Chanel Jersey Maxi Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
. A rare and timeless piece, this vintage Chanel Maxi flap features the brand's signature burgundy
Chanel Jersey Maxi Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
. A rare and timeless piece, this vintage Chanel Maxi flap features the brand's signature burgundy
Chanel, Cruise 2014 Coco sailor jersey flap bag
By Chanel
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Chanel, Cruise 2014 Coco sailor jersey flap bag in black and white with gold hardware. Interior has
CHANEL beige jersey CLASSIC MINI SQUARE FLAP Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Jersey Quilted Mini Square Flap in beige is an elegant, vintage shoulder
CHANEL Double Flap 2.55 Handbag in Coral Jersey Fabric
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
CHANEL handbag, 2.55 clasp, in coral jersey fabric. Crocodile effect embroidery. It has a double
Chanel Black/White Striped Medium Jersey Coco Sailor Pearl Classic Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
: Circa 2014 Series 19 Classic Flap Material: Jersey Color: Black and White Gold-tone hardware Size
Chanel Black/White Striped Medium Jersey Coco Sailor Pearl Classic Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
. DETAILS: Circa 2014 Series 19 Classic Flap Material: Jersey Color: Black and White Gold-tone hardware
CHANEL timeless classic medium double flap bag in purpel Jersey, 2000s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Vintage classic CHANEL DOUBLE FLAP BAG (Made in France) quilted purpel Jersey. The flap bag is
Chanel Jersey Medium Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Keep it casual in this Chanel beauty--perfect for the weekend with the kids! The Chanel jersey flap
Chanel 19 Flap Bag Quilted Jersey Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
", Height 10", Width 14", Depth 4", Strap Drop 14" Designer: Chanel Model: 19 Flap Bag Quilted Jersey Maxi
Chanel 19 Flap Bag Quilted Jersey Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
11.5", Depth 3.5" Designer: Chanel Model: 19 Flap Bag Quilted Jersey Large Exterior Material: Jersey
Chanel Pink Quilted Jersey East West Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Pink Quilted Jersey East West Flap Bag Condition: Pristine Condition Colour: Pink Box : No
Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Quilted Jersey Mini
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Measurements: Height 5", Width 8", Depth 3", Strap Drop 23" Designer: Chanel Model: Classic Single Flap Bag
Chanel Blue Jersey Classic 227 Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Indulge in luxury with this Chanel Reissue 2.55 bag. Meticulously crafted from premium materials
Chanel Blue Jersey Classic 227 Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Indulge in luxury with this Chanel Reissue 2.55 bag. Meticulously crafted from premium materials
Chanel 2010 Maxi Classic Quilted Jersey Single Flap Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel 2010 Maxi Classic quilted jersey single flap shoulder bag. Made from
Chanel Light Green Jersey Classic 227 Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Imbued with traditional details the Reissue 2.55 bag from Chanel is iconic and one of the most
Unavailable
H 6.75 in W 2.5 in L 10 in
Chanel Classic Flap Silver Quilted 232361 Pink Jersey Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 5946644 Made In: 18.5 Measurements: Length: " Width: " Height: " Shoulder strap drop: 18.5" OVERALL GOOD- CONDITION ( 6.5/10 or BC ) Includes Serial Seal Sti...
Unavailable
H 6 in W 3 in L 10.25 in
Chanel Classic Double Flap 224140 Black Quilted Cotton Jersey Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Made In: France Measurements: Length: 10.25" Width: 3" Height: 6" Shoulder strap drop: 6"-10" OVERALL VERY GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 7.75/10 or &+ ) Signs of Wear: Exterior shows few ...
Vintage Chanel classic black jersey 2.55 bag with double flap and skinny chains
By Chanel
Located in Kashiwa, Chiba
1970s, 1980s. vintage Chanel classic black jersey 2.55 bag with double flap and skinny chain straps
Unavailable
CHANEL Jumbo Single Flap Grey jersey 2011
Located in Milan, IT
Chanel Jumbo bag in grey cotton. Year of production 2011 code 13xxxxx . Excellent condition is not
Chanel Red Jersey Reissue Double Flap
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel red jersey quilted double flap with ruthenium mademoiselle chain hardware. Shoulder drop
Chanel Black Jersey Embroidered Classic Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chanel Black Jersey Embroidered Flap Bag- Pristine Condition; appears never carried From the Paris
CHANEL Vintage Brown Jersey Flap with Mirror
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Vintage Brown Jersey Flap with Mirror Age: 1957 "Brown quilted silk jersey with brown
CHANEL Timeless Double Flap Bag in Black Jersey
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
Chanel Timeless double flap bag in black jersey. Gilded metal hardware. Included : Hologram: 9053
CHANEL Black Jersey Quilted Double Flap Classic Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
CHANEL Black Jersey Quilted Double Flap Classic Bag Made in: France Year of Production
Chanel Classic Flap Jersey 2.55 Vintage Reissue Chain
By Chanel
Located in Roosendaal, NL
, The Chanel Classic black jersey 2.55 bag with double flap with the famous reissue chain from the late
Chanel Jumbo Quilted Multicolor Patchwork Jersey Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Jumbo Quilted Multicolor Patchwork Jersey Flap Bag These are professional photos of the
Chanel Classic Flap Medium Double Flap Pink Jersey Silver Hardware 2014
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
"Chanel Classic Flap Medium Double Flap Pink Jersey Silver Hardware 2014 These are professional
1990s Chanel Red Jersey Quilted Medium Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Rare Chanel Quilted Jersey Classic Medium Flapbag with GHW. Overall still in great condition
Chanel Jersey Stripe Coco Sailor Medium Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Chanel medium coco sailor in red and white stripe jersey. Intricate pearl and chain strap detail
Chanel Black Quilted Jersey Fabric Medium Classic Double Flap
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Black Quilted Jersey Fabric Medium Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Medium Classic
Chanel Quilted Jersey Fabric Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Black Quilted Jersey Fabric Medium Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Medium Classic
Chanel Maxi Glitter Jersey Stripe Rope Strap Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Chanel maxi stripe jersey flap bag in pink and white. Beautiful condition overall, no significant
CHANEL brown LEATHER TRIM WOOL JERSEY FLAP Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
authentic Chanel flap shoulder in dark brown leather trimmed quilted wool jersey. Vintage 1980s
Vintage CHANEL Black Quilted Jersey Chain Shoulder Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
This 1980s vintage CHANEL chain shoulder bag is crafted of black diamond quilted jersey and gold
2009 Chanel Black Quilted Jersey Fabric Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Jersey Fabric Single Flap Bag This CHANEL Single Flap Bag is in Excellent Pre
CHANEL burgundy quilted wool JERSEY CLASSIC FLAP Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel vintage shoulder bag in burgundy wool jersey featuring light gold-tone chain
Chanel Black 2.55 Double Flap Shoulder Quilted Jersey Bag
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
Chanel Black quilted jersey 2.55 shoulder bag featuring a double foldover top, a twist lock and a
Chanel Classic Flap Red White Striped Medium Jersey Coco Sailor
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Classic Flap Red White Striped Medium Jersey Coco Sailor These are professional photos of
Mini Chanel 2.55 Double Flap Electric Blue Jersey Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
Mini Chanel 2.55 double flap electric blue jersey shoulder bag. The jewelery is made of silver
Chanel Black Quilted Jersey Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Black Quilted Jersey Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag CONDITION NOTES The exterior is
Chanel BLACK QUILTED JERSEY VINTAGE SMALL CLASSIC DOUBLE FLAP BAG
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel BLACK QUILTED JERSEY VINTAGE SMALL CLASSIC DOUBLE FLAP BAG CONDITION NOTES The exterior is
Chanel Black Jersey Double Flap Timeless 2.55 Bag Mademoiselle Chain
By Chanel
Located in Rome, Rome
certificate will be provided at no further cost. Classic Chanel 2.55 Double flap bag in black quilted jersey
Chanel Black Jersey Double Flap Timeless 2.55 Bag Mademoiselle Chain
By Chanel
Located in Rome, Rome
certificate will be provided at no further cost. Classic Chanel 2.55 Double flap bag in black quilted jersey
Chanel Vintage Black Jersey Double Flap 2.55 Bag Mademoiselle Chain
By Chanel
Located in Rome, Rome
certificate will be provided at no further cost. Classic Chanel 2.55 Double flap bag in black quilted jersey
Chanel Blue Quilted Jersey Fabric 2.55 Reissue Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
Exquisitely crafted from deep blue fabric, this Reissue 2.55 flap bag from Chanel has the signature
CHANEL Red Quilted Jersey Fabric Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Red Quilted Jersey Fabric Medium Classic Double Flap Bag Xupes Reference: CB850 Serial
Sold
H 5.52 in W 8.47 in D 2.76 in
Chanel Beige Quilted Jersey Fabric & Lambskin Leather Small Classic Single Flap
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Beige Quilted Jersey Fabric & Lambskin Leather Small Classic Single Flap Bag with Wallet
Sold
H 5.52 in W 9.06 in D 2.37 in
1990s Chanel Black Quilted Jersey Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Jersey Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Small Classic Double
Sold
H 6.3 in W 9.85 in D 2.76 in
1990s Chanel Black Quilted Jersey Fabric Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Jersey Fabric Medium Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Medium Classic
Sold
H 6.3 in D 2.56 in L 10.24 in
Vintage CHANEL 'Timeless' Double Flap Bag in Black Leather and Jersey
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
Couture! Chanel 'Timeless' double flap in bi-material black leather and jersey. Gilded metal
Chanel Ultra Rare Royal Blue Cotton Jersey Diana Flap Bag 19ck311s
By Chanel
Located in Dix hills, NY
Chanel Ultra Rare Royal Blue Cotton Jersey Diana Flap Bag 19ck311s Date Code/Serial Number
Sold
H 6.3 in W 9.85 in D 2.76 in
2015 Chanel Red Quilted Jersey Fabric Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Red Quilted Jersey Fabric Medium Classic Double Flap Bag Reference: HB2682 Serial Number
Sold
H 6.3 in W 9.85 in D 2.76 in
Chanel Beige Quilted Jersey Fabric Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Beige Quilted Jersey Fabric Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag Product Details Xupes
CHANEL purple JERSEY COCO'S CROC 2.55 REISSUE 226 DOUBLE FLAP Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 2.55 Reissue 226 Double Flap Bag in deep purple croc embroidered jersey
CHANEL coral JERSEY COCO'S CROC 2.55 REISSUE 226 DOUBLE FLAP Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 2.55 Reissue 226 Double Flap Bag in coral croc embroidered jersey fabric and
Sold
H 6 in W 2.5 in L 10 in
Chanel Beige Ivory Quilted Jersey Canvas Medium Classic Double Flap 114c43
By Chanel
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 1254684 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 10" Width: 2.5" Height: 6" Shoulder Handle Drop: 9" and 16" OVERALL VERY GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 7.25/10 o...
2013 Chanel Violet Quilted Jersey Fabric 2.55 Reissue 226 Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Violet Quilted Jersey Fabric 2.55 Reissue 226 Double Flap Bag This CHANEL 2.55 Reissue 226
Sold
H 6.3 in W 9.85 in D 3.55 in
1996 Chanel Black Quilted Jersey Vintage Medium Double Sided Classic Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Jersey Vintage Medium Double Sided Classic Flap Bag Reference: HB2086 Serial
Sold
H 5.52 in W 9.06 in D 2.37 in
1990s Chanel Black Quilted Jersey Fabric Small Classic Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Jersey Fabric Small Classic Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Small Classic
Sold
H 6.3 in W 9.85 in D 2.76 in
1996 Chanel Black Quilted Jersey Fabric Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Black Quilted Jersey Fabric Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Medium
Sold
H 6.7 in W 11.03 in D 2.37 in
2015 Chanel Coral Quilted Jersey Fabric Reissue Diana Classic Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Coral Quilted Jersey Fabric Reissue Diana Classic Single Flap Bag Reference: HB2058 Serial
Sold
H 5.52 in W 9.06 in D 2.37 in
1988 Chanel Black Quilted Jersey Fabric Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Jersey Fabric Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag Reference: HB2179 Serial
Sold
H 6.3 in W 9.85 in D 2.76 in
1996 Chanel Black Quilted Jersey Fabric Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Jersey Fabric Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag Reference: HB1489
CHANEL blue DENIM CHOCOLATE BAR MEDIUM FLAP Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Chocolate Bar Medium Flap Bag is crafted from classic blue denim with the signature chocolate bar quilted pattern, offering a modern yet timeless aesthetic...
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 ...
Chanel Mint Blue Velvet Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel excellent condition blue velvet double flap, blue leather lining and black hardware. Shoulder drop 9”/19”. Comes with hologram, ID card and original dust cover. Collection 2...
Louis Vuitton Paris Italian Knit Brown Cardigan c 21st c
By Louis Vuitton
Located in University City, MO
Louis Vuitton Paris Italian knit brown cardigan sweater Size M The chic Italian knit cardigan is designed with a muted light brown shade; accented with subtle gold metallic knit band...
$3,024
H 25.99 in D 9.85 in L 17.33 in
LOUIS VUITTON Large Pegasus Model Rolling Suitcase in Damier Ebene Canvas
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Paris, FR
Louis Vuitton large Pegasus model rolling suitcase in damier Ebene canvas. It is very light. It contains a lot. In very good used condition (a snag on the right side). It has a to...
Vintage Bon Gout Black Crocodile Bag
By Bon Gout
Located in London, GB
A chic vintage crocodile bag by Bon Gout . This super shiny crocodile bag is large enough for todays essentials, measuring Width 13'', height 7 1/2 '', and depth 3''. The bag has a ...
Chanel Black Caviar Leather Box Classic Single Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Year: 1997 {VINTAGE 27 Years} Gold hardware Classic interwoven chain Interwoven chain Classic back pocket Caviar leather Black leather lined interior Main interior zippered pocket W ...
Hermes Birkin Limited Edition 35 Diamond Bordeaux Porosus Crocodile Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an exceptional limited edition Hermes Birkin 35 Diamond Porosus Crocodile bag featured in stunning jewel-toned Bordeaux. This rare masterpiece features 18K White Go...
$4,679
H 6.11 in D 0.79 in L 7.88 in
Hermès Vintage Pola Purse Clutch Evening Bag 2 ways Black Ostrich Golden Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Purse "Pola" Made in France No stamp but vintage Made of Ostrich Leather and Golden Hardware Ostrich is it a resistant leather, and less sub...
Hermès Birkin 25 n New Vert Fonce
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès Birkin 25 in New Vert Fonce (2024 color) Togo leather, a classic piece in a rich, deep green color. Crafted from durable textured togo leather and palladium hardware. This He...
Eygptian Revival Deco Purse, 1920's
Located in New York, NY
Eygptian revival butter silk faille with scarab tinsel embroidery in silver and gold threads. Large emerald cut citrine paste and clear stones set into frame. Beautiful quality impor...
New in Box Vuitton Monogram Mini Hatbox
By Louis Vuitton
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Brand new in box mini hat box bag in monogram LV canvas and cowhide leather. Comes with detachable strap. Dust cover, box and shopping bag included.
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"
Chanel Black Quilted Timeless Clutch
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
- Black - Signature interlocking CC logo - Silver-tone hardware - Diamond quilted lambskin leather - Top bar and kiss lock - Main compartment - Internal zip fastening compartment P...
Chanel Grand Sac Boy 2015 Black Leather Golden HDW Chanel Large Boy Bag
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Large Chanel Boy bag in aged quilted black leather and gold metal, wide front flap with double-press Boy clasp, black canvas interior with a large pocket closed by a zip with a logo ...
Chanel Classic Small Baby Blue RARE 24k GHW Lambskin
By Chanel
Located in Roosendaal, NL
From the collection of SAVINETI we offer this Chanel Classic Flap Small: - Brand: Chanel - Model: Classic Flap Small - Color: Baby Blue - Year: 1991-1994 - Condition: Good Vintage C...
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.