$16,920
H 5 in W 7.7 in D 2.6 in
Chanel 1980's Black Classic Crocodile Envelope CC Flap Bag Convertible Clutch
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 1980's Black Classic Crocodile Envelope CC Flap Bag Convertible Clutch Circa 1986-1988 Gold hardware Multi-chain gold straps Crocodile leather Envelope style V-shaped flap...
$2,768
H 12 in W 11 in L 8.5 in
Chanel Rare Sports CC Logo Parachute Backpack Convertible Sling Bag 93cc826s
By Chanel
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 7872227 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 8.5" Width: 3" Height: 12" Shoulder Handle Drop: 13"-22" OVERALL VERY GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 7.25/10 or ...
Chanel Black CC Logo Sports Lin Backpack Convertible Tote Bag 5cas928
By Chanel
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 11775209 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 11.5" Width: 4" Height: 14" Shoulder Handle Drop: 9"-19" Handle Drop: 2.5" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( ...
Chanel Black CC Logo Sports Lin Backpack Convertible Tote Bag 5cas928
By Chanel
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 11775209 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 11.5" Width: 4" Height: 14" Shoulder Handle Drop: 9"-19" Handle Drop: 2.5" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( ...
Chanel East West Boy Convertible Chain Shoulder and Clutch Bag Black Patent Leat
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
This convertible Chanel East West Boy Bag can be carried as a evening clutch or on the shoulder using the chain.
$6,920
H 5 in W 10.25 in L 1.5 in
Chanel 2002 Vintage So Black Long Medium Shoulder Convertible Clutch Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Vintage So Black Long Medium Shoulder Bag Year 2002 {Vintage 22 Years} Black nylon canvas with a flap top CC turn-lock closure Leather entwined chain shoulder strap Black...
Unavailable
H 6.5 in W 10 in D 4 in
Chanel Convertible Top Handle Bag Chevron Calfskin with Braided Chain Detail
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Authenticity Card Measurements: Height 6.5", Width 10", Depth 4" Designer: Chanel Model: Convertible Top Handle Bag Chevron Calfskin with Braided Chain Detail Exterior M...
Unavailable
H 9.5 in W 4.5 in L 14.25 in
Chanel Quilted Weekender Convertible Flap 222978 Ivory Leather Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 7153624 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 14.25" Width: 4.5" Height: 9.5" Shoulder strap drop: 7" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+ ) Includes S...
Chanel Multicolor Python Convertible Mini Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Chanel Multicolor Python Mini Flap Bag is in excellent condition. A fabulous versatile piece, it can be carried as a shoulder bag or worn as a belt. Brightly hued py...
Chanel Quilted Weekender Convertible Flap 222978 Ivory Leather Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 7153624 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 14.25" Width: 4.5" Height: 9.5" Shoulder strap drop: 7" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+ ) In...
80's CHANEL black convertible crocodile bag with cross body strap
By Chanel
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jet black crocodile convertible clutch with hidden woven gilt cross by strap by Chanel dating to the 1980's.
Sold
H 6.5 in W 2 in L 5 in
Chanel Bicolor CC Logo Sports Convertible Crossbody Round Sling Belt Bag 5C0424
By Chanel
Located in Dix hills, NY
Chanel Bicolor CC Logo Sports Convertible Crossbody Round Sling Belt Bag 5C0424 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 5" Width: 2" Height: 6.5" Handle Drop: 22" OVERALL FAIR...
Chanel 2012 Black Quilted Convertible Boy Flap Tote Bag w. Chain Strap
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Black leather exterior and lining with antiqued silver hardware Hologram and matching Authenticity card read "15648378" Interior has middle zipper pocket divider and one flat z...
1970's Chanel Black Quilted Patent Leather Convertible Evening Bag w/Chain Strap
By Chanel
Located in Studio City, CA
1970's Chanel slim patent leather quilted handbag with gold tone CC logo clasp at the top edge and a long chain strap which attaches at the interior side wall and allows for an easy ...
oversized CHANEL convertible black leather quilted messenger bag
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Oversized black lambskin quilted convertible messenger/clutch from Chanel dating to the late 1980's, early 1990's.
Chanel Black Patent 2 Way Pouchette Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel 2 way shoulder bag, convertible to clutch.
Chanel Red Leather Cross Body Wallet Bag
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chanel Red Leather Convertible Cross Body Bag- PRISTINE, Never Before Carried Similar to the WOC, this uniquely versatile Chanel can be carried as a clutch, cross the body, or tossed...
Chanel 2019 Red Canvas Convertible Large Shopping Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel 2019 Red Canvas Convertible Large Shopping Tote Bag Made In: Italy Year of Production: 2019 Color: Red Hardware: Silvertone Materials: Canvas Lining: Red fine textile Closure...
Sold
H 7.5 in D 8 in L 14.25 in
Chanel Ritz Shoulder Bag Convertible Clutch Black Matelasse Patent Leather
By Chanel
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
This authentic and preowned Ritz convertible clutch bag was made by Chanel. It features three compartments: one large pocket under the front flap, one large framed center pocket that...
Chanel 19A Egyptian Denim Blue Hieroglyphic Shearling Convertible Tote Bag 68046
By Chanel
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Store item: 68046 This Chanel 19A Egyptian Denim Blue Hieroglyphic Shearling Convertible Tote Bag Paris-NY GHW is a timeless collectible, from Karl Lagerfeld's 2019 Fall/Winter "Egyp...
Chanel Convertible Bowler Bag Quilted Calfskin
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Minor scuffs on exterior, wear on base corners and straps, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 6.5", Height 10", Width 16", Depth 5.5", Strap Drop ...
Chanel Vintage Convertible Weekender Bag Leather Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Clochette, With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 4", Height 15", Width 20", Depth 7.5", Strap Drop 16-18" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage Convertible Weekender Bag Leathe...
Chanel Convertible Waist Bag Tweed with Quilted Leather
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Convertible Waist Bag Tweed with Quilted Leather, crafted in multicolor tweed with quilted leather, features woven-in leather chain strap and silver-tone hardware.
Chanel Convertible Waist Bag Tweed with Quilted Leather
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Convertible Waist Bag Tweed with Quilted Leather, crafted in multicolor tweed with quilted leather, features woven-in leather chain strap and silver-tone hardware.
Chanel Convertible Waist Bag Tweed with Quilted Leather
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Convertible Waist Bag Tweed with Quilted Leather, crafted in white, blue and green tweed with quilted leather, features woven-in leather chain link waist strap and silver...
Chanel Black Patent Mademoiselle Lock Convertible Clutch Bag
By Chanel
Located in Westhampton Beach, NY
Chanel Black Patent Mademoiselle Lock Convertible Wrist Clutch Bag .
Chanel Convertible Chain Bowler Bag Woven Calfskin Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Convertible Chain Bowler Bag Woven Calfskin Large is one of a kind classic style that is chic and sophisticated.
Chanel CC Convertible Backpack Weekender Bag Printed Canvas
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Light wear in interior, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Dust Bag, With Strap Measurements: Height 10", Width 16", Depth 4" Designer: Chanel Model: CC Convertible Backpack Weekend...
Chanel Convertible Chain Bowler Bag Woven Calfskin Small
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Authenticity Card, Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 3", Height 6", Width 10", Depth 4", Strap Drop 19" Designer: Chanel Model: Convertible Chain Bowler Bag Woven Calfs...
Chanel Convertible Chain Bowler Bag Woven Calfskin Small
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Authenticity Card, Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 3", Height 6", Width 10", Depth 4", Strap Drop 19" Designer: Chanel Model: Convertible Chain Bowler Bag Woven Calfs...
Chanel Convertible Chain Bowling Bag Quilted Calfskin Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Authenticity Card, Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 4", Height 6", Width 12.5", Depth 8", Strap Drop 16" Designer: Chanel Model: Convertible Chain Bowling Bag Quilted ...
Chanel Convertible Chain Bowler Bag Woven Calfskin Small
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Wear and marks in interior, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Dust Bag, Authenticity Card Measurements: Handle Drop 3", Height 5.5", Width 10.5", Depth 4", Strap Drop 19" Designer:...
Chanel Convertible Waist Bag Tweed with Quilted Leather
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Wear and marks in interior, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Dust Bag, Extra Strap, With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 17", Height 6", Width 10", Depth 3", Strap Drop 19" Design...
Chanel Convertible Gabrielle Flap Bag Embellished Lambskin Small
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Box, Authenticity Card, Dust Bag, With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 3.5", Height 5", Width 8", Depth 2", Strap Drop 21.5" Designer: Chanel Model: Convertible Gabriel...
Chanel Black Shopping Tote Convertible Mini Crossbody Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Black Shopping Tote Convertible Mini Crossbody Bag - Can be worn across the body with the pouch tucked in and then used for larger items/shopping -Interlocking chain strap -...
Chanel Vintage Convertible Briefcase Bag Chevron Lambskin Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Authenticity Card, With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 5", Height 10", Width 13", Depth 3.5", Strap Drop 18" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage Convertible Briefcase Bag C...
Chanel Metal Bar Convertible Clutch Bag Quilted Lambskin
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Authenticity Card Measurements: Handle Drop 1", Height 6.5", Width 7.5", Depth 3", Strap Drop 22" Designer: Chanel Model: Metal Bar Convertible Clutch Bag Quilted Lambsk...
Chanel Convertible Chain Bowler Bag Woven Calfskin Small
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Handle Drop 6", Height 6", Width 10", Depth 3.5", Strap Drop 19" Designer: Chanel Model: Convertible Chain Bowler Bag Woven Calfskin Small E...
Chanel Convertible Chain Bowler Bag Woven Calfskin Small
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Handle Drop 3", Height 6", Width 9.5", Depth 4", Strap Drop 18" Designer: Chanel Model: Convertible Chain Bowler Bag Woven Calfskin Small Ex...
Chanel Convertible Chain Bowler Bag Woven Calfskin Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 4", Height 9", Width 14", Depth 6", Strap Drop 22" Designer: Chanel Model: Convertible Chain Bowler Bag Woven Calfskin Large Exteri...
Chanel Convertible CC Chain Flap Bag Multicolor Python Mini
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Convertible CC Chain Flap Bag Multicolor Python Mini is a timeless essential for any modern woman.
Chanel Blue Quilted Glazed Leather Large Convertible Boy Bag
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
This Chanel Large Convertible Boy Bag is an example of the brand's fine designs that are skillfully crafted to project a classic charm.
Chanel Convertible Soft Chain Shoulder Bag Stitched Caviar Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Slight creasing on exterior and strap, wear and darkening on base, opening edges and handles, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Dust Bag, Authenticity Card Measurements: Handle Dro...
Chanel Convertible Soft Chain Shoulder Bag Stitched Caviar Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Slight creasing on exterior and strap, wear and darkening on base, opening edges and handles, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Dust Bag, Authenticity Card Measurements: Handle Dro...
Chanel Cambon Waist Convertible Bag Quilted Leather With Python
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Authenticity Card Measurements: Height 9.5", Width 11", Depth 2", Strap Drop 34" Designer: Chanel Model: Cambon Waist Convertible Bag Quilted Leather with Python Exterio...
Sold
H 16.5 in W 18.5 in D 7 in
Chanel Vintage Convertible Timeless Compartment Weekender Bag Caviar Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Clochette, Authenticity Card, With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 7", Height 16.5", Width 18.5", Depth 7", Strap Drop 14" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage Convertible Ti...
Chanel Vintage Convertible Top Handle Bag Chevron Patent Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Authenticity Card Measurements: Handle Drop 5.5", Height 8", Width 11", Depth 4.5", Strap Drop 19.5" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage Convertible Top Handle Bag Chevron P...
Chanel Vintage Convertible Zip Around Handle Bag Chevron Caviar Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Vintage Convertible Zip Around Handle Bag Chevron Caviar Large is a stylish and functional bag perfect for an everyday casual look.
Chanel Vintage Convertible Zip Around Handle Bag Chevron Caviar Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Creasing on exterior, wear and marks on exterior, handles and in interior, scratches and tarnish on hardware. Accessories: Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 5", Height 11", Width 14...
Chanel CC Convertible Chain Camera Bag Quilted Lambskin with Studded Detail
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Authenticity Card, Box, Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 4", Height 6", Width 7", Depth 3", Strap Drop 20" Designer: Chanel Model: CC Convertible Chain Camera Bag Qui...
Chanel CC Convertible Chain Camera Bag Quilted Lambskin with Studded Detail
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Authenticity Card, Box, Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 4", Height 6", Width 7", Depth 3", Strap Drop 20" Designer: Chanel Model: CC Convertible Chain Camera Bag Qui...
Chanel Vintage 2000 Beige Tweed Convertible 3 in 1 Crossbody Bag
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, ON
Chanel Beige Tweed Convertible 3 in 1 Crossbody Bag.
Convertible Waist Bag Tweed with Quilted Leather
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Light wear on exterior, slight creasing on exterior, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Dust Bag, With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 8", Height 6.5", Width 10", Depth 3", Strap Dr...
Chanel Tweed Belt Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Convertible Waist Bag Tweed with Quilted Leather, from the brand's Spring/Summer 2017 Act 2 Bag Collection, is a stylish and easy to carry bag perfect for your daily excursions.
Chanel Vintage Convertible Black Clutch Diamond Bag
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This vintage diamond stitched clutch bag was originally a shoulder style bag from the 1980's, but has since lost its strap. The inside is lined in a thick black grosgrain and only h...
Missoni Colorful Silk Halter Dress
By Missoni
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous colorful fine silk knit halter dress from Missoni in a red, orange, blue, yellow, white, lavender and black abstract pattern. It slips on over the head and has 2 black str...
John Galliano Lace Cardigan and 2 Camisoles Set
By John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous cardigan and camisole set in black knit lace plus an additional matching red camisole all from John Galliano. The set consists of 2 flower pattern lace knit camisoles one ...
Alexander McQueen New Silk Dress with Ruffle Hem 'NO. 13' S/S 1999
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk dress from an early collection of Alexander McQueen. It skims the body has a scoop neckline and 3 rows of ruffles beginning at knee level in the front and 8 sta...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Ruffle Hem Dress
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous silk dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior in brightly colored flowers on a navy and burgundy background. The spaghetti strap bodice is semi fitted and adorned on one ...
$5,669
Size: FR 38 - IT 42 - UK 10 - US 6
Dolce & Gabbana black silk spandex and leather lace up dress, ss 2003
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
Dolce & Gabbana; black silk spandex figure hugging evening dress. - Lambskin leather grommet trim - Open on both sides with lace up fastenings - Invisible side zip closure ...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Ruched Corset Bustier Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous soft gold fine silk knit dress from Christian Dior. It has an inner boned corset with underwire bust cups, and detachable spaghetti straps enabling the dress to also be wo...
$1,506Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel 1990s Vintage Mint Green Quilted Leather Top Handle Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Vintage Chanel Mint Green (pastel light mint green) quilted top handle tote bag, matte gold handle with beautiful pearl stud edges, two separate purse opening slots with pearl pink c...
John Galliano black mohair jacket and skirt suit, fw 1999
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
John Galliano black and white mohair striped jacket and skirt suit. Fall-Winter 1999
Christian Dior by John Galliano 2002 Matte Python Skin Saddle Bag & Mirror
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Switzerland, CH
A rare Christian Dior mini evening saddle bag designed by John Galliano From a collectable, limited edition in 2002 Offered only in Dior flagship stores to a limited clientele Get th...
HERMES Rouge H burgundy leather VIBRATO KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes 'Kelly II 35 Retourne Vibrato' bag in Rouge H (burgund) Veau Evercalf leather with multicolor Vibrato panel. Rare limited edition. Lined in Rouge H Chèvre (goat skin) with two...
$3,239
Size: FR 38 - UK 10 - US 6
Vivienne Westwood cow print nude silk corseted off shoulder dress, ss 1999
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood cow print nude and black silk mid-length evening dress with built-in corset and draped off-shoulder neckline Spring-Summer 1999
Dolce & Gabbana black floral velvet evening dress, fw 1996
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
Dolce & Gabbana black floral velvet evening dress. Adjustable bra straps, cut out under the bust and invisible zip fastening. Fall-Winter 1996
Jean Paul Gaultier Dramatic Goth Dress Gown with Flowing Cape New
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dramatic goth black sleeveless gown with attached cape by Jean Paul Gaultier. Fashioned of a weighty silk rayon with deep plunging sheer neckline and flowing sheer cape. Offers con...
Dolce & Gabbana black and cream silk floral shirt dress, S/S 1997
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
Dolce & Gabbana black and cream silk floral shirt dress Spring-Summer 1997
New Chanel Limited Edition Graffiti Backpack
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New Chanel limited edition graffiti-printed canvas backpack in gold. Collection 28. Comes with hologram, ID card, and original dust cover.
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1994 Vintage Black Long Chenille Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1994 Vintage Black Long Chenille Dress Size XS Black Alaïa sleeveless maxi dress with scoop neck and zip closure at center back. All Eyes on Alaïa For the last ...
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.
An integral part of fashion, handbags and purses have been indispensable accessories ever since we began to carry around personal items. Level of craftsmanship, style and shape matters — from coin purses in ancient Greece to early 20th-century opera bags and onward, handbags have evolved considerably over the years to meet our needs and desires, whether or not you happen to be prioritizing functionality over a flashy exterior.
Once, a single “It” handbag ruled each fashion season. No more. Today, lovers of vintage handbags are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classics created by the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dior and Balenciaga still rule.
“It is not a fashion bag — it is a statement bag,” says Mightychic's Debra Kent of Hermès's widely beloved accessories. “When you carry an iconic Hermès bag — Birkin, Kelly, Constance — no one knows how long you have been into this culture or if you are a newbie. Your status is validated immediately.”
First released in 1997, Fendi's Baguette rose to fame along with Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Recently, the design has seen such a resurgence in popularity that Fendi has reissued it.
They are part of design history, so owning a handbag has meaning. As New York–based fashion historian Sarah C. Byrd says, “You have made the choice to invest in this piece because you understand the value of it in the past and in the future to come.”
From a 1980s Chanel black leather quilted mini buckle bag to the rare Hermès Birkin 30cm Himalayan with diamond hardware to a range of 19th-century bags, find a rich variety of vintage and designer handbags and purses spanning numerous brands on 1stDibs — seasonal “It” designation no longer needed.
For the brand’s 2014–15 ready-to-wear show in Paris, the designer was inspired by a most unexpected place: the supermarket.
Only Chanel could elevate humble materials like denim and wicker to icon-level status.
In the hands of Karl Lagerfeld, even running errands became a chic exercise.
From handbags and heels to jackets and jewels, Sharon Coplan Hurowitz has a deep admiration for (and collection of) all things Chanel.
How do you tell if a Chanel purse is a knockoff or the real deal? We spoke with handbag experts Alexa Ridolfi and Gerry Gallagher about how to authenticate a Chanel bag. Of course, you don’t have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where all our sellers are highly vetted.
When the name of a bag is as well-known as its brand, you know it's a classic.