Chanel Beige Black Quilted Leather Gabrielle Large Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the world of timeless luxury with the Chanel Gabrielle Large Shoulder Bag, a piece that beautifully bridges the gap between heritage and modern flair. Launched as a tribute...
Chanel Vintage Iconic Graffiti Black CC Logo Large Drawstring Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Vintage Black CC Logo Large Drawstring Tote Drawstring Closure Adorned with a large CC charm and round CC logo ball at the drawstring end Made in France
Chanel Dark Navy Blue Striped CC Logo Drawstring Large Beach Tote Bag Vintage
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Dark Navy Blue Striped CC Logo Drawstring Large Beach Tote Bag 2001 Vintage 2001 VINTAGE Terry cloth Woven lining Drawstring closure Adjustable strap: 25-44.5" Measurements...
Chanel Dark Dark Navy Blue Striped CC Logo Drawstring Large Beach Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Dark Dark Navy Blue Striped CC Logo Drawstring Large Beach Tote Bag 2001 Vintage 2001 {VINTAGE 21 Years} Terry cloth Woven lining Drawstring closure Adjustable strap: 25-44....
Unavailable
H 9 in D 4 in L 11.5 in
Chanel Electric Blue Large Drawstring Bucket Bag with Flap Closure
By Chanel
Located in Westmount, Quebec
Brand: Chanel Manufactured: France Color: Electric Blue Size: Medium Bag Length: 11.5" Bag Height: 9" Bag Depth: 4" Strap Drop: 18"
Chanel Metallic Silver Chevron Urban Spirit Large Drawstring Bag
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
From the Spring/Summer 2016 Act 2 Bag Collection. Iridescent silver-tone chevron quilted leather Chanel Large Urban Spirit bucket bag with ruthenium hardware, single chain-link and l...
Chanel Quilted Large Dallas Collection Drawstring Fringe Snakeskin Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Chanel Dallas Collection Drawstring Fringe shoulder bag with signature chain link shoulder straps. Presented in the brand's Paris-Dallas Metiers d'Art 2013-2014 ...
Chanel Black On the Road Large Drawstring Bucket Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Exquisitely gorgeous and functional, this drawstring tote is from Chanel's "On the Road" collection - modern and chic yet classic at the same time and super practical. The glazed dis...
Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Large Classic Bucket Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Large Classic Bucket Bag Brand- Chanel Model- Large Classic Bucket Bag Product Type- Shoulder Serial Number- 23****** Age- Circa 2016 Accompanied By- C...
Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Large Classic Bucket Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Large Classic Bucket Bag Brand- Chanel Model- Large Classic Bucket Bag Product Type- Shoulder Serial Number- 23****** Age- Circa 2016 Accompanied By- C...
Chanel Beige Black Quilted Leather Gabrielle Large Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Rome, Rome
This beautiful Bag will come with a certificate of authenticity provided by third party authenticators. The certificate will be provided at no further cost. Chanel Gabrielle Large sh...
Chanel Black Quilted Leather Gabrielle Large Hobo Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Rome, Rome
Chanel Gabrielle Large Hobo Bag crafted in black quilted leather. Period/Era: 2017. The bag is inspired by vintage binocular cases that men wear at the racecourse. Unisex model. It i...
Chanel Black Quilted Leather Gabrielle Large Hobo Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Rome, Rome
Chanel Gabrielle Large Hobo Bag crafted in black quilted leather. Period/Era: 2017. The bag is inspired by vintage binocular cases that men wear at the racecourse. Unisex model. It i...
Chanel Vintage Black Quilted Leather Large Camera Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Chanel Quilted 'Camera Bag' Shoulder Bag in black color from 1991 circa. Features upper zipper closure, CC - CHANEL logo zipper pull, front and rear open compartment and gold...
Chanel Vintage Black Quilted Leather Large Camera Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Chanel Quilted 'Camera Bag' Shoulder Bag in black color from 1991 circa. Features upper zipper closure, CC - CHANEL logo zipper pull, front and rear open compartment and gold...
Chanel Black Leather Reissue 2.55 Large Double Flap Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Rome, Rome
This beautiful Bag will come with a Certificate of Authenticity provided by Entrupy. The certificate will be provided at no further cost Step into the world of classic Chanel luxury ...
Chanel Black Quilted Large Timeless Classic 2.55 Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Rome, Rome
This beautiful Bag will come with a Certificate of Authenticity provided by Entrupy. The certificate will be provided at no further cost Chanel Large Timeless Classic Quilted Double ...
CHANEL Caviar 31 Drawstring Tote Large Shoulder Bag 2010
By Chanel
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned 2010 Chanel Caviar 31 Drawstring Tote. Brilliant caviar leather, diamond stitch sides, silver hardware, dual straps, CC logo front, decorative drawstrings on each...
Vintage Beige Caramel Chanel Large drawstring bag lambskin with gold metal
By Chanel
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Vintage Beige Caramel Chanel Large drawstring bag lambskin with gold metal Lambskin & Gold-Tone Metal Height * Lenght 35 x 33cm /14 x 15 inches Shoulder Belt 105cm / 41,33 inches ...
Chanel Green Quilted Leather Large Boy Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Rome, Rome
This beautiful Bag will come with a Certificate of Authenticity provided by Entrupy. The certificate will be provided at no further cost. Chanel large quilted 'Boy' shoulder bag . Pe...
CHANEL Tan/Black Quilted Leather Large Cambon Tote Bag rt $2, 250
Located in New York, NY
CHANEL Tan/Black Quilted Leather Large Cambon Tote Bag Features interior leather strap with lobster clasp, a cellphone holder and two pen holders Made in: France Year of...
Chanel CC Drawstring Beach Bag Terry Cloth Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel CC Drawstring Beach Bag Terry Cloth Large, crafted in black terry cloth, features drawstring closure woven in grommets, shoulder strap and silver-tone hardware.
Chanel Surpique Drawstring Bucket Bag Quilted Lambskin Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Surpique Drawstring Bucket Bag Quilted Lambskin Large is sure to brighten up someone's day.
Chanel Urban Spirit Drawstring Bag Iridescent Chevron Calfskin Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Urban Spirit Drawstring Bag Iridescent Chevron Calfskin Large, crafted from grey iridescent chevron calfskin, features a woven-in leather chain strap with leather padding...
Chanel Patchwork Drawstring Bag Quilted Leather and Suede Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Patchwork Drawstring Bag Quilted Leather and Suede Large displays a feminine touch with notes of modernity.
Chanel Patchwork Drawstring Bag Quilted Leather and Suede Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Patchwork Drawstring Bag Quilted Leather and Suede Large displays a feminine touch with notes of modernity.
Chanel Urban Spirit Drawstring Bag Iridescent Chevron Calfskin Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Handle Drop 11.5", Height 11", Width 10.5", Depth 6.5", Strap Drop 24.5" Designer: Chanel Model: Urban Spirit Drawstring Bag Iridescent Chev...
Chanel Vintage Metal CC Drawstring Bucket Bag Caviar Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Authenticity Card, Pochette Measurements: Handle Drop 0", Height 12", Width 12", Depth 4", Strap Drop 19" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage Metal CC Drawstring Bucket Bag ...
Sold
H 10.5 in W 14.5 in D 5 in
Chanel Paris-Dallas Large Drawstring Fringe Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Paris-Dallas Drawstring Fringe Shoulder Bag Quilted Leather Large presented in the brand's Paris-Dallas Metiers d'Art 2013-2014 Collection mixes avant-garde Par...
Sold
H 10.5 in W 14 in D 5 in
Chanel Paris-Dallas Drawstring Fringe Shoulder Bag Quilted Leather Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Moderate wear and discoloration along opening, small marks in interior, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 12", Height 10.5", Width 14", Depth 5" ...
Sold
H 10.5 in W 14 in D 5 in
Chanel Paris-Dallas Drawstring Fringe Shoulder Bag Quilted Leather Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Height 10.5", Width 14", Depth 5", Strap Drop 12.5" Designer: Chanel Model: Paris-Dallas Drawstring Fringe Shoulder Bag Quilted Leather Larg...
Chanel Coco Bowling Bag Leather Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Coco Bowling Bag Leather Large is a highly sought after piece that's perfect to add to your collection. Crafted from black leather, this lightweight, stylish bo...
Chanel Coco Bowling Bag Leather Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Coco Bowling Bag Leather Large is a highly sought after piece that's perfect to add to your collection. Crafted from black leather, this lightweight, stylish bo...
Chanel CC Bucket Bag Quilted Calfskin Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel CC Bucket Bag Quilted Calfskin Large, crafted from gold quilted calfskin leather, features woven-in leather chain straps and gold-tone hardware.
Chanel CC Bucket Bag Quilted Calfskin Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel CC Bucket Bag Quilted Calfskin Large, crafted from grey metallic quilted calfskin leather, features woven-in leather chain strap, CC logo charm, and aged silver-tone hard...
Chanel St. Tropez Flap Bag Tweed Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel St. Tropez Flap Bag Tweed Large is a stylish and chic bag perfect for your daily excursions. Crafted from blue tweed, this bag features tan jute and black leath...
Chanel Vintage Supermodel Weekender Bag Caviar Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Vintage Supermodel Weekender Bag Caviar Large, crafted in black caviar leather, features dual leather straps with chain links, protective base studs, and gold-tone interi...
Chanel Vintage CC Handle Bucket Bag Leather Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Vintage CC Handle Bucket Bag Leather Large showcases an elegant and timeless design made for Chanel lovers. Crafted in black leather, this bag features looping ...
Chanel CC Elastic Shoulder Bag Quilted Caviar Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Condition: Great. Creasing and minor wear on exterior and handle, light wear in interior, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Authenticity Card, Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 8"...
Chanel CC Elastic Shoulder Bag Quilted Caviar Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Condition: Great. Creasing and minor wear on exterior and handle, light wear in interior, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Authenticity Card, Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 8"...
Chanel Bucket Dark Brown Leather Large Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Fukuoka, Kyushu
Chanel bucket shoulder bag in brown leather. It has stitched CC logo at the bottom and open pocket on each side. Main access has leather string closures. Inside has leather lining wi...
Chanel CC Top Handle Bucket Bag Stitched Calfskin Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel CC Top Handle Bucket Bag Stitched Calfskin Large, crafted from black stitched calfskin leather, features a leather top handle, chain strap with leather pad, and silver-to...
Chanel Vintage CC Chain Flap Bag Quilted Lambskin Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Vintage CC Chain Flap Bag Quilted Lambskin Large, crafted in black quilted lambskin, features woven-in leather chain link strap and gold-tone hardware. Its CC turn-lock c...
Chanel CC Drawstring Bucket Bag Lambskin Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel CC Drawstring Bucket Bag Lambskin Large exudes a nature of casual elegance.
Chanel CC Drawstring Beach Bag Terry Cloth Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Towel Measurements: Handle Drop 4.5", Height 18.5", Width 13", Depth 11.5", Strap Drop 9-19" Designer: Chanel Model: CC Drawstring Beach Bag Terry Cloth Large Exterior M...
Chanel CC Chain Drawstring Shopping Bag Quilted Lambskin Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Authenticity Card, Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop -", Height 14", Width 12", Depth 3.5", Strap Drop 10" Designer: Chanel Model: CC Chain Drawstring Shopping Bag Quil...
Chanel Paris in Rome Drawstring Bag Quilted Lambskin Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Authenticity Card, Dust Bag, With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 7", Height 9.5", Width 14", Depth 4", Strap Drop 17-21" Designer: Chanel Model: Paris in Rome Drawstri...
Burgundy quilted Lambskin leather Chanel Large Drawstring shoulder bag
By Chanel
Located in Irvine, CA
Burgundy quilted Lambskin leather Chanel Large Drawstring shoulder bag with gold-tone hardware, interlocking CC logo turn-lock on the front pocket, an adjustable cinched leather and ...
Chanel Paris in Rome Drawstring Bag Quilted Lambskin Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Authenticity Card, Dust Bag, With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 7", Height 9.5", Width 14", Depth 4", Strap Drop 17-21" Designer: Chanel Model: Paris in Rome Drawstri...
Chanel Paris-Dallas Drawstring Fringe Shoulder Bag Quilted Leather Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Measurements: Handle Drop 12", Height 11", Width 15", Depth 5" Designer: Chanel Model: Paris-Dallas Drawstring Fringe Shoulder Bag Quilted Leather Large Item Number: 28576/01
Chanel Paris-Dallas Drawstring Fringe Shoulder Bag Quilted Leather Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Measurements: Handle Drop 13", Height 11", Width 16", Depth 5" Designer: Chanel Model: Paris-Dallas Drawstring Fringe Shoulder Bag Quilted Leather Large Item Number: 12348/01
Chanel Paris-Dallas Drawstring Fringe Shoulder Bag Python and Leather Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Paris-Dallas Drawstring Fringe Shoulder Bag Python and Leather Large mixes avant-garde Parisian sophistication with a touch of western Americana styling.
Chanel Paris-Dallas Drawstring Fringe Shoulder Bag Python and Leather Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Paris-Dallas Drawstring Fringe Shoulder Bag Python and Leather Large mixes avant-garde Parisian sophistication with a touch of western Americana styling.
Christian Dior Y2K Brown & Cream Pony Hair Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Christian Dior Y2K Brown & Cream Pony Hair Shoulder Bag, a stunning accessory that embodies the essence of early 2000s fashion while remaining effortlessly chic. Circ...
HERMES black Swift & Tuffetage corduroy BIRKIN 30 COTE-A-COTE Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 Côté-a-Côté in black corduroy with Veau Swift leather trim and gussets. Features palladium plated hardware and cleaning brush for corduroy. Brand new ...
$8,920
H 8 in W 8 in D 3 in
Chanel 1994 Rare Vintage Mini Multi Six CC Logo Crossbody Lambskin Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 1994 Rare Vintage Mini Multi Six CC Logo Crossbody Lambskin Tote Bag 1991-1994 {VINTAGE 30 Years} Gold Hardware Long strap with classic interwoven chain Drawstring closure Do...
Vintage Bottega Veneta Colorful Beads Sculptural Organza Minaudieré Bag
By Bottega Veneta
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Beaded handbags were all the rage for much of the 19th century. Called reticules, these small bags would carry only the barest of necessities and tended to be more of a decorative ac...
$17,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.18 in W 1.22 in Dm 9 in L 9 in
CARTIER Paris 1970 Automatic Large Ceinture Wristwatch In 18 Kt Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
An automatique Ceinture large wrist-watch designed by Cartier. This is the rare large model of the Ceinture automatique wristwatch, created in Paris France by the jewelry house of C...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Chanel Nano Kelly Bag NEW Lilac Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in Roosendaal, NL
From the collection of SAVINETI we offer this NEW Chanel Nano Kelly Bag: - Brand: Chanel - Model: Nano Kelly - Color: Lilac - Year: 2024 - Condition: NEW (unused) - Materials: Shiny...
New Louis Vuitton Watercolor Keepall Bag 50
By Louis Vuitton
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Louis Vuitton limited edition designed by Virgil Abloh, watercolor collection keepall 50. Detachable shoulder strap. Padlock, keys and luggage tag. Brand new with original dust bag a...
$7,920
H 6.9 in W 3.9 in L 9 in
Chanel Vanity Case Rare Large Vintage 90s Top Handle Black Caviar Leather Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Large Vintage Black Caviar CC Logo Top Handle Vanity Case Year: 1996 {VINTAGE 26 Years} Gold Hadware CC Stitched Logo at front Top handle Detachable crossbody strap Zip aroun...
Hermes Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Rose Scheherazade Alligator Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited Edition Hermes Kelly 20 Sellier bag featured in stunning Rose Scheherazade alligator. Accentuated with crisp with palladium hardware. Timeless and highly ...
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 Alligator skin and gold hardware. Double front flap and signature 'CC' turn-lock clos...
Chanel Reissue 2.55 Lucky Charm Double Flap Leather Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Limited Edition - Chanel Reissue 2.55 Lucky Charm Double Flap Leather Bag Black shoulder bag crafted from aged, diamond quilted calfskin leather. Adorned with multiple charms with ...
Very Rare 1990s Chanel Coco Mark Black Patent Vanity Heart Bag
By Chanel
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Collector’s item chanel vintage heart vanity in black patent with gold hardware. Original condition. No touch ups or recoloring. Slight cloudiness to the patent surface due to storag...
Chanel Gift Box Minaudière Black Plexiglass GHW
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Black Plexiglass Gift Box Minaudière Gold Hardware, 2017. The interior is lined in black leather. Includes authenticity card, and dust bag. This pre-owned Chanel® item has b...
$1,595
H 4.75 in W 3.25 in
Vintage Chanel 2000s Black Patent Leather CC Logo Quilted Wristlet Micro Clutch
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage Chanel black patent leather mini wristlet purse from 2003/2004. Bag has square quilting throughout with CC logos, large CC logo at top. Dangling large gunmetal silver metal C...
Christian Dior Denim Saddle Bag
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Christian Dior by John Galliano Saddle bag in denim color blue and beige leather, gold hardware. Condition: Excellent. Packing/accessories: Box, dustbag and authenticity card. ...
Chanel Slot Machine Casino Minaudière Clutch 2023
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
This Casino Minaudière Evening Clutch Bag by Chanel is a highly sought-after and exclusive piece from the 2023 Cruise collection. - Circa 2023 - From the Chanel 2023 Cruise collectio...
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.
Ever since we’ve needed an accessory to carry our personal items when we’re on the go, shoulder bags have proven indispensable. Today, vintage and designer shoulder bags are such a treasured part of fashion history that they even get their own museum exhibitions. And while lovers of luxury handbags and purses are savvier now and have a wider range of shopping options, classics created by brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior and Balenciaga still rule.
Prior to bags becoming an essential piece of any ensemble for any gender, women wore pockets strung on ribbons as garments that were separate from their gowns, accessible by openings in the fabric. Small handbags and handheld purses were developed before the accessory gained importance as functional and fashionable. Most had more in common with wallets than anything else.
While the bags of the 16th century warranted ornament, such as exteriors embroidered with silver-gilt thread and beads, it wasn’t until the late 18th century and early 19th century that the design and craft of bags had really broadened. Handheld purses were finished with details that were meant to garner attention, and bags were fitted with shoulder straps. A stylish shoulder bag meant that women could tote jewelry, cash and perhaps a decorative snuff box full of tobacco to an evening ball across town.
The early 1900s saw the introduction of gold and silver minaudières. The patenting of these compact bejeweled clutches has been attributed to revered French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels, and today they remain a fashion favorite. One of Judith Leiber’s innovative minaudières even earned a role in the movie Sex and the City.
A luxury shoulder bag is a work of art with a long, fascinating origin story, and entire brands and fashion lines have emerged around creating the perfect versions of shoulder bags and top-handle bags. For example, the iconic Hermès Kelly bag, which was popularized by actress Grace Kelly, is a widely coveted, collected and often faked entry from the handbag hall of fame. And while vintage Gucci tote bags have their own dedicated fan base, collectors are likely familiar with the Dionysus, a pared-down Gucci shoulder bag that manages to make a substantial statement anyway.
Embrace a classic look with a vintage shoulder bag designed by Chanel, Givenchy or Fendi — find yours on 1stDibs today.
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.