Skip to main content

Chanel Long Clutch

Chanel Long Zip Quilted Black Patent Leather Gala Clutch
Chanel Long Zip Quilted Black Patent Leather Gala Clutch

Chanel Long Zip Quilted Black Patent Leather Gala Clutch

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

2008 {VINTAGE 16 Years} Silver Hardware Classic Chanel interwoven chain wristlet Chanel CC Charm

Category

Early 2000s Italian Clutches

Chanel 1989 Black Silk Extra Long Elongated Classic Flap Clutch
Chanel 1989 Black Silk Extra Long Elongated Classic Flap Clutch

Chanel 1989 Black Silk Extra Long Elongated Classic Flap Clutch

By Chanel

Located in San Francisco, CA

Chanel Vintage 1989 Runway Quilted CC Triple Turn-Lock Extra Long Clutch An iconic Chanel runway

Category

1980s Clutches

Chanel 1989 Black Lambskin Extra Long Elongated Classic Flap Clutch
Chanel 1989 Black Lambskin Extra Long Elongated Classic Flap Clutch

Chanel 1989 Black Lambskin Extra Long Elongated Classic Flap Clutch

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel black lambskin extra long elongated classic flap clutch 1989 {VINTAGE 35 Years} Giant long

Category

1980s French Clutches

Chanel 2008 Blue Metallic Long Quilted Clutch Classic Flap Bag
Chanel 2008 Blue Metallic Long Quilted Clutch Classic Flap Bag

Chanel 2008 Blue Metallic Long Quilted Clutch Classic Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel 2008 Blue Metallic Long Quilted Clutch Classic Flap Bag Year: 2008 Champagne gold hardware

Category

Early 2000s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Chanel 2008 Patent Leather Long Zip Quilted Gala Clutch Bag
Chanel 2008 Patent Leather Long Zip Quilted Gala Clutch Bag

Chanel 2008 Patent Leather Long Zip Quilted Gala Clutch Bag

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

2008 {VINTAGE 16 Years} Silver Hardware Classic Chanel interwoven chain wristlet Chanel CC Charm

Category

Early 2000s Italian Clutches

Recent Sales

Chanel Black Lambskin Long Clutch Bag
Chanel Black Lambskin Long Clutch Bag

Chanel Black Lambskin Long Clutch Bag

Unavailable

H 7 in D 1 in L 15 in

Chanel Black Lambskin Long Clutch Bag

By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel

Located in Montreal, Quebec

This Chanel clutch bag is constructed of soft and supple black lambskin leather. It features

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches

Chanel Reissue 2.55 Box Chain Clutch Crocodile Long
Chanel Reissue 2.55 Box Chain Clutch Crocodile Long

Chanel Reissue 2.55 Box Chain Clutch Crocodile Long

Unavailable

H 5 in W 11 in D 1.5 in

Chanel Reissue 2.55 Box Chain Clutch Crocodile Long

By Chanel

Located in NY, NY

Clutch Crocodile Long Exterior Material: Crocodile Exterior Color: Black Interior Material: Leather

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Chanel Long Wallet Cc Flap 1cj1022 Burnt Orange Enamel Clutch
Chanel Long Wallet Cc Flap 1cj1022 Burnt Orange Enamel Clutch

Chanel Long Wallet Cc Flap 1cj1022 Burnt Orange Enamel Clutch

By Chanel

Located in Forest Hills, NY

Date Code/Serial Number: 6250986 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 7" Width: 0.5" Height: 4" OVERALL GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 6/10 or C ) Includes Serial Seal Sticker Signs of We...

Category

20th Century French Clutches

Chanel White Lizard Skin Half Moon Long Tassel Clutch Bag, 1980s
Chanel White Lizard Skin Half Moon Long Tassel Clutch Bag, 1980s

Chanel White Lizard Skin Half Moon Long Tassel Clutch Bag, 1980s

By Chanel

Located in Hiroshima City, JP

shaped clutch bag with extra long tassel. This is one of a kind, collectible vintage Chanel . Never out

Category

1980s Italian Clutches

Chanel Classic Flap Iridescent Blue-purple Long Wallet 230784 Cotton Clutch
Chanel Classic Flap Iridescent Blue-purple Long Wallet 230784 Cotton Clutch

Chanel Classic Flap Iridescent Blue-purple Long Wallet 230784 Cotton Clutch

By Chanel

Located in Forest Hills, NY

Date Code/Serial Number: 18160112 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 7.5" Width: 1" Height: 4" OVERALL GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Includes Serial Seal Sticker Signs of W...

Category

20th Century Italian Clutches

Chanel Cambon Quilted Lambskin Ligne Yen Bifold Long Wallet 233090 Clutch
Chanel Cambon Quilted Lambskin Ligne Yen Bifold Long Wallet 233090 Clutch

Chanel Cambon Quilted Lambskin Ligne Yen Bifold Long Wallet 233090 Clutch

By Chanel

Located in Forest Hills, NY

Date Code/Serial Number: 13953711 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 4" Width: 0.7" Height: 7.08" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Includes Serial Seal Sticker Retail $995 Sig...

Category

20th Century Italian Clutches

Chanel Quilted Chocolate Bar Bifold Long Wallet 226494 Silver Leather Clutch
Chanel Quilted Chocolate Bar Bifold Long Wallet 226494 Silver Leather Clutch

Chanel Quilted Chocolate Bar Bifold Long Wallet 226494 Silver Leather Clutch

By Chanel

Located in Forest Hills, NY

Date Code/Serial Number: 10557129 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 7" Width: 0.5" Height: 4" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Includes Serial Seal Sticker Signs of Wear: Exte...

Category

20th Century Italian Clutches

Chanel Chainmail  Leather Long Boy Clutch
Chanel Chainmail  Leather Long Boy Clutch

Chanel Chainmail Leather Long Boy Clutch

Sold

H 5.12 in D 2.37 in L 11.82 in

Chanel Chainmail Leather Long Boy Clutch

By Chanel

Located in Krakow, PL

Chanel 2013 Black Long Chain Mail Le Boy Clutch Bag Features metallic gunmetal-silver leather and

Category

2010s Clutches

Chanel Black Leather Quilted Long Boy Clutch Bag
Chanel Black Leather Quilted Long Boy Clutch Bag

Chanel Black Leather Quilted Long Boy Clutch Bag

By Chanel

Located in Torre Del Greco, IT

Chanel Boy Long in black quilted leather and silver hardware. It has a chain handle that will allow

Category

2010s French Shoulder Bags

Chanel 2013 Black Long Chain Mail Le Boy Clutch Bag
Chanel 2013 Black Long Chain Mail Le Boy Clutch Bag

Chanel 2013 Black Long Chain Mail Le Boy Clutch Bag

By Chanel

Located in New York, NY

Chanel 2013 Black Long Chain Mail Le Boy Clutch Bag Chanel Long Black Chain Mail Clutch Made

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Handbags and Purses

CHANEL '90s Red Quilted Long Envelope Clutch/Pouch
CHANEL '90s Red Quilted Long Envelope Clutch/Pouch

CHANEL '90s Red Quilted Long Envelope Clutch/Pouch

Located in New York, NY

: Excellent with the exception of a small water mark to the inside of the flap. -Includes: Chanel

Category

1990s French Clutches

1990 Chanel Black Quilted Satin Vintage Extra Long Classic Clutch
1990 Chanel Black Quilted Satin Vintage Extra Long Classic Clutch

1990 Chanel Black Quilted Satin Vintage Extra Long Classic Clutch

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

CHANEL Black Quilted Satin Vintage Extra Long Classic Clutch Reference: HB2406 Serial Number

Category

1990s French Clutches

Chanel Wallet Classic Long Black Caviar Leather New
Chanel Wallet Classic Long Black Caviar Leather New

Chanel Wallet Classic Long Black Caviar Leather New

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Guaranteed authentic Chanel Classic Flap Long black clutch style wallet in quilted caviar leather

Category

2010s French Wallets

Chanel Frame Clutch Patent Long
Chanel Frame Clutch Patent Long

Chanel Frame Clutch Patent Long

Sold

H 4 in W 9 in D 2 in

Chanel Frame Clutch Patent Long

By Chanel

Located in NY, NY

This Chanel Frame Clutch Patent Long, crafted from black patent leather, features a framed top and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pouches and Wristlets

Chanel Chainmail and Leather Long Boy Clutch
Chanel Chainmail and Leather Long Boy Clutch

Chanel Chainmail and Leather Long Boy Clutch

By Chanel

Located in London, GB

Chanel Metallic Chainmail and Leather Long Boy Clutch. Features metallic gunmetal-silver leather

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clutches

Chanel Camellia Clasp Clutch Quilted Lambskin Long
Chanel Camellia Clasp Clutch Quilted Lambskin Long

Chanel Camellia Clasp Clutch Quilted Lambskin Long

By Chanel

Located in NY, NY

Accessories Measurements: Height 4.5", Width 12", Depth 1" Designer: Chanel Model: Camellia Clasp Clutch

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clutches

Chanel Burgundy Quilted Leather CC Long Clutch
Chanel Burgundy Quilted Leather CC Long Clutch

Chanel Burgundy Quilted Leather CC Long Clutch

Sold

H 3.94 in W 0.79 in L 12.01 in

Chanel Burgundy Quilted Leather CC Long Clutch

By Chanel

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

The Chanel clutch is a luxurious accessory crafted from rich, deep burgundy leather. Its quilted

Category

2010s Italian Clutches

Chanel Vintage Pearl Chain Flap Clutch Crocodile Long
Chanel Vintage Pearl Chain Flap Clutch Crocodile Long

Chanel Vintage Pearl Chain Flap Clutch Crocodile Long

By Chanel

Located in NY, NY

This Chanel Vintage Pearl Chain Flap Clutch Crocodile Long, crafted in genuine sleek black

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clutches

Chanel CC Clasp Frame Clutch Quilted Lambskin Long
Chanel CC Clasp Frame Clutch Quilted Lambskin Long

Chanel CC Clasp Frame Clutch Quilted Lambskin Long

By Chanel

Located in NY, NY

This authentic Chanel CC Clasp Frame Clutch Quilted Lambskin Long is the perfect piece to pair with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clutches

Chanel Strass CC Clutch Quilted Iridescent Calfskin Long
Chanel Strass CC Clutch Quilted Iridescent Calfskin Long

Chanel Strass CC Clutch Quilted Iridescent Calfskin Long

By Chanel

Located in NY, NY

This authentic Chanel Strass CC Clutch Quilted Iridescent Calfskin Long is a sumptuous accessory

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clutches

Chanel Small Quilted Velvet Clutch with Long Chain
Chanel Small Quilted Velvet Clutch with Long Chain

Chanel Small Quilted Velvet Clutch with Long Chain

By Chanel

Located in London, GB

Chanel Small Quilted Velvet Clutch with Long Chain has been hand-finished by skilled artisans in

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Chanel Small Quilted Velvet Clutch with Long Chain
Chanel Small Quilted Velvet Clutch with Long Chain

Chanel Small Quilted Velvet Clutch with Long Chain

By Chanel

Located in London, GB

on the front closure. Interwoven silver-tone metal and pink leather long chain. Zipped inner pocket

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clutches

Chanel CC Clasp Frame Clutch Quilted Satin Extra Long
Chanel CC Clasp Frame Clutch Quilted Satin Extra Long

Chanel CC Clasp Frame Clutch Quilted Satin Extra Long

By Chanel

Located in NY, NY

Clutch Quilted Satin Extra Long Exterior Material: Satin Exterior Color: Black Interior Material: Satin

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clutches

Chanel Black Leather/PVC and Tweed Mosaic Long Flap Clutch
Chanel Black Leather/PVC and Tweed Mosaic Long Flap Clutch

Chanel Black Leather/PVC and Tweed Mosaic Long Flap Clutch

By Chanel

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

Make a style statement with this elegant long clutch from Chanel on your arm. This lovely clutch

Category

2010s Italian Clutches

Chanel Black Patent Leather Quilted Long Envelope Evening Clutch Flap Bag
Chanel Black Patent Leather Quilted Long Envelope Evening Clutch Flap Bag

Chanel Black Patent Leather Quilted Long Envelope Evening Clutch Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Chicago, IL

CURATOR'S NOTES Patent leather Gunmetal hardware Snap closure Made in Italy Measures 13" L x 6" H x 1.5" D

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clutches

Chanel Long Zip Wallet / Clutch
Chanel Long Zip Wallet / Clutch

Chanel Long Zip Wallet / Clutch

By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld

Located in Westhampton Beach, NY

Quilted Silver Chanel Wallet with Silver Hardware. Authenticy Card 15415285 denotes the years 2011

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Wallets

Chanel Quilted Lambskin Bifold Long Flap Wallet 230169 Black Leather Clutch
Chanel Quilted Lambskin Bifold Long Flap Wallet 230169 Black Leather Clutch

Chanel Quilted Lambskin Bifold Long Flap Wallet 230169 Black Leather Clutch

By Chanel

Located in Forest Hills, NY

Date Code/Serial Number: 4859833 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 6.8" Width: 0.5" Height: 3.93" OVERALL GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Includes Serial Seal Sticker Signs...

Category

20th Century French Wallets

People Also Browsed

Loris Azzaro 1970s Silk Jersey Vintage Pink Empire Dress Gown
Loris Azzaro 1970s Silk Jersey Vintage Pink Empire Dress Gown

Loris Azzaro 1970s Silk Jersey Vintage Pink Empire Dress Gown

By Loris Azzaro

Located in San Diego, CA

Stunning vintage 1970s Loris Azzaro pink silk jersey gown! Beautiful bodice, with a draped, Grecian/Empire feel to the body. Zipper works great, just could not fit the dress form. In...

Category

1970s French Evening Gowns

1980s Yves Saint Laurent Ivory + Gold Vintage 80s One Piece Swimsuit
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Ivory + Gold Vintage 80s One Piece Swimsuit

1980s Yves Saint Laurent Ivory + Gold Vintage 80s One Piece Swimsuit

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful and classic early 1980s YVES SAINT LAURENT ivory / off-white and gold seashell print one piece halter swimsuit / bodysuit! Features a flattering ruched waist that hides any...

Category

1980s French Swimwear

Yves Saint Laurent YSL Rive Gauche New Blue Plunging Silk Halter Top
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Rive Gauche New Blue Plunging Silk Halter Top

Yves Saint Laurent YSL Rive Gauche New Blue Plunging Silk Halter Top

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in San Diego, CA

New with tags YVES SAINT LAURENT 'Rive Gauche" Spring / Summer 2012 blue silk halter top! Sexy plunge with a perfectly tailored bodice. Hidden zipper up the side with hook-and-e...

Category

2010s French Halter Tops

Beautiful Vintage White Sheer Pearl + Beads + Sequins Encrusted Shawl Scarf
Beautiful Vintage White Sheer Pearl + Beads + Sequins Encrusted Shawl Scarf

Beautiful Vintage White Sheer Pearl + Beads + Sequins Encrusted Shawl Scarf

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful vintage white sheer oversized piano shawl / scarf! Feature thousands of hand-sewn pearl, beads, rhinestones and sequins. Pearl tassels feature pink iridescent pailliettes o...

Category

Late 20th Century Scarves

TIFFANY & Co. 18K Gold Heart Tag Charm Bracelet 8"
TIFFANY & Co. 18K Gold Heart Tag Charm Bracelet 8"

TIFFANY & Co. 18K Gold Heart Tag Charm Bracelet 8"

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

TIFFANY & Co. 18K Gold Heart Tag Charm Bracelet 8" Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 25.40 grams Length: 8". It could be adjusted to fit smaller wrist by moving the lobster clasp to an...

Category

2010s Charm Bracelets

Materials

18k Gold

HERMES Havane brown Clemence leather BOLIDE 45 Travel Bag
HERMES Havane brown Clemence leather BOLIDE 45 Travel Bag

HERMES Havane brown Clemence leather BOLIDE 45 Travel Bag

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

Hermes "Bolide" travel bag in Havane (chestnut brown) Taurillon Clemence leather. Open with a zipper on top. Lined in leather and beige cotton. Has been carried with two small black ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Vintage Azzedine Alaia 1980s  Black + Nude Viscose 80s Mini Sweater Dress Tunic
Vintage Azzedine Alaia 1980s  Black + Nude Viscose 80s Mini Sweater Dress Tunic

Vintage Azzedine Alaia 1980s Black + Nude Viscose 80s Mini Sweater Dress Tunic

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Diego, CA

Sexy vintage 1980s AZZEDINE ALAIA black and nude viscose micro mini sweater dress / tunic! Features the most luxurious soft viscose rayon that drapes the body so beautifully. Dolman ...

Category

1980s Italian Mini Dress

Christian Dior by John Galliano Cadillac Montaigne Saddle Bag
Christian Dior by John Galliano Cadillac Montaigne Saddle Bag

Christian Dior by John Galliano Cadillac Montaigne Saddle Bag

By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior

Located in PUTNEY, NSW

Brand: Christian Dior by John Galliano Product Name: Cadillac Montaigne Saddle Bag Product Description: Introducing the Christian Dior by John Galliano Cadillac Montaigne Saddle Bag...

Category

Early 2000s European Structured Shoulder Bags

F/W 2001 Christian Dior by John Galliano Abstract Nylon Saddle Bag Pochette
F/W 2001 Christian Dior by John Galliano Abstract Nylon Saddle Bag Pochette

F/W 2001 Christian Dior by John Galliano Abstract Nylon Saddle Bag Pochette

By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This is a rare variation of the iconic saddle pochette bag designed by John Galliano for Christian Dior, constructed of brown watercolor-printed nylon with patent leather trim. The s...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières

F/W 1996 Gucci by Tom Ford Black Pony Hair Oversized Runway Shoulder Bag
F/W 1996 Gucci by Tom Ford Black Pony Hair Oversized Runway Shoulder Bag

F/W 1996 Gucci by Tom Ford Black Pony Hair Oversized Runway Shoulder Bag

By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Tom Ford designed this incredible large black Gucci pony hair bag for the Fall/Winter 1996 collection. This oversized tote is constructed entirely of pony hair and is complete with a...

Category

1990s Italian Hobo Bags

Alexander McQueen New Silk Dress with Ruffle Hem 'NO. 13'  S/S 1999
Alexander McQueen New Silk Dress with Ruffle Hem 'NO. 13'  S/S 1999

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...

Category

1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Chic 1950s Pale Blue Couture French Lace Taffeta Avant Garde Vintage 50s Blouse

Chic 1950s Pale Blue Couture French Lace Taffeta Avant Garde Vintage 50s Blouse

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic early 50s demi couture pale blue French Lace wrap blouse top! Features a chiffon backing, with taffeta covered button. Attached taffeta ribbon ties multiple times around the wai...

Category

1950s Blouses and Tops

Beautiful 1960s Extra Small XS Couture Black Silk Chiffon Vintage 60s Gown Dress
Beautiful 1960s Extra Small XS Couture Black Silk Chiffon Vintage 60s Gown Dress

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...

Category

1960s Evening Gowns

Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Wall and Flags Print Pants Trousers
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Wall and Flags Print Pants Trousers

Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Wall and Flags Print Pants Trousers

By Jean Paul Gaultier

Located in Nice, FR

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage pants trousers featuring a multi colored wall and flags print. These trousers feature : - Velvety touch material. - Front buttoning. - Front and back pock...

Category

20th Century Moroccan Pants

1990s Vintage Moschino Cheap & chic red blazer jacket
1990s Vintage Moschino Cheap & chic red blazer jacket

1990s Vintage Moschino Cheap & chic red blazer jacket

By Moschino Cheap and Chic

Located in LAGNY-SUR-MARNE, FR

1990s Vintage Moschino Cheap & chic red blazer jacket, in a bright red with black velvet buttons collar and pockets. Condition : Excellent Vintage Condition - Fully lined - Made i...

Category

1990s Italian Blazers

UNWORN 3PCS Chanel Camellia Jacquard Pearl Suit Ensemble Bridal Engagement 34
UNWORN 3PCS Chanel Camellia Jacquard Pearl Suit Ensemble Bridal Engagement 34

UNWORN 3PCS Chanel Camellia Jacquard Pearl Suit Ensemble Bridal Engagement 34

By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel

Located in Switzerland, CH

Beautiful Chanel Signature Ensemble THE perfect outfit for your engagement or wedding Consisting of 3 pieces - Lace Blouse, Skirt and Jacket Can be worn as a complete outfit or each ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Skirt Suits

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Chanel Long Clutch", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Chanel Long Clutch For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact vintage or contemporary chanel long clutch you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Many people prefer Black, but fashion is all about individuality — you can find Red and more options on these pages. If you’re looking for a chanel long clutch from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. When shopping for these accessories, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men or unisex today than there are for women.

How Much is a Chanel Long Clutch?

On average, a chanel long clutch on 1stDibs sells for $3,420, while they’re typically $550 on the low end and $49,920 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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 Handbags-purses-bags for You

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 bagBirkin, 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.