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 1998 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 Product Details Brand: Chanel Model: Medium Classic Double Flap Bag Product Title: Black Quilted Lambskin Vintag...
CHANEL black 18B COCO NEIGE DOWN PUFFER Jacket 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel puffer jacket is crafted in black velvet cotton (44%), polyester (24%), polyether (18%), and polyamide (14%) for a soft yet structured finish. It features ...
CHANEL blue 2018 ORYLAG FUR Mini Flap Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Mini Flap bag in midnight blue and black chevron patchwork Orylag rabbit fur, exquisitely crafted in a softly structured, plush silhouette that highlights the r...
Valentino Rare Runway Jeweled Hand Beaded Silk Chiffon Dress Gown Hard to find
By Chanel, Valentino Garavani
Located in Los Angeles, CA
From the 20th - 21st century the exquisite fashion of Valentino Garavani was embraced by society and fashionistas over the world. When he retired in 2008 his brand of elegance, exqu...
CHANEL black cashmere 96A FOUR POCKET OFFICIER Jacket S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel jacket is crafted in black cashmere (100%) and tailored to a refined, fitted silhouette with an elongated length. It features a stand collar and four front...
CHANEL black acetate 1990s ICONIC OVAL Sunglasses
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel 1990s iconic chunky oval sunglasses feature a sleek black acetate frame finished with bold gold-tone CC logos on the temples. The sculptural, oversized si...
Black silk chiffon skirt with lays CHANEL 2000
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black silk chiffon skirt with lays. Invisible Zip closure on the left side + hook&eye. SIZE 36 (Fr) S
CHANEL Vintage Black Leather Gold Chain Link CC Coin "CHANEL" ID Tag Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
Vintage Interlocking gold CC Logo Chain-Link leather belt which can also be styled as a necklace 100% authentic Made in France Gold-Plated, leather Clasp closure Measurements approx....
2015 Chanel Paris Dubai perforated metallic leather Shoulder bag
By Chanel
Located in Capri, IT
Chanel, Limited Edition from the Resort 2015 Paris - Dubai collection. Classique PM bag in perforated metallic leather and embellished with rhinestone eyelets. This Chanel flap bag f...
CHANEL navy blue cotton 2014 14A DALLAS DOUBLE BREASTED TWEED Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel tweed jacket is crafted in a rich blend of navy blue, light blue, and gray cotton (84%), wool (10%), and nylon (6%). The design showcases a sophisticated d...
Vintage "CHANEL" ID Logo Chunky Gold Chain Statement Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
Vintage chunky gold CHANEL name plate Chain-Link belt which can also be styled as a collar necklace 100% authentic Made in France Gold Plated Clasp closure Measurements approx.: chai...
Chanel Black Quilted Classic Jumbo Double Flap Bag With Gold-Tone Hardware
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Chanel Black Quilted Classic Jumbo Double Flap Bag with Gold-Tone Hardware, circa the 2000s, is an iconic luxury accessory that embodies timeless elegance and sophisticated craftsman...
CHANEL black Caviar leather BOY CREDIT CARD Wallet Holder
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Boy credit card wallet is crafted from black matelassé caviar leather, known for its luxurious texture and durability. Featuring signature Boy-style silver...
Chanel F/W 1989 Black Sequin Gold Buttons Evening Top
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Chanel Fall 1989 black sequin top, a rare and highly collectible piece from Karl Lagerfeld’s late-1980s Chanel era. This documented design was modeled on the runway by Cristina Cord...
2014 Chanel Fucsia lambskin timeless 2.55 handle shoulder bag
By Chanel
Located in Capri, IT
2014 Chanel Fucsia lambskin timeless 2.55 handle shoulder bag worked as a classic metalassè CC Silver hardware Still with card and original dust bag
CHANEL 2019 Runway pastel peach multi color speckle tweed lace dress FR36 XS
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 2019 Runway pastel peach multi color speckle tweed lace dress FR36 XS Reference: LACG/A00549 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Model: P61312 Collection: Spring Summer 201...
Chanel Coco Cocoon Nylon Backpack
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Coolest Chanel Coco Cocoon nylon backpack. Comes with authenticity card. Made from black, squishy quilted nylon with black leather trim, flat top handle, dual adjustable shoulder st...
CHANEL black grained leather REV DAD Sandals Shoes 38.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel Dad sandals are crafted in black grained calfskin leather and feature a distinctive, laid-back silhouette. Two velcro straps across the front are adorned ...
Chanel Turquoise Leather Tote – Sculptural CC Logo in Layered Leather Petals
By Chanel, Chanel Boutique
Located in PARIS, FR
Vintage Chanel Turquoise Leather Tote – Sculptural CC Logo in Layered Leather Petals Description: A rare and bold piece, this vintage Chanel tote stands out with its vibrant turquo...
Vintage Chanel Black Lambskin Series 1 ultra Mini Flap bag with gold hardware
By Chanel
Located in Sewickley, PA
Very Rare Ultra Mini Black lambskin chanel single flap crossbody. 5.25" wide 3.5" high 2" depth Quilted lambskin Classic CC turnlock logo Chain strap for crossbody or shoulder we...
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 pink cotton 20S OVERSIZED CHUNKY KNIT Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel knit jacket in white, black and pink chunky knit cotton (87%), polyamide (9%) and cashmere (4%). Features an effortless, oversized silhouette with relaxed dropp...
Chanel belt by Karl Lagerfeld circa 1980
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1980 under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal belt interlaced with green leather, ending with a pompom. Made in France...
CHANEL white cotton 24S SEQUIN PLAID TWEED Jacket 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel white tweed jacket crafted in a refined blend of polyamide (51%), cotton (31%), polyester (11%) and viscose (7%), intricately woven with multicolour sequins tha...
Chanel Pre-Fall 2013 Metiers D’Art ‘Paris-Edinburgh’ Tartan Jacket
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Utterly incredible archival jacket from the legendary Chanel Pre-Fall 2013 Metiers D’Art ‘Paris-Edinburgh’ collection. Unworn. Made from the highest quality Scottish cashmere mix tar...
1988 Chanel Red, Green, Yellow, and Blue Floral Scarf
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Striking Chanel cotton scarf featuring colourful camellia flowers in red, yellow, blue and green against a black and white geometric pattern. Finis...
CHANEL white grey black suede 24S LOW TOP Sneakers Shoes 38
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel low-top sneakers in cream suede offer a refined take on everyday luxury. Accented with light grey and black suede trims, they feature rounded toes for a ti...
Chanel New Havana Cuba Scarf White Blue
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel Havana Cuba Scarf in White and Blue. The bold design features blue writing on a white background. Brand new in unused condition.
CHANEL pink wool 22A FLORENCE BRAID TRIM TWEED Coat Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel coat in pink tweed wool (72%) and silk (28%), crafted in a richly textured weave that embodies the house’s signature elegance. Designed in a fitted, tailored si...
Chanel Vintage F/W 1995 Black White Popcorn Snowflake Tweed 95A Jacket
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Rare collectible “popcorn” tweed jacket from the Chanel Fall 1995 collection, one of Karl Lagerfeld’s most memorable and sought-after seasons for the ...
CHANEL black quilted leather 16K 2.55 REISSUE MINI HANGER FLAP Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 2.55 Reissue Hanger Flap Mini shoulder bag in black quilted aged calfskin leather. This rare runway iteration reimagines the house’s iconic silhouette with a st...
Chanel Pre-Fall 2009 'Paris-Moscow' Dogtooth Jacket
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Utterly incredible archival Chanel jacket from the Pre-Fall 2009 Metiers D’Art ‘Paris-Moscow’ collection. Unworn and comes with fabric swatch and spare button. I have the matching dr...
Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Jumbo Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Jumbo Single Flap Bag SKU: 156943 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: No house has shaped the fashion landscape quite like Chane...
$1,481Sale Price|25% Off
CHANEL black/white silk satin dress FR 40 Fall 2001 01A
By Chanel
Located in Rubiera, RE
CHANEL Fall 2001 Elegant dress in black and white silk satin with drapery on the neckline. Short sleeves. Side pockets. Zip closure on the back. size FR 40 Made in France 100% silk ...
Late 1990's Chanel Classic Ballet Flat in White Kid Leather & Black Grosgrain
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Late 1990's Chanel classic ballet flat in white kid leather & black grosgrain. In good vintage condition. Interior clean and fresh, some wear to the soles with a metal heel plate add...
CHANEL black quilted leather 23C MONTE CARLOHEART Loafers Shoes 39
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel loafers in black quilted lambskin leather. Feature decorative gold-tone CC heart turnlock on the front and chunky sole with block heel. Have been worn and are i...
$1,297Sale Price|50% Off
Chanel 1980s Red Leather Gold Chain Vintage Belt Or Necklace by Karl Lagerfeld
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic, rare and collectible 1980s Chanel, by Karl Lagerfeld, red leather and gilded gold chain belt OR necklace ! Can be worn dressed up or down. Pair with jeans and a white tank, or...
CHANEL cream wool 23B WAFFLED TWEED Blazer Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel blazer in cream a chunky woven tweed giving a waffle like look wool (45%), polyamide (31%), viscose (19%) and cashmere 5%). Features a refined, fitted silhouett...
Chanel Pre-Fall 2009 'Paris-Moscow' Dogtooth Dress
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Utterly incredible archival Chanel dress from the Pre-Fall 2009 Metiers D’Art ‘Paris-Moscow’ collection. Unworn. I have the matching jacket listed also. It has a cream silk top with ...
CHANEL pink orange yellow gradient leather 24C LOS ANGELES WEDGE Pumps Shoes 41
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel slingbacks in a stunning yellow-to-pink gradient laminated calfskin leather bring a vibrant twist to a timeless silhouette. Designed with rounded toes and...
CHANEL burgundy & black leather 2020 REVERSIBLE Belt 75
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel reversible belt in black and burgundy leather offers versatile elegance. Featuring a matte silver-tone CC buckle, thi...
CHANEL pink alpaca 22A FLORENCE STRIPED KNIT Midi Skirt 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel skirt is crafted in pink, red, navy blue, purple, coral, and cream striped knit composed of alpaca (45%), silk (19%), polyamide (16%), wool (11%), lyocell ...
Chanel Limited Edition Black Lucite Crystal Rocket Bag FW 2017 Unisex
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
- Limited Edition - Chanel FW 2017 Runway piece - Black lucite and crystal rocket ship - Silver hardware - Tonal lucite lined interior - Shoulder Strap Drop Max: 24cm - Condition: Ex...
CHANEL black leather 2022 22C DUBAI BEECHWOOD VANITY Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Small Vanity bag in beige beechwood with black leather trims and antique gold-tone hardware. Rare limited edition. Opens with a logo clasp closure and is lined ...
CHANEL white raffia 23S CRYSTAL CC SLIDE Sandals Shoes 38.5 G40083
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel slides are crafted in white woven raffia and adorned with a sparkling crystal CC logo across the front. Featuring rounded toes and smooth leather soles, t...
Chanel Chain Trim Leather Shearling Lined Ankle Boots
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Amazing Chanel chain trim ankle boots. Worn twice and come with dustbag. Made from black leather with snug shearling linings and crepe soles. They have silvertone trims around the ba...
CHANEL black leather CAMELLIA CHOCOLATE BAR MINI FLAP Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Camellia Chocolate Bar Mini Flap Bag is crafted from luxurious black leather and features the iconic "chocolate bar" quilted pattern. A delicate camellia f...
CHANEL black leather 18P G33701 Pumps Shoes 41.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel classic pumps in black leather embody timeless elegance. They feature a high stiletto heel adorned with a gold-tone CC detail and rounded toes, making the...
Chanel Vintage Beige Leather Chevron Quilted Kiss Lock Chain Bag
By Chanel
Located in Oakland, CA
This is a vintage Chevron quilted Chanel leather bag which measures approximately 9.75 inches long, 7 inches in height, and 2.5 inches in width, with a 6.75-inch strap drop. There in...
A Rare 2000s Black Caviar Leather and Bakelite Top Handle Bag By Chanel
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a highly Rare and Vintage Chanel Top Handle Bag from the late 1990s to early 2000s, confirmed by its distinctive design and serial code. This structured top-handle bag is cra...
Chanel Vintage 2010 Cruise 10C Gold Foil Knit Short Dress FR38/UK10
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Absolutely incredible archival Chanel dress from the Cruise 10C collection which Karl Lagerfeld described as “Coco on the Lido”. Look 22 on the catwalk. In amazing unworn condition a...
CHANEL black silk 22C DUBAI BRAID TRIM CROPPED CREPE Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jacket in black crepe, a tailored staple finished with the house's signature graphic contrast. Crafted from luxury silk (100%), this Chanel jacket is cut in a b...
Chanel Vintage S/S 1995 Barbie Black White CC 95P Belt Linen Jumpsuit
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Chanel Spring/Summer 1995 black and white linen jumpsuit, an iconic piece from Karl Lagerfeld’s highly collectible “Barbie” collection for Chanel. This striking jumpsuit closed the S...
Chanel Chic Quilt Flap Large Black Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Chic Quilt Flap Large Black Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD This preloved item is i...
Chanel Paris-Edinburgh Black Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel Paris-Edinburgh flap bag in black features aged calfskin with a gunmetal chain and leather woven shoulder straps, exterior slot pocket at front, woven interior lining, in...
CHANEL pink 2018 18S RIBBON DETAILED KNIT TWEED CLASSIC MINI FLAP Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Classic Mini flap bag is crafted from pale pink and silver lurex knit tweed with ribbon detailing in fuchsia, coral, and white. It features a silver-tone d...
CHANEL navy blue cotton 17P FRINGE TRIM TWEED MINI Dress 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel dress in navy blue gauze tweed wool (38%), cotton (27%), nylon (17%), viscose (17%) and polyester (1%), intricately embroidered in a grid pattern in white, blue...
CHANEL black wool 2016 16A ROME RIBBON TRIM LONG TWEE Jacket 42 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel little black tweed long jacket is crafted from black wool (100%) and features a collarless, long silhouette with a boxy fit. The design includes the classi...
Chanel Dark Brown Timeless Classic Jumbo Shoulder Bag 30 cm
By Chanel
Located in Rome, Rome
Indulge in the ultimate in luxury with the Chanel 'Timeless Classic - Jumbo' Quilted Double Flap Bag, a truly exquisite piece from the 2018-2019 collection. Originally introduced as ...
Chanel coat by Karl Lagerfeld Winter 1984-1985
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - Collection circa late 1980s, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Trench style coat entirely embroidered with black and silver sequins. Size and composition label...