$2,860
H 8.67 in W 11.42 in D 3.55 in L 20.48 in
1980s Vintage Chanel Beige Lambskin Leather and Brass Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This stunning vintage Chanel Shoulder bag is a quintessential piece of 1980s luxury, crafted in
Chanel 1980s Black Quilted Lambskin Camera Bag
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Chanel 1980s Black Quilted Lambskin Camera Bag—a timeless and versatile piece that
$1,630
H 4.5 in W 1.25 in L 6.5 in
1980s Vintage CHANEL Diamond Quilted Lambskin Leather Waist Chain Flap Bag Black
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage CHANEL waist chain flap bag is crafted of diamond quilted lambskin leather in black
$1,380
H 4.5 in W 1.25 in L 5.5 in
1980s Vintage CHANEL Diamond Quilted Lambskin Leather Waist Chain Flap Bag Red
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage CHANEL waist chain flap bag is crafted of red diamond quilted lambskin leather
$3,360Sale Price|20% Off
H 8.5 in W 11.5 in D 3.8 in L 28.5 in
Chanel Vintage 1980s Large Quilted Lambskin Crossbody Bag with CC Lock
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Port Hope, ON
This is a large quilted lambskin bag which can be worn crossbody or shoulder. Vintage from the 80s
Vintage CHANEL classic tote bag in red leather with golden chain and navy straps
By Chanel
Located in Kashiwa, Chiba
1980s. Vintage CHANEL classic tote bag in red leather with gold tone chain and navy blue leather
Chanel Vintage 1980's Satin Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
chance to have e a piece of Chanel history with this gem from the 1980's. Everything is better vintage
Chanel 1980’s Vintage Chevron Shoulder Camera Bag
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Dark green lambskin vintage Chanel Camera bag with gold-tone hardware, dual chain-link and leather
1980's Chanel Vintage Beige Double Flap Quilted Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel vintage 80s beige lambskin double flap with gold tone hardware. Comes with original dust
Chanel 1980's Black Vintage Quilted Leather Attache Briefcase Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
c. 1986-1988 Black quilted leather with goldtone hardware Open back pocket the length of bag
Vintage 1980's CHANEL White Leather Gold Chain Bucket Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
This fabulous 1980's vintage CHANEL mini bucket bag comes in white pebbled leather and features an
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H 6.3 in W 9.85 in D 2.76 in
1980's Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Medium
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H 5.52 in W 9.06 in D 2.37 in
1980's Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Small Classic
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H 5.52 in W 9.06 in D 2.37 in
1980's Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Small Classic
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H 5.52 in W 9.06 in D 2.37 in
1980's Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Small Classic
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H 6.3 in W 9.85 in D 2.76 in
1980's Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Medium Classic
Chanel 1980s Vintage Lizard Camel Evening Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel brown quilted lizard skin shoulder bag. Comes with hologram and original box. Repair to cut
CHANEL red quilted leather 1980's SQUARE MINI Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel vintage 1980's quilted square mini bag in red lambskin featuring gold-tone
1980s Chanel Gold Quilted Lambskin Vintage Camera Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Gold Quilted Lambskin Vintage Camera Bag This CHANEL Camera Bag is in Very Good Pre-Owned
Chanel Red Quilted Lambskin Vintage Camera Bag, 1980s
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Red Quilted Lambskin Vintage Timeless Fringe Camera Bag Reference: HB1289 Serial Number
Chanel 1980s Houndstooth Camera Bag
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Complete your Chanel collection with this rare 1980s Chanel bag! Made of wool houndstooth fabric
Chanel crocodile bag, late 1980s
By Chanel
Located in Athens, GA
Vintage late 1980’s brown crocodile bag with gold hardware and chain strap.
Chanel Blu Navy Clutch - Shoulder Bag - Vintage early 1980s
By Chanel
Located in Capri, IT
Chanel Blu Navy Clutch - Shoulder Bag - Vintage early 1980s 1980s Chanel Blu Navy Clutch - Shoulder
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag This CHANEL Mini Flap Bag is in Excellent Pre
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Single Flap Bag This CHANEL Single Flap Bag is in Excellent
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
This ladies Chanel Mini Flap Bag is primarily made from black lambskin leather complimented by gold
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag This CHANEL Mini Flap Bag is in Excellent Pre
1980s Chanel Black Chevron Quilted Lambskin Vintage Camera Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Chevron Quilted Lambskin Vintage Camera Bag This CHANEL Camera Bag is in Very Good
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Single Flap Bag This CHANEL Single Flap Bag is in Excellent
1980s Chanel Red Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Red Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag This CHANEL Mini Flap Bag is in Excellent Pre
Chanel Vintage Black Silk Multi chain Evening Bag, 1980s
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel black silk and leather evening bag with gold mutichain strap. Shoulder drop 17". Collection
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag This CHANEL Mini Flap Bag is in Excellent Pre
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Timeless Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Timeless Shoulder Bag This CHANEL Timeless Shoulder Bag is
1980s Chanel Red Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Red Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag This CHANEL Mini Flap Bag is in Excellent Pre
Chanel 1980s Brown Lambskin Crossbody Bag
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Chanel 1980s Brown Lambskin Crossbody Bag is indeed a classic and versatile accessory. With its
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H 6.01 in W 9.45 in D 1.97 in
1980s Chanel Beige Diagonal Quilted Lambskin Vintage Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
This Chanel Flap Bag is in good pre-owned condition accompanied by Chanel dust bag. Circa 1980's
1980s Chanel Black Ostrich Leather Vintage Classic Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Ostrich Leather Vintage Classic Single Flap Bag This CHANEL Classic Single Flap Bag
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H 5.91 in W 9.06 in D 2.56 in
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Classic Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Classic Single Flap Bag This CHANEL Classic Single Flap Bag
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Classic Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Classic Single Flap Bag This CHANEL Classic Single Flap Bag
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H 6.7 in W 11.42 in D 2.96 in
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Classic Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Classic Single Flap Bag This CHANEL Classic Single Flap Bag
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H 5.91 in W 8.67 in D 2.56 in
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Classic Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Classic Single Flap Bag This CHANEL Classic Single Flap Bag
Rare Vintage 1980s Chanel Satin Quilted Mini Vertical Crossbody Bag
By Chanel
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Rare vintage satin flap bag in beautiful condition. Very light marks on the corners due to storage
1980s Chanel Patent Leather Chevron Quilted Bag
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Complete your collection with this 1980s Chanel bag! Made of black patent leather, this bag
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H 6.3 in W 9.06 in D 1.97 in
Chanel Black Chevron Quilted Lambskin Vintage Timeless Fringe Camera Bag, 1980s
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Chevron Quilted Lambskin Vintage Timeless Fringe Camera Bag This CHANEL Timeless
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H 6.3 in W 9.85 in D 2.76 in
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Medium
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H 5.52 in W 9.06 in D 2.37 in
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Small Classic
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H 5.52 in W 9.06 in D 2.37 in
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Small Classic
Sold
H 6.3 in W 9.85 in D 2.76 in
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Small Classic
Sold
H 5.52 in W 9.06 in D 2.37 in
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Small Classic
Sold
H 6.3 in W 9.85 in D 2.76 in
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Medium
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H 6.3 in W 9.85 in D 2.76 in
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Medium
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H 5.2 in D 2 in L 9 in
Iconic Chanel Small Flap Bag Black Lambskin Leather Matelasse Vintage 1980s
By Chanel
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
This iconic handbag was made by Chanel in the late 1980s. Made from black lambskin leather, it
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H 6.3 in W 9.85 in D 2.76 in
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Medium Classic
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H 5.91 in W 9.85 in D 2.56 in
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
This ladies Chanel Medium Classic Double Flap Bag is primarily made from black lambskin leather
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H 5.52 in W 9.06 in D 2.37 in
Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag, 1980s
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Small Classic
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H 5.52 in W 9.06 in D 2.37 in
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Small Classic
Sold
H 5.52 in W 9.06 in D 2.37 in
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Medium Classic
Sold
H 6.3 in W 9.85 in D 2.76 in
1980s Chanel Chevron Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Chevron Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Medium
Sold
H 5.52 in W 9.06 in D 2.37 in
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Small Classic
Sold
H 5.52 in W 9.06 in D 2.37 in
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Small Classic
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H 5.52 in W 9.06 in D 2.37 in
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Small Classic
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H 5.52 in W 9.06 in D 2.37 in
1980s Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag This CHANEL Small Classic
Chanel Vanity Bag, 1996
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel -(Made in France) Vanity bag in black matte leather, handle with thick chain intertwined with leather. Interior in burgundy leather, pockets and mirror integrated. Card of aut...
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: Classic Flap Small - Color: Baby Blue - Year: 1991-1994 - Condition: Good Vintage C...
Hermes Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Rose Scheherazade Alligator Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited Edition Hermes Kelly 20 Sellier bag featured in stunning Rose Scheherazade alligator. Accentuated with crisp with palladium hardware. Timeless and highly ...
Rare Chanel Casino Charms Medium Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Rare iconic chanel casino charm in size medium. Overall very good condition. Series #22. Comes with its holo intact and dust bag.
$33,522Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.49 in W 3.08 in L 9.26 in
Exceptional Hermès Passe Guide Bag Shiny Ebene Porosus Crocodile Ghw RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
There's the Kelly, the Birkin, the Constance, and the PASSE-GUIDE Bag ...! To me, the most beautiful Purse Ever! Here is a rare opportunity to get an exceptional Authentic Hermès P...
Chanel Vintage Black Quilted Shoulder bag
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chanel antique black leather shoulder bag with quilting and gold hardware. The two pockets are both functional and original. It has an inside zip pocket with golden embellishments. D...
2000s Gucci by Tom Ford Red Karung Snakeskin Acrylic Lucite Handle Bag
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This rare deep red Gucci bag from the early 2000s is crafted from dyed Karung snakeskin and finished with gold-tone hardware and a sculptural red lucite handle. Approximate Measure...
$6,850
H 5.75 in W 0.75 in L 5.5 in
Chanel 2023 Black & White Quilted Patent Leather Crossbody Mini Novelty Bag
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Chanel Black & White Quilted Patent Leather Crossbody Mini Novelty Bag is an iconic accessory that exudes playful luxury and an avant-garde spirit. Meticulously crafted from exqu...
Hermes Limited Edition Mini Kelly 20 Sellier Beton Matte Alligator Bag Gold Hard
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited Edition Hermes Kelly 20 Sellier bag featured in Beton Matte Alligator. This mini Kelly bag is light gray with bone undertone (beton + concrete), and the n...
Chanel Teal Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
- Circa 2016/17 - Teal - Exotic leather (Alligator) - Silver-tone hardware - Leather and chain-link shoulder strap - Front flap closure - Signature interlocking CC turn-lock fastenin...
Chanel Nano Kelly Bag NEW Lilac Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in Roosendaal, NL
From the collection of SAVINETI we offer this NEW Chanel Nano Kelly Bag: - Brand: Chanel - Model: Nano Kelly - Color: Lilac - Year: 2024 - Condition: NEW (unused) - Materials: Shiny...
$19,417
Size: FR42 - UK14 - US10
Christian Dior by John Galliano Embroidered Silk Coat with Fur Trim, FW 2002
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
This Christian Dior by John Galliano coat from the Fall-Winter 2002 collection is crafted from cream silk jacquard featuring an elaborate woven pattern of floral and ornamental motif...
$7,597
H 6.5 in W 9.06 in D 1.38 in
Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Single Flap Bag with Top Handle Product Details Xupes Ref: HB5843 Brand: Chanel Model: Small Classic Single Flap Bag with Top Han...
Very Rare 1990s Chanel Coco Mark Black Patent Vanity Heart Bag
By Chanel
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Collector’s item chanel vintage heart vanity in black patent with gold hardware. Original condition. No touch ups or recoloring. Slight cloudiness to the patent surface due to storag...
Chanel 2010 Diamond Quilted Lambskin Giant Jewelry Decor Case
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 2010 Diamond Quilted Lambskin Giant Jewelry Decor Case Chanel Diamond Quilted Lambskin Quilted Giant Jewelry Decor Case Year: 2010 {Vintage 14 Years} Gold hardware Black l...
$17,929
Size: Approx. FR34 - UK6 - US2
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture silk evening dress with feather trim, fw 1969
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Presenting an exceptional Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture evening gown from the autumn-winter collection of 1969. This gown is a true masterpiece crafted from luxurious brown silk c...
For fashion lovers, while the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers, apparel and accessories of the 1980s are making a comeback, too. Acid-washed denim, provocative Vivienne Westwood tees, and large, sculptural bangles are making a strong showing again, and vintage 1980s Chanel handbags remain iconic for the "MTV Generation" as well as millennials.
Some of fashion's legendary creations never go out of style, and vintage Chanel handbags and purses are some of the most well-known and sought-after accessories in the world. With a subtle and chic aesthetic, many of the legendary French house’s crossbody bags, shoulder bags, tote bags and other bags are popular with celebrities and fashion obsessives. And the bags of the 1980s and 1990s at Chanel 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 sleek Chanel Camera bags and other vintage 1980s Chanel bags 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.
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.