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.
Chanel Vintage Multi Strand Black Lambskin Leather and Gold Chain Belt, 1984
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Chanel Vintage 1984 Medallion Round Pendant Iconic CC Logo Black Leather Triple 3 Strands Layers intertwined Chain Link Chunky Signed and dated on hook. From 1984. Made in ...
CHANEL Vintage Gold CC White Leather Chain Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Made in France Signed CHANEL Gold Plated Clasp closure Measurements approx.: 30" long Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vintage piece and may s...
Chanel Leather Jewelled CC Pearl Chain Belt from the B25 Collection
By Chanel
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Chanel Leather Jewelled CC Pearl Chain Belt from the B25 Collection, a standout accessory that embodies the house’s signature blend of elegance and craftsmanship. Crafted in **black ...
CHANEL Vintage Gold CC Coin Black Leather Chain Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Made in France Signed CHANEL Gold Plated Clasp closure Measurements approx.: Length 33" Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vintage piece and may...
CHANEL gold-tone metal 92A COCO CHANEL CHAIN Belt OZ
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel chain belt is crafted in gold-plated metal and features oversized “COCO CHANEL” letter links separated by a classic CC. A large CC buckle anchors the desig...
Chanel Vintage Gold Double Chain CC Medallion Waist Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Hallmark: CHANEL Made in France 1984 collection Gold Plated The belt is in good condition showing minimal wear Measurements approx.: chain length 35” Comes with box IMPORTA...
Chanel Vintage Gold Coin CC 31 Rue Cambon Paris Chain Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Made in France Signed CHANEL Gold Plated Clasp closure Measurements approx.: Length 32" Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vintage piece and may...
CHANEL gold-tone metal 90P PEARL TASSEL CHAIN Belt OZ
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
Tjos 100% authentic Chanel chain belt is crafted in gold-tone curb links and draped with two strands of pearly white imitation pearls for a signature layered effect. A pearl-strung coin medallion adds a classic Chanel accent...
CHANEL gold-tone metal 1990s LEATHER INTERWOVEN CHAIN Belt OZ
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel waist belt is crafted in gold-tone curb link chain interwoven with black leather. It features a double-chain front detail and finishes with a signature coi...
CHANEL Vintage Gold Coco Perfume Chain-Link Multi Strand Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Made in France Signed CHANEL Gold Plated Chain link closure Measurements approx.: Chain Length 30" Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vintage pi...
Chanel Gold Vintage Weave CC Logo Chain Link Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Made in France Collection 29 Gold Plated Measurements approx.: Length 30" Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vintage piece and may show signs of...
CHANEL gold-tone metal 91P CABOCHON LINK CHAIN Belt OZ
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel chain belt is crafted in gold-tone metal and composed of a continuous row of domed medallion discs, each engraved with a contrasting black CC logo and fram...
Chanel Vintage S/S 1992 Runway 24K Gold-Plated Multicolor Pill Belt
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
An exceptionally rare and highly collectible accessory from the iconic Chanel Spring/Summer 1992 collection, this multicolour pill chain belt is one of the most playful and recogniza...
CHANEL Vintage Red Leather Gold Chain Link CC Logo Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Made in France Signed CHANEL Gold Plated Clasp closure Measurements approx.: 28" long Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vintage piece and may s...
Chanel 2006 Pearl Paris Souvenir "Devil Wears Prada" Charm Belt
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chanel 2006 Pearl Paris Souvenir "Devil Wears Prada" Charm Belt Excellent Condition! No flaws to note. 98cm length. Beautiful piece.
CHANEL Vintage Lion Medallion Triple Chain Gold Necklace Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
100% Authentic CHANEL by Robert Goossens Triple chain necklace/ belt Medallion lion in triumphant position, Chanel logo and CHANEL letter Signed CHANEL 2 CC 3 Made in France Dangling...
Vintage "CHANEL" ID Logo Chunky Gold Chain Statement Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
Vintage chunky gold CHANEL name plate Chain-Link belt which can also be styled as a collar necklace 100% authentic Made in France Gold Plated Clasp closure Measurements approx.: chai...
CHANEL Vintage Black Leather Gold Chain Link CC Coin "CHANEL" ID Tag Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
Vintage Interlocking gold CC Logo Chain-Link leather belt which can also be styled as a necklace 100% authentic Made in France Gold-Plated, leather Clasp closure Measurements approx....
CHANEL silver metal 05A CRYSTAL CAMELLIA CHAIN Belt 85 90
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel mesh link belt in silver-tone metal showcases a striking flower motif, encrusted with clear and yellow strass and accented by a central faux pearl. A dangl...
CHANEL gold-tone metal 1990s MEDALLION CHAIN Belt OZ
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel waist belt is crafted in gold-plated curb links and finished with a dangling coin medallion at the end—an iconic accent that brings timeless Chanel elegan...
Chanel Vintage Gold Coin CC Rue Cambon Paris Multistrand Chain Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Made in France Signed CHANEL Gold Plated Clasp closure Measurements approx.: chain length 36" Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vintage piece ...
Chanel Vintage Gold 1982 Coin CC Chain Link Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
Vintage 1982 Chanel CC coin chain belt 100% authentic Made in France Gold Plated Measurements approx.: chain length 32" Very good condition overall aside from light wear and scratch...
Chanel 1986 Ceinture Chaine Perles T70 a 85 Maxi Chain Pearl Belt 28 to 34 in
By Chanel, Victoire de Castellane
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel belt from the SS1986 collection, composed of an extra-large gold-tone metal chain with a decorative pearl suspended from each wide, round link, fastened with a hook. The belt ...
Vintage Chanel Chain Logo Charm Belt 1984
By Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
Vintage Chanel Chain Logo Belt - 1980s Icon A showstopping creation from Chanel’s golden era, this vintage logo belt embodies the bold glamour of the 1980s and specifically 1984. Cra...
CHANEL gold-tone metal 1990s MEDALLION CHAIN Belt OZ
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel chain belt is crafted in gold-plated metal with classic curb links throughout. A small coin medallion serves as the hook closure, while a larger, beautifu...
CHANEL burgundy & black leather 2020 REVERSIBLE Belt 75
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel reversible belt in black and burgundy leather offers versatile elegance. Featuring a matte silver-tone CC buckle, thi...
Chanel 1990s Gold Metal CC Chain Belt Unisex 75cm Elegant Accessory
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Élégante ceinture CHANEL CC Chaîne, réalisée en métal doré de haute qualité, symbole du style emblématique de la Maison CHANEL à la fin des années 1980 et début des années 1990. Ce m...
$2,757
Chanel golden belt 1980s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal belt from the 1980s, designed under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 95 cm SKU:C...
CHANEL Vintage Black Leather Buckle Gold Chain Link Belt, 1990s
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
Beautiful vintage Chanel leather-and-chain belt, finished with an equally bold square-shaped buckle, with the brand's name engraved in detail Made in France 1993 collection Very cond...
Chanel Vintage Gold Chain ID Plate and CC Coin Necklace/Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Hallmark: CHANEL Made in France Gold Plated The belt is in good condition showing minimal wear Measurements approx.: Length 28" Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This i...
CHANEL CC Chain Belt Gold Metal and Leather Circa 1990
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Élégante ceinture CHANEL CC Chaîne entrelacée, réalisée en métal doré et cuir de haute qualité, symbole du style iconique de la Maison CHANEL à la fin des années 1980 et début des an...
Chanel golden belt 1985s-1990s
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal chain belt representing CHANEL, the name of the house. Jewelry from the 1985s-1990s under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition:...
Chanel Vintage 1980s Red + Gilded Gold 80s Chain CC Medallion Belt or Necklace
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic, rare and collectible 1980s Chanel, by Karl Lagerfeld, red leather and gilded gold chain belt OR necklace ! Can be worn dressed up or down. Pair with jeans and a white tank, or...
Chanel Charm Bag Chain Belt in Gold Metal and Leather, Circa 1990
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Cette magnifique ceinture CHANEL modèle Charm Bag, réalisée vers 1990, incarne l’élégance emblématique et le savoir-faire de la Maison. Conçue en métal doré et cuir, elle se distingu...
Chanel Early 1990s Ceinture Sautoir T80 ID Maxi Chainlink Belt 32in Necklace
By Chanel, Victoire de Castellane
Located in PARIS, FR
A Chanel belt circa 1992 in gold-tone metal, featuring a wide curb chain and a CHANEL-branded identification plaque, fastened with a hook. The belt measures 80 cm (32 inches) in tota...
CHANEL gold-tone metal 90P PEARL TASSEL CHAIN Belt OZ
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel chain belt is crafted in polished gold-tone metal from a continuous series of oversized interlocking rings. The bold drop-chain is finished with an iconic...
Chanel pearl belt Spring 1993
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Costume pearl belt assembled with knots. 1993 Spring-Summer Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition: Very good condition Dime...
CHANEL gold-tone metal 90P SHIELD CHAIN Belt OZ
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel chain belt is crafted in gold-plated metal and composed of linked square plaques, each embellished with tonal cabochon detailing. A larger square plaque se...
Chanel Cruise 2007 rare runway train logo belt/necklace by Karl Lagerfeld
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in PARIS, FR
Extremely rare Chanel runway cruise 2007 enamel train logo belt/necklace by Karl Lagerfeld, 40 inches adjustable. Excellent condition, some light wear on the silver metal of the chai...
$3,596
Chanel leather belt 1991
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Black leather wide belt with golden metal. 1991 Fall-Winter 2cc9 Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition: Very good condition ...
Chanel Vintage 1984 Medallion CC Logo Circle Charm Double Strand Necklace Belt
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1980s Medallion 31 Rue Cambon CC Logo Circle Charm Double Strand Chain Link Interlocked Chunky Modernist Elegant Necklace Belt, Gold Plated Very good condition. Only ...
FW 2007 Chanel 9 Chainlink rows Belt T85
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel belt composed of 9 rows of forçat chain in blackened silver metal, closure with square pin buckle. Size 85 cm, total length 92 cm, closure 82-88 cm (1 hole at 82 cm, 1 at 85 c...
$3,356
Chanel belt Spring 1997
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Turbogaz chain belt with Swarovski rhinestones and glass paste cabochons. 1997 Spring-Summer Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Con...
Chanel belt Fall-winter 1991
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal chain belt interlaced with black leather. 1991 Fall-Winter Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition: Very good con...
1970s Vintage CHANEL Gold Toned Leather Chain Belt Black Gold
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage Chanel leather chain belt is crafted of sturdy gold toned chain interlaced with black lambskin leather. Stamped CHANEL. This belt can also be worn as a necklace. Adjusta...
Chanel Vintage Iconic CC Logo Navy Leather intertwined Chain Link Necklace Belt
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage Iconic Double CC Logo Navy Blue Leather intertwined Chain Linked Modernist Elegant Necklace Belt, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. Can be used as ...
Chanel 1995 Ceinture T70 Maxi CC black Leather Chain belt US26 US27
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel belt from the AH1995 collection in a large gold metal chain interwoven with black patent leather decorated with a large round medallion in black acetate encrusted with a CC lo...
Chanel belt Haute Couture Coco era
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal openwork belt topped with a golden elastic. 3-Star Haute Couture Collection from the Coco era. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Len...
Chanel Iconic Collectible 12 Charm Belt
By Chanel, Victoire de Castellane
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The iconic Chanel Charm belt can be worn also as a Necklace. The most complete item we ever came across ,with 12 different charms. Collection 28 designed by Victoire de Castellane. 2...
Chanel Coco Mark Silver-Tone Chain Waist Belt
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Chanel Coco Mark Silver-Tone Chain Waist Belt is a stunning accessory that embodies luxury and sophistication. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this belt features a sleek silver-tone chain adorned with the iconic Coco Mark logo, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit. Its versatile design makes it a perfect statement piece, effortlessly elevating casual and formal ensembles alike. Whether cinched at the waist of a flowing dress or paired with high-waisted trousers, this belt enhances your silhouette with a chic, modern edge. It pairs beautifully with designer items such as a Gucci silk blouse, a Prada tailored blazer, or a Louis Vuitton monogram skirt...
Chanel Black Cuff Pearl Logo Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel vintage black lucite cuff bracelet withPearl and clear rhinestones CC logo. Gold plated metal hardware. Mint condition. Original box included.
Chanel Spring 2002 Black Leather Sliding Chain Lock Runway Belt
By Chanel
Located in Nice, FR
CHANEL black leather wide belt featuring two gold toned sliding chain locks. As seen on the CHANEL Spring/Summer Ready-To-Wear 2002 runway. Embossed CHAN...
Vintage 1990s Chanel Charm Leather Belt
By Chanel
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Vintage Chanel charm belt with dangling details. Very cute vintage piece. Size 75. Slight signs of wear with scuffs and rubbing and the print has faded. Comes as is.
Chanel belt Haute Couture 1988s
By Chanel, Maison Gripoix for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - Rare openwork golden-metal mughal-inspired belt with amber-colored poured glass and Swarovski rhinestones. Not signed jewelry. A Haute Couture Collection circa 1988 under th...
1995 Vintage CHANEL Gold Toned Black Leather Chain Belt 95A
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage CHANEL chain belt is crafted of gold toned chains interlaced with black leather with double chain draping adorned with a CHANEL PARIS coin charm. Stamped 95A CHANEL made...
Chanel Rare Jewelled Eagle Black and Gold Runway Belt or Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Nice, FR
CHANEL rare gold toned chain belt with black interwoven leather featuring a large jewelled eagle. Focal point of the CHANEL 2001 Spring runway show. May be worn as a belt or neckla...
Vintage CHANEL Chocolate Bar Turnlock Leather Belt Silver Hardware
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage Chanel chocolate bar belt is crafted of lambskin leather in square quilted pattern featuring a black enameled silver toned CC turnlock. Stamped Chanel 02P made in Italy....
CHANEL Vintage Gold CC Medallion Chain Link Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Made in France Signed CHANEL Gold Plated Clasp closure Chain measurement approx.: 29 inches Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vintage piece and...
1993 Vintage CHANEL Gold Toned Clover CC Chain Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage CHANEL chain belt is crafted of sturdy gold toned chains featuring two double draping and a fauxpearl equestrian charm. One draping sits on the back and other draping si...
1994 Vintage CHANEL Gold Toned Quadruple Chain Belt Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
Vintage Chanel gold toned chain belt featuring front quadruple chain draping in textured and polished double links and a CC charm. Adjustable hook fastening. It can be worn as a belt...