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.
Chanel White & Black Coco Mark Leather Sandals circa 2000
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These Chanel White & Black Coco Mark Leather Sandals from circa 2000 exemplify timeless luxury and sophisticated craftsmanship. Featuring a sleek combination of white and black l...
CHANEL white black cotton 23C MONTE CARLO WIDE RIBBON TWEED Pants 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel pants in white and black striped ribbon tweed. Woven in a textural polyamide (52%), cotton (27%), polyester (11%), and wool (10%) blend, these Chanel pants show...
Chanel SS13 Boy Brick Lego Bag Black White Pearl Minaudière Unisex
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Karl Lagerfeld's Boy Brick Lego bag for Chanel's SS13 collection embodied the brand's youthful spirit. The bag came in various colours with pearl embellishments. In 2014, Lagerfeld c...
Satin Ruby Chanel bag Collection Paris-Shangai Métiers d'Arts 2010
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Satin Ruby Chanel bag Paris-Shangai Metiers d'Arts 2011 Size: width= 28 cm height= 19 cm wide= 8cm Double chain in aged metal color and double flap ( the one underneath is shorter t...
Chanel Vintage Spring/Summer 1995 Lavender Multicolor Plaid Tweed 95P Jacket
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
An iconic Chanel tweed jacket from the Spring Summer 1995 collection, one of the most celebrated and instantly recognizable seasons of the 1990s. This jacket belongs to the legendary...
CHANEL black & silver mohair 11A LUREX PLAID TWEED Jacket 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jacket in black and silver lurex houndstooth tweed. Crafted from a luxury tweed blend of wool (45%), mohair (30%), polyester (15%) and nylon (10%), this Chanel ...
$1,612Sale Price|50% Off
Chanel Fall 2016 Size 40 / 8 - 10 Cashmere Black and White Abstract Sweater Top
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Luxurious Chanel Fall 2016 black and white long sleeve cashmere sweater ! Seen on Lindsey Wilson at the Chanel Fine Jewelry Dinner in honor of Keira ...
CHANEL 2021 grey wool felt black CC velvet applique espadrille flats EU39
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 2021 grey wool felt black CC velvet applique espadrille flats EU39 Reference: JECN/A00030 Brand: Chanel Material: Fabric Color: Grey, Black Pattern: Solid Closure: Slip On Lin...
CHANEL navy velvet CC logo applique nude jute espadrille shoes EU37
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL navy velvet CC logo applique nude jute espadrille shoes EU37 Reference: CNPG/A00148 Brand: Chanel Material: Velvet Color: Navy, Nude Pattern: Solid Closure: Slip On Lining: Nu...
Chanel Vintage 1984 Black Medallion CC Logo Leather Triple Strand Necklace Belt
By Chanel, Chanel Boutique
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1984 Medallion Round Pendant Iconic CC Logo Black Leather Triple 3 Strands Layers intertwined Chain Link Chunky Modernist Elegant Necklace Belt, Gold Plated Very exce...
White leather sandals with glass beads Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White leather sandals with glass beads. short elastic on the straps inside side of the sandal. Heel height : 6 cm SHOE SIZE : 38
Chanel Quilted Medium Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Chanel Quilted medium 10" Double Flap Bag quilted, buttery soft lambskin leather, and also features a polished metal turn lock CC closure and double flap top, opens to a burgund...
CHANEL Vintage red python l ballet flats 39 , 5 size
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Vintage red python Chanel ballet flats Size 39.5, featuring a black ribbon-effect appliqué on the instep and the double C logo Trimmed with cotton-spandex grosgrain ribbon The vibran...
1995 COLLECTOR! CHANEL & Karl Lagerfeld 95A F/W Black wool bouclé jacket
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
COLLECTOR! CHANEL & Karl Lagerfeld 95A F/W 1995 Black wool bouclé jacket collector item! CHANEL by Karl Lagerfeld Collection: Fall / Winter 1995 Ready-to-Wear Chanel Style: 95a / 943...
Chanel Fall 2017 17K Sequin Fantasy Tweed Zip Front Midi Pencil Skirt
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Divine Chanel fantasy tweed skirt from the Fall 2017 17K collection. Unworn with tags. Superbly crafted from sparkling navy blue fantasy tweed, scattered with thousands of tiny silve...
Black Chanel Deauville Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Black Chanel Deauville Tote Bag. The Deauville Tote Bag features a patent leather body, silver-tone hardware, dual chain-link and leather straps, and a quilted exterior back pocket. ...
2001 Autumn Chanel Black Poly Knit Ribbed Mock Neck Sweater with Logo Buttons
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
2001 Autumn Chanel black ribbed mock turtle-neck sweater with black resin buttons and gold CC logo. Form fitting, can work from size 4-8. Dry cleaned and in excellent vintage conditi...
Chanel Beige Quilted Caviar Classic Wallet On Chain
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Beige Quilted Caviar Classic Wallet On Chain SKU: Z157886 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: No house has shaped the fashion landscape quite like Chane...
Chanel coat 'Paris Cosmopolite' by Karl Lagerfeld Pre Fall 2017
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2017 Fall-Winter Metiers d'Art "Paris Cosmopolite" Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Red wool tweed coat weaved with green checks. High neck. Silk ...
CHANEL black cashmere 17B PEARL DETAILED KNIT Dress 42 L
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel knit dress in black cashmere (100%). Features a refined, fitted silhouette that skims the body with an elegant knee length. Designed with short sleeves, a disti...
Chanel Fall 2014 Navy Wool Felt Coat by Karl Lagerfeld, Size FR38/UK10
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Contemporary classic Chanel navy felted wool coat from legendary Fall 2014 ’Supermarket’ collection. Unworn. Made from soft navy felted wool mix with raw edged detailing. It has a g...
CHANEL blue cotton 2019 19C LA PAUSA BELTED TWEED Dress 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel sleeveless tweed dress in blue, turquoise, white and navy polyester (26%), cotton (25%), linen (18%), acetate (10%), metallized fibers (8%), viscose (7%) and po...
Chanel Shearling Turn-Lock Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel Suede Shearling Trim shoulder bag in black suede with a contrast shearling mouton trim, CC turn-lock closure, one interior zip pocket. Comes with original dust cover and authe...
Chanel A/W2013 Karl Lagerfeld Chain Obsession Patent Leather Block Heel Boots 37
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel A/W2013 Karl Lagerfeld Chain Obsession Patent Leather Block Heel Boots 37 Color Black Size 37C EU Heel height 4.5in Leather upper Leather sole Gusseted vamp Buckle detail Al...
CHANEL grey & cream nylon 13A EDINBURG TWEED PRINT Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Jumbo Flap Bag in black and white tweed-printed nylon offers a modern take on a timeless classic. Featuring a silver-tone chain strap interwoven with black...
Chanel Woven Tweed Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel Woven Flap Bag in grey and black tweed with white and metallic and gold bead embellishment. Features a half moon rear pocket, a silver CC turn-lock, and leather interior ...
Chanel Pink Fantasy Tweed Jacket Sequins 22P 2022 Spring-Summer Pre-Collection
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
The most divine, ultra detailed Chanel fantasy tweed jacket from the 22P 2022 Spring-Summer Pre-Collection. Unworn. Made from wonderfully textured pink based, multi coloured rag wea...
$8,246Sale Price|25% Off
Chanel Mini Shearling Flap Bag Brown Lambskin Brushed Gold Hardware Furry Coco
By Chanel
Located in West Chester, PA
CHANEL This Chanel Mini Shearling Flap Bag is of dark brown lambskin leather and beige shearling with brushed gold Hardware, featuring a mixture of signature diamond quilted lambskin...
CHANEL fuchsia pink cashmere 91A TURTLENECK Sweater 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel sweater is crafted in hot pink cashmere (please note the content tag is missing) and designed in a relaxed, elegant silhouette. It features a rib-knit turt...
Chanel Fall 2009 Beige Tweed Sleeveless Dress FR 36 S Wool Blend
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
CHANEL Tweed Sleeveless Dress — FR 36 / S — Fall 2009 A beautiful Chanel sleeveless tweed dress in an elegant beige tone, crafted from a luxurious wool blend with mohair and finished...
Chanel Vintage Classic Flap Small Black Lambskin Leather Double Flap 24k Gold Ha
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
This one-of-a-kind Chanel Classic Flap bag exudes sophistication and timeless elegance. Crafted from luxurious black lambskin leather, it is adorned with gold-tone hardware. C...
Chanel 1994 Sequin Mini Dress
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Norwich, GB
Chanel dark navy blue sequin and black bow mini dress, from the Fall/Winter 1994 RTW collection designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Camellia pin brooch to the front. Gold toned clover button...
CHANEL 2002 Red White Blue CC Surf Wave Print Stretch Short Sleeve Top
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Thiensville, WI
CHANEL 2002 Red White Blue CC Surf Wave Print Stretch Short Sleeve Top Brand / Manufacturer: Chanel Collection: The Surf Line 2002 Label(s): Numbered - 02S / P19539V11371 Designer...
CHANEL navy blue suede 20A RUE CAMBON CUT-OUT ANKLE Boots Shoes 39.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel ankle boots in deep navy blue suede, contrasted with elegant black grosgrain toe caps for a refined two-tone finish. Designed with softly almond-shaped toes, sc...
CHANEL white cotton 23M COCO BEACH TWEED Jumpsuit 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jumpsuit in white tweed in polyamide (52%) and cotton (48%). This luxury Chanel jumpsuit features a sleek, fitted silhouette with a clean square neckline finish...
Chanel Porte Carte a Rabat Cuir Noir 19 Black Leather Single Flap Card Holder
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel "19" single-flap card holder in black quilted leather, featuring a gold-tone metal CC clasp interwoven with black leather and a red fabric interior with a front slip pocket. W...
Chanel necklace 'Chanel prend la route' by Karl Lagerfeld Bus Cruise 2005-2006
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2005-2006 Chanel Bus Cruise "Chanel prend la route" Collection, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Silvery metal chain belt / necklace with enameled charms, co...
Chanel Classic Double Flap Caviar Leather Medium Handbag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Chanel Classic Double Flap Caviar Leather Medium Handbag Timeless black bag crafted from iconic diamond quilted caviar leather. Featuring double front flap with 'CC' log...
Chanel New Navy Knit Beanie & Scarf Set
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel Knit Beanie and Scarf Set is in a beautiful blue hue with contrasting creme CC knit applique on both beanie and scarf. Brand new in unused condition.
Chanel Classic Medium Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel lambskin leather with silver tone hardware and features a front flap with signature CC turnlock closure, half moon back pocket, and adjustable interwoven silver tone chain lin...
Chanel long jacket by Virginie Viard Fall-Winter 2024
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2024 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Virginie Viard. Long silk jacket in black, pink, and mauve tones. Composition and size labels mis...
CHANEL 2014 Runway Sculpted Sailor Knot crumpled leather CC cap toe pumps EU38.5
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 2014 Runway Sculpted Sailor Knot black crumpled leather CC cap toe pumps EU38.5 Reference: TGAS/G00178 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: Cruise 2014 - Runway ...
Chanel Navy Leather Double Flap Crossbody Bag, Excellent Condition
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
This unique and highly desirable Chanel item is skillfully crafted from navy leather. The double-flap bag has a spacious compartment and two interior pockets, offering plenty of room...
Chanel Vintage Silk Ribbon Classic Flap Black Multi Unisex Handbag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Elevate your style with the timeless elegance of the Silk Ribbon Classic Flap from Chanel. Crafted with luxurious silk ribbon in black and multi, this iconic piece exudes sophisticat...
1987 Chanel Spring Summer Black and White Wool Jacket with Herringbone Trim
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Chanel 1987 Spring/Summer RTW collection wool jacket by Karl Lagerfeld. All the bells and whistles you want in a vintage Chanel classic piece; black wool boucle, graphic black and wh...
Chanel Le Marais Bronze Soft Leather Handbag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel Le Marais soft bronze leather with silver tone hardware. Handle drop 6". Collection 10, 2005/2006. Please refer to photo for small white stains on the bottom. Comes with holo...
Chanel Le Marais Extra Large Brown Bowler Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel Le Marais Bowler Bag is in a brown quilted lambskin, with antique silver hardware, dual shoulder straps, two zipper compartments. Comes with hologram and original dust cover.
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.
Vintage Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Flap Shoulder Bag with Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Flap Shoulder Bag with Gold Hardware - Preowned A timeless vintage Chanel flap shoulder bag in supple black lambskin, finished with the House's...
1990's Vintage Chanel Black Caviar XXL Supermodel Weekender Travel Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
1990s Chanel xxl supermodel weekender bag in black caviar with gold tone hardware. Shoulder drop, 15"L. Hologram ( partially scratched) and original dust cover. Collection 3. Minor s...
Beige and lurex knit coat CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Beige and lurex knit coat . No fabric composition tag but probably the knit is made of mohair, cashmere and lurex . Branded button and buttonhole closure on the middle front. Pockets...
Chanel Crochet Classic Flap Shoulder Bag 2016 Cruise
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
From 16C, this Chanel flap bag is a show-stopper. Made with soft pink leather and an intricate crochet flower outside trim, this is a light-hearted twist on the classic flap. Chanel ...
Chanel 2017 Black Plexiglass Gift Box Minaudière with Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Black Plexiglass Gift Box Minaudière Gold Hardware, 2017. The interior is lined in black leather. Includes authenticity card, and dust bag. This pre-owned Chanel® item has b...
CHANEL cream silk 26S FITTED Jacket 42 L
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel by Matthieu Blazy jacket in écru silk (51%) and viscose (49%). This luxury Chanel jacket is crafted with the distinctive texture and structure of wild silk, sha...
CHANEL white black cotton 21P BRAID TRIM TWEED Jacket 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jacket in black and white tweed, a relaxed silhouette finished with the house’s signature multicolor braid detailing. Crafted from a luxury tweed blend of cotto...
CHANEL black wool 17A COSMOPOLITE LUREX BRAID TRIM TWEED Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jacket in black tweed, a timeless silhouette rendered with the house's signature gilded detailing. Crafted from luxury wool (100%), this Chanel jacket is cut in...
CHANEL cream wool 17A COSMOPOLITE STUDDED TRIM TWEED Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jacket in cream tweed, an elevated silhouette finished with the house's intricate hand-applied detailing. Crafted from luxury wool (100%), this Chanel jacket is...
CHANEL black wool 22A FLORENCE TWEED Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jacket in black wool (100%). Tailored from fine wool, this Chanel jacket embodies the house's signature precise craftsmanship with a clean, directional edge. Cu...
Chanel Quilted Calfskin Gabrielle Small
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel Calfskin Chevron Quilted Small Gabrielle Hobo in Black and White is crafted of diamond quilted leather, with a black leather base. The bag features a black leather thread...
CHANEL black cotton 22S FLORENCE BEADED LOGO TWEED BOMBER Jacket 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel bomber jacket in black mesh ribbon tweed cotton (37%), polyamide (23%), wool (22%), and polyester (18%). Woven in a textural mesh ribbon tweed, this Chanel bomb...