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 S/S 1995 iconic Barbie Collection runway two tone black and White belt
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare and iconic Chanel Archive Spring Summer 1995 Barbie Collection by Karl Lagerfeld runway belt as seen on Claudia Schiffer and on the runway. Black and White leather and 24k gold ...
CHANEL 31 Large Shopping Tote Bag Black Quilted Crumpled Calfskin Gold HW
By Chanel
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Signs of regular wear, scuffs on four corners and shoulder strap, scratches on hardware, clean interior. Accessories No Accessories Size Width: 31cm Designer Chanel Model 3...
Chanel Rare Spring 1997 Vintage Runway Gold Cage Large Shopping Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Spring 1997 Vintage Runway Gold Cage Large Shopping Tote Bag Gold hardware Beaded diamond stitch quilting detail Gold interlocking CC Logo at front Snake-chain shoulder...
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...
CoCo Chanel Haute Couture Lion Belt Maison Goossens
By Maison Goossens for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Riverdale, NY
CoCo Chanel early chain belt composed of signature curb chain with classic signature lions head motifs terminating in an adjustable pendant tassel. Coco Chanel synthesizes her favor...
Chanel Beige Chevron Caviar Leather Jumbo XL Envelope Classic Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Beige Chevron Quilted Caviar Leather Jumbo XL Envelope Classic Single Flap Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1636 Brand: Chanel Model: Jumbo XL Envelope Classic Single Flap Ba...
Chanel 1999 cruise collection 99с denim jacket
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Chanel 1999 cruise collection 99с denim jacket Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Collection: Chanel 99с cruise collection 100% cotton; doublure/liming 58% coton 38% laine 4% polyamide ...
Chanel Viriginie Viard Spring 2020 Look 13 Short tweed cropped trousers
By Chanel
Located in CANNES, FR
Chanel x Virginie Viard Spring/Summer 2020 Ready-to-Wear Collection – Look 13 Black tweed cropped trousers with a white check pattern. Size 38.
Chanel 1986 Vintage Black Quilted Lambskin Small Classic Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Single Flap Bag with Top Handle Product Details Xupes Ref: HB5843 Brand: Chanel Model: Small Classic Single Flap Bag with Top Han...
Tweed edge to edge jacket CHANEL FW 2002
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Tweed edge to edge jacket . Tweed composition: 45% rayon, 30% silk, 9% polyester, 8% cotton, 8% acrylic. Silk branded lining. Chain on the inside bottom edge. Shoulder pad. 4 pockets...
Chanel "Scoubidou" jacket by Karl Lagerfeld, Summer 1994
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - "Le Nouveau Corset" Ready-to-Wear Spring/Summer 1994 Collection, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Orange tweed jacket, trimmed with blue and orange Scoubidou...
Chanel Space Station 2.55 Reissue Flap Aged Calfskin Astronaut Charms
By Chanel
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Minor signs of wear, scratches on hardware, slight chain wear, clean interior and exterior. Accessories: Dust bag,ID card size: Width:24m,height:15cm Designer:Chanel M...
Chanel Blue Quilted Denim Denim Mood Clutch With Chain
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Blue Quilted Denim Denim Mood Clutch With Chain SKU: 154958 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Item is in excellent conditio...
Chanel Black Quilted Caviar Leather Attache Briefcase 862467
By Chanel
Located in Dix hills, NY
GOOD CONDITION (7/10 or B) Includes Serial Seal Sticker (Outside) Noticeable rub partially Minor scratch in the outside pocket (Outside) Minor stain partially (Handle) Noticeable...
Rare Chanel Spring 2012 Cashmere Silk Rue Cambon Jacquard Scarf Made in France
By Chanel
Located in TETOUAN, MA
An elegant and increasingly collectible Chanel jacquard scarf from the Spring 2012 (12P) Collection, expertly crafted in France from a luxurious blend of 65% cashmere and 35% silk. C...
Chanel Orange Quilted Lambskin Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Orange Quilted Lambskin Medium Classic Double Flap Bag SKU: 156657 Condition Description: A timeless classic that never goes out of style, the flap bag from Chanel dates back...
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld orange bouclé wool dress and jacket set, fw 1995
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
▪ Chanel orange bouclé wool dress and jacket set ▪ Designed by Karl Lagerfeld ▪ Mid-length sheath dress with v-neck ▪ Back vent with gold 'CC' buttons ▪ Silk lining ▪ Unlined ...
Chanel 1989 Rare Vintage Octogonal Croc Leather Shoulder Bag Flap
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Vintage Octogonal Croc Leather Shoulder Bag Flap Year: 1989 {Vintage 35 Years} 24 K Gold plated hardware Black croc leather Octogonal structured shape Foldover flap to...
Chanel tweed bag by Virginie Viard 2020
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2020 ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Virginie Viard. Tiny pink tweed bag with golden metal elements. Piece with a serial number. Made in Italy. C...
Chanel belt Spring-Summer 1996
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL -(Made in France) Multirow golden metal chain belt, fastening with a golden metal pompom decorated with costume pearly cabochons and costume pearl pompoms. 1996 spring-Summer ...
$10,374Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel Fall 1996 Vintage Women's Red Wool Coat with Gripoix Buttons
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Absolutely incredible, super rare unworn vintage Chanel coat from the Fall 1996 runway. Made from thick bright red wool with a smooth red silk lining with stunning gilt Gripoix butto...
Chanel Acetate Quilted CC Sunglasses
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Chanel Acetate Quilted CC Sunglasses, a stunning addition to your eyewear collection. This sophisticated pair features a striking white a...
CHANEL Pre-Owned 1990-2000s logo print casket hat
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
CHANEL Pre-Owned 1990-2000s logo print casket hat Chanel displays its bold logo on the front of this casket hat, in white capitalised letters contras...
runway CHANEL 13A cyber tweed bomber sleeve double breasted black jacket FR36
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
runway CHANEL 13A cyber tweed bomber sleeve double breasted black jacket FR36 Reference: BMPA/A00135 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 13A Paris Edinburg - Runway Ma...
Chanel Cuba Collection Painted Cotton Jeans
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Rare Item - Chanel Cuba Collection Painted Cotton Jeans From Resort 2017 Cuba Collection is this stylish blue denim with teal/green fading. Embellished ...
1980s Chanel Knit Navy Short Sleeve Ensemble
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Perfect for the summer, this 1980s Chanel navy knit ensemble is amazing when worn together or 3 great pieces to add to any wardrobe. The short sleeve sweater jacket buttons up the fr...
CHANEL 07P Black Stretch Knit Crochet Classic Sleeveless Tank Shift Dress 38
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by Karl Lagerfeld for the CHANEL spring 2007 collection. Variation in knit design add beautiful texture and elegant details to this classic...
White sleeveless lightly padded and coated jacket with hood CHANEL F/W 2019-2020
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White sleeveless lightly padded and coated jacket with hood. Coated composition: 100% polyurethane Support composition: 71% rayon, 29% nylon. Padding: 100% polyester. Snap closure o...
Chanel Vintage 2016 SS Trolley Pink Minaudiere Lambskin Plexiglass Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Crafted from Pink resin and lambskin and accented with gold-tone hardware, this Chanel Trolley Minaudiere bag from the Spring/Summer 2016 Collection features a single drop-in shoulde...
Chanel Vintage 90's Mini CC Drawstring Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Vintage 90's Mini CC Drawstring Shoulder Bag circa 1995 black leather gold-tone hardware signature stitched interlocking CC logo drawstring fastening leather and chain-link s...
Chanel Metallic Silver Quilted Lambskin Handle Plate Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Slight wear and tear, immaculate inside and out. Accessories: Dust bag,box size: Width:15.5cm Designer: Chanel Model: Metallic Silver Quilted Lambskin Handle Plate Fl...
Chanel BNIB Black & Gold Croc Clutch
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel new black quilted and gold croc embossed leather clutch. Collection 28. Comes with hologram, di card, dust cover and box.
Chanel GST XXL Vernice Nera Borsa a spalla
By Chanel
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Borsa firmata Chanel, modello GST XXl, vintage anni 90, realizzata in vernice trapuntata nera, con hardware dorati. Non è dotata di alcun tipo di chiusura, internamente rivestita in pelle nera, molto capiente. Munita di doppio manico a spalla in pelle e catena e di una tasca interna con zip. Si presenta in buone condizioni. __________ Chanel signed bag, GST XXl model, vintage 90s, made of black quilted patent leather, with golden hardware. It is not equipped with any type of closure, internally lined in black leather, very roomy. Equipped with double shoulder handle in leather and chain and an internal zip pocket. It is in good condition. _______ Mastro geppetto Vintage...
Chanel Single Flap Chevron Patent Maxi
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This CHANEL Classic Single Flap Bag in Chevron Patent Leather is the perfect addition to any wardrobe. Its sleek black exterior and silver hardware make it a statement piece that wil...
Chanel Metallic Pleated Long-Sleeve Dress
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Chanel Metallic Pleated Long-Sleeve Dress is a stunning example of high-fashion elegance infused with a contemporary edge. Crafted from shimmering silver metallic fabric, this dr...
Green wool top and trouser ensemble with sequin embellishment Chanel
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Green wool top and trouser ensemble with sequin embellishment on the bust. Fabric composition: 72% wool, 20% nylon, 5% rayon, 3% metal . Silk lining. Branded buttons on the middle b...
Vintage Chanel 4037 Rimless CC Frame Sunglasses Made In Italy Y2K
By Chanel
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Chanel 4037 Rimless Frame Light Mirrored Lenses It Show Sign Of Wear On The Lenses Due To More Than 20 Years Of Storage. Made In Italy Front. ...
CHANEL dark blue wool 93P CROPPED TWEED Jacket M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel jacket is crafted in midnight blue textured tweed wool, offering a soft, sculpted hand that complements its refined silhouette. The design features rounded...
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...
$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...
Tweed and lurex skirt suit with short sleeves Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Tweed and lurex skirt suit with short sleeves. Silk branded lining. Small shoulder pads. Chain inside the jacket in the bottom. SIZE 44 (L)
CHANEL black cotton 12P DOUBLE BREASTED CROPPED TWEED Jacket 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel double-breasted blazer in black tweed cotton embodies classic sophistication with a modern twist. It features a cropped, fitted silhouette with notched lap...
Chanel Pre-Fall 2019 Blue Tweed Braided Jacket Size 36
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
This authentic Chanel tweed jacket is from the Pre-Fall 2019 Métiers d’Art Paris-New York collection designed by Karl Lagerfeld, one of the final collections created under his direct...
Chanel White & Black Calfskin Leather Sneakers
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The 2018 Chanel White & Black Calfskin Leather Sneakers epitomize timeless luxury and effortless style. Crafted from calfskin leather, these sneakers feature a sleek white base accen...
Chanel Fringy Ribbon Knit V-Neck Sweater
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Fringy Ribbon Knit V-Neck Sweater From the 2013 Spring/Summer Collection is this black and white tweed top featuring a textured, open-weave monochrome design. Designed with ...
CHANEL white cotton 23S COLLARLESS TWEED Jacket 44 XL
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jacket in white tweed polyamide (54%) and cotton (46%), showcasing the house’s refined, signature tailoring. Designed in a collarless, elegantly fitted silhouet...
CHANEL Vintage Black Charleston Evening Cocktail Dress with Gold Chains Sz 38FR
By Chanel
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
CHANEL - Vintage black Charleston dress is reminiscent of the rip roaring 20's. This shimming sheath dress is simplistic in design yet intricate in c...
Chanel 2005 Caviar Cerf Executive Business Timeless Large Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 2005 Caviar Cerf Executive Business Timeless Large Tote Bag Year: 2005 Gold hardware Red burgundy caviar leather Quilted CC logo on the front Tall leather shoulder straps N...
CHANEL 2011 Byzance grey wool oversized cape collar double breasted coat
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 2011 Byzance grey wool oversized cape collar double breasted coat Reference: VNWG/A00049 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: Fall/Winter 2011 Pre-Collection (By...
Chanel Resort 2007 Navy Bouclé Belted Wrap Blazer with Tonal CC Buttons FR 34
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Authentic Chanel Resort 2007 navy bouclé wrap blazer designed under Karl Lagerfeld. Constructed from richly textured navy bouclé, this elegant jacket features a flattering wrap-fron...
Chanel Karl Lagerfeld Spring 2017 Multicolor tweed jacket
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in CANNES, FR
Chanel x Karl Lagerfeld Spring/Summer 2017 Ready-to-Wear Collection Multicolored tweed zip-up jacket. Size 40. Very good condition (marks on the lining—see photos—barely visible).
Chanel Dark Gray Quilted Puffy Leather Shoulder Bag Tote
By Chanel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
GORGEOUS Chanel puffy leather shoulder bag tote in excellent condition. quilted dark gray puffy leather exterior trimmed with silver hardware. Top zipper ...
Black dress in two differents kind of knit Chanel
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black dress in two differents kind of knit ( like a "trompe l'oeil" jacket and skirt) Fabric composition: 61% wool, 23% nylon, 16% mohair. Invisible zip on the left side. 2 branded ...
Chanel Silver Python Timeless Clutch
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Python clutch by Chanel. The color silver is reflected by the sun and generates distinct hues. This gorgeous bag is a one-of-a-kind, very rare collectible. This clutch is easy to car...
Chanel Coco Cocoon Large Quilted Nylon & Leather Trim Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition:Signs of normal use, scratches on the hardware,some stains, damages and scratches on the external l...
Chanel 1991 Multicolor Mini Vintage Tote Bag Rare Pink Orange Black Straw Tote
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Multicolor Mini Vintage 90's Rare Tote Bag Year: 1989-1991 {VINTAGE 33 Years} Gold hardware Interwoven straw and canvas exterior Leather lined interi...
Chanel Black Quilted Caviar Jumbo Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Black Quilted Caviar Jumbo Double Flap Bag SKU: 154074 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: A timeless classic that never goes out of style, the flap ba...
Chanel Twisted Iconic Chain Braided Knotted Black Gold Lambskin Leather Clutch
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Medium Chanel sized soft lambskin leather clutch with magnetic closure and four interior compartments. Year: 2008 { Vintage 16 Years} Black leather Gold hardware Braided interwoven...
Chanel, black sunglasses with crystals
By Chanel
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Chanel, black sunglasses with crystals. The item has a scratch on the right lens, and one of the crystals is missing.
1960s Chanel Couture Beige Woven Wool Coat
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
An incredible Chanel Haute Couture coat from the 1960s. This piece is made from lightweight beige and white woven wool tweed and is embellished with warm gold tone metal round buttons with a woven motif. The jacket features a standing collar and two functional patch slit top pockets with faux flaps. Beautiful cream silk lining. As with all Chanel...