Chanel Shiny Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Rare Item - Chanel Shiny Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag Shiny black iconic handbag crafted in
Chanel Shiny Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Rare Item - Chanel Shiny Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag Shiny black iconic handbag crafted in
Chanel Matte Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Rare Item - Chanel Matte Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag Matte green iconic handbag crafted in
Chanel Jumbo Matte Ombre Alligator Timeless Double Flap
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Rare Item - Chanel Jumbo Matte Ombre Alligator Timeless Double Flap Bag iconic handbag crafted in
Chanel Shiny Alligator Skin Jumbo Double Flap Hand Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Rare Item - Chanel Shiny Alligator Skin Jumbo Double Flap Hand Bag Shiny saffron yellow timeless
Chanel Alligator Beige Pink Double Flap Jumbo Bag SHW bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Classic double flap jumbo Alligator bag. Silver shiny hardware. A collector’s piece since
$35,900
H 6.5 in W 11 in D 3.3 in
Chanel Blue Alligator 2.55 Reissue 226 Double Flap Ruthenium Hardware
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Blue Shiny Alligator 2.55 Reissue 226 Double Flap Ruthenium Hardware, 2012 year. The
Chanel Shiny Alligator Medium Double Flap bag with gold hardware
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
VERY RARE SHINY RED ALLIGATOR MEDIUM CLASSIC DOUBLE FLAP WITH GOLD HARDWARE. Comes with dust bag
Chanel Green Alligator Jumbo Classic Double Flap Bag with Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chanel Classic Double Flap in Jumbo size crafted in Seafoam alligator leather, presenting a rare
$49,900
H 7.6 in W 11.7 in D 3.9 in
Chanel Purple Alligator Jumbo Classic Double Flap Bag with Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
AN EXQUISITE JUMBO CHANEL PURPLE ALLIGATOR CLASSIC DOUBLE FLAP BAG WITH GOLD TONE HARDWARE CHANEL
Chanel Vintage 1989 Classic Mini Flap Black Alligator 24K Gold Plated Bag
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Introducing vintage Chanel classic mini flap from 1989. Crafted from luxurious black alligator
$25,196Sale Price|30% Off
H 6 in D 2 in L 7.5 in
Chanel Brown Alligator Octagon Cross Body Flap Bag with Gold Hardware, 1989.
By Chanel
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Chanel Brown Alligator Octagon Cross Body Flap Bag with Gold Hardware, 1989. Exceptional and rare
Chanel Metallic Green-Gold Alligator 2.55 Reissue Flap Bag
Located in Palm Beach, FL
synonymous with Chanel. Exotic Reissue Flaps in alligator are produced in extremely limited quantities and
Chanel Alligator Reissue 2.55 Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Milan, IT
Chanel metallic bronze classic double flap bag of alligator leather with ruthenium tone hardware
Chanel 11.12 Classic / Timeless Jumbo Double Flap Alligator
By Chanel
Located in Dover, DE
Chain 31cm. COLOUR: Blue MATERIAL: Alligator Skin INSIDE COLOUR: Blue INSIDE MATERIAL: Leather HARDWARE
Chanel Custom-Made Grey Alligator Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Malibu, CA
with double flap in Alligator, made specifically to order for private customer. No one will have this
RARE Stunning CHANEL Amethyst Alligator Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Here is this rare 100% authentic stunning Chanel classic double flap bag. * It's made of
Chanel Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Timeless Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Timeless Bag Shiny blue/turquoise exotic skin bag with gold
Chanel Jumbo Matte Alligator Skin Timeless Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Investment Piece - Chanel Jumbo Matte Alligator Skin Timeless Flap Bag Matte burgundy iconic
Chanel Emerald Green Alligator Medium Classic Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Chanel Emerald Green Alligator Medium Classic is in pristine condition. The
Chanel Turquoise Blue Matte Alligator Small Classic Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Chanel Turquoise Blue Matte Alligator Small Classic Flap is in pristine condition
Chanel Indigo Blue Alligator Jumbo Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Chanel Indigo Blue Alligator Jumbo Classic is in pristine condition. The highly
Chanel Shiny Emerald Green Alligator Medium Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
, this iconic flap bag by Chanel is finished with the classic CC turn-lock in silver-tone hardware and
Chanel Vintage Jumbo Single Flap Black Alligator Bag Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Jumbo Single Flap vintage bag featured in Black alligator skin. Chanel no longer produces
Chanel Classic Double Flap Alligator Shiny Orange Gold hardware B
By Chanel
Located in London, England
Chanel Classic Double Flap Alligator Shiny Orange Gold hardware exotic leather Bag. In excellent
2011 Chanel Red Shiny Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Mini Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Red Shiny Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Mini Flap Bag Xupes Reference: HB3278 Serial
Chanel Fuchsia Pink Shiny Alligator rectangular mini flap Bag GHW
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
iconic holy grail bag is the Chanel Classic Flap. Coveted for its simplicity and elegance - single woven
CHANEL 2013 Beige Alligator Exotic Classic Double Flap Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
The epitome of luxury! c.2013 Made in France Classic 10" double flap with beige leather laced
Sold
H 7.88 in W 12.41 in D 3.94 in
2011 Chanel Black Alligator Leather 2.55 Reissue 227 Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Alligator Leather 2.55 Reissue 227 Double Flap Bag This CHANEL 2.55 Reissue 227
Sold
H 7.88 in W 12.41 in D 3.94 in
2011 Chanel Black Alligator Leather 2.55 Reissue 227 Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Alligator Leather 2.55 Reissue 227 Double Flap Bag Reference: HB1621 Serial Number
Sold
H 7.88 in W 12.41 in D 3.94 in
2011 Chanel Black Alligator Leather 2.55 Reissue 227 Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Alligator Leather 2.55 Reissue 227 Double Flap Bag Reference: HB1621 Serial Number
Sold
H 7.88 in W 11.82 in D 3.94 in
Chanel Black Shiny Alligator Leather Jumbo Classic Double Flap Bag, 2011
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Black Shiny Alligator Leather Jumbo Classic Double Flap Bag Reference: CB131 Serial
Sold
H 7.88 in W 11.82 in
2013 Chanel Red Shiny Mississippiensis Alligator Jumbo Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Red Shiny Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Jumbo Classic Double Flap Bag Reference
2011 Chanel Black Shiny Alligator Leather Jumbo Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Shiny Alligator Leather Jumbo Classic Double Flap Bag Xupes Reference: CB164 Serial
Sold
H 4.73 in W 7.88 in D 2.76 in
Chanel Pink & Rouge Ombre Matte Alligator Leather Rectangular Mini Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Pink & Rouge Ombre Matte Alligator Leather Rectangular Mini Flap Bag Product Details Xupes
Chanel 12A Black Alligator Classic Jumbo Gold Hardware Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Chanel 12A rare Black shiny Alligator coveted double flap Jumbo classic
Sold
H 6 in W 9.9 in D 2.5 in
Chanel Hot Pink Shiny Alligator Medium Double Flap Bag with Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Rare Hot Pink Fuchsia CHANEL Alligator Medium Double Flap Bag is a must for any collector of exotic
CHANEL Vintage Alligator Flap Handbag
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
logo on front flap in embossed alligator. Very well preserved in original CHANEL dust-bag. Leather
Chanel Boy Flap Bag Alligator Old Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Boy Flap Bag Alligator Old Medium, crafted from genuine blue alligator, features chain
Chanel Classic Double Flap Bag Alligator Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Classic Double Flap Bag Alligator Medium, crafted in genuine red alligator skin
Chanel Classic Double Flap Bag Alligator Jumbo
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Drop 13", Height 7.5", Width 12", Depth 4", Strap Drop 23" Designer: Chanel Model: Classic Double Flap
Chanel Classic Double Flap Bag Alligator Jumbo
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
", Height 8", Width 12", Depth 3.5", Strap Drop 23" Designer: Chanel Model: Classic Double Flap Bag
Chanel Classic Double Flap Bag Alligator Jumbo
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
", Height 8", Width 12", Depth 3.5", Strap Drop 23" Designer: Chanel Model: Classic Double Flap Bag
Chanel Alligator Jumbo Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Alligator Jumbo Classic Double Flap Bag has been hand-finished by skilled artisans in the
Rare Chanel Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Black
By Chanel
Located in Antwerp, BE
This stunning shoulder flap bag is superbly crafted of matte luxurious exotic "alligator
Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Alligator Jumbo
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
: Chanel Model: Classic Single Flap Bag Alligator Jumbo Exterior Material: Alligator Exterior Color: Red
CHANEL Bordeaux Alligator Jumbo Flap Iconic & Rare Bag
By Chanel
Located in Tampa, FL
This is an authentic CHANEL Bordeaux Alligator Jumbo Flap Iconic & Rare Bag. Dawning bronze
Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Alligator Small
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Alligator Small, crafted from genuine black alligator
Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Alligator Small
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Alligator Small, crafted from genuine brown alligator
Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Alligator Small
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Alligator Small exudes a classic yet easy
Chanel Vintage Classic Single Flap Bag Alligator Jumbo
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Single Flap Bag Alligator Jumbo Exterior Material: Alligator, Exotic Exterior Color: Red Interior
Chanel Chanel Full Flap shoulder bag in beige Alligator, GCHW
By Chanel
Located in Paris, IDF
Stunning & Rare Chanel Full Flap shoulder bag in beige Mississippiensis
Chanel Red Alligator Jumbo Classic Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Nothing is more special than this iconic piece - the classic flap style is so Chanel, the exotic
Chanel Burgundy Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag No. 22151348
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare Burgundy CHANEL Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag is a must for any collector of exotic handbags
Chanel Navy Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag No. 22259765
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare Navy CHANEL Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag is a must for any collector of exotic handbags in
Chanel Turquoise Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag No. 20173682
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare Turquoise CHANEL Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag is a must for any collector of exotic
Chanel Matte Gold Crocodile Alligator 2.55 reissue flap bag
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, ON
Chanel matte gold crocodile alligator 2.55 reissue flap bag. Date 2006/2007. Size is 226 and
RARE Chanel Alligator Medium Double Flap 2.55 Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in VERGT, FR
FAN-TAST-IC Chanel Blue Alligator Timeless Extremely rare in the exotic versions, this strikingly
Chanel Hot Pink Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag No. 22586821
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare Hot Pink CHANEL Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag is a must for any collector of exotic handbags
Chanel Reverso Boy Flap Bag Alligator and Calfskin New Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Reverso Boy Flap Bag Alligator and Calfskin New Medium, crafted in genuine red
CHANEL Vintage 1986 Black Glazed Alligator Flap Shoulder Bag GHW
By Chanel
Located in New York City, NY
Chanel vintage black glazed alligator flap shoulder bag. This beautiful shoulder bag can double as
CHANEL Vintage 1989 Red Glazed Alligator Flap Shoulder Bag GHW
By Chanel
Located in New York City, NY
Chanel vintage (1989-1991) red glazed alligator flap shoulder bag. This beautiful shoulder bag can
Sold
H 5.5 in W 7.5 in D 2 in
Chanel Chocolate Alligator Leather Octagon 2in1 Evening Clutch Shoulder Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Chicago, IL
Chanel Chocolate Alligator Exotic Leather Octagon 2in1 Evening Clutch Shoulder Flap Bag Alligator
Chanel Garden of Versailles Classic Double Flap Bag Sequin Embellished Alligator
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Garden of Versailles Classic Double Flap Bag Sequin Embellished Alligator Medium
Chanel Cognac Alligator Exotic Skin Leather Gold Evening Shoulder Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Chicago, IL
alligator skin Chanel is no exception. Crafted of exotic alligator skin in gorgeous cognac, this exclusive
Chanel Gray Alligator Exotic Leather Silver Large Evening Shoulder Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Chicago, IL
alligator skin Chanel is no exception. Crafted of exotic alligator skin in gorgeous rich gray this exclusive
CHANEL Red Alligator Exotic Leather Silver Hardware Jumbo Shoulder Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Chicago, IL
Pre-Owned Condition From 2012 Collection Alligator Silver Tone Hardware Measures 11.75" W x 7.75
Sold
H 6 in W 9 in D 2.5 in
Chanel Rare Black Alligator Leather Gold Chain Flap Evening Cross Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Chicago, IL
CURATOR'S NOTES The holy grail of Chanel bags: The black alligator flap with gold CC kiss lock
Chanel Dark Red Alligator Exotic Skin Gold Large Evening Shoulder Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Chicago, IL
alligator skin Chanel is no exception. Crafted of exotic alligator skin in gorgeous rich red, this exclusive
Chanel Black Leather Gold Alligator Exotic Boy Small Shoulder Flap Bag in Box
By Chanel
Located in Chicago, IL
Chanel Black Leather Gold Alligator Exotic Boy Small Shoulder Flap Bag in Box Alligator Leather
$95Sale Price|20% Off
W 27.56 in L 78.75 in
Baltic Mist Handwoven Cotton Scarf by Studio Variously, Unisex
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Custom design by Studio Variously, BALTIC MIST is a light weight scarf. It is beautifully handwoven and hand knotted in cotton by master artisans in Nepal. A sustainable design br...
$275
Size: Fits IT 40, US 4 see measurement
Dolce & Gabbana Lime Green Flared Pencil Skirt with Yellow Lace Accents
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in San Francisco, CA
Dolce and Gabbana lime green fit and flare pencil skirt with yellow lace godet panels at bottom. Vertical seam detail at one side. Back zip and hook and eye. 100% viscose (linen-loo...
$5,047
H 35.44 in W 14.97 in D 11.03 in
Extra Large Louis Vuitton Marin Bag Louis Vuitton Bag, Louis Vuitton Duffle Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Saint-ouen, FR
This impressive 1970s Louis Vuitton bag features monogram canvas in very good condition, its leather part has very few stains and scratches. Its interior is in very good condition to...
Judith Leiber Pale Peach with Black Beaded Design Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber pale peach with black beaded design handbag or clutch. Matching change purse included. Handle drop 19".
Roberto Cavalli Summer Top
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
A pretty Summer top by Roberto Cavalli. The top has a v neckline, frill sleaves , adn is a blue and yellow print with gathering at the bust.
Dolce & Gabbana Vintage 1990's Sheer Open Knit Crochet Fishnet Black Maxi Dress
Located in Naples, FL
Dolce & Gabbana Vintage 1990's Sheer Open Knit Crochet Fishnet Black Maxi Dress M/L Dolce & Gabbana vintage dress featuring V-neck, button closures at center front neckline and open...
1980S BOB MACKIE Black Beaded Silk Chiffon Long Sleeve Gown With Fringe
By Bob Mackie
Located in New York, NY
1980S BOB MACKIE Black Beaded Silk Chiffon Long Sleeve Gown With Fringe
Vintage Teal Blue Silk Sequin + Beaded Art Deco/ Flapper Dress
Located in Sparks, NV
Vintage 1920s-inspired 1980s teal blue silk dress with hand done sequin and beadwork. Full blouson sleeves that zip at the cuff. Side slits. Fully lined in silk. The marked size is a...
$336Sale Price|30% Off
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Iconic Destructured Sailor Stripes Sweater
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage iconic destructured sailor stripes sweater featuring detachable sleeves. This sweater features : - Black knitted fabric with white stripes design. - Turtl...
Chanel Runway Spring 2000 Multi colored Silk Skirt-38
By Chanel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chanel Multi colored Silk Skirt-38 from the runway of the 2000 Spring/Summer collection. This adorable Chanel skirt is in excellent condition, it has minimal sign of use. It is made ...
Gianni Versace Red Leather Motorcycle Jacket and Skirt A/W 1994
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous and rare red patent leather motorcycle jacket with matching skirt from Gianni Versace. It has all of Versace's amazing attention to detail including Medusa head pulls on t...
$1,675
Size: Extra Small
Beautiful 1960s Extra Small XS Couture Black Silk Chiffon Vintage 60s Gown Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1960s demi couture black silk chiffon sequin evening gown! Features thousands of hand-sewn black sequins throughout the sleeves and skirt. Thin spaghetti strap underlay wit...
Hermès Swimsuit One piece Swimwear Bibliothèque Bookshelf Print Size M
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Swimsuit One piece Print "Bibliothèque" (Bookshelf) Pattern: Books Made in France Colorways: White, Yellow, Grey, Black Size: 40 FR / M Condition: N...
Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 1999 Knit Bodycon Black Dress
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Naples, FL
Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 1999 Knit Bodycon Black Dress Size L Gucci knit bodycon midi dress with V-neck and tonal stitching throughout.
Zushi Handpainted Red Snake Clutch
Located in New York, NY
Unusual red snake clutch with handpainted gilt floral wood frame. Signed "Zushi". Excellent condition. 1980's USA. 8" x 7" x 3"
Opulent Mocha Brown Brocade Evening Coat c 1960s
Located in University City, MO
Opulent mocha brown brocade evening coat by Montaldo's c 1960s The elegant opera coat is designed with thick structured brocade panels The luminous mocha brown brocade fabric is illu...
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.