CHANEL Canary Yellow Tweed Fabric 224 2.55 Reissue Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Canary Yellow Tweed Fabric 224 2.55 Reissue Double Flap Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: HB5116 Brand: Chanel Model: 224 2.55 Reissue Double Flap Bag Type: Shoulder, Crossbody ...
Chanel Blue Quilted Leather Classic 224 Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The fashion house's tradition of excellence coupled with modern design sensibilities works to make this Chanel Classic 224 Reissue 2.55 bag one of a kind.
CHANEL Canary Yellow Tweed Fabric 224 2.55 Reissue Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Canary Yellow Tweed Fabric 224 2.55 Reissue Double Flap Bag Xupes Reference: HB5116 Serial Number: 29608066 Age (Circa): 2019 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag, Authenticity Ca...
Sold
H 6.3 in W 9.85 in D 2.37 in
CHANEL Purple Crocodile Embroidered Satin 2.55 224 Reissue Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Purple Crocodile Embroidered Satin 2.55 224 Reissue Double Flap Bag Xupes Reference: CB762 Serial Number: 11852329 Age (Circa): 2006 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag, Authenti...
CHANEL Canary Yellow Tweed Fabric 224 2.55 Reissue Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Canary Yellow Tweed Fabric 224 2.55 Reissue Double Flap Bag Xupes Reference: HB5116 Serial Number: 29608066 Age (Circa): 2019 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag, Authenticity Ca...
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H 5.71 in W 7.88 in D 2.96 in
Chanel Red Quilted Calfskin Leather 2.55 Reissue 224 Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Red Quilted Calfskin Leather 2.55 Reissue 224 Double Flap Bag Xupes Reference: CB368 Serial Number: 23240421 Age (Circa): 2017 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag, Box, Authenti...
Sold
H 5.91 in W 7.88 in D 3.15 in
Chanel Black Chevron Quilted Crinkled Calfskin Leather SO Black 224 2.55 Reissue
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Black Chevron Quilted Crinkled Calfskin Leather SO Black 224 2.55 Reissue Single Flap Bag Brand- Chanel Model- 2.55 Reissue Single Flap Bag Product Type- Crossbody, Shoulder ...
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H 5.71 in W 7.88 in D 2.96 in
2017 Chanel Red Quilted Calfskin Leather 2.55 Reissue 224 Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Red Quilted Calfskin Leather 2.55 Reissue 224 Double Flap Bag This CHANEL 2.55 Reissue 224 Double Flap Bag is in Excellent Pre-Owned Condition accompanied by Chanel Dust Bag...
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H 5.71 in W 7.88 in D 2.96 in
2014 Chanel Chartreuse Patent Caviar Leather 2.55 Reissue 224 Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Chartreuse Quilted Patent Caviar Leather 2.55 Reissue 224 Double Flap Bag Reference: HB2053 Serial Number: 20250153 Age (Circa): 2014 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag Authent...
Sold
H 5.71 in W 7.88 in D 2.96 in
2017 Chanel Red Quilted Calfskin Leather 2.55 Reissue 224 Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Red Quilted Calfskin Leather 2.55 Reissue 224 Double Flap Bag Reference: HB1762 Serial Number: 23240421 Age (Circa): 2017 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag, Box, Authenticity ...
Sold
H 5.71 in W 7.88 in D 2.96 in
2014 Chanel Chartreuse Patent Caviar Leather 2.55 Reissue 224 Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Chartreuse Quilted Patent Caviar Leather 2.55 Reissue 224 Double Flap Bag Reference: HB2053 Serial Number: 20250153 Age (Circa): 2014 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag Authen...
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H 5.71 in W 7.88 in D 2.96 in
2016 Chanel Suede & Metallic Calfskin Quilted 2.55 Reissue 224 Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Suede & Metallic Calfskin Quilted 2.55 Reissue 224 Double Flap Bag Reference: HB2117 Serial Number: 22335270 Age (Circa): 2016 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag, Box, Au...
Sold
H 4.73 in W 7.88 in D 2.37 in
2012 Chanel Blue Lambskin & Galuchat Stingray 2.55 Reissue 224 Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Blue Quilted Lambskin & Galuchat Stingray 2.55 Reissue 224 Single Flap Bag Reference: HB2251 Serial Number: 17200199 Age (Circa): 2012 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag, Authen...
Sold
H 5.91 in W 7.88 in D 3.15 in
Chanel Black Chevron Quilted Crinkled Calfskin Leather SO Black 224 2.55 Reissue
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1241 Brand: Chanel Model: 2.55 Reissue Single Flap Bag Type: Shoulder, Crossbody Serial Number: 30218446 Age: 2020 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag, Box...
Sold
H 5.71 in W 7.88 in D 2.96 in
2014 Chanel Gold Aged Calfskin Lucky Charms 2.55 Reissue 224 Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Gold Aged Metallic Calfskin Leather Lucky Charms 2.55 Reissue 224 Double Flap Bag Reference: HB974 Serial Number: 20767882 Age (Circa): 2014 Authenticity Details: Serial Sti...
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H 5.71 in W 7.88 in D 2.96 in
2014 Chanel Gold Aged Metallic Calfskin Charms 2.55 Reissue 224 Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Gold Aged Metallic Calfskin Leather Lucky Charms 2.55 Reissue 224 Double Flap Bag Reference: HB974 Serial Number: 20767882 Age (Circa): 2014 Authenticity Details: Serial Stic...
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H 5.71 in W 7.88 in D 2.96 in
CHANEL Rose Gold Metallic Aged Calfskin Leather 224 2.55 Reissue Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Rose Gold Metallic Aged Calfskin Leather 224 2.55 Reissue Double Flap Bag Xupes Reference: HB4422 Serial Number: K978L8NK Age (Circa): 2021 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag, B...
2013 Black Quilted Jersey Fabric 2.55 Reissue 224 Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Jersey Fabric 2.55 Reissue 224 Double Flap Bag Reference: HB2450 Serial Number: 17602455 Age (Circa): 2013 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag, Box, Authenticity Ca...
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H 5.71 in W 7.88 in D 2.96 in
Chanel Multicolour Embellished Tweed Fabric Garden Party Charm 2.55 Reissue 224
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Multicolour Embellished Tweed Fabric Garden Party Charm 2.55 Reissue 224 Flap Bag Reference: HB2836 Serial Number: 14878504 Age (Circa): 2011 Authenticity Details: Serial St...
Chanel Black 2.55 Reissue 224 Bag
By Chanel
Located in Lugano, Ticino
Chanel black 2.55 reissue 224, 2007. - 100% authentic Chanel - Black calfskin leather - One rear flat pocket outside - One long flat pocket, two small flat pockets and one slot pock...
Chanel Reissue 2.55 Handbag Quilted Aged Calfskin 224
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Reissue 2.55 Handbag Quilted Aged Calfskin 224 is an elegant and timeless piece to add to any collection.
Chanel Reissue 2.55 Handbag Quilted Aged Calfskin 224
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Reissue 2.55 Handbag Quilted Aged Calfskin 224 is an elegant and timeless piece to add to any collection.
Chanel Garden Charms Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag Tweed 224
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Handle Drop 11", Height 5", Width 7.5", Depth 2.5", Strap Drop 20.5" Designer: Chanel Model: Garden Charms Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag Tweed 224 E...
Chanel Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag Quilted Aged Calfskin 224
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Authenticity Card Measurements: Handle Drop 11", Height 5", Width 8", Depth 3", Strap Drop 20" Designer: Chanel Model: Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag Quilted Aged Calfskin 224 Ex...
Chanel Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag Quilted Metallic Aged Calfskin 224
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag Quilted Metallic Aged Calfskin 224, crafted from metallic silver quilted aged calfskin leather, features reissue chain link strap and silver-tone ha...
Chanel Mirror Reissue 2.55 Handbag Quilted Suede with Calfskin 224
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Mirror Reissue 2.55 Handbag Quilted Suede with Calfskin 224 showcases a classic and exceptional quality that lends a look of timeless elegance for your evening ...
Chanel Silver Quilted Leather Reissue 2.55 Classic 224 Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Introduce Chanel's irreplaceable style to your closet with this Reissue 2.55 Classic 224 flap bag.
Chanel Night Flight Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag Embroidered Denim 224
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Authenticity Card, Charms Measurements: Handle Drop 9", Height 6", Width 8", Depth 3", Strap Drop 16" Designer: Chanel Model: Night Flight Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag Embroid...
Chanel Burnt Orange Croc Embroidered Jersey Reissue 2.55 224 Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Burnt Orange Croc Embroidered Jersey Reissue 2.55 224 Bag - Croc stitched design - Shiny gold hardware on the clasp and chain strap - Soft wool fabric - Small shape perfect ...
Chanel Burnt Orange Croc Embroidered Jersey Reissue 2.55 224 Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Burnt Orange Croc Embroidered Jersey Reissue 2.55 224 Bag - Croc stitched design - Shiny gold hardware on the clasp and chain strap - Soft wool fabric - Small shape perfect ...
Chanel Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag Quilted Metallic Aged Calfskin 224
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Handle Drop 11", Height 5.5", Width 8", Depth 3", Strap Drop 21" Designer: Chanel Model: Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag Quilted Metallic Aged Calfski...
Chanel Gold Metallic Leather Lucky Charms Reissue 224 Handbag 15P
By Chanel
Located in Corona Del Mar, CA
Spring has sprung and new arrivals are pouring in such as this stunning handbag by Chanel! We are delighted to showcase this classic reissue handbag which is aptly named the Lucky Ch...
Chanel 2.55 Reissue Chevron 224 Flap Bag - So Black
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Baarn, NL
A very rare beauty, we do not see this one very often! It is the Chanel 2.55 Reissue Chevron Quilted 224 Flap Bag in the color So Black.
Chanel Silver Quilted Patent Leather Classic 224 Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The fashion house’s tradition of excellence coupled with modern design sensibilities works to make this Chanel Classic 224 Reissue 2.55 bag one of a kind.
Chanel Lucky Charms Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag Quilted Aged Calfskin 224
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Handle Drop 11.5", Height 5", Width 8", Depth 2", Strap Drop 22" Designer: Chanel Model: Lucky Charms Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag Quilted Aged Ca...
Chanel Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag Quilted Suede with Metallic Calfskin 224
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 11", Height 5.5", Width 8", Depth 3", Strap Drop 21" Designer: Chanel Model: Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag Quilted Suede with Metallic Calfski...
Chanel Blue/White Quilted Tweed Reissue 2.55 Classic 224 Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Chanel's Flap Bags are iconic and noteworthy in the history of fashion. Hence, this Reissue 2.55 is a buy that is worth every bit of your splurge. Exquisitely crafted from blue & whi...
Sold
H 5.12 in W 2.96 in L 7.88 in
Chanel Black Quilted Patent Leather Reissue 2.55 Classic 224 Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Crafted from quality materials, your wardrobe is missing out on this beautifully made designer bag. Look your fashionable best in any outfit with this stylish bag that promises to el...
Garden Charms Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag Tweed 224
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Handle Drop 11", Height 5", Width 7.5", Depth 2.5", Strap Drop 20.5" Designer: Chanel Model: Garden Charms Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag Tweed 224 E...
Sold
H 4.73 in W 3.15 in L 7.88 in
Chanel Black Quilted Aged Leather Lucky Charms Reissue 2.55 Classic 224 Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
From one of the most celebrated collections, this Lucky Charms Reissue 2.55 Classic 224 bag comes exquisitely created from aged leather and embodies an alluring appeal.
Chanel Aged Calfskin Quilted Casino 2.55 Reissue 225 Flap Black Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Freehold, NJ
This is an authentic CHANEL Aged Calfskin Casino 2.55 Reissue 224 Flap in Black.
Chanel Black Reissue 2.55 Lucky Charm Bag Size 224
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Lucky Charm Reissue 2.55 bag in black aged calfskin leather with gold tone hardware in size 224.
$1,156Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 9.5
New Gucci Limited Edition Collection Runway Gold Jeweled Heels Sz 9.5
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Lt. Edition Gucci Heels Brand New * Stunning in Gold Leather * Flower & Butterfly Jeweled Toe * Lady Bug Dangle Jewel * Size: 9.5 * Adjustable Ankle Strap * Leather Insole * 4.5" He...
1990s Badgley Mischka Size 10 / 12 Gold Lace Sequins and Beads Vintage 90s Top
By BADGLEY MISHCKA, Badgley Mischka
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful late 1990s BADGLEY MISCHKA Couture gold lace beaded and sequined sleeveless top! Features high quality French lace. Hundreds of sequins and beads hand-sewn throughout. Hidd...
John Galliano for Christian Dior S/S 2009 Silk Halter Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous rich purple silk halter dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior. It is fitted through the bodice with a stunning intricately detailed ruffle trimmed plunge halter neckli...
Tom Ford for Gucci Lavender Silk Halter Dress S/S 2003
By Gucci, Tom Ford
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous lavender stretch silk dress by Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 2003 collection. It has a plunging front neckline and racer back with multiple seams emanating from it and the side ...
Dolce & Gabbana Lace up Silk Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful silk dress in a pink and green geometric print from Dolce & Gabbana. The bodice is vertically boned, fitted through to the hips and has an attached matching pink adjusta...
Tom Ford for Gucci New Silk Velvet Dress F/W 2001
By Gucci, Tom Ford
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black silk velvet dress from Gucci as worn in a 2001 ad campaign. It has a square neckline with the center bust highlighted with sheer areas which contrast with the rich v...
$19,920
H 9.5 in W 12.25 in L 4.25 in
Chanel 2005 Vintage Classic Flap Limited Edition PNY Jumbo Expandable Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Paris New York PNY Jumbo Expandable Maxi Calfskin Flap Bag 2005 {VINTAGE 19 Years} Ruthenium hardware Diamond stitch calfskin aged leather Flap with CC turn lock Interior z...
New Gucci Runway Suede Brocade Heels Sz 8.5
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Brocade Heels Brand New * Size: 8.5 * Black Suede & Silver Brocade * Open Toe * Satin Ankle Straps * Metallic Quilted Soft Leather Insole * 3.5" Heel * With Box
New Vintage Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Python Heels Sz 40
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Stunning Black Python * Rare Tom Ford Era * Euro Size: 40 * Pointed Toe & Heel * Leather Insole * A True Black * 3.75" Heel * With YSL Box & Dust ...
Chanel Sac Pochette Ceinture Classique Silver Star Leather Classic mini bag NIB
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Small Chanel Classic series bag or clutch in silver quilted leather and silver metal, small flap closed by a magnetic snap topped with a large star encrusted with rhinestones and CC ...
$1,340
Size: Italian 42
Gucci by Tom Ford Fall Winter 2000 Lion Brooch Plunging Neckline Metallic Dress
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
This Gucci dress from Tom Ford’s Fall 2000 collection is a stunning and very in-demand piece. Made in Italy from soft dark copper lurex jersey, it has a beautiful sparkle that catche...
$22,920
H 3 in W 4 in L 4 in
Chanel Rare 2004 Runway Vintage Mini Trunk Vanity Case Lucite Small Minaudière
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare 2004 Runway Vintage Mini Trunk Vanity Case Lucite Small Minaudière Year: 2004 Measurements: Length: 4" Width: 3" Height: 4" Handle Drop: 4" Closure works well. This ite...
GIVENCHY Couture S/S 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN 2 Pc Floral Jacquard Skirt Suit Set
By Givenchy, Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
DESCRIPTION: GIVENCHY Couture S/S 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN 2 Pc Floral Jacquard Skirt Suit Set Brand / Manufacturer: Givenchy Collection: Couture; Spring / Summer 1998 Designer: Ale...
Versace Bodycon Orange Silk Dress SS 2004
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous orange fine stretch silk dress from Versace. It has a plunging front neckline attached to a fitted band around the midriff. The straight skirt portion is pieced together...
Chanel basket bag Spring-Summer 1994
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Rattan basket bag with a golden metal chain fishnet interlaced with black lamb leather. Double chain handle with a matching interlacing. Red canvas lining p...
YVES SAINT LAURENT F/W 1987 Collectors Runway & Campaign Bow Dress FR42
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Berlin, BE
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Fall Winter 1987 Runway / Campaign Dress FR42 - Illustrated by René Gruau Brand: Yves Saint Laurent Designer: Yves Saint Laurent Collection: Fall / W...
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.