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 2010s Women's Business Affinity Backpack in Blue Caviar Leather
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Stunning, super rare Chanel Business Affinity Backpack - new with authenticity card, dustbag and protective coverings on some of the hardware. Made f...
CHANEL pink cord 22C DUBAI ROPE Shoes 38
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel pink cord sandals exude elegance, combining comfort, style, and sophistication. Featuring a chic beige gold-tone chain detail along the sole, these sandal...
Vintage Oversized CHANEL NO.5 PERFUME Print Multicolour Cashmere Scarf Shawl
By Chanel
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Oversized CHANEL NO.5 PERFUME Print Multicolour Cashmere Scarf Shawl Features: - 100% Authentic CHANEL. - Oversized and multicoloured scarf/ shawl with CHANEL NO.5 perfume p...
Silk chiffon kaki cocktail dress wrapped and pleated with belt Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silk chiffon kaki cocktail dress wrapped and pleated with belt. One gold metal button ( with clover on) in the middle top front and 2 on each cuffs. Snap to close the dress in the m...
CHANEL dark grey cotton 2003 03A RIB-KNIT TRIM DENIM Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel denim jacket in dark grey cotton (80%), polyester (18%) and elastane (2%). Features a high rib-knit collar and long cuffs in wool-angora blend, two buttoned fla...
CHANEL Chic and Soft Black Quilted Lambskin Silver Hardware Shopping Tote
By Chanel
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of use: corner wear, chain wear, scratches on hardware, clean interior and exterior. Accessories: No Accessories size: Width:33cm,height:20cm Designer:CHAN...
CHANEL cream, pink & grey 2004 TWEED SMALL FLAP Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 2004 small flap bag in cream, grey and dusty pink tweed with large dark silver CC logo and interlocking clasp featuring classic chain and beige leather shoulder...
CHANEL black cashmere FLOWER EMBELLISHED KNIT TURTLENECK Shirt 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel short sleeve top in black cashmere (100%). Embellished with pearl fringes and black flowers. Features a turtleneck and opens with eight 'CC' buttons on the back...
Chanel Vintage Ivory Lambskin Crossbody Bag with Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This vintage Chanel crossbody is crafted in soft, supple ivory lambskin, offering a smooth, luxurious texture that holds its shape while inviting touch. Its compact silhouette balanc...
Chanel Timeless bag by Karl Lagerfeld Pre Fall 2010
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2010 Pre Fall Paris-Shangai Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Black wool classic bag enhanced with rhinestoned cc logos, and a silvery metal chain h...
Vintage Runway CHANEL Byzantine Multi Cabochon Cross Belt
By Chanel
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Runway CHANEL Byzantine Multi Cabochon Cross Belt Measurements: Cross Height: 3.50 inches (8.9 cm) Cross Width: 3.50 inches (8.9 cm) Flowers Height...
Early 2000's Chanel Navy and Red V-Neck Cashmere Cardigan
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Early 2000's Chanel navy and red V-neck cashmere cardigan with black resin buttons featuring gold CC logo. Long considered the most classic version of the cardigan, this cozy cashmer...
Chanel Spring 2005 Runway Black Bouclé Cropped Tuxedo Jacket FR 36
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Documented Chanel Spring/Summer 2005 runway cropped tuxedo jacket designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Tailored in richly textured black bouclé with dramatic oversized silk satin peak lapels...
Chanel Iridescent Gold Titanium Weightless Half-Frame Reading Glasses
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel wonderfully elegant iridescent gold titanium weightless half-frame reading glasses are accented with a single signature "CC" logo tangling ...
Chanel Boating Python Large Classic Shopper Zippered Expandable Tote
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Boating Python Large Classic Shopper Zippered Expandable Tote Year: 2010 Medium zip around boating tote Silver hardware Rubberized CC logo Glazed ...
Chanel Black Mesh Chain Mail Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Chain Mail Medium Hobo Bag has a day and night slouchy design with a silver mesh strap. Shoulder drop 9". Collection 12. Comes with hologram and ori...
Chanel Brilliant Cells Tote, 2000s France
By Chanel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking balance of edge and elegance, this black Chanel quilted tote/shoulder bag is crafted from caviar leather with the house’s signature diamond quilting. The supple, slouchy s...
2002 Chanel dark brown caviar leather Around Bowler shoulder bag
By Chanel
Located in Capri, IT
2002 Chanel dark brown caviar leather Around Bowler shoulder bag with silver tone hardware Measurements (Approx.) 30 * 23 * 14 cm
CHANEL ivory cashmere 2018 18B POMPOM TRIM FAUX TWINSET Sweater 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Fall/Winter 2018 faux twinset in ivory cashmere (100%). Features a pompom trim, two buttoned sewn shut patch pockets on the front and long sleeves. Has three fa...
CHANEL Signature Monochrome Cream Black Playsuit Mini Jumpsuit Overall 38
By Chanel
Located in Switzerland, CH
A beautiful CHANEL signature item that will last you for many years CHANEL's signature Monochrome design combining creamy white & black - a timeless classic One-piece Strapless s...
Chanel dress Haute Couture
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Strap dress made of pink silk muslin crepe. 1981 Spring-Summer Collection. No size nor composition label, it fits a 36FR. Piece sold with a certificate of c...
Chanel 2005 Vintage Soft Distressed Leather Diamond Quilted Classic Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 2005 Vintage Soft Distressed Leather Bubble Diamond Quilted Classic Flap Bag 2005 {Vintage 19 Years} Silver hardware Classic interwoven chain Embossed oval leather plaque wit...
$390Sale Price|25% Off
CHANEL 100% silk red blue lion statue palm trees big square scarf
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 100% silk red blue lion statue palm trees big square scarf Reference: AAWC/A00938 Brand: Chanel Material: Silk Color: Red, Blue Pattern: Abstract Extra Details: Abstract lion ...
Rare Chanel F/W 1995 museum popcorn tweed Dalmatians Monica Bellucci jacket
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Chanel Fall Winter 1995 runway museum popcorn tweed jacket, inspired by the Dalmatians movie, as seen on Monica Bellucci for the cover of Vogue Magazine Spain in 1995 photograph...
CHANEL orange yellow multi cotton 2017 OVERSIZED Cardigan Sweater 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Spring/Summer 2017 oversized knit cardigan in orange, yellow and black cotton (50%), polyester (45%) and nylon (5%). Features long sleeves and opns with one gol...
Chanel Suede Kidskin High Boots with 30mm Mirror Heel
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
Chanel Pre-Fall Winter 2013 Size 39.5 Very good condition. No original packaging.
Chanel New Grey Cashmere Shawl With Logo
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel shawl is in new grey with fringe trim and 100% cashmere. It has tone sur tone cc logo pattern throughout the fabric.
Chanel Diamond Quilted Nylon & Leather 'CC' Trolley Luggage
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Diamond Quilted Nylon & Leather 'CC' Trolley Luggage From the 2005/2006 collection is this carry-on trolley bag crafted from grey quilted nylon with tonal leather trim an...
Chanel S/S 1995 Pink Quilted Bikini Set
By Chanel
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exceptionally rare archival swim set from Chanel’s Spring/Summer 1995 collection, embodying the playful yet sharply recognizable visual codes that defined Karl Lagerfeld’s mid-199...
CHANEL 21B pink wool alpaca blend ruffle capelet sweater FR34 XS
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 21B pink wool alpaca blend ruffle capelet sweater FR34 XS Reference: TGAS/F00969 Brand: Chanel Designer: Virginie Viard Collection: 21B Material: Wool, Alpaca, Blend Color: Pi...
Chanel 90s Lipstick Red Cashmere Cardigan
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Indulge in luxury with the Chanel 90s Red Cashmere Cardigan. This thick cashmere button-up cardigan boasts a collar, two central pockets, and a plethora of shiny yellow gold-tone but...
Chanel Spring 1997 Vintage Black Double-Breasted CC Button Midi Skirt
By Chanel
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
An exceptional vintage Chanel black skirt from the Spring/Summer 1997 collection, designed during Karl Lagerfeld’s celebrated tenure at the house. This striking piece combines the r...
CHANEL 05P Runway cream crochet knit black silk trim cardigan coat FR38 M
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 05P Runway cream crochet knit black silk trim cardigan coat FR38 M Reference: GIYG/A00346 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 05P - Runway Material: Polyamide, ...
Chanel Top Handle Bag Vintage RARE
By Chanel
Located in Roosendaal, NL
From the collection of SAVINETI we offer this Chanel Top Handle Bag: - Brand: Chanel - Model: Top Handle Bag - Color: Pink/ Peach - Year: 1994-1996 - Serial number: 32...
Chanel Cloth Espadrilles - Size 38
By Chanel
Located in Dallas, TX
Chanel Cloth Espadrilles - Size 38 A timeless expression of effortless French luxury, these Chanel cloth espadrilles are a coveted staple from the house’s iconic summer footwear lin...
$2,720Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel Vintage Square Wallet on Chain Black Silk Gold Hardware Crossbody Bag
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
This one-of-a-kind Chanel Classic Flap Vintage bag in black silk with 24k Gold hardware is sure to grab attention in a crowd! CONDITION: VERY GOOD ORIGINAL CONDITION This preloved...
$773Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel Resort 2015 Paper/Cotton/Silk Knit Flared Skirt
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Adorable Chanel skirt from the Resort 2015 collection. Worn once. Made from an unusual blend of paper, cotton and silk, it has a beautifully textured knit in graduated camel and blac...
2004 Chanel 04P Lace Skirt
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Chanel 04P lace skirt Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Collection: Chanel 2004 spring / summer Country of production: France size 34 the condition is excellent, but there are two nuances...
Chanel Contemporary Black Quilted Leather Chain Around Top Handle Bag
By Chanel
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Signs of normal wear. Wear on four corners, chain and handle, with minor scratches. Size Width: 28cm, Height: 17cm Designer Chanel Model Chain Around Top Handle Boy Exter...
$1,448Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel Grey Lambskin Chocolate Bar Silver Toned Hardware Handle Bag
By Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Chanel grey lambskin chocolate bar handle bag from 1997 to 1999 collection. - Silver toned metal hardware handle. - Two compartments. - "Chanel" zip closure. - Length: 27cm...
Chanel basket bag Spring-Summer 1994
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Rattan basket bag with a golden metal chain fishnet interlaced with black lamb leather. Double chain handle with a matching interlacing. Red canvas lining p...
Chanel Grey Quilted Calfskin In The Mix Backpack
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Grey Quilted Calfskin In The Mix Backpack SKU: 152948 MSRP: 3800.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Fair Condition Comments: Item is in fair condit...
CHANEL 1996 Vintage washed denim logo tab patch pocket cropped denim jacket
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 1996 Vintage washed indigo denim logo tab patch pocket cropped denim jacket Reference: LNKO/A02630 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: Spring Summer 1996 Materi...
1960s Chanel Haute Couture Copper Tweed Jacket and Dress Ensemble
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Chanel Haute Couture jacket and dress ensemble from the 1960s. A beautiful combination of tweed in shades of copper and copper coloured sil...
Chanel Vintage Vertical Quilted Mademoiselle Small Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage Chanel Vertical Quilted Mademoiselle Flap Bag in cognac suede with gold-tone hardware and leather-woven chain strap. Rare Series 3 vintage piece from the early 1990s featurin...
Vintage CHANEL Monogram Logo CC FLORAL White Blue Jacket Sport Coat Bomber
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Vintage CHANEL Monogram Logo CC FLORAL White Blue Jacket Sport Coat Bomber Hoodie. Size 38. Made in Italy. Chanel CC logo in the front and on the ...
CHANEL 1997 CC Logos Double Chain Belt Vintage Very Rare
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
CHANEL 1997 CC Logos Double Chain Belt Vintage Very Rare A very very rare and highly sought after vintage CHANEL 1997 CC logos Couture, a Catwalk unique belt in very good condition. Double gold tone flat chain links with 5 interlaced CC logo (2.5 x 2 cm) finished and with a large interlaced CC logo (6.5 x 5 cm) with double hooks fastening with Chanel signature. This is a fixed length belt. The gold hardware is in amazing condition. Styled with a Chanel vintage tweed skirt and with a Chanel shirt for sale separately - see our other listings. A unique piece a 'Must-Have' Chanel belt. Length from hook rings...
Chanel Silver Python Leather & Black Metallic Goatskin Leather Medium Le Boy
By Chanel
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
This Chanel Medium Le Boy bag exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship with its metallic python leather exterior and black goatskin leather trim. The Ruthenium hardware adds a lovely fi...
Chanel F/W 1994 runway red and black fantasy Tweed & alpaca jacket by Lagerfeld
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Chanel Fall Winter 1994 runway red and black fantasy tweed and alpaca fur jacket by Karl Lagerfeld. No size tag it can fit 34 FR up to 38/40 FR (US 0 up to US 4/6) pristine cond...
Chanel cape 'Chalet Gardenia' by Karl Lagerfeld Winter 2019
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2019 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear "Chalet Gardenia" Collection, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Black tweed cape with a bow fastening made of a black satin rib...
1960s Chanel Haute Couture Magenta and Green Dress and Jacket Ensemble
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Absolutely stunning and vibrant magenta and green tweed Chanel Haute Couture dress and jacket ensemble from the 1960s. The collarless open jacket has a magenta silk scarf detail wove...
Chanel Classic Flap Rectangular Mini Tan Brown Caviar Leather
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Classic Flap Rectangular Mini Tan Brown Caviar Leather These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD CONDITION This previously owned...
$1,383Sale Price|74% Off
Chanel Ivory Jersey Evening Bag with Mirrored Pyramid Studs Ice Cube
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
This genuine Chanel Ivory Mirrored Fabric Evening Bag is in excellent condition. The combination of silver mirrored embellishment and winter white jersey is striking and distinctive ...
Chanel Cream Caviar Leather Vintage Braided Mini Trapeze Classic Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Cream Caviar Leather Vintage Braided Mini Trapeze Classic Single Flap Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1031 Brand: Chanel Model: Braided Mini Trapeze Classic Single Flap Bag ...
Chanel Women's Fall 2020 Velvet Jacket with Silk Panels, Size FR36/UK8
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Sporty chic Chanel velvet jacket from the Fall 2020 20K collection. As seen in the Ad Campaign and Look 40 on the runway. Made from jet black viscose and silk velvet with cream cotto...
Chanel 19 Bag 2021 Small Pink Shearling Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel 19 Bag 2021 Small Pink Shearling Flap Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. This 2021 Chanel 19 small pink shearling flap bag is your cutes...
A RUNWAY PROTOTYPE of a CHANEL Jumbo denim bag with CHANEL Icons 2007-2008A
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Stuttgart, DE
A totally unusual and unique Chanel bag made of black denim, adorned with many Chanel Icons and jewels from Chanel. It is a prototype Autumn 2007-2008 and was only produced once. IT...
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Embellished Lime Green Velvet Dress and Jacket, ss 1997
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
▪ Archival Chanel Evening Ensemble ▪ Creative Director: Karl Lagerfeld ▪ Spring-Summer 1997 ▪ Exquisitely crafted from plush lime green velvet, adorned with clear sequins ▪ Maxi d...
CHANEL black 100% silk sheer striped chiffon puff sleeve blouse FR36 S
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL black 100% silk sheer striped chiffon bateau neck puff sleeve blouse FR36 S Reference: AEMA/A00167 Brand: Chanel Collection: Circa 2000s / 2010s Ready-to-Wear Material: Silk C...
Chanel Black Multi Camelia Slides - Size 35.5
By Chanel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chanel Black Multi Camelia Slides with sequin. Size 35.5. These heeled slides from Chanel will bring you effortless style. They have been c...