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 2018 Limited Edition 2.55 Lucky Charms Black Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional and Rare Chanel Limited Edition 2.55 “Lucky Charms” double flap shoulder bag in black quilted aged leather Decorated with metal charms, rhinestones and enamel, aged gol...
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...
CHANEL 2016 Runway Serpent Pearl satin CC pearl crystal snake heel pump EU38
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 2016 Runway Serpent Pearl black satin CC pearl crystal snake heel pump EU38 Reference: AEMA/A00188 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: Pre-Fall 2016 (The "Paris...
CHANEL ivory sheer silk georgette floral lace trim beach duster robe FR38 M
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL ivory sheer silk georgette floral lace trim beach duster robe FR38 M Reference: MELK/A00685 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Material: Silk Color: Pink Pattern: Solid Ex...
CHANEL blue cotton 12P QUILTED STRAIGHT JEANS Pants 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jeans in washed blue denim cotton (100%) with tonal diamond quilt stitching throughout, echoing the house’s iconic quilting motif. Features a high waisted silho...
CHANEL anthracite suede & white nylon 21P LOW TOP Sneakers Shoes 39 fit 38.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel pair of low-top sneakers is crafted from a refined combination of white nylon and dark grey suede. Set on a clean white rubber sole, they offer a perfect b...
Chanel Women's CC Puffer Jacket 2021 Coco Neige Collection FR36/UK8
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Ultra rare, new with tags Chanel CC puffer jacket from the Coco Neige 2021 collection. As seen in the Ad Campaign. Made from soft dark grey polyester with yellowy cream underlay, ove...
Chanel 2019 Large Unisex Denim Shopper Bag with Silver Chain Straps
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Circa 2019 Blue Jeans Large size, could be Unisex Denim print Crafted of blue denim with a chain print around the edges Denim-threaded silver chain link straps and a rear patch pocke...
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 1990s Vintage Pink Quilted Leather Tote Bag with CC Logo
By Chanel
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This vintage Chanel tote bag is crafted from pink quilted leather, featuring the brand's signature diamond-stitched pattern. It is accented by the iconic interlocking CC logo in silv...
Chanel White Quilted Caviar Timeless Clutch
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel White Quilted Caviar Timeless Clutch SKU: Z158246 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: No house has shaped the fashion landscape quite like Chanel. Foun...
CHANEL black white wool 19K HOUNDSTOOTH LUREX TWEED Coat Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel lurex tweed coat in black and white houndstooth is crafted from a luxurious blend of wool (75%), polyamide (15%), and viscose (10%). As an iconic piece tha...
Vintage 2000s Chanel Purple Diamond Weave Pencil Skirt with Zig Zag Trim
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage 2000s Chanel purple diamond weave pencil skirt with a vertical strip of zig zag cut trim at front and back side from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection designed by Karl Lagerf...
Chanel Vintage Black Croc Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel authentic black shiny crocodile shoulder bag with long chain straps and gold tone hardware. Comfortable leather shoulder patch.Excellent condition. Collection 14, 2011. Handl...
Chanel Grand Sac Boy 2015 Black Leather Golden HDW Chanel Large Boy Bag
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Large Chanel Boy bag in aged quilted black leather and gold metal, wide front flap with double-press Boy clasp, black canvas interior with a large pocket closed by a zip with a logo ...
CHANEL navy & black 2012 12P PANELLED TWEED Dress 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel panelled tweed dress in navy blue and black acrylic (43%), nylon (23%), polyester (20%) and viscose (14%). Features printed silk waist insert and flared bottom ...
CHANEL multicolor cotton 17C CUBA TWEED BERMUDA Shorts Pants 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Bermuda shorts are crafted in white and multicolored tweed cotton (69%), acrylic (18%), polyamide (7%), polyester (3%) and viscose (3%), interwoven with la...
1990's Chanel Vintage Black Leather Unisex Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel 90's unisex butter lambskin small black weekender bag. Handle drop 5.5". Shoulder drop 15.25". Comes with hologram, id card and generic dust cover.
CHANEL black leather 1990s MINI BUCKET Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Mini Bucket shoulder bag in black lambskin leather. Designed in a softly structured, compact silhouette, this charming piece features gold-tone hardware, oversi...
CHANEL purple suede QUILTED CLASSIC BALLET Flats Shoes 38.5 fit 38
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel CC quilted classic flats in purple suede with grosgrain trim. Have been worn and are in excellent condition. Measurements Model REV G26250 Imprinted Size 38.5...
CHANEL CC Sweater Size 38 New With Tags
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
100% authentic guaranteed Chanel sweater . Original receipt from Chanel available to purchaser upon request. New with tags and Chanel pouch Size 38 Main base color in person is dark ...
CHANEL black leather IPHONE 13 PRO MAX Case w PEARL STRAP
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel iPhone 13 Pro Max case in black quilted lambskin leather is the epitome of luxury and functionality. Featuring a gold-tone CC ...
Burgundy leather shoulder bag CHANEL Limited Edition PNY 2006 Numbered
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Burgundy leather shoulder bag. Clasp to middle front. Pocket on both outside side with gather. One inside pocket with zip closure. Satin lining. Numbered : 10915445 + Authenticity ca...
Chanel "Coco Mark Rue Cambon" Silk Scarf with Black Ground, "Coco Sports" Theme
By Chanel
Located in valatie, NY
Chanel "Coco Mark Rue Cambon" Silk Scarf with Black Ground, with "Coco Sports" Theme. The CHANEL Coco Mark Rue Cambon Silk Scarf in black is a highly sought-after vintage accessory f...
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....
Chanel CC Print Sneakers NEW Size 39
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel CC print sneakers Sold out in stores NEW with dust-bags and box Size 39 IT.Please know your sizing in Chanel before purchase. FINAL SALE.
CHANEL black patent 15A SALZBURG CHAIN LOAFER Pumps Shoes 41.5 fit 40.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This is a 100% authentic pair of Chanel Black CC Chain Loafer Pumps, combining classic elegance with a modern edge. Crafted from glossy black patent leather, these pumps feature icon...
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 black leather CAMELLIA EMBOSSED Large Wallet
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel wallet in black smooth leather embossed with Camelia's and CC logo's. Opens with a push-button to a metallic silver leather lined interior with 8 credit card sl...
Chanel Vintage Black Lambskin XL Jumbo Bag GHW
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Vintage Black Lambskin Jumbo Bag with Gold Hardware Made In: France Year of Production: 1994-1996 Color: Black Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Lambskin Leather Lining: Leathe...
CHANEL metallic gold leather 19A NEW YORK CROC BOX MINAUDIERE Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel box minaudière evening bag in gold croc-embossed leather with radiant gold-tone hardware. A striking sculptural design, it features a long twisted chain strap, ...
Chanel CC logo embroidery black stretchy sleep mask
By Chanel
Located in Capri, IT
Chanel CC logo embroidery black stretchy sleep mask
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 NWT Black Leather Belt w/ Pearl CC Buckle sz 100/ 40"
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel NWT Black Leather Belt w/ Pearl CC Buckle sz 100 Made In: Italy Year of Production: 2020 Color: Black Hardware: Pale goldtone Materials: Smooth leather, metal, faux pearls Ov...
Black leather and patent leather low heel pump Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black leather and patent leather low heel pump. Dust bag provided. Heel height : 5 cm SHOE SIZE : 37 1/2
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Black Travel Line Handbag
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Black “Travel Line” handbag featuring a long shape, a canvas with signature CC in squares, a long length, a top logo zip opening, top leather handles, an in...
CHANEL silver 17C CUBA TERRY CLOTH Espadrilles Flats Shoes 42 fit 40
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel espadrilles in white and black terry cloth with silver lurex. Lined in ecru leather. Have been worn and are in excellent condition. 2017 Paris-Cuba Resort Me...
Chanel 1997 Quilted Vanity Top Handle Bag – Hot Pink
By Chanel
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare late-90s Chanel treasure, this 1997 quilted vanity bag captures the romance and femininity of vintage Chanel at its most charming. Crafted in blush pink quilted leather with ...
Black velvet and mirror plateforme sandals CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black velvet and mirror plateforme sandals with leather closure strap and buckle . Small "CC" brand" on the side. Dust bag provided. Plateforme height = 5cm Heel height = 12cm Shoe...
CHANEL black quilted lambskin leather TIMELESS CLASSIC LARGE Flap Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Classic Large Timeless Double Flap shoulder bag in black lambskin featuring silver-tone hardware. Open pocket on the back. C...
2023 Chanel suede shearling Trapper hat with interlocking CC logos
By Chanel
Located in Capri, IT
2023 Chanel suede shearling Trapper hat with interlocking CC logos at sides and tie closure 100% suede 100% shearling
Chanel Light Grey Gold Bar Top Handle Single Flap Bag circa 2016
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Chanel Light Grey Gold Bar Top Handle Single Flap Bag from circa 2016 exemplifies timeless elegance and sophisticated style. Crafted from high-quality calfskin leather, this bag feat...
CHANEL cream silk blend 2005 05A CHUNKY TWEED Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel chunky tweed jacket in ecru and red silk (79%), wool (19%), nylon (1%) and polyester (1%). Features a cropped silhouette, peak lapels, and two patch pockets. Cl...
Chanel Classic Flap Medium Black Caviar Leather Double Flap Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Classic Flap Medium Black Caviar Leather Double Flap Gold Hardware These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Missing Serial number sticker. Conditio...
CHANEL black cotton 20A RUE CAMBOM SHEARLING LINED Jacket 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel jacket in black faille cotton (56%) and silk (44%) features a removable sleeveless black shearling lining for added warmth and style. Designed with a boxy ...
CHANEL black quilted leather Wallet
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel wallet with stitched stripes in grey. Open with a push-button and is lined in black lambskin and logo nylon. The design is divid...
Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Leather Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Leather Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag Product Details Brand: Chanel Model: Medium Classic Double Flap Bag Product Title: Black Quilted Lambski...
Chanel Haute Couture Silk Trompe l'oiel Tweed Suit
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Silk twill 2 pc. suit in olive,pink,purple and cornflower blue on white ground. Signature topstitching in olive green silk with pink silk piping. Gilt filigree buttons with silk prin...
Blue topstitched leather bag with chains handles Chanel Numbered
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Blue topstitched leather bag with chains handles. One large pocket with zip in the middle ( which divided the bag in 2 differents compartments) Also 1 more pocket with zip and 2 flat...
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 S/S 1995 Barbie Periwinkle Lavender Tweed 95P Jacket Skirt Suit
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Chanel Spring/Summer 1995 periwinkle lavender tweed skirt suit, a rare and highly collectible look from Karl Lagerfeld’s iconic “Barbie” collection for Chanel. This beautiful two-pi...
Chanel CC logo Sportsline Bucket hat size M 100% Cotton
By Chanel
Located in Sewickley, PA
Iconic Chanel knit bucket hat featuring the house’s unmistakable CC logo in classic beige and black. A timeless, logo-forward silhouette that bridges vintage appeal with modern luxur...
Chanel Classic Black Lambskin & Patent Leather Cap-Toe Ballet Flats
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Chanel Classic Black Lambskin & Patent Leather Cap-Toe Ballet Flats exemplify timeless elegance and sophisticated style. Crafted from black lambskin leather, these flats feature ...
Graphic plateform sandals with ankle straps Chanel SS 2013
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Graphic platform sandals with white leather ankle straps and buckle closure. Heel height : 10 cm Platform : 3 cm SHOE SIZE : 36
CHANEL silver 17K MILKY WAY GLITTER & PATENT Ballet Flats Shoes 41
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic pair of Chanel Glitter Fabric Patent Calfskin Mocassin Loafers in black and silver. These stunning loafers are crafted from glossy patent calfskin leather in bla...
CHANEL black textured suede MIRROR HEEL OVER-KNEE Boots Shoes 39.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel over-knee boots in black textured suede featuring classic round cap toe and shiny black heel. Open with a zipper on the heel. Have been worn and are in excellen...
Chanel Unisex Rimless Sunglasses with Blue Lenses and Silver Frames
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Reflective blue-tinted lenses Signature CC logo detail Silver-toned metal frames Comes with original case Very Good, light scratches to the lens Condition: Very Good This pre-owned i...
Beige top-stitched hand and shoulder bag Chanel 31 rue Cambon Numbered
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Beige top-stitched hand and shoulder bag. Numbered : 16036098 Size: Height: 24, width: 35 cm, depth: 10 cm Ottoman lining. 3 inside pockets , one with zip a...
Chanel Limited Edition Minaudière Paris - Greece Owl Evening Bag 2018 Resort
By Chanel
Located in Sewickley, PA
Rare Chanel Limited Edition Black and Gold Acrylic and Strass Owl Evening Bag Gold Hardware, Cruise 2018 Seen on the Paris - Greece Chanel Runway show. A Whimsical Masterpiece from...
CHANEL black SHEER STAR LACE Cap Sleeve Blouse Shirt M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel cap sleeve top in black sheer star lace (nylon-spandex blend - please note the content tag is missing). Embellished with embroidered stars all over the top and ...