$9,920
H 6.5 in W 9 in L 3.5 in
Chanel 1991 Vintage Classic Flap Rare Quilted Black Lambskin Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare 1991 Vintage Lambskin Quilted Classic Flap Bag 1991 {VINTAGE 31 Years} Gold hardware CC Turnlock Closure Texturized stud hardware Classic flap back pocket Quilted Leathe...
Chanel 1997 Runway Vintage Rare Blue Top Handle Minaudière Mini Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 1997 Runway Vintage Rare Blue Top Handle Minaudière Lucite Mini Tote Bag Spring 1997 Blue /clear/ white Lucite bead design Double delicate handles No lining Made in France ...
Rare Chanel 2016 "Hanger" Reissue 2.55 225 Classic Flap Bag GHW 67964
By Chanel
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Store item: 67964 This Rare Chanel 2016 "Hanger" Reissue 2.55 225 Classic Flap Bag GHW is a collector's piece in the perfect 10-inch size.
$12,920
H 11 in W 0.75 in L 12 in
Chanel 2010 Metallic Sequin CC Reversible Large Rare Timeless Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Timeless Metallic Sequin Drawstring CC Reversible Large Rare Silver Tote Year: 2010 Runway {Vintage 14 Years} Silver hardware Leather drawstrings on side with CC mirrored lo...
$995
H 3.4 in D 0.5 in L 3.25 in
Chanel RARE COLLECTORS Black Vintage Quilted Satin Micro Flap Bag Necklace
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Black Vintage Quilted Satin Micro Flap Bag Necklace Made In: France Year of Production: 1990s Color: Black Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Satin Lining: Leather Closure/Opening...
Chanel 2021 Rare Soldout Garter Thigh Micro Mini Flap Bag with Chains
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Punk Edgy Leg Thigh Holster Garter Micro Mini Flap Bag with Chains Gold and Silver hardware Quilted calfskin leather Magnetic flap closure Elastic scrunched leather for thigh...
Rare Chanel Cruise 2012 Cap Eden Roc collection sample embroidery bucket bag
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Extremely Rare Chanel Cruise 2012 Cap Eden Roc collection sample runway embroidery bucket bag 10 x 8.5 inches, no serial number (tag of sample)
Chanel 1996 Vintage Waist Belt Fanny Pack Rare Orange Caviar Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Orange caviar Chanel quilted zipper fanny 1996 {VINTAGE 27 Years} Gold hardware Nylon interior lining Two zipper interior pockets Belt 75 cm/30 Inches 6" H x 8" W x 2.5" D ...
$62,500
H 12.21 in W 4.73 in L 8.67 in
Rare Chanel Cruise 2015 Gold Night Gas Tank Jerry Can Accessory Bag
By Chanel
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Rare Chanel runway piece from Dubai Cruise 2015 in Gold leather.
$9,920
H 7.5 in W 12 in D 3.5 in
Chanel 2008 Rare Metallic Mesh Quilted Soft Quilted Lambskin Small Hobo Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel black mesh chain soft lambskin quilted small tote Year: 2008 Antique silver hardware Mesh chain strap with Chanel engraved on base Mesh print large CC zipper pull Grey sati...
Chanel Rare Vintage 90s Royal Blue Lambskin Triple CC Mini Tassel Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Vintage 90s Royal Blue Bleu Roi Lambskin Triple CC Mini Tassel Crossbody Shoulder Bag Year: 1994-1996 Gold hardware Royal blue lambskin leather Classic interwoven chai...
$120,900
H 8.5 in W 7 in D 2.5 in
Chanel 1997 Rare Vintage Crocodile Alligator Top Handle Micro Mini Kelly Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Chanel Vintage 90's Crocodile Alligator Top Handle Micro Mini Kelly Tote 1997 {VINTAGE 25 Years} Gold Hardware Interior zipper pocket Black Lambskin interior lining 8.5” H x ...
$10,920
H 15 in W 17 in D 3 in
Chanel 2007 Rare Modern Thick Chunky Chain Soft Lambskin Classic Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Modern Thick Chunky Chain Soft Lamb Classic Flap Bag 2007 {VINTAGE 18 Years} Silver hardware Soft supple lambskin leather Thick chunky chain detail Microfiber lined int...
Chanel 1994 Timeless Bag Rare Vintage Limited Edition Lucky Charm Black Tote
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Timeless Bag Rare Vintage Limited Edition Lucky Charm Black Tote 1991-1994 {Vintage 30 Years} Gold hardware Black leather diamond-quilted detailing Open top with magnetic s...
$12,920
H 7 in W 1.75 in D 0.5 in
Chanel 1994 Spring Runway Rare Vintage Limited Edition Waist Belt Bum Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 1995 Spring Runway Rare Vintage Limited Edition Waist Belt Bum Bag Year: 1994 (30 Years Vintage} Gold hardware Black quilted leather Textured gold-tone buckle Hanging link c...
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 base) x 6in. H x 3.7in. D, strap drop is 19.5 inches Comes with Authenticity Card For...
$10,920
H 8.25 in W 11.5 in D 2.25 in
Chanel Classic Flap Rare White Limited Edition Paint Black Tweed Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Black and White Tweed Limited Edition Paint Flap Crossbody Bag 2015 Spring Silver hardware Tweed paint splatter Single chain-link shoulder strap Black canvas interior l...
$29,920
H 15.5 in W 16.5 in D 5 in
Chanel Rare Spring 1997 Vintage Runway Gold Cage Large Shopping Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Spring 1997 Vintage Runway Gold Cage Large Shopping Tote Bag Gold hardware Beaded diamond stitch quilting detail Gold interlocking CC Logo at front Snake-chain shoulder...
$9,920
H 8 in W 11 in D 3 in
Chanel 1996 Vintage Emily in Paris Purple Tweed Rare Classic Reissue Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 1996 Vintage Emily in Paris Purple Tweed Rare Classic Reissue Tote Bag Year: 1994-1996 {Vintage 20 Years} Gold hardware Purple Quilted Tweed 11"W x 8"H x 3"D 11" handle drop...
$12,920
H 12 in W 16 in D 3 in
Chanel 2004 Rare Vintage Bible Book CC Limited Edition Minaudière Clutch Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 2004 Rare Vintage Bible Book CC Limited Edition Minaudière Clutch Bag Year: Fall 2004 Gold accent Black suede book motif Diamond quilted Signature CC patch Tassel detail In...
$19,920
H 7.5 in W 5 in D 3 in
Chanel Mini 1993 Caviar 2.55 Rare Vintage Classic Flap Drawstring Crossbody Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Mini Caviar 2.55 Rare Vintage Classic Flap Drawstring Crossbody Bag 1994 {VINTAGE 30 Years} Gold hardware Large CC hardware CC interlocking closure Interior drawstring clos...
$12,920
H 6.25 in W 10.25 in D 2.75 in
Chanel 1996 Rare Medium Classic Flap Navy Blue Velvet Quilted Backpack Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Medium Classic Flap Navy Blue Velvet Quilted Backpack Bag 1996 {VINTAGE 28 Years} Silver hardware Quilted Navy Blue Velvet Classic CC Turnlock Flap Closure Zippered clos...
$7,920
H 6 in W 7.5 in D 4 in
Chanel 1996 Rare Vintage Top Handle Quilted Lambskin Small Vanity Kelly Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Vintage Top Handle Quilted Lambskin Small Vanity Kelly Bag Year: 1996-1997 {Vintage 18 Years} Silver Hardware Slide over lock clasp Engraved metal frame with hinged fla...
$7,920
H 4.7 in W 6.1 in D 1.4 in
Chanel Rare Vintage Iridescent Champagne Pearl Mini Belt Bum Bag Fanny Pack
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Vintage Iridescent Pearl Lambskin Quilted Mini Belt Waist Bum Bag Fanny Pack 1991 {VINTAGE 31 Years} Gold hardware CC Turnlock closure Foldover flap 6.1" W x 4.7" H x 1....
$8,490
H 4.5 in W 5.5 in L 2 in
Chanel Classic Flap Rare Quilted Micro Mini Silver Metallic Lambskin Leather Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Limited Edition 1994 Runway Gold Metallic Quilted Lambskin Micro Mini Classic Flap Bag 1994 {VINTAGE 28 Years} Silver hardware Silver lined interior 1 Interior pockets 4...
$12,920
H 9 in W 8 in D 8 in
Chanel Vintage 90s Rare Cream Raffia Straw CC Logo Quilted Chain Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Vintage 90s Rare Cream Raffia Straw CC Logo Quilted Chain Shoulder bag circa 1990s beige two chain-link top handles internal logo print embossed logo to the bottom main compa...
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Rare Circa 1995 CHANEL Emily in Paris - Mademoiselle Shopping Tote bag
By Chanel
Located in Iba, PH
Iconic and extremely hard-to-find Vintage - Circa 1995 Chanel Vintage Mademoiselle Shopping Tote. What really sets this bag apart is its rarity. As a vintage item from over 20 years...
Rare Chanel 2010 Shanghai Red Sequins Timeless Double Flap Bag
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Rare Chanel 2010 Shanghai Red Sequins Timeless Double Flap Bag, in black silk with hand-embroidered red sequins, brass/gold hardware.
$9,920
H 7.1 in W 9.4 in D 4 in
Chanel Vanity Case Rare Vintage Blue Mini Crossbody Black Denim Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Vintage Denim Blue Mini Vanity Case Crossbody Bag Year: 1996 {VINTAGE 26 Years} Gold Hadware CC Stitched Logo at front Top handle Detachable crossbody strap Zip around ...
$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 Years} Denim and cotton stitched patchwork CC eyelet and floral patch details Gold...
$2,768
H 12 in W 11 in L 8.5 in
Chanel Rare Sports CC Logo Parachute Backpack Convertible Sling Bag 93cc826s
By Chanel
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 7872227 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 8.5" Width: 3" Height: 12" Shoulder Handle Drop: 13"-22" OVERALL VERY GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 7.25/10 or ...
$10,920
H 11.75 in W 13 in D 4 in
Chanel Rare Vintage 22 Black Quilted Swarovski Charm Shoulder Hobo Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Vintage 22 Black Quilted Swarovski Charm Crossbody Shoulder Hobo Tote Bag Year: 2006-2008 Silver hardware Black calfskin diamond quilted leather Leather shoulder stra...
$7,920
H 8 in W 14 in D 6 in
Chanel Rare Metiers d'Art Raised Geometric Pyramid Diamond Quilted Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Metiers d'Art Raised Geometric Pyramid Diamond Quilted Shoulder Bag 2009 Métiers d'Art Collection Gunmetal hardware Classic interwoven leather chain Drawstring closure...
$16,920
H 9.5 in W 15.5 in D 3 in
Chanel Vintage Rare Handbag Clutch Exotic Tote & Metallic Bronze Hobo Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Metallic Bronze Python Shoulder Bag Brown & Metallic Python Interlocking CC Logo Silver-Tone Hardware Chain-Link Handle Satin Lining & Three Interior Pockets Turn-Lock Closur...
$10,920
H 14 in W 0.75 in L 12 in
Chanel 90s Rare Vintage Black Caviar Perforated Triple CC Tote Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Caviar Perforated CC Black Tote Bag Year: 1998 This is a distinctively structured tote that is beautifully crafted of stylish black caviar leather. The bag also features two t...
$9,920
H 11.25 in W 14 in D 2.25 in
Chanel Rare Pink Tie Dye Graffiti Flower Paintbrush Large Maxi Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Shoulder Bag From the Spring/Summer 2015 Collection by Karl Lagerfeld Pink Floral Print Silver-Tone Hardware Chain-Link Shoulder Strap Twill Lining & Dual Interior Pockets Fl...
$10,920
H 7 in W 11.5 in D 1.5 in
Chanel 2006 Rare Vintage Transparent Clear Naked Ombre PVC Classic Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel ombre smoke effect faded black and clear transparent vinyl flap with lamb leather. Larger than a medium flap bag, featuring silver hardware and classic interwoven lambskin ch...
Rare Chanel Vintage Black Lambskin Quilted Fanny Pack Waist Belt Bum Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Chanel square quilted caviar classic flap shaped fanny pack waist bag 2004 {VINTAGE 18 Years} Gold hardware Exterior black lambskin leather Interior lambskin lining Back car...
Rare Chanel Shoulder Bag in Red Leather and Denim Fabric
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Milano, IT
Superb bag designed by the great Coco Chanel in the 1980s, fine French craftsmanship. ORIGINAL LABEL AND MARK. The bag is half red leather and half soft blue punched fabric, very bea...
$9,920
H 6 in W 10 in L 3 in
Chanel 1994 Top Handle Rare Limited Edition Quilted Flap Gold Metallic Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Limited Edition 1994 Runway Gold Metallic Quilted Lambskin Flap 1994 {VINTAGE 28 Years} Leather Shoulder Strap 'CC' Turnlock Closure One Zip Pocket, One Slip Pocket Leat...
$16,920
H 5 in W 9 in L 3 in
Chanel Rare 2005 Vintage Classic Flap Pink & Grey Tweed 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 19 Years} Light purple genuine rabbit fur with multicolor black, blue and tweed, CC tur...
Chanel Black Satin Crystal CC Clutch Chain Evening Bag Rare Designer
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in San Jose, CA
Keyword: Chanel clutch, black satin bag, crystal CC bag, designer evening bag, luxury resale, Chanel shoulder bag, wedding clutch, cocktail purse, rare Chanel, vintage‑style Chanel, ...
$10,920
H 7 in W 11.5 in L 2.9 in
Chanel 2007 Rare Transparent Classic Heart Flap Vintage White Grey Clear Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Transparent Classic 2.55 Heart Flap Vintage Grey Tone Clear and White 2007 {VINTAGE 17 Years} Interwoven white lambskin chain Classic back pocket Made in Italy Strap Drop: S...
$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 tweed and ribbon interwoven chain Interior tweed lining Interior flap CC interlocking...
$6,920
H 7.5 in W 10.5 in D 3.75 in
Chanel 1994 Vintage Rare Black Caviar Top Handle Classic Kelly Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Vintage black caviar top handle Kelly flap 1994 {VINTAGE 27 Years} Gold hardware Large CC clasp closure Black lambskin interior lining Large center zippered pocket Additional...
$24,920
H 15 in W 10 in L 10 in
Chanel 1991 Vintage Ultra Rare XL Jumbo Black Caviar Duma Travel Backpack Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Extra Large XL Jumbo Rare Vintage Black Caviar Backpack Year: 1991 {VINTAGE 35 Years} Gold hardware Classic CC turn lock closure Two main interior zippered pockets 11.5 W x ...
$2,352Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel Large East West Shoulder Bag Rare Black Leather and Pony-style Calfskin
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Large East West Shoulder Bag Rare Black Leather and Pony-style Calfskin These are professional photos of the actual bag.
$9,920
H 4 in W 9 in D 3 in
Chanel Vintage Black Lambskin Quilted Medallion Fanny Pack Waist Belt Bag Rare
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Chanel black lambskin quilted medallion fanny pack 1991 {VINTAGE 33 Years} Gold hardware Lambskin lined Adjustable clasp belt with max 40" 4” H x 9” W x 3” D Made in France
$6,920
H 7.25 in W 9.25 in D 2 in
Chanel Rare Vintage 1997 Floral Turquoise Quilted Logo CC Classic Kelly Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Vintage 1997 Floral Turquoise Quilted Logo CC Classic Flap Bag Year 1997 Patent leather CC Logo Silver Cuban Link Chain Nameplate Handle Dual Interior Pockets Magnetic ...
Chanel 1988 80s Rare Black Velvet Vintage Kelly Top Handle Minaudière Clutch Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Black Velvet Vintage Kelly Top Handle Minaudière Clutch Bag 1988 Spring Summer Haute Couture Gold hardware Black velvet Single chain-link top handle Concealed magneti...
Chanel 2007 Twin Chain Mini White Over Arm or Handheld Rare Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 2007 Twin Chain Mini White Over Arm or Handheld Rare Tote Bag Year: 2007 {Vintage 17 Years} White leather Logo patch to the front Two rear zip-fastening pockets Lobster claw...
Chanel Timeless Bag Rare Vintage 1990's Limited Edition Lucky Charm Black Tote
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Timeless Bag Rare Vintage 1990's Limited Edition Lucky Charm Black Tote Made in France
Chanel Waist Sport Fanny Pack Banane Rare Soldout Black Nylon Cross Body Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Sport Fanny Pack Waist Bag Crossbody Bag Rare 1990s {VINTAGE 20+ Years} 'CHANEL' logo all around waist Front pouch with zippered closure Zippered main compartment Two open ...
$14,920
H 5.9 in W 5.11 in D 1.18 in
Chanel 1992 Rare Vintage Dual Twin Quilted Caviar Pouch Waist Fanny Belt Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 1992 Rare Vintage Twin Double Quilted Caviar Pouch Waist Fanny Belt Bag Gold hardware Twin removable pouches Black diamond quilted caviar leather Foldover CC turnlock top In...
$14,920
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 {Vintage 20 Years} Gold hardware Pink Quilted Tweed 11"W x 8"H x 3"D 11" handle drop M...
$14,920
H 8 in W 8 in D 3 in
Chanel 1994 Rare Vintage Mini Triple Six CC Logo Crossbody Caviar Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 1994 Rare Vintage Mini Multi Six CC Logo Crossbody Caviar Tote Bag 1991-1994 {VINTAGE 30 Years} Gold Hardware Long strap with classic interwoven chain Drawstring closure Doub...
$9,920
H 5 in W 7 in D 3 in
Chanel 1994 Vintage Rare Royal Blue Lambskin Triple CC Mini Tassel Camera Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Vintage 90s Royal Blue Bleu Roi Lambskin Triple CC Mini Tassel Crossbody Shoulder Bag Year: 1994-1996 Gold hardware Royal blue lambskin leather Classic interwoven chai...
Rare Chanel bags are catnip to collectors and fashion lovers everywhere. The couture flourishes of Chanel designs and the meticulous effort invested in creating them — from the crisscross stitching of the house’s signature leather quilting, known as matelassage, to the luxuriant leather woven through the famous chain straps — continue to fascinate enthusiasts of the legendary French house all over the world.
Vintage Chanel handbags and purses are some of the most well-known and sought-after accessories on the planet. With a subtle and chic aesthetic, many of the label's crossbody bags, shoulder bags, tote bags and other bags are popular with celebrities and fashion obsessives. And rare vintage Chanel bags — rattan shoulder bags, minaudières shaped like egg cartons, denim-quilted flap bags or any of the many coveted Chanel bags of the 1990s — are among the most prized of the brand’s offerings.
For its spectacular seasonal runway shows, Chanel designs special bags that are typically produced in smaller editions, making them all the more desirable and prompting long waiting lists for the most flamboyant creations. Many of the rare Chanel bags much sought after today are objects of pure fantasy conjured up by the late couturier Karl Lagerfeld, whose prolific tenure at the helm of Chanel lasted from 1983 to 2019.
Because of his track record for reviving and reimagining brands that had grown stagnant, Lagerfeld was handed the reins in the early 1980s at Chanel, which had been gathering dust since its founder’s heyday. From his first collection at Chanel — after joining the brand — to the exquisite minaudières, handbags and purses such as the Chanel Vanity Case, the Chanel Diana bag and more, he injected the venerable house with a frisson of modernity.
The luxury house’s best-known bag, the Classic Double Flap bag, includes Chanel’s signature quilting and leather interlaced through a chain strap. Some other iconic styles are the Gabrielle and Boy bags. (Designed by Lagerfeld, Chanel’s playful Boy Brick Lego bag has become a collector's item.)
Find a collection of rare Chanel bags for sale on 1stDibs.
In the years following the opening of her modest millinery shop, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel became a pivotal designer of both fashionable casual wear and Paris haute couture as well as an icon and arbiter of 20th-century style with her bob haircut and pearls. Today vintage Chanel handbags, jackets and evening dresses are among the most sought-after clothing and accessories for fashion lovers all over the world.
The first Chanel shop was established in 1910 in Paris on rue Cambon by the young milliner Gabrielle Chanel (1883–1971), who had picked up the nickname “Coco” while working as a club singer. The boutique drew the attention of the Parisian fashion elite who popularized her wide-brimmed Chanel Modes hats. Soon she added a sportswear store in the Normandy resort town of Deauville, where Coco set the tone for her defining sense of style — traditionally masculine garments reimagined for feminine shapes, made from simple jersey fabric.
Effortless and elegant, Chanel's designs promoted comfort and grace in women’s wear that had been dominated in the previous century by complicated layers of fabric and cumbersome corsets. She followed this success with a couture house, opened in 1915 in Biarritz.
But Chanel was not born into a life of glamour. Following the death of her mother, her father left her in an orphanage where she lived until the age of 18. It was there that she learned to sew as well as appreciate the classic pairing of black and white as worn by the nuns.
In 1926, Chanel introduced her first little black dress, reclaiming a color that had once been reserved for mourning and working-class women. That same decade, she debuted her perfume, Chanel No. 5, as well as the Chanel suit with a fitted skirt, inspired by the boxy lines of men’s clothing and employing a sporty tweed.
Chanel closed her fashion operations during World War II, then returned to the industry in 1954 to design for the functional needs of modern women.
Structure and wearability endured in all of Chanel’s clothing and accessories, like the quilted leather 2.55 handbag — a 1955 update of a 1920s-era design — with its gold-chain shoulder strap that freed up a woman’s hands. The 1957 two-tone slingback pumps had a practical heel height while offering a bold statement in the black tip of the shoes. Her collarless jacket reacted against the constricting styles of Christian Dior's New Look, replacing them with a design that was timeless, an instant classic.
After Coco Chanel died in 1971, the brand underwent several changes in leadership, including fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, who took over as artistic director in 1983. His collections for Chanel displayed his knack for synthesizing old and new, high and low. Lagerfeld revived Chanel ballet flats and thoroughly embraced the classic logo's interlocking CCs, which took the form of a clasp featured on so many of the rare Chanel bags that are much sought after today.
Vintage Karl Lagerfeld designs for Chanel dresses, coats and other clothing of the 1980s, '90s and 2000s riffed on its iconography, accenting a lexicon of Chanel-isms with tastes of the moment. And as the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers, vintage Chanel bags of the 1990s are among the most prized of the brand’s offerings.
Over the years, the company has continued to innovate, such as expanding into ready-to-wear fashion in 1978 and, in 2002, establishing a subsidiary company — Paraffection — dedicated to preserving the heritage skills of fashion artisan workshops. The House of Chanel still operates its flagship on rue Cambon in Paris, where it all began.
Browse vintage Chanel bags, evening dresses, shoes, jewelry and other clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
An integral part of fashion, handbags and purses have been indispensable accessories ever since we began to carry around personal items. Level of craftsmanship, style and shape matters — from coin purses in ancient Greece to early 20th-century opera bags and onward, handbags have evolved considerably over the years to meet our needs and desires, whether or not you happen to be prioritizing functionality over a flashy exterior.
Once, a single “It” handbag ruled each fashion season. No more. Today, lovers of vintage handbags are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classics created by the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dior and Balenciaga still rule.
“It is not a fashion bag — it is a statement bag,” says Mightychic's Debra Kent of Hermès's widely beloved accessories. “When you carry an iconic Hermès bag — Birkin, Kelly, Constance — no one knows how long you have been into this culture or if you are a newbie. Your status is validated immediately.”
First released in 1997, Fendi's Baguette rose to fame along with Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Recently, the design has seen such a resurgence in popularity that Fendi has reissued it.
They are part of design history, so owning a handbag has meaning. As New York–based fashion historian Sarah C. Byrd says, “You have made the choice to invest in this piece because you understand the value of it in the past and in the future to come.”
From a 1980s Chanel black leather quilted mini buckle bag to the rare Hermès Birkin 30cm Himalayan with diamond hardware to a range of 19th-century bags, find a rich variety of vintage and designer handbags and purses spanning numerous brands on 1stDibs — seasonal “It” designation no longer needed.
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.