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Chanel 1980's Rare Reversible Skirt Set
Chanel 1980's Rare Reversible Skirt Set

Chanel 1980's Rare Reversible Skirt Set

By Chanel

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Feel cool and collected with this 80's era Chanel skirt set! This two-in-one ensemble is completely

Category

1980s Italian Skirt Suits

Rare 1980's Chanel Collectible Round Glasses
Rare 1980's Chanel Collectible Round Glasses

Rare 1980's Chanel Collectible Round Glasses

$5,589Sale Price|20% Off

H 2 in W 5.5 in L 5 in

Rare 1980's Chanel Collectible Round Glasses

By Chanel

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Late 1980s Chanel black and white round sunglasses. Comes with original Chanel box and cloth case

Category

1980s Italian Sunglasses

Chanel 1995 Rare Logo Black Vanity Case Bag
Chanel 1995 Rare Logo Black Vanity Case Bag

Chanel 1995 Rare Logo Black Vanity Case Bag

By Chanel

Located in San Francisco, CA

Ultra-rare 1995 Chanel vanity bag crafted from glossy black patent leather with gold-tone hardware

Category

1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Rare 1990s Chanel CC Waist Pouch Chain Belt
Rare 1990s Chanel CC Waist Pouch Chain Belt

Rare 1990s Chanel CC Waist Pouch Chain Belt

$3,000Sale Price|20% Off

L 33.47 in

Rare 1990s Chanel CC Waist Pouch Chain Belt

By Chanel

Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta

Chanel vintage waist pouch belt. Sought after piece. In very good condition. Minor rubbing anf

Category

1990s Belts

Rare 1987 Chanel Runway Number “5” Hoop Earrings
Rare 1987 Chanel Runway Number “5” Hoop Earrings

Rare 1987 Chanel Runway Number “5” Hoop Earrings

By Chanel

Located in Rowland Heights, CA

A true collector’s dream from the golden age of Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel—these ultra-rare 1987

Category

Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold Plate

Rare Vintage Chanel Figural Coco Chanel Brooch in Gold-Tone Metal, Paris, 1980s
Rare Vintage Chanel Figural Coco Chanel Brooch in Gold-Tone Metal, Paris, 1980s

Rare Vintage Chanel Figural Coco Chanel Brooch in Gold-Tone Metal, Paris, 1980s

By Chanel

Located in San Diego, CA

An exceptionally rare and evocative vintage Chanel figural brooch, depicting a stylized female

Category

Late 20th Century French Hollywood Regency Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold Plate

Chanel Rare Cork Chevron Classic Flap 1CJ725K
Chanel Rare Cork Chevron Classic Flap 1CJ725K

Chanel Rare Cork Chevron Classic Flap 1CJ725K

By Chanel

Located in Dix hills, NY

Date Code/Serial Number: 6632384 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 9" Width: 2.5" Height: 6 " Shoulder Handle Drop: Shortest 9.5" Longest 18" Handle Drop: None OVERALL ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Chanel Rare Rustic Silver CC COCO Coin Brooch
Chanel Rare Rustic Silver CC COCO Coin Brooch

Chanel Rare Rustic Silver CC COCO Coin Brooch

By Chanel

Located in Pasadena, CA

Chanel Rare Rustic Silver CC COCO Coin Brooch *Marked 08 *Made in France *Comes with the original

Category

Early 2000s French Artisan Brooches

Chanel New 2016  Ribbon Embellished Dress 40 Rare
Chanel New 2016  Ribbon Embellished Dress 40 Rare

Chanel New 2016 Ribbon Embellished Dress 40 Rare

By Chanel

Located in Merced, CA

Rare to find Chanel ribbon embellished dress with Chanel Interlocking CC logo emblem. It is adorned

Category

Early 20th Century French Coats

Chanel Rare Vintage Silver CC Crystal Turnlock Brooch
Chanel Rare Vintage Silver CC Crystal Turnlock Brooch

Chanel Rare Vintage Silver CC Crystal Turnlock Brooch

By Chanel

Located in Pasadena, CA

Chanel Rare Vintage Silver CC Crystal Turnlock Brooch * Marked 96 * Made in France * Comes with

Category

2010s French Artisan Brooches

CHANEL 05A Pearl Charm Necklace with Rabbit & Iconic Motifs
CHANEL 05A Pearl Charm Necklace with Rabbit & Iconic Motifs

CHANEL 05A Pearl Charm Necklace with Rabbit & Iconic Motifs

Located in Rowland Heights, CA

rare Chanel charm necklace from the Fall 2005 collection (05A) features an enchanting lineup of symbols

Category

Early 2000s French Beaded Necklaces

Rare 1980s Chanel Mini Camera Bag with Tassel
Rare 1980s Chanel Mini Camera Bag with Tassel

Rare 1980s Chanel Mini Camera Bag with Tassel

$3,200Sale Price|20% Off

H 4.73 in W 2.37 in L 5.91 in

Rare 1980s Chanel Mini Camera Bag with Tassel

By Chanel

Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta

Unique mini chanel camera bag piece from the 80s. Very rare. Slight visible marks on the leather

Category

1980s Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

CHANEL 14K$ Museum Rare Supermarket Tweed Jacket 38 FR
CHANEL 14K$ Museum Rare Supermarket Tweed Jacket 38 FR

CHANEL 14K$ Museum Rare Supermarket Tweed Jacket 38 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

CHANEL · Museum Rare Burgundy Architectural Tweed Jacket with Zipper Accents — “SUPERMARKET” Fall

Category

2010s Jackets

Chanel Rare Vintage Silver Bar Link Choker Necklace
Chanel Rare Vintage Silver Bar Link Choker Necklace

Chanel Rare Vintage Silver Bar Link Choker Necklace

By Chanel

Located in Pasadena, CA

Chanel Rare Vintage Silver Bar Link Choker Necklace *Marked 00 *Made in France *Comes with the

Category

Early 2000s French Artisan Chain Necklaces

Chanel Rare 1980s Large Gold Tone Cameo Earrings
Chanel Rare 1980s Large Gold Tone Cameo Earrings

Chanel Rare 1980s Large Gold Tone Cameo Earrings

By Chanel

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Introducing a true treasure for Chanel enthusiasts – the Rare 1980s Large Gold Tone Cameo Earrings

Category

Vintage 1980s French Dangle Earrings

CHANEL Rare 1985 Vintage Fluffy Black Jacket 40 FR
CHANEL Rare 1985 Vintage Fluffy Black Jacket 40 FR

CHANEL Rare 1985 Vintage Fluffy Black Jacket 40 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

Chanel’s early 80s allure, this rare vintage jacket from the 1985 Fall collection embodies a tactile

Category

2010s Jackets

Rare 1993 Chanel Pearl Chain Double Layered Belt
Rare 1993 Chanel Pearl Chain Double Layered Belt

Rare 1993 Chanel Pearl Chain Double Layered Belt

$2,000Sale Price|20% Off

L 35.44 in

Rare 1993 Chanel Pearl Chain Double Layered Belt

By Chanel

Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta

Vintage Chanel pearl chain belt in gold. Beautiful piece. Minor tarnishing on the hardware and

Category

1990s Belts

Chanel Rare Silver CC Letter Cuff Link Bracelet
Chanel Rare Silver CC Letter Cuff Link Bracelet

Chanel Rare Silver CC Letter Cuff Link Bracelet

By Chanel

Located in Pasadena, CA

Chanel Rare Silver CC Letter Cuff Link Bracelet *Marked 98 *Made in France *Comes with the

Category

1990s French Artisan Link Bracelets

Rare 1980s collection 25 Chanel Clip on earrings
Rare 1980s collection 25 Chanel Clip on earrings

Rare 1980s collection 25 Chanel Clip on earrings

By Chanel

Located in London, GB

Rare 1980s collection 25 Chanel heavyweight baroque-inspired faux pearl and gilt clip-on earrings

Category

20th Century French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gilt Metal

Chanel Rare Gunmetal CC Green Floral Pearl Crystal Necklace
Chanel Rare Gunmetal CC Green Floral Pearl Crystal Necklace

Chanel Rare Gunmetal CC Green Floral Pearl Crystal Necklace

By Chanel

Located in Pasadena, CA

Chanel Rare Gunmetal CC Green Floral Pearl Crystal Necklace * Marked 11 * Made in France -The

Category

2010s Italian Artisan Pendant Necklaces

CHANEL Rare Collectible Beige Sequin Tweed Jacket 34 FR
CHANEL Rare Collectible Beige Sequin Tweed Jacket 34 FR

CHANEL Rare Collectible Beige Sequin Tweed Jacket 34 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

CHANEL · Collectible Beige Sequin Tweed Jacket — Runway of the 2001 Fall Collection by Karl

Category

Early 2000s Jackets

1970's Chanel Rare Gripoix Mesh Jewel Belt
1970's Chanel Rare Gripoix Mesh Jewel Belt

1970's Chanel Rare Gripoix Mesh Jewel Belt

By Chanel

Located in West Hollywood, CA

70s masterpiece gripoix gold mesh belt in excellent condition . Rare and collectible. Comes with

Category

1970s French Belts

1980's Vintage Chanel Rare Pearls Magnifier Necklace
1980's Vintage Chanel Rare Pearls Magnifier Necklace

1980's Vintage Chanel Rare Pearls Magnifier Necklace

By Chanel

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Chanel rare and collectible pearl magnifier necklace. Can be worn single or double. Collection 23

Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Original Vintage Chanel Gold Logo Pearl Necklace, Rare
Original Vintage Chanel Gold Logo Pearl Necklace, Rare

Original Vintage Chanel Gold Logo Pearl Necklace, Rare

By Chanel

Located in Berlin, BE

Indulge in the glamorous and sophisticated world of vintage Chanel with this exquisite three-strand

Category

Late 20th Century French Art Deco Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold

Rare Gilt Silver Capricorn Cuff, Chanel by Goossens
Rare Gilt Silver Capricorn Cuff, Chanel by Goossens

Rare Gilt Silver Capricorn Cuff, Chanel by Goossens

By Chanel

Located in Riverdale, NY

Rare gilt silver Capricorn zodiac cuff by Chanel. A fierce Leo, she loved and repeatedly used

Category

Vintage 1970s French More Bracelets

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver

Chanel Classic Rare Vintage Gold Plated CC Large Brooch
Chanel Classic Rare Vintage Gold Plated CC Large Brooch

Chanel Classic Rare Vintage Gold Plated CC Large Brooch

By Chanel

Located in Pasadena, CA

Chanel Vintage Gold Plated CC Large Brooch *Marked 94 *Made in France *Comes with original box and

Category

1990s French Artisan Brooches

CHANEL Paris / LONDON Rare Jewel Gripoix Coat 36 FR
CHANEL Paris / LONDON Rare Jewel Gripoix Coat 36 FR

CHANEL Paris / LONDON Rare Jewel Gripoix Coat 36 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

CHANEL · Museum-Level Black Baroque Coat with Masterpiece Gripoix Jewels — Paris–London 2008

Category

2010s Jackets

CHANEL Rare COCO AIRLINES Belted Tweed Jacket 38 FR
CHANEL Rare COCO AIRLINES Belted Tweed Jacket 38 FR

CHANEL Rare COCO AIRLINES Belted Tweed Jacket 38 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

CHANEL — Paris · COCO AIRLINES Cruise 2008 Runway Jacket — A second skin for the woman who

Category

2010s Jackets

CHANEL Rare Paris / HAMBURG Ribbon Tweed Jacket 36 FR
CHANEL Rare Paris / HAMBURG Ribbon Tweed Jacket 36 FR

CHANEL Rare Paris / HAMBURG Ribbon Tweed Jacket 36 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

CHANEL · Bronze & Black Ribbon Tweed Jacket with — Paris/ HAMBURG 2018 Métiers d’Art, Karl

Category

2010s Jackets

CHANEL Paris / Venice Rare Maritime Striped Cardigan 38 FR
CHANEL Paris / Venice Rare Maritime Striped Cardigan 38 FR

CHANEL Paris / Venice Rare Maritime Striped Cardigan 38 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

CHANEL Collectible Maritime Cardigan — Paris / VENICE Cruise 2010, by Karl Lagerfeld ~ This is no

Category

2010s Jackets

Very Rare Vintage 90s Chanel Small Wooden Box Bag
Very Rare Vintage 90s Chanel Small Wooden Box Bag

Very Rare Vintage 90s Chanel Small Wooden Box Bag

$20,000Sale Price|20% Off

H 5.52 in W 4.93 in L 9.85 in

Very Rare Vintage 90s Chanel Small Wooden Box Bag

By Chanel

Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta

Extremely rare and coveted vintage Chanel wooden box bag in small size. Good condition overall

Category

1990s Top Handle Bags

Rare 1970's Chanel Oversized Daisy Pearl Earrings
Rare 1970's Chanel Oversized Daisy Pearl Earrings

Rare 1970's Chanel Oversized Daisy Pearl Earrings

By Chanel

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Chanel oversized and collectible daisy clip earrings with center faux made pearl. Come with

Category

Vintage 1970s Clip-on Earrings

CHANEL Extremely Rare CC Logo Penguin Boucle Hoodie 42 FR
CHANEL Extremely Rare CC Logo Penguin Boucle Hoodie 42 FR

CHANEL Extremely Rare CC Logo Penguin Boucle Hoodie 42 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

CHANEL · Museum Rare Collectible Grey Silk Bouclé Hoodie with Penguin Motif & CC Logo — Runway

Category

Early 2000s Pullovers

Rare Vintage Chanel Perfume Bottle in Plexiglass, 20th Century.
Rare Vintage Chanel Perfume Bottle in Plexiglass, 20th Century.

Rare Vintage Chanel Perfume Bottle in Plexiglass, 20th Century.

By Chanel

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Rare vintage Chanel perfume bottle in plexiglass, 20th century. Rare vintage Chanel perfume

Category

20th Century French Modern Bottles

Materials

Plexiglass

Chanel 2007 Iridescent Graphic Print Rare Minaudière Clutch Bag
Chanel 2007 Iridescent Graphic Print Rare Minaudière Clutch Bag

Chanel 2007 Iridescent Graphic Print Rare Minaudière Clutch Bag

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel 2007 Iridescent Graphic Print Rare Minaudière Clutch Bag Year: 2007 {Vintage 17 Years

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières

NWB Chanel Rare Cream, Black Gold PearlAnkle Boots Sz.40
NWB Chanel Rare Cream, Black Gold PearlAnkle Boots Sz.40

NWB Chanel Rare Cream, Black Gold PearlAnkle Boots Sz.40

By Chanel

Located in Krakow, PL

Chanel Ankle Boots Sz.40 – Extremely rare cream, black & pearl detail. Iridescent gold fabric

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ankle Boots

Chanel Rare Vintage Gold Plated CC Dangling Leaves Brooch
Chanel Rare Vintage Gold Plated CC Dangling Leaves Brooch

Chanel Rare Vintage Gold Plated CC Dangling Leaves Brooch

By Chanel

Located in Pasadena, CA

Chanel Rare Vintage Gold Plated CC Dangling Leaves Brooch *Marked 95 *Made in France *Comes with

Category

1990s French Artisan Brooches

Chanel 1994 Runway Ultra Rare Quilted CC Logo Mini Skirt
Chanel 1994 Runway Ultra Rare Quilted CC Logo Mini Skirt

Chanel 1994 Runway Ultra Rare Quilted CC Logo Mini Skirt

By Chanel

Located in San Francisco, CA

Chanel 1994 Runway Ultra Rare Quilted CC Logo Mini Skirt Rare early-90s Chanel sport-inspired mini

Category

1990s A-Line Skirts

CHANEL Rare Miley Cyrus Style Provocative Black Suit 34 FR
CHANEL Rare Miley Cyrus Style Provocative Black Suit 34 FR

CHANEL Rare Miley Cyrus Style Provocative Black Suit 34 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

CHANEL Collectors Black Sheer Suit — Spring 2013 Collection by Karl Lagerfeld — As seen in Chanel

Category

2010s Trouser Pant Suits

Chanel Rare Vintage Gold CC Letter Dangle Hoop Earrings
Chanel Rare Vintage Gold CC Letter Dangle Hoop Earrings

Chanel Rare Vintage Gold CC Letter Dangle Hoop Earrings

By Chanel

Located in Pasadena, CA

Chanel Rare Vintage Gold CC Letter Dangle Hoop Earrings *Marked 02 *This early style doesn't come

Category

Early 2000s French Artisan Dangle Earrings

Chanel Rare Vintage Spring 1997 Micro Mini Minaudière Clutch
Chanel Rare Vintage Spring 1997 Micro Mini Minaudière Clutch

Chanel Rare Vintage Spring 1997 Micro Mini Minaudière Clutch

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel Rare Vintage Spring 1997 Micro Mini Minaudière Clutch Chanel Spring 1997 {VINTAGE 25 Years

Category

1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières

Chanel Rare Runway Pieces Black Crochet Cayo Coco Backpack
Chanel Rare Runway Pieces Black Crochet Cayo Coco Backpack

Chanel Rare Runway Pieces Black Crochet Cayo Coco Backpack

By Chanel

Located in London, GB

Delve into the artistry of Chanel with the Rare Runway Pieces Black Crochet Cayo Coco Backpack from

Category

2010s French Backpacks

Chanel Rare Vintage Gold Plated CC Mesh Belt Bracelet
Chanel Rare Vintage Gold Plated CC Mesh Belt Bracelet

Chanel Rare Vintage Gold Plated CC Mesh Belt Bracelet

By Chanel

Located in Pasadena, CA

Chanel Rare Vintage Gold Plated CC Mesh Belt Bracelet *Marked 95 *Made in France *Comes with the

Category

1990s French Artisan Bangles

Chanel White Rare 1993 Spring Summer Runway Vintage Sunglasses
Chanel White Rare 1993 Spring Summer Runway Vintage Sunglasses

Chanel White Rare 1993 Spring Summer Runway Vintage Sunglasses

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel Rare 1993 Spring Summer Runway Vintage White Sunglases White sunglasses with gold accent CC

Category

1990s French Sunglasses

CHANEL Rare 2004 CC Logo Embroidered Tweed Suit 44 FR
CHANEL Rare 2004 CC Logo Embroidered Tweed Suit 44 FR

CHANEL Rare 2004 CC Logo Embroidered Tweed Suit 44 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

CHANEL · CC Logo Embroidered Tweed Suit — Fall 2004 Advertising Campaign, Karl Lagerfeld

Category

Early 2000s Jackets

Chanel Classic Small Baby Blue RARE 24k GHW Lambskin
Chanel Classic Small Baby Blue RARE 24k GHW Lambskin

Chanel Classic Small Baby Blue RARE 24k GHW Lambskin

$8,191

H 5.71 in W 2.56 in L 9.06 in

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

Category

1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Chanel Rare Natalia Vodianova Style Black Tweed Jacket 38 FR
Chanel Rare Natalia Vodianova Style Black Tweed Jacket 38 FR

Chanel Rare Natalia Vodianova Style Black Tweed Jacket 38 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

CHANEL · Black Quilted Tweed Jacket Legendary Spring 2008 Collection by Karl Lagerfeld — As seen on

Category

Early 2000s Jackets

CHANEL 14K$ Extremely Rare 2009 Pearl Embellished Dress 38 FR
CHANEL 14K$ Extremely Rare 2009 Pearl Embellished Dress 38 FR

CHANEL 14K$ Extremely Rare 2009 Pearl Embellished Dress 38 FR

By Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, HK

CHANEL · Exceptionally Rare Navy Dress with Jewel Pearl Embellishment — Runway Spring 2009

Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses

Chanel Rare Vintage Gold Plated Argyle White CC Brooch
Chanel Rare Vintage Gold Plated Argyle White CC Brooch

Chanel Rare Vintage Gold Plated Argyle White CC Brooch

By Chanel

Located in Pasadena, CA

Chanel Rare Vintage Gold Plated Argyle White CC Brooch *Marked 93 *Made in France *Comes with an

Category

1990s French Artisan Brooches

Chanel Rare Satin Silk Texturized Mini Vintage Logo Tote
Chanel Rare Satin Silk Texturized Mini Vintage Logo Tote

Chanel Rare Satin Silk Texturized Mini Vintage Logo Tote

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel Rare Satin Silk Texturized Mini Vintage Logo Tote 1991 {VINTAGE 31 Years} Gold hardware CC

Category

1990s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Chanel Rare Gold CC Crystal Pearl Tear Drops Necklace
Chanel Rare Gold CC Crystal Pearl Tear Drops Necklace

Chanel Rare Gold CC Crystal Pearl Tear Drops Necklace

By Chanel

Located in Pasadena, CA

Chanel Rare Gold CC Crystal Pearl Tear Drops Necklace * Marked 13 * Made in Italy * Comes with the

Category

2010s Italian Artisan Chain Necklaces

Chanel Black Iconic Bucket Vintage Rare Collectors Shoulder Bag
Chanel Black Iconic Bucket Vintage Rare Collectors Shoulder Bag

Chanel Black Iconic Bucket Vintage Rare Collectors Shoulder Bag

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel 90's Black Iconic Bucket Bag Color: black, gold Condition: Very Good; minor fading on

Category

1990s French Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags

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Rare Chanel For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage or contemporary rare chanel you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Our collection includes a variety of colors, spanning black, gray, brown and more. Finding the perfect rare chanel may mean sifting through those that were made during different time periods — popular versions were made as early as the 18th Century and a newer one, made as recently as the 21st Century, can also be found on the site. Finding an appealing accessory such as this — no matter the origin — is easy, but Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld each produced a popular version that is worth a look. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking these accessories, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Rare Chanel?

The price for a rare chanel starts at $45 and tops out at $395,000, and on average, selling for $3,149.

Chanel 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.