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.
Vintage Chanel Four Leaf Clover Bow Canvas and Leather Slip On Mules Flats 38.5
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel Four Leaf Clover Bow Embellished Canvas Leather Mules Color Brown / Cream Size 38.5EU Canvas and leather upper Leather sole Bow detail Four leaf clover gold finished embellish...
Chanel Pre-Fall 2016 Beige Black Suede Grosgrain Pearl Heel Mules Size 38.5 39
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Step into timeless Parisian elegance with these rare Chanel Pre-Fall 2016 runway mules, a highly coveted design that perfectly embodies Karl Lagerfeld’s refined vision. Elevate your...
Black high heels suede platform sandal with rhinestone CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
High heels suede platform sandal with rhinestone. Strap around the ankle with hook&lop closure. Heel height = 11cm Platform heigh= 2cm SHOE SIZE : 39 (It)
NEW Chanel Calfskin CC Logo Cap Toe White Dark Navy Slingback Low Heel Pumps 36
By Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel Calfskin CC Logo Cap Toe White Dark Navy Slingback Low Heel Pumps G45566 New, no original box Color White / Dark Navy Size 36EU Leather upper Semi pointed toe Leather sole In...
Chanel Bottines Coco Neige EU39 Lined Suede Classique Chain Boots UK6 US8.5
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel mid-calf ankle boots in camel suede lined with shearling, round toe, matching rubber sole, cushioned heel, front adorned with gold-tone metal chains interwoven with matching l...
Chanel métiers d’art Paris Dallas Pre Fall 2014 shérif star Heels Shoes
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel runway métiers d’art Pre Fall 2014 Paris Dallas collection by Karl Lagerfeld, silver metal shérif star and CC logo. Heels size 38
Vintage Chanel CC Logo Bow Black Leather Slingback Pointed Toe Pumps 38.5EU
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Vintage Chanel CC Logo Leather Cap Toe Slingback Pumps Color Black Size 38.5EU Heel Height 2.75in Leather upper Pointed toe Interlocking CC logo Stretch fit strap Cap toe design M...
Chanel CC Print Sneakers NEW Size 39
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel CC print sneakers Sold out in stores NEW with dust-bags and box Size 39 IT.Please know your sizing in Chanel before purchase. FINAL SALE.
CHANEL silver leather ankle boots 41 Spring 2012 12P
By Chanel
Located in Rubiera, RE
Chanel silver leather ankle boots Back zip Size IT 41 - US 11 - UK 8 Made in Italy New - never worn No box
Chanel Rare Rain Camouflage Boots
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel mint condition rain rubber boots, pull on style, with signature cc interlocking logo in contrast color. Knee length with flat rubber sole. Used a few times. Come with original...
Chanel Bottines EU39 Black Wool Tweed and Chain Combat Shoes Boots UK6 US8.5
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel combat style boots in a multi-material version in quilted felt, iridescent canvas and black tweed, closed by a lace on 8 eyelets and 4 hooks, round toe in black suede, black c...
Chanel CC Retro Vintage Lagerfeld Bow Black Denim Slingback Pointed Toe Pumps 35
By Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel CC Bow Black Denim Retro Vintage Slingback Heeled Pumps Color Black Size 35C EU Heel Height 3in Denim and leather upper Pointed toe Cap toe Interlocking CC logo detail on o...
Chanel NIB Black Pumps With Icon SymbolsChanel
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel brand new black calfskin leather pumps with gold tone icon symbols. Come with original box. European size 37.5.
Chanel Espadrilles Cuir 2 tons EU37 CC Baby Blue Leather Flat Shoes UK4 US6.5
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Flat Chanel espadrilles in two-tone sky blue leather, embroidered with a large CC logo across the instep, black leather almond toe, rope outsole lined with rubber, leather lining and...
Black Chanel Crystal-Embellished Bow Mary Jane Pumps
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Black textile cap-toe crystal-embellished bow Mary Jane pumps by Chanel. 4.75" heel height.
Chanel Black Gold CC Heart Lambskin Heel Loafers 40
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
CHANEL lambskin loafers in size 40. Crafted from soft black quilted lambskin with a gold-tone CC heart accent and a comfortable 2-inch heel. Size: 40 Condition: Gently worn condition...
Chanel CC Logo Bow Black Suede Cap Toe Ballerina Flats 37.5
By Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel CC Logo Bow Black Suede Cap Toe Ballerina Flats G02819 Color Black Size 37.5EU .5in heel height Suede upper Interlocking CC embroidered detail Cap toe design with patent l...
Leather shoes with hologramme pattern open on the back CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Leather shoes with hologramme pattern open on the back. Elastic band on the top middle back. Heel's height : 8 1/2 cm SHOE SIZE : 39
1995s Chanel Shoes Pumps Haute Couture Black EU37
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel Haute Couture pumps in black canvas (ottoman) salomé type with fine straps, gold metal pin buckle closure inlaid with rhinestones. Size 37FR: heel 9 cm, insole 23.7 cm. The sh...
1990s Chanel Black Leather Kitten Heels with Buckle Detail
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Chanel kitten heels from the 1990s. Supple black leather with a sharp pointed toe. A layered and gathered detail at toe with a loop buckle detail and a small CC snap button. Tonal bl...
Vintage Chanel CC Logo Print Pointed Toe Mules Pumps 36.5
By Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel CC Logo Print Heeled Retro Vintage Mules Pumps Color Black Size 36.5EU Fabric and leather upper Leather sole Pointed toe Cap toe design Low heel CC printed Signs of normal u...
Black velvet and mirror plateforme sandals CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black velvet and mirror plateforme sandals with leather closure strap and buckle . Small "CC" brand" on the side. Dust bag provided. Plateforme height = 5cm Heel height = 12cm Shoe...
Chanel 2004 Karl Lagerfeld Bow Embellished Cap Toe Kitten Heel Mules 36.5
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel 2004 Karl Lagerfeld Bow Embellished Cap Toe Kitten Heel Mules 36.5 Color White / Black Size 36.5EU Heel Height 2.5in Patent leather upper Bow embellished toebox Kitten heel ...
Black Chanel Textured Cap-Toe CC Ballet Flats
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Black textured patent leather cap-toe CC ballet flats by Chanel. Grosgrain trim and bow accents at tops. 0.5" heel height.
vintage CHANEL black stretch leather boots 39.5
By Chanel
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Black stretch leather boots with CC detail at toes designed by Chanel dating to the late 1990's, early 2000's. French Size 39.5 (US 9-9.5). Composed entirely of leather. Pull on ent...
$1,439Sale Price|20% Off
NIB Chanel CC Velvet and Lambskin White Black Platform Lace Up Ankle Boots 38.5
By Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel Interlocking CC Logo Black White Velvet and Lambskin Leather Boots G39211 Color Black Size 38.5EU Heel height 2.25in Leather and velvet upper Leather sole Black laces Combin...
Chanel Bottines 2 tons EU36 Classic 2 tones Coco Neige Suede Chain Boots UK3.5 U
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Mid-calf Chanel ankle boots in camel suede lined with shearling, almond-shaped toe in black suede, crepe rubber sole encircled by a gold-tone metal chain interwoven with matching sue...
NEW Chanel 2024 Interlocking CC Logo White Leather Cap Toe Ballerina Flats 42
By Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel CC Logo Leather and Grosgrain Ballerina Maryjane Flats G46467 Color White Size 42EU Heel height .5in Leather upper Interlocking CC stitching detail Cap toe design Soft gold ...
Chanel Crumpled Calfskin Quilted CC Bow Cap Toe Ballerina Flats 37
By Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel Crumpled Calfskin Quilted CC Bow Cap Toe Ballerina Flats 37 Color Warm Grey Size 37EU .5in heel height Leather upper Interlocking CC embroidered detail Cap toe design with ...
Chanel CC Logo Bow Detail Gunmetal Black Two Tone Leather Ballerina Flats 36
By Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel CC Logo Gunmetal Black Bow Ballet Flats Serial G02819 In original box, with dustbag Color Gunmetal / Black Size 36EU Leather upper Interlocking CC embroidered detail Cap toe ...
Chanel Early 1990s Beige and Black Slingbacks
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Early 1990s Chanel slingbacks. Beige leather with contrasting black leather cap toe. Slightly mod inspired with a vertical beige line down the centre of the black cap toe. Cream leat...
2006 Chanel Spring Collection Leather Boots
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Black leather Chanel kitten heel leather boots from the 2006 Spring RTW collection. Featured prominently on the runway, these black tone on t...
Chanel CC Logo Glitter and Grosgrain Cap Toe Slingback Platform Heel Pumps 37
By Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel CC Logo Glitter and Grosgrain Cap Toe Block Heel Pumps G37594 Color Gold / Black Size 37EU Heel Height 1.5in Glitter and grosgrain upper Pointed toe Interlocking CC logo em...
Rare Chanel métiers d’art Paris Moscou 2009 runway shoes by Karl Lagerfeld
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Extremely Rare Chanel métiers d’art Paris Moscou Pre Fall 2009 collection by Karl Lagerfeld shoes pump heels, amazing details and design red velvet, gold and Swarovski crystals. Size...
Chanel 2015 Escarpins Gabrielle EU37 Beige Suede Fancy Pearls Heels UK4 US6.5
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel pumps from the AW2015 collection called Brasserie Gabrielle, in beige or very pale yellow suede adorned with small half-pearls, almond-shaped toe in matching patent leather, l...
Chanel Espadrilles Cuir 2 tons EU37 CC Navy Blue Leather Flat Shoes UK4 US6.5
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Flat Chanel espadrilles in black leather, embroidered with a large CC logo across the instep, black leather almond toe, rope outsole lined with rubber, leather lining and insole. Siz...
1980 Chanel Black Silk Fabric Slingback Shoe W/Satin Bows Size 7M
By Chanel
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Chanel classic black peau de soie silk slingback stiletto shoe with straight, high vamp and double bow detail. Size 7M.
CHANEL Karl Lagerfeld 14P Runway Patent Sock Boots – EU 39
By Chanel
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
Step into high fashion history with these rare CHANEL sock boots from the 2014 Spring Runway Collection, designed by the iconic Karl Lagerfeld. A standout piece from the show, these ...
Chanel Black Strappy Heels with Pearl Trim, 2004 Karl Lagerfeld, Size 38.5
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in San Jose, CA
Brand: Chanel (Vintage / Early 2000s Karl Lagerfeld era, archival couture piece) Style: Strappy Sandals with Pearl Trim Color: Black with Off‑White Pearl Detailing Size: 38½ EU (A...
Chanel Black Heels with Geometric Pattern Metallic Heel and FLOWER DETAIL EU38
By Chanel
Located in Ardmore, PA
Chanel Black Heels with Geometric Pattern Metallic Heel and Fabric Flower Detail on the Toe Size EU 38 Excellent Condition
Chanel Beige Velvet Cream Beige White Trainers Sneakers Size 40 New in Box
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Beige Velvet Cream Beige White Trainers Sneakers Size 40 New in Box Black accents Gold Chanel CC on each shoe Ivory Beige Cream White and Black White fabric, ivory suede, white calfskin leather High-performance rubber construction for athletic wear...
CHANEL Karl Lagerfeld Kitten Hill Camellia Chain Pearls Vintage Shoes 39 Mint
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel camellia kitten hill shoes with removable gold tone chain ,pearls and mini CC on the chain. Condition is mint, never used with some minor flaws from storage. Chain with pearls...
Chanel Satin and Pearl T Straps, 37.5
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Chanel Satin and Pearl T Strap Evening shoes from the 2000's Karl Lagerfeld. A matte gold T has Chanel logo and faux pearl at base. Black silk satin unusual coupe shaped heel...
Chanel 2013 Cruise Runway Gold Brocade Interlocking C Lady Gaga Booties 36.5
By Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel 2013 Resort Runway Paris Versailles Collection Gold Brocade Interlocking C Lace Up Booties 36.5 G28930 Color Cream Gold Size 36.5EU Heel Height 4.35in Fabric upper Leather ...
Chanel CC Cap Toe Bow Quilted Two Tone Taupe Brown Leather Ballerina Flats 41
By Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel CC Cap Toe Bow Quilted Two Tone Taupe Brown Leather Ballerina Flats 41 Color Taupe Brown Size 41 .5in heel height Leather upper Interlocking CC embroidered detail Cap toe d...
$1,169
Chanel thigh high boots
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in Italy) Black leather thigh high boots with black patent leather. Size 37,5FR indicated. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 74 cm - Heel height: 5 ...
$1,359Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel Brave Shiny Calfskin Quilted CC Chain Cap Toe Platform Short Boots 37
By Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel Shiny Calfskin Quilted CC Chain Cap Toe Platform Boots G36424 Color Black Size 37EU Heel Height 1.75in Calfskin upper Rubber sole Chain embellished eyelets, gold finish har...
$896Sale Price|25% Off
Chanel Size 39.5 C Gold + Black Beaded Leather Logo CC Thong Sandals
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic Chanel gold and black beaded leather thong sandals ! Only worn once, with slight wear to the soles. Gold seed beads up the center strap. Gold CC metal logo plate at center ankle...
Chanel White Crystal Mary Jane New Size EU 40
By Chanel
Located in Ardmore, PA
Chanel White Crystal Mary Jane New Glittered Tulle & Grossgrain Light Pink & Black New $1225 Never worn Size EU 40
$1,599Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel Quilted Suede Leather Logo Tall Lace Up Cap Toe Knee High Combat Boots 40
By Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel Quilted Leather Tall Combat Boots G45918 Color Black Size 40EU Heel Height 2.25in Suede upper Round toe Interlocking CC logo at toebox Cap toe design Platform heel Gold fini...
Platform sandals in transparent plastic and black feathers Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Platform sandals in transparent plastic and black feathers
Chanel F/W 1995 CC Logo Canvas Basketball Sneakers
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW
Dating to the F/W 1995 collection, these rare & classic Chanel sneakers are made of black canvas with white rubber soles and toes and feature a black on white CC logo on the side of ...
Chanel Ballerines Mocassins Jean EU38 Denim and Chain CC Flats Loafers UK5 US7.5
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel ballet flats or moccasins in raw denim, with a square pointed toe adorned with a gold-tone metal chain and CC logo, leather lining, insole and outsole, and a small wedge heel....
Chanel Ballerines EU38 Black White Leather Ribbon Cockade Flats Ballet Shoes UK5
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel ballerinas in black and white leather, rounded toe decorated with 2 black and white ribbon cockades, leather lining, inner and outer soles. Size 38FR or UK5 and US7.5. The bal...
1990s Chanel Black and White Leather Logo Mules Heels Shoes Size 35 / 5
By Chanel
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Coco Chanel herself designed the overlapping double C logo in 1925 and it remains one of the most well-known—and coveted—brand signatures to this day. On this pair of shoes, it appears in miniature as part of all-over pattern on smooth leather. The white-on-black print distinguishes the upper on the mule silhouette. The vamp is long to best display it—and to snugly secure the foot. A rectangular toe box echoes the distinctive heel shape, with its artful curve that is visible from the side and it geometric minimalism that presents itself from the back. The heel’s low height makes it a walking shoe, and a wardrobe basic that can pair with a range of choices. Measurements Size: 35 Heel height: 2.25 inches Insole: 9.5 inches These Chanel logo mules...
Chanel shoes espadrille-like
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in Spain) Leather and fabric espadrille-like shoes in blue and white tones. Never worn but the leather has several scratches inside the shoes. Condition: Good conditi...
Chanel Bottines 2 tons EU36.5 White Black Leather Fancy Pearls Boots UK4 US6.5
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel ankle boots in white leather, with a leather-covered heel and a round black leather toe. The straps are adorned with rows of decorative pearls alternating with rows of silver-...
Chanel Crystal Embellished Runway Shoes, Size 36
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chanel Crystal Embellished Runway Shoes 36- Pristine The matching Chanel evening bag pictured is sold separately. Slim heeled slip on sandal in black grosgrain with black leather acc...
Black velvet sandal and wood heels Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black velvet sandal and wood heels
Chanel Black Ottoman loafers EU38
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel loafers in black ottoman, small CC logo in blackened silver metal on the top, almond-shaped toe, black leather interior, leather outsole. Size 38E...