Chanel Black White Tweed Vintage Interwoven Classic Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Black White Tweed Vintage Interwoven Classic Flap Bag Year: 2004-2005 Black and creme
Chanel Black White Tweed Vintage Interwoven Classic Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Black White Tweed Vintage Interwoven Classic Flap Bag Year: 2004-2005 Black and creme
Chanel Vintage 90's Tweed Beige Classic Reissue Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Vintage Tweed Beige Classic Reissue Tote Bag W 10.63 inch, H 7.87 inch, D 3.15 inch Year
Rare Chanel Vintage Tweed Multicolor Medium Classic Flap Bag 24k GHW 68422
By Chanel
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Store item: 68422 In Multicolor tweed and 24k gold plated hardware. Measures 10in. W (at
$14,920
H 6.5 in W 9 in D 2.55 in
Chanel 2006 Vintage Tweed Rare Limited Edition Patchwork Small Classic Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Vintage Tweed Rare Limited Edition Patchwork Small Classic Flap Bag Year: 2006 {VINTAGE 18
$9,920
H 11 in W 14 in D 5 in
Chanel 2009 Rare Vintage Limited Edition Taupe Beige Tweed Work Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Large Chanel taupe and tweed calfskin tote Year: 2009 {Vintage 15 Years} Silver hardware Double
$12,920
H 8 in W 11 in D 3 in
Chanel 1994 Vintage Emily in Paris Pink Tweed Rare Classic Reissue Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 1994 Vintage Emily in Paris Pink Tweed Rare Classic Reissue Tote Bag Year: 1994-1996
Chanel Chain Vintage Muff Black and White Grey Tweed Fur Cross Body Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel White Fur Chain Vintage Muff Crossbody Tote 2001 {VINTAGE 21 Years} Silver and gold with
Chanel Pink Tweed Braid 2.55 Reissue Shoulder Bag circa 2015
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Chanel Pink Tweed Braid 2.55 Reissue Shoulder Bag from circa 2015 is a stunning and timeless piece
Sold
H 8.08 in W 10.83 in D 3.15 in
1990s Chanel Black Quilted Tweed Fabric Vintage Timeless Frame Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Tweed Fabric Vintage Timeless Frame Bag This CHANEL Timeless Frame Bag is in
Sold
H 5.91 in W 2.37 in L 9.06 in
Vintage 1990s Chanel Blue Tweed Canvas Quilted Small Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Vintage small denim colored tweed double flap bag with gold hardware. Overall still in very good
Chanel Dark Green Tweed Boy Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage Chanel piece with impeccable detailing on the front of the purse that combines
Chanel 90's Vintage 1990's Tweed Pink Classic Reissue Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Vintage Tweed Pink Classic Reissue Tote Bag Gold hardware Pink Quilted Tweed 11"W x 8"H x 3
Sold
H 5.91 in D 2.37 in L 9.85 in
1990's Chanel Pink Multi-Tweed & Pink Leather Vintage Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
This Chanel Double Flap Bag is in excellent pre-owned condition. This Chanel handbag has been fully
Borsa A Tracolla Chanel Camera Bag Tweed Lime 2019
By Chanel
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Borsa firmata Chanel, mdoello Camera Bag, realizzat ain tessuto tweed con inserti in pelle color
Chanel 2.55 Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Pink tweed vintage Chanel 2.55 bag featuring matt gilt hardware and a chain and leather adjustable
Chanel Vintage Pink Tweed Medium Classic Soft Pink Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel pink tweed classic double flap with back pocket 2003 {Vintage 15 Years} Brushed gold
Sold
H 6.5 in W 9 in D 2.55 in
Chanel Vintage Tweed Rare Limited Edition Patchwork Small Classic Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel patchwork small classic flap bag Year: 2006 {VINTAGE 16 Years} Denim and cotton stitched
Sold
H 6 in W 9 in L 2 in
Chanel Classic Flap Vintage Jeweled Sequin Mermaid Navy Blue Tweed Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Vintage Rare Tweed Jeweled Sequin Mermaid Fringe Classic Flap Bag 2005 {VINTAGE 16 Years
Chanel 2005 Classic Flap Vintage Jeweled Sequin Mermaid Navy Blue Tweed Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Vintage Rare Tweed Jeweled Sequin Mermaid Fringe Classic Flap Bag 2005 {VINTAGE 19 Years
Chanel Vintage 2005 Classic Flap Grey Tweed and Brown Fur Cross Body Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Vintage 2005 Classic Flap Grey Tweed and Fur Cross Body Bag 2005 {VINTAGE 21 Years} Brown
Chanel Classic Flap Vintage 2000s Pink & Grey Tweed and Fur Cross Body Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Classic Flap Vintage 2000s Pink & Grey Tweed and Fur Cross Body Bag 2005 {VINTAGE 17 Years
Chanel Classic Flap Vintage 2000s Pink & Grey Tweed and Fur Cross Body Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Classic Flap Vintage 2000s Pink & Grey Tweed and Fur Cross Body Bag 2005 {VINTAGE 17 Years
Chanel Classic Flap Vintage 2000s Pink & Grey Tweed and Fur Cross Body Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Classic Flap Vintage 2000s Pink & Grey Tweed and Fur Cross Body Bag 2005 {VINTAGE 16 Years
Borsa a Spalla Chanel 22 Bag Medium Tweed Rosa
By Chanel
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Borsa firmata Chanel, modello 22 Bag, misura Medium, realizzata in tessuto tweed con hardware
Sold
H 8 in W 11 in D 3 in
Chanel 90's Vintage 1990's Tweed Chevron Lime Green Classic Reissue Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 90's Vintage 1990's Tweed Chevron Lime Green Classic Reissue Tote Bag Year: 1994-1996 Gold
Chanel Vintage CC Flap Bag Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Vintage CC Flap Bag Tweed Medium, crafted from multicolor tweed, features woven in
Chanel Vintage CC Flap Bag Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Vintage CC Flap Bag Tweed Medium, crafted from multicolor tweed, features woven in
Chanel Vintage Medium Pink Tweed Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Extremely rare! Chanel monochromatic pink tweed flap will be sure to set you apart from the crowd
Chanel Green Tweed Vintage Bag, 2000s
By Chanel
Located in Lugo (RA), IT
Lively Chanel green wool blend and leather tweed shoulder bag. It features a a foldover top
Chanel Vintage Zip Bowler Bag Printed Tweed Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Vintage Zip Bowler Bag Printed Tweed Large, crafted from black printed tweed, features
Chanel Vintage Round Flap Bag Chevron Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Vintage Round Flap Bag Chevron Tweed Medium, crafted in black white and silver chevron
Chanel Vintage Tassel Camera Bag Quilted Tweed Small
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
", Width 7", Depth 3", Strap Drop 21" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage Tassel Camera Bag Quilted Tweed Small
Chanel Vintage Reissue Chain Flap Bag Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage Reissue Chain Flap Bag Tweed Medium Exterior Material: Tweed Exterior
Chanel Vintage Camellia Flap Camera Bag Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Measurements: Height 8.5", Width 13.5", Depth 7", Strap Drop 8.5-10.5" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage Camellia
Chanel Vintage Clover Bowler Bag Printed Tweed Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
: Chanel Model: Vintage Clover Bowler Bag Printed Tweed Large Exterior Material: Tweed Exterior Color
Chanel Vintage Clover Bowler Bag Printed Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
: Vintage Clover Bowler Bag Printed Tweed Medium Exterior Material: Tweed Exterior Color: Multicolor
2008-2009s Chanel Black Tweed Vintage Bag
By Chanel
Located in Lugo (RA), IT
Lively Chanel black wool blend and leather tweed shoulder bag. It features a metal silver-tone
Chanel Vintage Chain Handle Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Mini
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Vintage Chain Handle Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Mini, crafted from white multicolor quilted
Chanel Vintage Chain Handle Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Mini
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Vintage Chain Handle Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Mini, crafted from white multicolor quilted
Chanel Vintage Chain Handle Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Mini
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Vintage Chain Handle Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Mini, crafted from white multicolor quilted
Chanel Vintage Classic Single Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Mini
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Vintage Classic Single Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Mini, crafted in pink tweed, features
Chanel Vintage Camellia Flap Camera Bag Quilted Tweed Large
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Vintage Camellia Flap Camera Bag Quilted Tweed Large, crafted from black, gray and
Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Vintage Chanel Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium, crafted from mint green quilted
Chanel Vintage CC Chain Flap Bag Tweed East West
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Chanel Vintage CC Chain Flap Bag Tweed East West is a timeless and chic bag to add
Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium, crafted from black and yellow
Chanel Vintage Pink Tweed Square Mini Classic Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Montreal, Quebec
This vintage Chanel Mini Flap Bag is constructed in soft-pink timeless tweed. It’s outfitted with
Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
This Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium is a classic piece with a hidden
Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Measurements: Handle Drop 9", Height 6", Width 10", Depth 2.5", Strap Drop 17" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage
Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Measurements: Handle Drop 9.5", Height 6", Width 10", Depth 3", Strap Drop 17" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage
Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
: Chanel Model: Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium Exterior Material: Tweed Exterior
Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium Exterior Material: Tweed
Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
", Strap Drop 17" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium Exterior
Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
", Width 10", Depth 3", Strap Drop 17" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted
Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
", Depth 3", Strap Drop 17" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
Chanel Vintage CC Chain Flap Bag Tweed East West
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Drop 12" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage CC Chain Flap Bag Tweed East West Exterior Material: Tweed
Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
: Handle Drop 9", Height 6", Width 10", Depth 3", Strap Drop 16" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage Classic
Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
", Depth 3", Strap Drop 17" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
6", Width 10", Depth 3", Strap Drop 17" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag
Chanel Vintage Reissue Frame Shoulder Bag Chevron Tweed Small
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
: Handle Drop 11.5", Height 8", Width 11", Depth 3" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage Reissue Frame Shoulder
Chanel Vintage Reissue Chain Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
: Chanel Model: Vintage Reissue Chain Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium Exterior Material: Tweed Exterior
Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
9.5", Height 6", Width 10", Depth 3", Strap Drop 17" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage Classic Double
Chanel Vintage Reissue Chain Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
: Chanel Model: Vintage Reissue Chain Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium Exterior Material: Tweed Exterior
Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
Measurements: Handle Drop 9.5", Height 6", Width 10", Depth 3", Strap Drop 17" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage
Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
", Height 6", Width 10", Depth 3", Strap Drop 17" Designer: Chanel Model: Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag
Chanel Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium
By Chanel
Located in NY, NY
: Vintage Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Tweed Medium Exterior Material: Tweed Exterior Color: Multicolor
New Yves Saint Laurent Spring 2008 Size 40 / US 8 Black Silk Strapless Dress
By Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic brand new with tags YVES SAINT LAURENT Spring 2008 black silk strapless dress! Features intricate interior corset boning that holds everything in place. Hidden zipper up the sid...
Yves Saint Laurent Coco Brown Form-Fitting Lined Jersey Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent coco brown form-fitting lined jersey scoop-neck dress features a handkerchief hemline on both the dress's hem and also on the bell-sleeve's cuff. Detaile...
$3,321Sale Price|20% Off
Dior Saddle 2020 Shoulder Bag Shearling Brown and While
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Dior Saddle 2020 Shoulder Bag Shearling Brown and While These are professional photos of the actual bag. Add a wild touch to your style with this Dior Saddle bag. Unleash your inne...
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Medium
1970s Hiroko Salmon / Coral Color Blocked Slinky Vintage 70s Bias Maxi Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Slinky 1970s HIROKO salmon and coral color blocked jersey bias cut maxi dress! This beauty simply slips over the head and stretches to fit. Slimming diagonal stripes on the front and...
$5,596Sale Price|20% Off
H 16 in L 18 in
Louis Vuitton LV x TM Murakami White Speedy Bandoulière 25 New 2025 Release
By Takashi Murakami, Louis Vuitton
Located in West Chester, PA
LOUIS VUITTON EXTREMELY LIMITED EDITION Remake of the original ICONIC Murakami White Multicolor Speedy Our pictures are of the actual bag you will receive Dimensions: 9.8" L x 7.5"...
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...
$595
Size: best fits M/L, see measurements
Christian Lacroix 1990s Black Gold Accent Pocket Front Maxi Wrap Dress Gown
By Christian Lacroix
Located in San Francisco, CA
Christian Lacroix vintage black full length wrap dress with gold embellishment at one strap. Fastens closed at other strap and wraps with belt and snap at waist. Patch pockets at fr...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN 1996 "The Hunger" White Ivory Silk Crepe Asymmetric Dress
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN 1996 "The Hunger" White Ivory Silk Crepe Asymmetric Dress Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: 1996 Designer: Alexander McQueen Style: Cocktail dr...
$1,140Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 37.5
New Tom Ford's Final Collection for Yves Saint Laurent 2004 YSL Heels Sz 37.5
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New * Tom Ford's Final Collection for Yves Saint Laurent The Countess of Albemarle wore these in Beige to Tom Ford's Book Signing Size: 37...
$448
H 5.5 in W 1.5 in L 9 in
Vintage 1950's French Floral Beaded Clutch Bag 1950's Beaded floral handbag
Located in Nashville, TN
A true beauty to behold, this original 1950's micro beaded clutch bag, rendered in the smallest iridescent white rocaille beads, accented by a raised scalloped pattern throughout, in...
Jean Paul Gaultier Fur Trim Crop Jacket
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful black fur trimmed jacket from Jean Paul Gaultier. It is cropped with a soft, fur trimmed collar in shades of grey and full raglan sleeves with matching wide fur cuffs. ...
Roberto Cavalli Summer Top
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
A pretty Summer top by Roberto Cavalli. The top has a v neckline, frill sleaves , adn is a blue and yellow print with gathering at the bust.
Dolce & Gabbana Lace up Silk Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful stretch silk leopard print dress from Dolce & Gabbana. The bodice has adjustable straps, functional and adjustable side lacing through to the hips plus rows of top stitch...
Chanel Runway Spring 2000 Multi colored Silk Skirt-38
By Chanel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chanel Multi colored Silk Skirt-38 from the runway of the 2000 Spring/Summer collection. This adorable Chanel skirt is in excellent condition, it has minimal sign of use. It is made ...
Dolce & Gabbana Black & Cream Lingerie Inspired Evening Gown Spring 2006 Sz 40IT
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Dolce & Gabbana Black & Cream Lingerie Inspired Evening Gown. Spring/Summer 2006 Size 40IT
Thierry Mugler Pink Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Thierry Mugler Dress We offer more exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore This vintage spaghetti strapped pink tailored mini dress consists of satin inserts as well as cross ...
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.