Chanel Patent Leather Maxi Boy Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Chanel Patent Leather Boy Bag features black patent leather, a push-lock closure, and a chain link shoulder strap. The bag opens up to a roomy two-compartment interior. The origi...
Chanel Single Flap Chevron Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This CHANEL Classic Single Flap Bag in Chevron Patent Leather is the perfect addition to any wardrobe. Its sleek black exterior and silver hardware make it a statement piece that wil...
Chanel Black Patent Maxi Boy Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel rare maxi boy bag in black patent leather and ruthenium hardware.
Chanel 1995 “Barbie Pink” Maxi Patent Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rare 1995 Chanel “Barbie Pink” Maxi Patent Flap Bag featuring oversized gold-tone CC hardware and signature leather-woven chain trim throughout the entire silhouette.
Chanel Black Patent Leather Quilted Single Flap Maxi Classic Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Black Patent Leather Single Flap Maxi Bag Made In: Italy Year of Production: 2009-2010 Color: Black Hardware: Silvertone Materials: Patent leather Lining: Black smooth leathe...
Chanel XL Maxi Black Quilted Patent Single Flap Chain Bag 92ca66
By Chanel
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 4015949 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 14" Width: 2.5" Height: 11" Shoulder Handle Drop: 10" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+ ) Acces...
CHANEL Black Patent Leather Maxi Jumbo Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Tampa, FL
This is an authentic Chanel Bag. It is done in shiny quilted black patent leather with elegant gold-toned hardware. The bag features two chain and leather entwined handles and a flap...
CHANEL Black Lamb Patent Maxi Soft Flap Bag Rare
By Chanel
Located in Tampa, FL
This is an authentic CHANEL Black Lamb & Patent Quilted Jumbo Maxi SOFT Flap Bag.
Chanel Patent Wine Red Maxi Double Flap Handbag SHW
By Chanel
Located in Westmount, Quebec
Patent leather comes with sticker & matching authenticity card comes with dust bag & chanel box
Unavailable
H 9.06 in W 3.55 in L 13 in
Chanel Cream Quilted Patent Leather Maxi Classic Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Ensure your day's essentials are in order and your outfit is complete with this Chanel Maxi Classic Single Flap bag. Crafted using the best materials, the bag carries the label's sig...
Unavailable
H 9.06 in W 3.55 in L 13 in
Chanel Cream Quilted Patent Leather Maxi Classic Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Ensure your day's essentials are in order and your outfit is complete with this Chanel Maxi Classic Single Flap bag. Crafted using the best materials, the bag carries the label's sig...
Unavailable
H 9.06 in W 3.55 in L 13 in
Chanel Cream Quilted Patent Leather Maxi Classic Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Ensure your day's essentials are in order and your outfit is complete with this Chanel Maxi Classic Single Flap bag. Crafted using the best materials, the bag carries the label's sig...
Chanel Red Quilted Patent Leather Maxi Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Designer bags are ideal companions for ample occasions Here we have a fashion meets functionality piece crafted with precision. It has been equipped with a well sized interior that c...
Chanel Gold Quilted Patent Leather Maxi Classic Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Designer bags are ideal companions for ample occasions Here we have a fashion meets functionality piece crafted with precision. It has been equipped with a well sized interior that c...
Chanel 2012 Maxi Classic Quilted Patent Leather Double Flap Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel 2012 Maxi Classic quilted patent leather double flap shoulder bag.
Chanel 2010 Maxi Classic Quilted Patent Leather Single Flap Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel 2010 Maxi Classic quilted patent leather single flap shoulder bag.
Unavailable
H 9 in W 13 in D 4 in
Chanel Maxi Jumbo Black Patent 2.55 Classic Flap Silver Hardware Evening Bag
By Chanel
Located in Singapore, SG
This piece comes complete with original Chanel box and dustbag. It is in excellent condition with no visible stains and scratches. Patent leather is smooth to the touch. Silver chain...
CHANEL Black Patent Leather Wrap Chain Gold Maxi Evening Shoulder Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Chicago, IL
Pre-Owned Vintage Condition From 1996 Collection Patent Leather Gold Tone Hardware Leather Lining Measures 13.5" W x 8.75" H x 4" D Shoulder Strap Drop 24.5" Includes Authenticity C...
Chanel Patent Maxi Bag
By Chanel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black patent leather maxi purse with gold chain. Condition: Excellent Measurements: Length 12" Height 8" Depth 3.5"
Chanel Red Maxi Chevron Patent Leather Bag
By Chanel
Located in Athens, GA
Chanel Red Chevron Patent Maxi Bag. Double flap bag.
Chanel Hot Pink Patent Maxi Double Flap
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel mint condition hot pink patent leather maxi double flap with silver tone hardware.
Chanel Red Patent Maxi Flap Bag Mint Condition
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel mint condition red patent leather maxi flap with silver tone hardware.
Chanel 1995 “Barbie Pink” Maxi Patent Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rare 1995 Chanel “Barbie Pink” Maxi Patent Flap Bag featuring oversized gold-tone CC hardware and signature leather-woven chain trim throughout the entire silhouette.
CHANEL Maxi Jumbo Bag in Purple Patent Leather
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
Chanel jumbo maxi bag in purple patent leather. Silver metal hardware.
Chanel Patent Leather Maxi Classic Double Flap Prune
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Prune diamond quilted Patent Calfskin leather Chanel Classic Maxi Double Flap bag with silver-tone metal hardware, convertible chain-link and leather shoulder strap, single patch poc...
Chanel Patent Leather Maxi Classic Double Flap Black
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Black diamond quilted Patent Calfskin leather Chanel Classic Maxi Double Flap bag with silver-tone metal hardware, convertible chain-link and leather shoulder strap, single patch poc...
Chanel Patent Quilted Maxi Classic Double Flap Black
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This elegant shoulder bag is crafted of luxurious patent leather in black. The bag features a leather threaded silver chain-link shoulder strap, a rear patch pocket, and a crossover ...
Chanel Rare Black Quilted Patent Leather Chain Around Maxi
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is an ultra-rare Chanel handbag is in the large Maxi size, in a beautiful and shiny quilted patent leather, gold and black leather chain, a single flap, a back slip pocket, and ...
CHANEL black patent leather SINGLE FLAP MAXI Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
Chanel 'Single Flap Maxi Classic' bag in black quilted leather featuring the iconic CC turn-lock in silver-tone hardware. Slip pocket at the back and a silver-tone chain link. Lined ...
Chanel Black Patent Leather Reissue Maxi Flap Bag 228 size
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Chanel Black Patent Leather Reissue Maxi Flap Bag is in excellent condition.
Chanel RARE Vintage Black Patent Leather Chain Around Maxi Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Vintage Black Patent Leather Chain Around Maxi Flap Bag.
CHANEL black patent leather CLASSIC MAXI TIMELESS DOUBLE FLAP Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Timeless Classic Maxi Flap bag in black patent leather featuring silver-tone hardware.
Sold
H 9.45 in W 13 in D 3.75 in
Chanel Light Blue Quilted Patent Leather Maxi Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Light Blue Quilted Patent Leather Maxi Classic Double Flap Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1465 Brand: Chanel Model: Maxi Classic Double Flap Bag Type: Shoulder, Crossbody...
Chanel Classic Flap Maxi Metallic Green Patent Leather Double Flap Sliver HW
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Classic Flap Maxi Metallic Green Patent Leather Double Flap Sliver Hardware 2012 These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags.
Sold
H 13 in W 14.57 in D 4.34 in
2010 Chanel Black Quilted Patent Leather Super Maxi 2.55 Reissue Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Black Quilted Patent Leather Super Maxi 2.55 Reissue Flap Bag This CHANEL Super Maxi 2.55 Reissue Flap Bag is in Excellent Pre-Owned Condition.
Chanel Black patent leather gold harware maxi jumbo shoulder bag
By Chanel
Located in Capri, IT
Chanel Black patent leather gold harware maxi jumbo shoulder bag
RARE Chanel White Glitter Patent Leather Maxi Classic Flap Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
RARE Chanel White Glitter Patent Leather Maxi 2.55 Double flap Classic Shoulder Bag in very good condition.
Sold
H 10 in W 14 in D 4.5 in
very rare 1990's CHANEL black patent leather jumbo maxi bag with chain trim
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, jet-black, patent leather jumbo maxi bag with gilt chain trim dating to the 1990's designed by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel.
Chanel Just Mademoiselle Quilted Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Just Mademoiselle Quilted Patent Maxi showcases a sleek style that complements any look.
Chanel Black Patent Leather Maxi Clutch
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Black Patent Leather Briefcase - Vintage black patent leather briefcase - Foldover flap with gold-tone twist-lock - Signature gold-tone CC logo - Flat top handle Please ...
Chanel Red Patent Leather Maxi Single Flap
By Chanel
Located in Irvine, CA
Chanel Red Patent Leather Maxi Single Flap with chain shoulder strap, leather lining, interior zipper pocket, slip pocket, turn lock closure. 73817MSC
Chanel Quilted Patent Maxi Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Quilted Patent Maxi exudes a classic yet easy style made for the modern woman.
Chanel Just Mademoiselle Handbag Quilted Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Just Mademoiselle Handbag Quilted Patent Maxi, crafted from black quilted patent leather, features dual woven-in leather chain straps, interlocking CC logo charm, protect...
Chanel Just Mademoiselle Handbag Quilted Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Just Mademoiselle Handbag Quilted Patent Maxi showcases a sleek style that complements any look.
Chanel Just Mademoiselle Handbag Quilted Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Just Mademoiselle Handbag Quilted Patent Maxi showcases a sleek style that complements any look.
Chanel Just Mademoiselle Handbag Quilted Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Just Mademoiselle Handbag Quilted Patent Maxi, crafted from black quilted patent leather, features dual woven-in leather chain straps, interlocking CC logo charm, protect...
Chanel Just Mademoiselle Handbag Quilted Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Just Mademoiselle Handbag Quilted Patent Maxi showcases a sleek style that complements any look.
Chanel Just Mademoiselle Handbag Quilted Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Just Mademoiselle Handbag Quilted Patent Maxi showcases a sleek style that complements any look.
Chanel Just Mademoiselle Handbag Quilted Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Just Mademoiselle Handbag Quilted Patent Maxi showcases a sleek style that complements any look.
Chanel Just Mademoiselle Handbag Quilted Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Just Mademoiselle Handbag Quilted Patent Maxi showcases a sleek style that complements any look.
Chanel Just Mademoiselle Handbag Quilted Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Just Mademoiselle Handbag Quilted Patent Maxi showcases a sleek style that complements any look.
Chanel Just Mademoiselle Handbag Quilted Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Just Mademoiselle Handbag Quilted Patent Maxi showcases a sleek style that complements any look.
Chanel Just Mademoiselle Bag Quilted Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Authenticity Card Measurements: Handle Drop 9", Height 12", Width 17", Depth 7", Strap Drop 16" Designer: Chanel Model: Just Mademoiselle Bag Quilted Patent Maxi Exterio...
Chanel Gold Patent Leather Maxi Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Gold Patent Leather Maxi Flap Bag - Interior in pristine condition - Inside pockets and zippers functioning - Braided gold and metal strap that can be worn two ways - Gold to...
Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Chevron Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Chevron Patent Maxi, crafted in black chevron patent leather, features woven-in leather chain strap, exterior back pocket, and silver-tone hardware.
Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Quilted Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Quilted Patent Maxi, crafted in dark purple quilted patent leather, features woven-in leather chain link strap, exterior back slip pocket, and sil...
Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Quilted Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Quilted Patent Maxi, crafted in black quilted patent leather, features woven-in leather chain link straps, exterior back slip pocket, and silver-t...
Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Chevron Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Chevron Patent Maxi, crafted in black chevron patent leather, features woven-in leather chain strap, exterior back pocket, and silver-tone hardware.
Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Chevron Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Chevron Patent Maxi is a timeless essential for any modern woman.
Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Quilted Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Quilted Patent Maxi exudes a classic yet easy style made for the modern woman.
Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Quilted Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Quilted Patent Maxi, crafted in black quilted patent leather, features a woven-in leather chain strap, exterior back pocket, and silver-tone hardw...
Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Chevron Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Chevron Patent Maxi, crafted in black chevron patent leather, features woven-in leather chain strap, exterior back pocket, and silver-tone hardware.
Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Quilted Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Quilted Patent Maxi, crafted in black quilted patent leather, features a woven-in leather chain strap, exterior back pocket, and silver-tone hardw...
Hermès Birkin 35 Rose Sheherazade GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Pink - Exotic leather - Crocodile Porosus - Gold-tone hardware - Comes with keys, clochette, lock and CITES - Comes with original dust bag - Condition: Good This pre-owned item is ...
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 ...
Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier Verso Rouge Piment
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Kelly 25 verso is in the Sellier style, with palladium hardware, and has tonal stitching, two straps with front toggle closure, and a single rolled handle, the interior is lined ...
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Vintage Kelly 32cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Vintage Kelly 32cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: HB6098 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 32cm Type: Top Handle Serial Number: (N) Age: 1984 Accompanied ...
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...
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...
Hermès Customised Bandana Print Kelly 28 Black Box GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
This one of a kind Hermès Kelly in Box Leather features a white intricate bandana print . The bag is customised and the stencil is not original to the piece. Its black leather facade...
Hermes Limited Edition Mini Kelly 20 Sellier Beton Matte Alligator Bag Gold Hard
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited Edition Hermes Kelly 20 Sellier bag featured in Beton Matte Alligator. This mini Kelly bag is light gray with bone undertone (beton + concrete), and the n...
Chanel Patent Chocolate Bar Flap Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Chanel Patent Chocolate Bar Flap Shoulder Bag from year 2000-2002 collection. - Orange patent leather and silver hardware chain strap. - Pink leather interior. - Two interio...
$51,347Sale Price|20% Off
H 5.52 in W 3.15 in L 7.88 in
Hermès Mini Kelly 20cm Sellier Bag Shiny Red Lizard Gold Hdw Vintage
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable and Cutest ever Authentic Hermès Mini Kelly Among the most coveted Hermès bags Sellier Version, rigid, so chic ! Will come with its matching pencil case and ring scarf cl...
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...
HERMES black Epsom leather MINI KELLY 20 SELLIER Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Mini Kelly 20 Sellier Bag in Noir is the epitome of timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Expertly crafted in structured Epsom leather, this mini version of...
HERMES black Box leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in Noir (black) Veau Box leather is a true collector's piece, crafted from one of Hermès' most coveted and rare leathers. Veau Box lea...
HERMES black MATTE CROC BEARN Wallet Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Bearn Soufflet wallet in black matte alligator is a timeless statement of luxury and refinement. Featuring an elegant silhouette, it closes with a leather ...
HERMES Poussin yellow Epsom leather KELLY 28 SELLIER Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 28 Sellier bag in Jaune Poussin (vanilla) Veau Epsom leather is a timeless classic. Featuring elegant tonal stitching and Palladium hardware, it embo...
$40,393
H 7.49 in W 9.85 in D 3.55 in
Hermès 2023 Gris Meyer Swift Leather Padded Kelly 25cm Sellier Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Gris Meyer Swift Leather Padded Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1463 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: B Age: 2023 Acc...
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.