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Chanel Gold Top Handle

Chanel Vintage 1998 Kelly  Pink Nude Lambskin 24K Gold Top Handle Bag
Chanel Vintage 1998 Kelly  Pink Nude Lambskin 24K Gold Top Handle Bag

Chanel Vintage 1998 Kelly Pink Nude Lambskin 24K Gold Top Handle Bag

By Chanel

Located in Jersey City, NJ

This 1998 Chanel Kelly top handle bag is a rare gem in a soft nude pink hue, a delicate blend of pink with a hint of beige.

Category

1990s Italian Top Handle Bags

Chanel 2001 Jumbo Vintage Caviar Quilted Satchel Top Handle Kelly Flap Bag Gold
Chanel 2001 Jumbo Vintage Caviar Quilted Satchel Top Handle Kelly Flap Bag Gold

Chanel 2001 Jumbo Vintage Caviar Quilted Satchel Top Handle Kelly Flap Bag Gold

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel 2001 Vintage Caviar Quilted Satchel Top Handle Kelly Flap Bag Gold Hardware circa 2001 Gold hardware black quilted caviar leather single rounded top handle fold-over top sig...

Category

Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags

Chanel Coco Handle Medium Flap Caviar Leather Light Blue Gold-Tone Hardware Bag
Chanel Coco Handle Medium Flap Caviar Leather Light Blue Gold-Tone Hardware Bag

Chanel Coco Handle Medium Flap Caviar Leather Light Blue Gold-Tone Hardware Bag

By Chanel

Located in Houston, US

Brand: Chanel  Gender: Ladies Measurements (W x H x D): 11.50" x 6.50" x 4.75"  Weight: 960.00 grams Chanel coco handle bag. Engraved with "Made In Italy ". The "Chanel " tradema...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags

Chanel Gold Distressed Mademoiselle Bag
Chanel Gold Distressed Mademoiselle Bag

Chanel Gold Distressed Mademoiselle Bag

By Chanel

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Chanel gold distressed mademoiselle bag with bronze hardware. excellent condition. Shoulder drop 8"/15".Collection 15. Comes with hologram and original dust cover.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags

Chanel Multichian Gold Shoulder Bag
Chanel Multichian Gold Shoulder Bag

Chanel Multichian Gold Shoulder Bag

By Chanel

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Chanel gold shoulder bag with ruthenium multi chain decoration. Handle drop 7". Comes with hologram and original dust cover. Collection 9.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Chanel Gold Leather Coco Cocoon Tote Bag
Chanel Gold Leather Coco Cocoon Tote Bag

Chanel Gold Leather Coco Cocoon Tote Bag

By Chanel

Located in West Hollywood, CA

The Coco Cocoon Tote made from soft Lambskin and Brushed Gold Hardware is the essential everyday tote. It features one compartment with hook closure and one interior zipper pocket Sh...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags

Chanel Cream Gold Shiva Bowling Bag
Chanel Cream Gold Shiva Bowling Bag

Chanel Cream Gold Shiva Bowling Bag

By Chanel

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This Chanel Shiva bag from the Bombay collection features crinkled cream caviar-grained leather, bronzed metal hardware, a CC turn lock on the front, rolled leather handles and a bur...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags

Chanel New Pleated Gold Double Flap
Chanel New Pleated Gold Double Flap

Chanel New Pleated Gold Double Flap

By Chanel

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Chanel gold pleated lambskin 10" double flap with gold tone hardware. Bag is in new unworn condition. Shoulder drop is 9"/17". Collection 25. New with hologram, id card and original ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags

Chanel Square Mini Gold Metallic Lambskin Quilted  Flap Handbag
Chanel Square Mini Gold Metallic Lambskin Quilted  Flap Handbag

Chanel Square Mini Gold Metallic Lambskin Quilted Flap Handbag

By Chanel

Located in Sheung Wan, HK

- Chanel square mini gold metallic lambskin leather quilted flap handbag from 1996 to 1997 collection. - The interior is lined in a metallic leather - Height: 5.51 inches / 14 cm ...

Category

1990s French Top Handle Bags

Chanel Vintage Beige Caviar Leather Shoulder Bag Gold Hardware
Chanel Vintage Beige Caviar Leather Shoulder Bag Gold Hardware

Chanel Vintage Beige Caviar Leather Shoulder Bag Gold Hardware

By Chanel

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Chanel Vintage Beige Caviar Leather Shoulder Bag Gold Hardware These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. This authentic vintage Chanel Single Flap Caviar Le...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Chanel Mini Square Flap Red Velvet w/Gold Hardware
Chanel Mini Square Flap Red Velvet w/Gold Hardware

Chanel Mini Square Flap Red Velvet w/Gold Hardware

By Chanel

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Reactive expression, where material becomes the defining element. The velvet surface absorbs and reflects light in movement, giving the red tone a depth that changes from deep crimso...

Category

1990s Top Handle Bags

Chanel Timeless Vanity Case Black Caviar Leather w Gold Hardware
Chanel Timeless Vanity Case Black Caviar Leather w Gold Hardware

Chanel Timeless Vanity Case Black Caviar Leather w Gold Hardware

By Chanel

Located in Palm Beach, FL

The inclusion of a lock and key detail elevates the piece with a sense of formality and collectible charm, nodding to the heritage of luxury travel accessories. Signature Chanel touc...

Category

1990s Top Handle Bags

Chanel Captain Gold Small Flap Bag Black Caviar Leather Shoulder Bag
Chanel Captain Gold Small Flap Bag Black Caviar Leather Shoulder Bag

Chanel Captain Gold Small Flap Bag Black Caviar Leather Shoulder Bag

By Chanel

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Chanel Captain Gold Small Flap Bag Black Caviar Leather Shoulder Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: EXCELLENT This authentic Chanel ba...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Chanel Paris Limited Medium Navy Caviar Leather Gold Hardware 2015-16
Chanel Paris Limited Medium Navy Caviar Leather Gold Hardware 2015-16

Chanel Paris Limited Medium Navy Caviar Leather Gold Hardware 2015-16

By Chanel

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Chanel Paris Limited Medium Navy Caviar Leather Gold Hardware 2015-16 These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD This preloved /preowned...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Chanel Vintage Front Pocket Tote Chocolate Brown Leather Double Gold Chain
Chanel Vintage Front Pocket Tote Chocolate Brown Leather Double Gold Chain

Chanel Vintage Front Pocket Tote Chocolate Brown Leather Double Gold Chain

By Chanel

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Chanel Vintage Front Pocket Tote Chocolate Brown Leather Double Gold Leather Chain These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD This prelo...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Chanel Classic Flap Mini Square Chevron Stitching Blue Lambskin Gold Hardware
Chanel Classic Flap Mini Square Chevron Stitching Blue Lambskin Gold Hardware

Chanel Classic Flap Mini Square Chevron Stitching Blue Lambskin Gold Hardware

By Chanel

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Chanel Classic Flap Mini Square Chevron Stitching Blue Lambskin Gold Hardware Crossbody Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD T...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Chanel Rare Black Quilted Lambskin Boston Gold Chain Duffle 38ck311s
Chanel Rare Black Quilted Lambskin Boston Gold Chain Duffle 38ck311s

Chanel Rare Black Quilted Lambskin Boston Gold Chain Duffle 38ck311s

By Chanel

Located in Dix hills, NY

Chanel Rare Black Quilted Lambskin Boston Gold Chain Duffle 38ck311s Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 13" Width: 6" Height: 6.5" Shoulder Handle Drop: 8" OVERALL VERY GOOD V...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags

Chanel Small Trendy CC Black Lambskin Flap Bag Gold HW - Boutique Full Set
Chanel Small Trendy CC Black Lambskin Flap Bag Gold HW - Boutique Full Set

Chanel Small Trendy CC Black Lambskin Flap Bag Gold HW - Boutique Full Set

By Chanel

Located in KRAKÓW, PL

What makes the Trendy CC so incredibly special—and instantly recognizable—is that stunning, iconic gold-toned metal plate engraved with "CHANEL" right across the top edge near the st...

Category

2010s Italian Top Handle Bags

Chanel Classic Flap Medium Grey Leather CC Turn Lock Gold Tone Handbag
Chanel Classic Flap Medium Grey Leather CC Turn Lock Gold Tone Handbag

Chanel Classic Flap Medium Grey Leather CC Turn Lock Gold Tone Handbag

By Chanel

Located in Aventura, FL

Elevate your wardrobe with the timeless elegance of this Chanel Classic Flap Handbag — a true icon in luxury fashion. Crafted from sumptuous black quilted lambskin leather and accent...

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21st Century and Contemporary American Top Handle Bags

Chanel Classic Flap Vintage Camel Caviar Leather 24k Gold Plated Big CC Logo
Chanel Classic Flap Vintage Camel Caviar Leather 24k Gold Plated Big CC Logo

Chanel Classic Flap Vintage Camel Caviar Leather 24k Gold Plated Big CC Logo

By Chanel

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Experience timeless elegance with the Chanel Vintage Classic Flap Square Shoulder Bag. Crafted with luxurious caviar leather and 24k gold plated hardware, this stunning bag exudes...

Category

1990s French Top Handle Bags

Chanel Gold Metallic Top Handle Quilted Flap Bag
Chanel Gold Metallic Top Handle Quilted Flap Bag

Chanel Gold Metallic Top Handle Quilted Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel Rare Limited Edition 1994 Runway Gold Metallic Quilted Lambskin Flap 1994 {VINTAGE 30 Years} 2 Interior pockets 6" H x 10" W x 3" D Handle Drop: 20" Made in France

Category

1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Chanel Mini Top Handle Bag Red Fabric Gold Hardware
Chanel Mini Top Handle Bag Red Fabric Gold Hardware

Chanel Mini Top Handle Bag Red Fabric Gold Hardware

By Chanel

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Chanel Mini Top Handle Bag Red Fabric Gold Hardware These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags.

Category

2010s French Shoulder Bags

Chanel Black Lambskin Gold Top Handle Business Portfolio Briefcase
Chanel Black Lambskin Gold Top Handle Business Portfolio Briefcase

Chanel Black Lambskin Gold Top Handle Business Portfolio Briefcase

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel Rare Vintage Gold Top Handle Business Portfolio Briefcase Year: 1994 {VINTAGE 30 Years} Gold hardware Quilted lambskin leather Two Sided CC Turnlock Classic interwoven chain ...

Category

1990s French Briefcases and Attachés

Chanel Portfolio 1994 Rare Vintage Gold Top Handle Business Briefcase Lambskin
Chanel Portfolio 1994 Rare Vintage Gold Top Handle Business Briefcase Lambskin

Chanel Portfolio 1994 Rare Vintage Gold Top Handle Business Briefcase Lambskin

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel Rare Vintage Gold Top Handle Business Portfolio Briefcase Year: 1994 {VINTAGE 28 Years} Gold hardware Quilted lambskin leather Two Sided CC Turnlock Classic interwoven chain ...

Category

1990s French Briefcases and Attachés

Chanel 1994 Top Handle Rare Limited Edition Quilted Flap Gold Metallic Bag
Chanel 1994 Top Handle Rare Limited Edition Quilted Flap Gold Metallic Bag

Chanel 1994 Top Handle Rare Limited Edition Quilted Flap Gold Metallic Bag

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel Rare Limited Edition 1994 Runway Gold Metallic Quilted Lambskin Flap 1994 {VINTAGE 28 Years} Leather Shoulder Strap 'CC' Turnlock Closure One Zip Pocket, One Slip Pocket Leat...

Category

1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Chanel Vintage Top Handle Kelly Wild Stitch Burgundy Calfskin Leather Gold HW
Chanel Vintage Top Handle Kelly Wild Stitch Burgundy Calfskin Leather Gold HW

Chanel Vintage Top Handle Kelly Wild Stitch Burgundy Calfskin Leather Gold HW

By Chanel

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Light rubbing around the corners DETAILS: 2004-2005 Series 9 CHANEL Kelly style top handle and flap bag Calfskin leather Color: Burgundy Hardware color: Gold Size: large Dimensions...

Category

2010s French Shoulder Bags

Recent Sales

Chanel Vintage Brown Quilted Caviar Leather Gold Metal Top Handle Bag
Chanel Vintage Brown Quilted Caviar Leather Gold Metal Top Handle Bag

Chanel Vintage Brown Quilted Caviar Leather Gold Metal Top Handle Bag

By Chanel

Located in Kowloon, HK

Color: Brown Material: Quilted Caviar Leather Condition: Rank C Overall: Poor. Serious Defects Surface: Obvious Scratches Corners: Obvious Scratches Edges: Obvious Scratches Hand...

Category

1990s Top Handle Bags

Authentic Chanel Runway Black Caviar Doctors Handbag Gold Accent
Authentic Chanel Runway Black Caviar Doctors Handbag Gold Accent

Authentic Chanel Runway Black Caviar Doctors Handbag Gold Accent

By Chanel

Located in Pasadena, CA

Authentic Chanel Runway Black Caviar Doctors Handbag Gold Accent. Italian Caviar leather Doctors hand bag with Chanel CC Gold accents. Zipper enclosure and buckle provide a clean ae...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Top Handle Bags

Auth Vintge chanel Rare Shoulder Bag w/Gold Accents
Auth Vintge chanel Rare Shoulder Bag w/Gold Accents

Auth Vintge chanel Rare Shoulder Bag w/Gold Accents

Unavailable

H 10 in W 12.5 in D 3.5 in L 27.5 in

Auth Vintge chanel Rare Shoulder Bag w/Gold Accents

By Chanel

Located in Pasadena, CA

Wonderful darker blue leather edges with white Center Double CC. The zipper enclosure has a CC pendant hanging off the edges. The leather straps are double sided in dark blue and whi...

Category

1990s Italian Top Handle Bags

Vintage CHANEL milky pink color lambskin classic 2.55 handbag purse with gold CC
Vintage CHANEL milky pink color lambskin classic 2.55 handbag purse with gold CC

Vintage CHANEL milky pink color lambskin classic 2.55 handbag purse with gold CC

By Chanel

Located in Kashiwa, Chiba

1990. Vintage CHANEL milky pink color lambskin classic 2.55 handbag purse with golden CC. Rare color classic bag. Introducing another fabulous vintage purse in milky pink lambskin 2...

Category

1990s French Top Handle Bags

Chanel Classique handbag in black lambskin and 24-carat plated gold metal
Chanel Classique handbag in black lambskin and 24-carat plated gold metal

Chanel Classique handbag in black lambskin and 24-carat plated gold metal

By Chanel Boutique, Chanel

Located in CANNES, FR

timeless Chanel Classique handbag in black lambskin and 24-carat plated gold metal. This must have with the Timeless double flap in black quilted leather, a gold metal chain strap in...

Category

1990s French Top Handle Bags

CHANEL Caviar Handbag Top Handle Bag Kelly Black Flap Leather Gold
CHANEL Caviar Handbag Top Handle Bag Kelly Black Flap Leather Gold

CHANEL Caviar Handbag Top Handle Bag Kelly Black Flap Leather Gold

By Chanel

Located in Takamatsu-shi, JP

An authentic CHANEL Caviar Handbag Top Handle Bag Kelly Black Flap Leather Gold.

Category

Early 2000s French Structured Shoulder Bags

CHANEL Caviar Handbag Top Handle Bag Kelly Black Flap Leather Gold
CHANEL Caviar Handbag Top Handle Bag Kelly Black Flap Leather Gold

CHANEL Caviar Handbag Top Handle Bag Kelly Black Flap Leather Gold

By Chanel

Located in Takamatsu-shi, JP

An authentic CHANEL Caviar Handbag Top Handle Bag Kelly Black Flap Leather Gold.

Category

Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags

Chanel Vintage Honey Gold Crocodile Medium Top Handle "Kelly" Bag
Chanel Vintage Honey Gold Crocodile Medium Top Handle "Kelly" Bag

Chanel Vintage Honey Gold Crocodile Medium Top Handle "Kelly" Bag

By Chanel

Located in San Francisco, CA

Chanel Vintage Honey Gold Crocodile Medium Top Handle "Kelly" Bag Condition Report Overall Condition: Excellent Vintage Condition.

Category

1990s Top Handle Bags

Chanel Vintage Top Handle Kelly Caramel Flap Bag Caviar Leather 24k Gold Plated
Chanel Vintage Top Handle Kelly Caramel Flap Bag Caviar Leather 24k Gold Plated

Chanel Vintage Top Handle Kelly Caramel Flap Bag Caviar Leather 24k Gold Plated

By Chanel

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Chanel Vintage Top Handle Kelly Dark Caramel Flap Bag Caviar Leather 24k Gold Plated Hardware, 1996-1997 These are professional photos of the actual bag.

Category

2010s French Top Handle Bags

CHANEL Trendy CC Top Handle Bag Medium Blue Lambskin with Gold Hardware 2019
CHANEL Trendy CC Top Handle Bag Medium Blue Lambskin with Gold Hardware 2019

CHANEL Trendy CC Top Handle Bag Medium Blue Lambskin with Gold Hardware 2019

By Chanel

Located in Huddersfield, GB

Authentic CHANEL Trendy CC Top Handle Bag Medium Blue Lambskin with Light Gold Hardware 2019.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags

Chanel Vintage Top Handle Kelly Flap Bag Black Patent Leather 24k Gold HW
Chanel Vintage Top Handle Kelly Flap Bag Black Patent Leather 24k Gold HW

Chanel Vintage Top Handle Kelly Flap Bag Black Patent Leather 24k Gold HW

By Chanel

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Own a Parisian dream: Vintage Chanel Kelly in black patent leather. This iconic bag exudes timeless elegance, with high-shine patent reflecting years of love (and light wear). 24k g...

Category

Early 2000s Top Handle Bags

Chanel Classic Black Quilted Lambskin Gold Chain Handle Handbag
Chanel Classic Black Quilted Lambskin Gold Chain Handle Handbag

Chanel Classic Black Quilted Lambskin Gold Chain Handle Handbag

By Chanel

Located in Sheung Wan, HK

- Vintage 90s Chanel black quilted lambskin trapezoid gold chain leather handle handbag. Featuring a gold hardware 'CC" interlock closure. A red leather interior with one zipper pock...

Category

1990s French Top Handle Bags

Chanel Bag in Floral Canvas with Gold-Tone Handles
Chanel Bag in Floral Canvas with Gold-Tone Handles

Chanel Bag in Floral Canvas with Gold-Tone Handles

Sold

H 10.24 in W 12.21 in D 3.94 in

Chanel Bag in Floral Canvas with Gold-Tone Handles

By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Chanel (Made in Italy) Bag composed of canvas printed with multi-color flowers. It features one zipped pocket at the front, two golden leather handles and a red canvas lining. It com...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Top Handle Bags

Chanel Bag in Floral Canvas with Gold-Tone Handles
Chanel Bag in Floral Canvas with Gold-Tone Handles

Chanel Bag in Floral Canvas with Gold-Tone Handles

Sold

H 10.24 in W 12.21 in D 3.94 in

Chanel Bag in Floral Canvas with Gold-Tone Handles

By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Chanel (Made in Italy) Bag composed of canvas printed with multi-color flowers. It features one zipped pocket at the front, two golden leather handles and a red canvas lining. It com...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Top Handle Bags

Chanel Coco Handle Large Red Caviar bag with Brushed Gold Hardware, 2018
Chanel Coco Handle Large Red Caviar bag with Brushed Gold Hardware, 2018

Chanel Coco Handle Large Red Caviar bag with Brushed Gold Hardware, 2018

By Chanel

Located in Huddersfield, GB

Authentic CHANEL Coco Handle Large Red Caviar with Brushed Gold Hardware 2018.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags

Chanel Black Caviar Gold Medallion Bag
Chanel Black Caviar Gold Medallion Bag

Chanel Black Caviar Gold Medallion Bag

By Chanel

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Chanel black caviar quilted medallion tote with gold tone hardware. Handle drop, 6.5". Comes with hologram and dust bag.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Chanel 2.55 limited edition Gold tone
Chanel 2.55 limited edition Gold tone

Chanel 2.55 limited edition Gold tone

By Chanel

Located in Capri, IT

Chanel 2.55 limited edition, Bizantine collection Totally made in Gold tone Size: 25.5*15.5*7 cm

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags

Chanel Black and Gold Wicker Basket Bag
Chanel Black and Gold Wicker Basket Bag

Chanel Black and Gold Wicker Basket Bag

Sold

H 6.5 in W 9 in D 5 in

Chanel Black and Gold Wicker Basket Bag

By Chanel

Located in Palm Beach, FL

This authentic Chanel Black and Gold Wicker Basket Bag is in excellent condition. Highly collectible and sought after, this is a rare piece for any collection. Black wicker sturdy...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags

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Chanel Gold Top Handle For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage or contemporary chanel gold top handle you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Our collection includes a variety of colors, spanning Black, Brown, Blue and more. Finding the perfect chanel gold top handle may mean sifting through those that were made during different time periods — popular versions were made as early as the 20th Century and a newer one, made as recently as the 21st Century, can also be found on the site. Finding a chanel gold top handle for sale for women should be easy, but there are 32 pieces available to browse for men as well.

How Much is a Chanel Gold Top Handle?

Prices for a chanel gold top handle can differ depending upon size, designer and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $550 and can go as high as $44,740, while, on average they fetch $5,583.

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.

Finding the Right Top-handle-bags for You

Usually characterized by simplicity and sporting a classic and beloved silhouette, vintage and designer top-handle bags can easily find a place among your wardrobe staples. From the Haut à courroies — Hermès’s original top-handle bag, created in 1892 — to the smaller and timeless Sac à dépêches that inspired both iconic accessories the Kelly bag in the 1950s and the Birkin in the 1980s, the discerning shopper has had no shortage of options to choose from. 

Small and mini designer top-handle bags, including vintage top-handle box bags and micro clutches, offer an alternate dynamic and usually feature sleek lines and modest features to perfectly complement your evening look. Styling with jeans and a comfortable sweater works, too — a classic top-handle bag or other type of handbag designed by the likes of Prada, Celine or other widely loved fashion label is an ideal accessory to pair with casual attire. For a personal touch or pop of color, add a key chain, a patterned scarf or a handbag chain.

On 1stDibs, you can find vintage top-handle bags from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and more. The numerous styles of this cherished accessory that we have available also include the Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Alma GM handbag, Fendi Baguette purses and modern leather Longchamp handbags.