "Creat...

Category

1970s French Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

Chanel 70s light blue canvas small Bag
Chanel 70s light blue canvas small Bag

Chanel 70s light blue canvas small Bag

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H 3.94 in W 5.52 in D 1.58 in

Chanel 70s light blue canvas small Bag

By Chanel

Located in Carnate, IT

Chanel small bag. 1970 circa. Featuring light blue canvas and golden hardware. Amazing piece, very fascinating. It’s been preloved and used a lot. As you can see from the photos the ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Structured Shoulder Bags

Vintage Chanel Black Taffeta Strapless Gown - Circa 70's
Vintage Chanel Black Taffeta Strapless Gown - Circa 70's

Vintage Chanel Black Taffeta Strapless Gown - Circa 70's

By Chanel

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Vintage Chanel Black Taffeta Strapless Gown, Velvet detail at top of bustier, full skirt and crinoline/silk petticoat, beautiful bow in back - Circa 70's - vintage size 12.

Category

1970s French Ball Gowns

Chanel Vintage Red Lambskin Tote - GHW - Circa 70's
Chanel Vintage Red Lambskin Tote - GHW - Circa 70's

Chanel Vintage Red Lambskin Tote - GHW - Circa 70's

By Chanel

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Chanel Vintage Red Lambskin Tote - GHW - Circa 70's This bag is in very good condition and just needs a little TLC.

Category

1970s French Tote Bags

Chanel Vintage Red Lambskin Single Flap Shoulder Bag- GHW-Circa 70's
Chanel Vintage Red Lambskin Single Flap Shoulder Bag- GHW-Circa 70's

Chanel Vintage Red Lambskin Single Flap Shoulder Bag- GHW-Circa 70's

By Chanel

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Chanel Vintage Red Lambskin Single Flap Shoulder Bag- GHW-Circa 70's This beautiful vintage bag is in excellent condition.

Category

1970s French Shoulder Bags

1960/70s Chanel Dress logo monogram
1960/70s Chanel Dress logo monogram

1960/70s Chanel Dress logo monogram

By Chanel

Located in New York, NY

This lovely dress comes with an even lovelier story. The woman we bought it from claimed to be the lover of the late Cary Grant himself. She had numerous pieces of clothing he had bo...

Category

1970s French Informal Dresses

70s Chanel Byzantine Chain Belt with Faux Pearl Red Green Poured Glass Buckle M
70s Chanel Byzantine Chain Belt with Faux Pearl Red Green Poured Glass Buckle M

70s Chanel Byzantine Chain Belt with Faux Pearl Red Green Poured Glass Buckle M

By Chanel

Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL

This fabulous belt was made by Robert Goossens for Chanel in the early 1970s and was acquired from the estate of a former Chanel employee. Made from gilt metal, the buckle features r...

Category

1970s French Belts

Adolfo 70s Bouclé Knit Skirt Suit in the Chanel Style
Adolfo 70s Bouclé Knit Skirt Suit in the Chanel Style

Adolfo 70s Bouclé Knit Skirt Suit in the Chanel Style

By Adolfo

Located in Gresham, OR

70s Adolfo walking suit style bouclé knit suit in a longer jacket style. Approx. size 8. With "A" monogram buttons on pockets, cuffs and front.

Category

1970s American Skirt Suits

Chanel Late 60s Pink Blazer
Chanel Late 60s Pink Blazer

Chanel Late 60s Pink Blazer

By Chanel

Located in Austin, TX

Chanel late 60s - early 70s pink blazer. Four front pockets, gold chain at hem.

Category

1960s French Blazers

Chanel Classic Flap Jersey 2.55 Vintage Reissue Chain
Chanel Classic Flap Jersey 2.55 Vintage Reissue Chain

Chanel Classic Flap Jersey 2.55 Vintage Reissue Chain

By Chanel

Located in Roosendaal, NL

From the collection of SAVINETI we offer this Chanel Classic 2.55 Jersey: - Brand: Chanel - Model: Classic 2.55 - Year: 70's - Condition: Good (has a little bit of a smell from stor...

Category

1970s French Structured Shoulder Bags

1970s CHANEL black silk dress
1970s CHANEL black silk dress

1970s CHANEL black silk dress

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Size: 40/ fit US size 4 (modern)

1970s CHANEL black silk dress

By Chanel

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Late 70s Chanel Black Silk chiffon dress with satin collar and sleeve. 12 gold Chanel button.

Category

1970s Cocktail Dresses

1970s CHANEL Black Cotton Skirt with Chanel Gold Button
1970s CHANEL Black Cotton Skirt with Chanel Gold Button

1970s CHANEL Black Cotton Skirt with Chanel Gold Button

By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Vintage 70s CHANEL black cotton midi skirt with gold cc button with 2 pockets.

Category

1970s American Circle Skirts

CHANEL
CHANEL

CHANEL

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Size: small

CHANEL

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

70s Chanel Brown wool pleated skirt with gold button.

Category

1970s French Day Dresses

Vintage Chanel Pastel Tweed Skirt Suit-Circa 70's
Vintage Chanel Pastel Tweed Skirt Suit-Circa 70's

Vintage Chanel Pastel Tweed Skirt Suit-Circa 70's

By Chanel

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Vintage Chanel Pastel Tweed Skirt Suit.French 36. Measurements are as follows: Jacket:Shoulder to Shoulder: 15" Sleeve: 23" Lgth frm Center:22 " Skirt:Waist:27" Hips:38" Length:2...

Category

1970s French Clothing

Chanel Vintage '70s Navy Wool Beret Hat
Chanel Vintage '70s Navy Wool Beret Hat

Chanel Vintage '70s Navy Wool Beret Hat

By Chanel

Located in New York, NY

Chanel Vintage '70s Navy Wool Beret Hat Features black bow ribbon trim detail Color: Navy and black Composition: Wool Lining: None Overall Condition: Excellent pre-owned vi...

Category

1970s Unknown Berets

Chanel Size 70/28 1980's Triple Chain Belt Interlaced Gold Chain 34cc824s
Chanel Size 70/28 1980's Triple Chain Belt Interlaced Gold Chain 34cc824s

Chanel Size 70/28 1980's Triple Chain Belt Interlaced Gold Chain 34cc824s

By Chanel

Located in Dix hills, NY

Made In: France Measurements: Length: 30.75" Width: .2" Height: 1.6" OVERALL VERY GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+ ) Signs of Wear: Length in Inches to First Hole: 28.5" Le...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belts

Chanel Gold Chain Link Belt/Necklace with Gripoix and Pearl Camelias-Circa 70's
Chanel Gold Chain Link Belt/Necklace with Gripoix and Pearl Camelias-Circa 70's

Chanel Gold Chain Link Belt/Necklace with Gripoix and Pearl Camelias-Circa 70's

By Chanel

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Chanel Gold Chain Link Belt/Necklace with Gripoix and Pearl Camelias-Circa 70's This magnificent highly collectible belt can also be worn as a single strand or double choker style n...

Category

1970s French Belts

Vintage Chanel Lion Head Medallion Belt Multi Chain Rare 70s
Vintage Chanel Lion Head Medallion Belt Multi Chain Rare 70s

Vintage Chanel Lion Head Medallion Belt Multi Chain Rare 70s

By Chanel

Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL

Authentic, preowned, vintage Chanel lion head medallion multi chain belt, circa the late 70s.

Category

1970s French Belts

CHANEL Vintage 70's-80's Gold Chain Belt w/Dangling Clover Charm
CHANEL Vintage 70's-80's Gold Chain Belt w/Dangling Clover Charm

CHANEL Vintage 70's-80's Gold Chain Belt w/Dangling Clover Charm

Located in New York, NY

Chanel Vintage 70's-80's Gold Chain BeltFeatures four leaf clover charm Made in: France Year of Production: 1970's-1980's Color: Gold Composition: Metal Cl...

Category

1970s French Belts

Chanel 70's Haute Couture Navy Shearling Skirt Suit
Chanel 70's Haute Couture Navy Shearling Skirt Suit

Chanel 70's Haute Couture Navy Shearling Skirt Suit

By Chanel

Located in New York, NY

Chanel Navy wool three piece skirt suit with shearling lined jacket Measurements: Shirt bust: 16.5" Shirt length: 14" Skirt waist: 26" Skirt length: 22" Jacket bust: 17"...

Category

1970s French Skirt Suits

Chanel 70's Navy and Beige Wool Houndstooth Three Piece Suit
Chanel 70's Navy and Beige Wool Houndstooth Three Piece Suit

Chanel 70's Navy and Beige Wool Houndstooth Three Piece Suit

By Chanel

Located in New York, NY

Chanel navy and beige wool houndstooth 3-piece skirt suit with sleeveless silk blouse. Year: 1970's. Measurements: Jacket Bust: 18" Jacket Length: 21.5" Jacket Sleeve: 23" Jack...

Category

1970s French Skirt Suits

Chanel Pant Suit circa 1960s/70s
Chanel Pant Suit circa 1960s/70s

Chanel Pant Suit circa 1960s/70s

By Chanel

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a pant suit by Chanel c. 1960s/70s It is made from a baby blue and gold brocade fabric.

Category

1960s Trouser Pant Suits

Chanel Black Velvet Chain Shoulder Purse 70s
Chanel Black Velvet Chain Shoulder Purse 70s

Chanel Black Velvet Chain Shoulder Purse 70s

By Chanel

Located in Berlin, DE

Rare Chanel black velvet gold chain strap purse from end of 70's. 13 x 20 x 4,5 cm Chain strap 94 cm

Category

1970s French Shoulder Bags

Rare Chanel Lion Handbag c.1970
Rare Chanel Lion Handbag c.1970

Rare Chanel Lion Handbag c.1970

By Chanel

Located in Verviers, BE

Chanel collector handbag of the 70s. Extremely rare to find.

Category

1970s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Rare Chanel collector lion bag c.1970
Rare Chanel collector lion bag c.1970

Rare Chanel collector lion bag c.1970

By Chanel

Located in Verviers, BE

The Lion, the essence of Mademoiselle Chanel been born on August 19th. Collectable Chanel vintage of the 70s.

Category

1970s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Chanel 70s Jacket Size 8.
Chanel 70s Jacket Size 8.

Chanel 70s Jacket Size 8.

By Chanel

Located in Atlanta, GA

Chanel 1970s sky blue with white trim jacket. 3 front Chanel logo gold buttons and swoop front pockets. Silk lining and in excellent condition. Size 38 or size 8 USA but pleas...

Category

1970s French Single-Breasted Jackets

Vintage 1991 CHANEL Wide Leather Belt Collection 26 CC with Chains Sz 70/28 XS-S
Vintage 1991 CHANEL Wide Leather Belt Collection 26 CC with Chains Sz 70/28 XS-S

Vintage 1991 CHANEL Wide Leather Belt Collection 26 CC with Chains Sz 70/28 XS-S

By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel

Located in Lakewood, CO

It's rare to find vintage CHANEL in such exquisite condition. MEASUREMENTS: Buckle: 3.5" x 3" Chain: 6" drop on longest side chains Belt Width: 2 1/4" Entire Belt Length: 32" Waist...

Category

1990s French Belts

Moschino 80s gold chain adjustable waist belt.
Moschino 80s gold chain adjustable waist belt.

Moschino 80s gold chain adjustable waist belt.

By Moschino

Located in Atlanta, GA

Perfect with that black vintage Lanvin jumpsuit you have. Perfect with that 70s Chanel navy dress you have. Perfect with your favorite pair of 501 jeans and that vintage Chloe blouse...

Category

1980s Italian Belts

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Giorgio Armani Navy Blue Sequin and Beaded Sleeveless Top - 42
Giorgio Armani Navy Blue Sequin and Beaded Sleeveless Top - 42

Giorgio Armani Navy Blue Sequin and Beaded Sleeveless Top - 42

By Giorgio Armani

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Giorgio Armani navy blue, red and clear sequin and beaded top. This beautiful top is in excellent condition. Measurements: length 22" bust 36" waist 38" Size 42

Category

1990s Tank Tops

French Deco Sequinned Mini Purse
French Deco Sequinned Mini Purse

French Deco Sequinned Mini Purse

Located in New York, NY

Miniature flapper dance purse of iridiscent sequins with gold tambour embroidery. Inside is a small mirror and pocket. France 1920's. 4" x 4", 10" chain Excellent condition.

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Evening Bags and Minaudières

Iconic Chanel Byzantine Cuff Bracelet
Iconic Chanel Byzantine Cuff Bracelet

Iconic Chanel Byzantine Cuff Bracelet

By Chanel

Located in New York, NY

Iconic Chanel cuff based on ancient models and reinterpreted in the the late 1980's by Victoire de Castellane. Hammered antique gold with pate de verre cabochons in various tones. Wo...

Category

Vintage 1980s French Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Bronze, Gilt Metal

Chanel Rugby Football Ball
Chanel Rugby Football Ball

Chanel Rugby Football Ball

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel Rugby Football Ball 2007 {VINTAGE 15 Years} Very good condition

Category

1990s Italian Miscellaneous

Oscar de la Renta Corsage Cocktail Dress  New!
Oscar de la Renta Corsage Cocktail Dress  New!

Oscar de la Renta Corsage Cocktail Dress New!

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Oscar de la Renta strapless lace and silk corsage cocktail dress offered in brand new condition. Hand ruched black lace bodice with large attached rosette corsage. Bodice extends ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Dresses

Pink Silk Dress Hand Beaded "Gatsby" Flapper Dress 1920s
Pink Silk Dress Hand Beaded "Gatsby" Flapper Dress 1920s

Pink Silk Dress Hand Beaded "Gatsby" Flapper Dress 1920s

Located in Wallkill, NY

They are getting harder to find, and even harder to find in wearable condition. This silk pink dream is all hand beaded. Stunning T back. Bugle beading around the neckline and arms. ...

Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Sheath Dresses

Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Wall and Flags Print Pants Trousers
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Wall and Flags Print Pants Trousers

Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Wall and Flags Print Pants Trousers

By Jean Paul Gaultier

Located in Nice, FR

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage pants trousers featuring a multi colored wall and flags print. These trousers feature : - Velvety touch material. - Front buttoning. - Front and back pock...

Category

20th Century Moroccan Pants

Chanel Shopping Tote Duffle Cc Sport Line Beige Nylon
Chanel Shopping Tote Duffle Cc Sport Line Beige Nylon

Chanel Shopping Tote Duffle Cc Sport Line Beige Nylon

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Very good. Small marks on base and handles, slight discoloration and wear in interior, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Authenticity Card, Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 8-14...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Tote Bags

Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne Bag Black Matte Alligator Gold Hardware
Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne Bag Black Matte Alligator Gold Hardware

Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne Bag Black Matte Alligator Gold Hardware

By Hermès

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne bag presented in classic Black Matte Alligator. Timeless and chic, this gorgeous Kelly bag only grows more beautiful as it ages, showcas...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Chanel 2005 Vintage Classic Flap Limited Edition PNY Jumbo Expandable Bag
Chanel 2005 Vintage Classic Flap Limited Edition PNY Jumbo Expandable Bag

Chanel 2005 Vintage Classic Flap Limited Edition PNY Jumbo Expandable Bag

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel Paris New York PNY Jumbo Expandable Maxi Calfskin Flap Bag 2005 {VINTAGE 19 Years} Ruthenium hardware Diamond stitch calfskin aged leather Flap with CC turn lock Interior z...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags

Rare Chanel 1989 Vintage Blue Lizard Square Mini Evening Bag 24k GHW  68656
Rare Chanel 1989 Vintage Blue Lizard Square Mini Evening Bag 24k GHW  68656

Rare Chanel 1989 Vintage Blue Lizard Square Mini Evening Bag 24k GHW 68656

By Chanel

Located in Costa Mesa, CA

Store item: 68656 In blue lizard and 24k gold plated hardware. This item is in excellent condition with very few signs of normal use. Corners are clean with no rubbing or scuffi...

Category

1990s Evening Bags and Minaudières

1980's Yves Saint Laurent YSL Black Lace Dress with Hanky Hem
1980's Yves Saint Laurent YSL Black Lace Dress with Hanky Hem

1980's Yves Saint Laurent YSL Black Lace Dress with Hanky Hem

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Unique YSL hanky hem cocktail/evening dress from the early 1980's. The lace trim along the hem and all over the bodice has a touch of sparkle with jet black beading. Full flare to th...

Category

1980s French Ballerina Dresses

Emanuel Ungaro 1980s Wrap Silk Dress
Emanuel Ungaro 1980s Wrap Silk Dress

Emanuel Ungaro 1980s Wrap Silk Dress

By Emanuel Ungaro

Located in Water Mill, NY

A gorgeous blue and off white elaborate abstract pattern silk damask wrap dress from Emanuel Ungaro Parallele. It has a V neckline with a wrap semi fitted hip length bodice tying at...

Category

1980s Italian Day Dresses

Cartier Art Deco Sterling Silver and Enamel Miniature Desk Timepiece circa 1920s

Cartier Art Deco Sterling Silver and Enamel Miniature Desk Timepiece circa 1920s

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful miniature desk timepiece, rectangular case with blue enamel, accented by silver bands, centering a circular brushed silvered dial with gilt Arabic numerals, dial signed C...

Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

Edwardian Beauvais Embroidered Bag
Edwardian Beauvais Embroidered Bag

Edwardian Beauvais Embroidered Bag

Located in New York, NY

Lovely Edwardian Beauvais Embroidered Bag from the turn of the 20th century in France. Lavishly hand embroidered with roses on black silk faille within a bronze frame set with a cit...

Category

1910s French Evening Bags and Minaudières

Gianni Versace Versus Vintage White Jacket & Skirt Ensemble with Western Details
Gianni Versace Versus Vintage White Jacket & Skirt Ensemble with Western Details

Gianni Versace Versus Vintage White Jacket & Skirt Ensemble with Western Details

By Gianni Versace

Located in Nice, FR

GIANNI VERSACE VERSUS vintage 1990s white jacket and skirt ensemble featuring Western details. The jacket features : - White cotton with black stitching details. - Long sleeves. - S...

Category

20th Century Italian Skirt Suits

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Chanel 70s For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a broad range of chanel 70s for sale on 1stDibs. For chanel 70s, Brown is a pretty popular color, but we also have Black, Beige, Gold and more in stock now. If you’re looking for accessories from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find some that date back to the 20th Century while other versions may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Chanel 70s such as these have likely been a part of the legacy of many fashion designers, but those produced by Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel and Adolfo are consistently popular. If you’re browsing our inventory for these accessories, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men and unisex.

How Much are Chanel 70s?

Prices for chanel 70s can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $185 and can go as high as $10,529, while these items, on average, fetch $1,200.

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.