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.
Pastel knit cardigan CHANEL
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pastel knit cardigan . Knit composition: 40% nylon, 20% cotton, 20% polyester, 20% rayon. No closure on the middle front. Pocket on both side. SS 1998 SIZE 38 (Fr) M
Chanel CC Pullover Sweater 2021 NEW With Tags SZ 40
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel pullover sweater.100% guaranteed authentic Chanel .Purchased by us directly from Chanel store and receipt available upon request. Size 40 New with tags attached .Please see p...
Chanel Resort 2014 Blue Lace Blouse & Shorts Set, Size FR 38
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Rubiera, RE
CHANEL Collection Resort 2014 Singapore Blue navy floral lace blouse and shorts set Blue navy lace , lining in white cotton 52% cotton 32% rayon 16% nylon Lining: 100% cotton Size FR...
CHANEL cream & white cotton 20B BRAID TRIM TWEED Jacket 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel 2020 braid trim zip-front tweed jacket in cream and white is a sophisticated interpretation of the House’s iconic tailoring. Crafted from richly textured c...
CHANEL hair clips spring 1997
By Chanel
Located in Rubiera, RE
CHANEL Hair clip barrette clear and gold Collection Spring 1997 Acrylic with mother of pearls effect Made in France cm. 10 x cm. 3,5 Excellent condition
Vintage CHANEL Black Caviar Leather Timeless CC Pouch
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage CHANEL pouch is masterfully crafted in durable black caviar leather featuring a bold stitched CC logo centered on the front profile. The top zipper closure features a ro...
CHANEL 19A cashmere silk teddy boucle fleece longline cloak cape coat FR34 XS
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 19A cashmere silk teddy boucle fleece longline cloak cape coat FR34 XS Reference: LAYU/A00173 Brand: Chanel Designer: Virginie Viard Collection: 19A Material: Cashmere, Silk C...
Chanel Quilted Caviar Mini Vanity Bag Charm in black
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
This authentic Chanel Quilted Caviar Mini Vanity Bag Charm in black is a collectible miniature accessory inspired by the house’s classic vanity case silhouette. Crafted from black di...
Chanel 1995 Black "Barbie" Heart Mirror Vanity Bag 24k GHW 69190
By Chanel
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Store item: 69190 From the 1995 Spring runway "Barbie" collection, as seen on Claudia Schiffer and other supermodels, with white CC logo on square bottom and rolled handle. Vanity p...
CHANEL gunmetal leather 16A ROME SNAKE PEARL Pumps Shoes 38.5 G32063
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel 2016 Rome Snake Pearl Heel slingback in metallic dark silver is a striking fusion of elegance and statement design. The shoe fea...
Chanel Vintage Beige Canvas Pink Grosgrain CC Bow Strappy Sandals Heels EU 36
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Eagan, MN
Chanel Vintage Beige Canvas Pink Grosgrain CC Bow Strappy Sandals Heels EU 36 Women's size EU 36 Shoe sizing is inconsistent across brands. It is recommended to know your sizing within a brand, or refer to the brand's website to determine fit. Vintage Chanel sandals...
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 Cheetah Print Medium Classic Flap Bag in Beige Calf Hair
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Discover the rare and highly desirable Chanel Cheetah Print Medium Classic Flap Bag in light beige calf hair and black lambskin with gold hardware. This bag is from the iconic Matthi...
Chanel Vintage Gold 1982 Coin CC Chain Link Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
Vintage 1982 Chanel CC coin chain belt 100% authentic Made in France Gold Plated Measurements approx.: length of chain with coin attached 39" Very good condition overall aside from ...
A 1990s Vintage Chanel Beige-Gray Lambskin LeatherCamera-Style Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This vintage Chanel camera-style shoulder bag is crafted in beige-gray lambskin leather, featuring diagonal chevron quilting anchored by an embossed interlocking CC logo at the cente...
Black leather jacket with silver leather collar CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black leather jacket with silver leather collar . Silk lining. Shoulder pad. Branded button and buttonhole closure on the middle front. Pocket on both side SIZE 36 (Fr) S
CHANEL 2000 pink pearl beaded grey satin crystal CC kiss lock frame clutch bag
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 2000 pink pearl beaded grey satin crystal CC kiss lock frame clutch bag Reference: TGAS/G00294 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: FW 2000 Material: Satin, Leat...
Chanel Airlines Grained Calfskin Oversized Bowler Duffle Bag RHW 69143
By Chanel
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Store item: 69143 Chanel Airlines Grained Calfskin Oversized Bowler Duffle Bag RHW is part of Karl Lagerfeld's Airlines travel ligne, with the half moon shaped domed duffle, quilted...
CHANEL 1998 Vintage kiss lock purple suede embroidered cc chain clutch bag
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 1998 Vintage kiss lock purple suede embroidered cc chain clutch bag Reference: TGAS/G00290 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 1998 Material: Suede Color: Purpl...
Resort 17 Cuba Collection Tweed 'Chesterfield' Bucket Bag
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
From Chanel's Resort 2017 Paris-Cuba collection, presented by Karl Lagerfeld at the Paseo del Prado in Havana on 3 May 2016 - the first major international fashion show held in Cuba ...
Chanel 2000's Black Leather Biker Booties with Patent Cap Toe and Flannel Lining
By Chanel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cool biker chic wear. Circa mid-2010s Chanel black leather ankle booties. Dual side zips with inset wool plaid panels. Chunky heel and black patent cap toe. Quilted top and double ...
CHANEL blue cotton 19B DISTRESSED QUILTED SKINNY JEANS Pants 34 XXS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jeans in blue 100% cotton stone-washed denim, elevated by an allover distressed quilted effect finish that renders the house's signature diamond motif across th...
Chanel Vintage Gold Double Chain CC Medallion Waist Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Hallmark: CHANEL Made in France 1984 collection Gold Plated The belt is in good condition showing minimal wear Measurements approx.: chain length 35” Comes with box IMPORTA...
$995Sale Price|21% Off
Chanel Allure Homme Huge Glass Factice Display Bottle
By Chanel
Located in University City, MO
Chanel Allure Homme huge glass factice display bottle The large glass collectible dummy display bottle makes a very unique decorative collectible The...
CHANEL bright coral 14K CLASSIC MEDIUM FLAP VELVET Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Medium Classic Double Flap shoulder bag in coral is crafted from luxurious quilted crushed velvet, offering a rich texture and vibrant, elegant color. The ...
Chanel 2018 Framed Denim Medium Classic Flap Bag SHW 67966
By Chanel
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Store item: 67966 Chanel 2018 Framed Denim Medium Classic Flap Bag SHW is a whimsical yet chic Chanel classic with a tweed frame trim, double woven chain strap and blue lambskin inte...
Chanel Low heel two colour slingback size 39
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
A chic pair of Chanel low heeled slingback shoes. The shoes are in a light caramel colour leather with black fabric toe. Leather lined and sole. heel height 1 '' Made in Italy Size ...
Chanel Satin Evening Bag Black
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel vintage bag is in black satin, with gilt hardware, a single top handle and lining in satin. Comes with the original box.
A 1988 Iconic Chanel Matelasse Cream Lamb Skin Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This authentic vintage Chanel Matelassé shoulder bag is a stunning example of timeless luxury, crafted in Italy from incredibly soft cream lambskin leather, the front features an ele...
Chanel Beige Vintage Cashmere Cardigan Sweater
By Chanel
Located in Oakland, CA
Vintage Chanel cashmere cardigan sweater with goldtone CC logo buttons on the front and on the working cuffs. There is one additional button sewn inside in case one gets lost. There ...
CHANEL black leather 23P PICK ME UP TOP HANDLE VANITY Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Pick Me Up Vanity Case bag in black quilted lambskin leather. Crafted from supple, smooth lambskin with the house’s signature diamond quilting, it features an e...
CHANEL mustard yellow viscose 22P LUREX JERSEY KNIT Dress 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel dress in mustard and gold lurex rib-knit in viscose (90%) and metallised polyester (10%). This luxury Chanel dress features a fluid fit-and-flare silhouette ext...
CHANEL 2020 Fashion Therapy Quilted Lambskin small gold hardware bowling bag
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 2020 Fashion Therapy Quilted Lambskin small gold hardware bowling bag Reference: KYCG/A00258 Brand: Chanel Designer: Virginie Viard Model: Fashion Therapy Bowling Bag Collecti...
Chanel Red & White Flat Thong Sandals, Interlocking CC Logo in Original Box
By Chanel
Located in valatie, NY
Chanel Red and White Flat Thong Mule Sandals with Interlocking Silver CC Logo in Original Box. Chanel red and white flat thong mule sandals are a great seasonal fashion statement. Th...
CHANEL navy blue cotton 19C LA PAUSA TERRY CROP Cardigan Sweater 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel cropped cardigan in navy blue terrycloth in cotton (83%) and polyamide (17%). This luxury Chanel cardigan features a cropped silhouette with a relaxed, sporty e...
CHANEL Vintage Black Leather Gold CC Logo Chain Belt/Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
Vintage Chanel CC Coin Logo Leather Chain belt which can also be styled as a necklace 100% authentic Made in France Gold-Plated, leather Clasp closure Very good condition overall asi...
Chanel Fall 2008 Purple Silk Taffeta Babydoll Swing Coat with Bow
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fabulously dramatic never-worn Chanel Pre-Fall 2008 opera coat in deep purple silk taffeta as seen on the runway. Classic 1960's style babydoll swing jacket silhouette with a rounded...
CHANEL black cashmere 21K CHUNKY KNIT BEANIE Hat OS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel beanie in black chunky knit cashmere (100%). Crafted from luxuriously soft, insulating cashmere, it features a rich, textured knit that adds depth and warmth wh...
CHANEL black cotton 22P PEARL CC Baseball Cap Hat 56 - 58
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel baseball cap in black canvas cotton (100%). Crafted from structured cotton canvas, it features a classic six-panel silhouett...
CHANEL black cotton 14S TEXTURED JACQUARD KNIT Top Shirt 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel top in black jacquard knit crafted from cotton (51%), viscose (35%) and polyamide (14%), offering a softly structured texture with subtle stretch. Designed in a...
Chanel Vintage 2000s Black Petal Textured Swim Cover-Up Dress, Cruise 2009
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chanel vintage 2000s black sleeveless dress with tiers of petal shaped fabric at front. From the Cruise 2009 collection. Metal CC logo at back top. This piece was intended as a swi...
Long black organza shirt with silk-chiffon jabot and bow CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long black organza shirt with jabot and bow ; Branded button and buttonhole closure on the middle front and on the cuffs. Elastic band on the bottom edge . SIZE 44 / L
CHANEL 1990 Foldover Diamond Quilted dark grey lambskin mini bucket bag
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 1990 Foldover Diamond Quilted dark grey lambskin mini bucket bag Reference: TGAS/G00293 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Model: Foldover Bucket Bag Collection: 1990 Mate...
CHANEL black cotton 13C VERSAILLES BRAID TRIM TWEED Coat Jacket 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel coat in tweed, an elegant, structured silhouette finished with the house's signature textural trims. Crafted from luxury cotton (100%), this Chanel coat is cut...
CHANEL beige & black suede & grosgrain REV Slingbacks Shoes 39
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel blockheel slingback in beige suede leather with contrasting black grosgrain cap toes and subtle CC detail at the heel. Refined almond-toe silhouette paired with...
$675Sale Price|22% Off
Chanel Cashmere Blue & Green Gilt Metal Logo Button Cardigan circa 1990
By Chanel
Located in University City, MO
Chanel Luxurious cashmere blue & green gilt logo button cardigan c. 1990 The stylish Chanel cardigan is constructed with plush double-ply cashmere The cashmere cardigan is designed with a combination of dark hunter green cashmere juxtaposed with dark blue cashmere in the lower mid-section with contrasting triangular inverted geometric designs Adorned with five gilt metal Chanel buttons inscribed with her iconic C.C. initials stamped on quilted handbag motifs. The front opening, cuffs and hemline are distinguished with dark green cashmere trim The elegant Chanel cashmere cardigan makes a luxurious garment that is chic and timeless Labeled: Chanel 100% Cashmere Made in Scotland Size Small Refer to enclosed measurements The length from the top center back neckline to the hem = 19 inches The length from the shoulder to the hemline measures 19 inches The underarm bust section measured flat side to side = 17 inches The complete bust buttoned measures 34 inches The shoulders measure 19 inches seam to seam The outer sleeve length measures 21 inches with folded cuff...
A 2003 Chanel New Travel Line Beige Nylon and Brown Leather Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This incredibly chic vintage Chanel New Travel Line tote bag perfectly combines Parisian luxury with a sporty, functional design. Crafted in Italy, it features a durable, lightweight...
CHANEL black leather 2011 CHIC KNOT Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Chic Knot clutch in black lambskin leather intricately interwoven with knotted straps creating a richly textured, quilted effect. Designed in a softly structure...
Chanel Spring 1991 Collection 25 Pink Tweed Blazer Jacket
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Incredible, documented Chanel pink tweed jacket from the Spring 1991 or number 25 collection. As seen on the runway and on Cindy Crawford on the cover of Vogue. In excellent vintage...
Vintage Chanel 2000s Black Patent Leather CC Logo Quilted Wristlet Micro Clutch
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage Chanel black patent leather mini wristlet purse from the 2003/2004 collection. A very rare model. Bag has square quilting throughout with CC logos, large CC logo at top. Dang...
Chanel Bottines Daim Noir EU38.5 Quilted Black Suede CC Ankle Boots UK5.5 US8
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Black suede Chanel boots featuring a quilted leather pattern on the upper shaft and a smooth leather round toe; leather-covered hexagonal heel bearing the Chanel logo; leather lining...
CHANEL olive green leather 19 WEST EAST SHOPPING Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 19 shopping tote in olive green quilted lambskin leather, designed in a refined, softly structured silhouette distinguished by its signature oversized diamond q...
CHANEL Runway 25 Small light blue washed denim gold hardware bucket hobo bag
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL Runway 25 Small light blue washed denim gold hardware bucket hobo bag Reference: KYCG/A00256 Brand: Chanel Designer: Virginie Viard Model: 25 Small Collection: Runway Material...
$3,859Sale Price|25% Off
CHANEL Long Boy in Petrol Green Quilted Leather with Logo on the Back
By Chanel
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Iconic Chanel Boy Bag in Large version, made of petrol green quilted leather with decorative exposed stitching and ruthenium hardware. The model is embellished with the rare embosse...
Late 1990s Excellent Condition Chanel Smooth Black Leather Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This authentic Chanel tote bag is crafted from smooth, supple black leather, offering a minimalist and highly versatile aesthetic for daily use. The front is detailed with a subtle l...
Chanel "Dream India" coat by Karl Lagerfeld, Métiers d'Art Autumn 2012
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - "Dream India" Collection, Métiers d'art ready-to-wear Pre-Fall 2012, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Long gray wool coat embroidered with small wool and sil...
CHANEL iridescent green patent 2.55 REISSUE 226 DOUBLE WIDE FLAP Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 2.55 Reissue 226 Large flap bag in iridescent bottle green quilted patent leather, crafted in the iconic structured silhouette with a luminous finish that shift...
$225Sale Price|50% Off
Vintage Chanel CC Interlocking Black Large Side Logo Grey Lens Sunglasses
By Chanel
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Vintage Chanel Millennium Black Rhinestone CC Logo Sunglasses Step into timeless elegance with these Vintage Chanel Millennium Sunglasses, a rare collector’s piece from the early 20...
Chanel 2011 Runway Pleated Silk Camellia Dress by Karl Lagerfeld
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Rubiera, RE
An archival piece from the Chanel Spring/Summer 2011 Runway Collection (Look 48), designed by Karl Lagerfeld. This sleeveless midi dress is crafted from premium, structured silk with...
CHANEL navy blue cotton 19C LA PAUSA TERRY CROPPED Cardigan Jacket 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel cropped cardigan in navy blue terrycloth in cotton (83%) and polyamide (17%). This luxury Chanel cardigan features a cropped silhouette with a relaxed, sporty e...