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.
$2,423Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel Spring 2018 Women's CC Appliqué Windbreaker Jacket, Size FR34
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Super cool Chanel windbreaker jacket from the Spring 2018 collection. Unworn. Made from soft and crisp off pale cream polyamide mix with navy and sheer panelled viscose ribbed trims....
Chanel Sport Line Duffle Bag Canvas Large Tote
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Very good. Small marks on base and handles, slight discoloration and wear in interior, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Authenticity Card, Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 8-14...
$3,195Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel Black Lambskin Leather CC Twistlock Clutch Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Black Lambskin CC Twistlock Clutch Bag Made In: Italy Year of Production: 2014 Color: Black Hardware: Darkened silvertone Materials: Lambskin leather Lining: Black silk Closu...
Chanel Black/White Tweed Medium Classic Double Flap Bag rt $9, 400
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel 2020 Black/White Tweed Medium Classic Double Flap Bag Made In: France Year of Production: 2020 Color: Black and white Hardware: Black Materials: Tweed Lining: Black leather ...
Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Double Flap Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1373 Brand: Chanel Model: Small Classic Double Flap Bag Type: Shoulder Serial Number...
CHANEL black leather 12A BOMBAY QUILTED Ankle Boots Shoes 39 G28410
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel panelled ankle boots in smooth black leather, detailed with signature quilted trims and matching quilted block heels for a refined house touch. Designed with ro...
CHANEL silver 2020 20A RUE CAMBONE SEQUIN Jumpsuit + RUFFLED BIB 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel long sleeve sequin jumpsuit in silver and black polyester (57%), cotton (22%), wool (17%) and metal polyester (4%). Features two...
Chanel Sequin Waist Bag Fanny Pack
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel Sequin Waist Bag Fanny Pack in silver and black features finely crafted silver sequins with a black undertone and a silver leather threaded chain link, leather belt strap...
CHANEL pink & blue cashmere blend Cardigan Sweater XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
Chanel V-neck cardigan in watermelon and midnight blue cotton (82%), cashmere (12%), and silk (/6%). With two slit pockets on the front. Closes with brass CC buttons. Unlined. Has be...
CHANEL green & blue cotton 2018 18S FRINGE TWEED Dress 44 XL
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel tweed shift dress in green, blue and multicolor cotton (44%), silk (17%), polyamide (16%), viscose (9%), wool (5%), acrylic (3%), polyester (3%), metal polyeste...
Chanel Golden Metal Chain Belt Fall, 1996
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Multi-row golden metal chain belt ornamented with a golden metal pendant brooch with glass paste. Belt from the 1996 Fall-winter collection, brooch from the...
Chanel Double Zip Wallet on Chain in Black Quilted Leather
By Chanel
Located in Houston, TX
Crafted from black quilted leather, this wallet by Chanel is the bag you will carry everywhere. It features a zip-around closure, a signature interwoven chain and gold-tone hardware....
Chanel Large Fantasy Tweed Quilted Tote
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel tote from the 2009 Karl Lagerfeld Collection. The bag is crafted of vinyl in silver grey and comes with a funny tweed pattern. It has fringe trim ...
Chanel 2018B 3-piece Dress with Jacket and Belt New WITH TAGS
By Chanel
Located in Ardmore, PA
Chanel 2018B 3-piece Dress with Jacket and Belt New Jacket new with tags US $5,900 Jacket EU 36 Dress EU 38 Wool, viscose, cotton Silk-lined Navy, green, pink
Vintage Chanel 2000's Denim Halterneck Top
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Vintage Chanel 2000's Denim Halter neck Top. This denim Halter neck top features a silver buttons for clasping the top of the halter neck element. With silver woven braiding along th...
$3,180Sale Price|25% Off
Chanel Vintage Top Handle Kelly Flap Bag Brown Cannage Lambskin Leather, 1997-99
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Vintage Top Handle Kelly Flap Bag Chocolate Brown Cannage Lambskin Leather, 1997-1999 These are professional photos of the actual bag. CONDITION: VERY GOOD Original cond...
Haute-Couture black velvet Chanel bag
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Haute-Couture black velvet Chanel bag Measures: - width: 26 cm - height: 21 cm - depth: 5 cm
Chanel PE2022 Pull 2 en 1 FR38 Green Cashmere Convertible Hoody Sweater UK10 US8
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel Cruise 2022 collection green cashmere sweater, oversized and cropped, with a hooded neck with drawstrings, long sleeves detachable with five CC-branded metal buttons, and one ...
Chanel 99S Pink Cherry CC Vintage Top 40 / 6
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Chanel 99S vintage white top featured with small pink cherry CC print. Lovely T-style cap sleeve top. Logo randomly appears insi...
New Chanel Green & White Logo Twilly Scarf
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel new green and white logo twilly (headband/scarf) 100%silk 48" x 2"
Chanel Small Camera 80's So Black Velvet Strass Beaded Tassel Tote
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel So Black Rare Vintage 1989 Velvet Strass Beaded Tassel Small Camera Bag Year: 1989 {VINTAGE 35 Years} Rope strap CC beaded black logo at front Gold-tone hardware Zip top tass...
Chanel Coffee Table Book, Jacques Helleu
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Coffee Table Book about Jacques Helleu, the creative image director for the house for many decades. Many images of famed campaigns and ...
CHANEL Cashmere Signature Dress Gilet Suit Set Ensemble 36
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Switzerland, CH
Black and cream colored Chanel Cashmere Dress Set Consisting of two pieces, dress and gilet Bodyhugging dress Simply slips on Matching gilet ves...
CHANEL pink 2022 22C DUBAI BRAIDED KNIT MARY JANE ESPADRILLES Shoes 36
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel CC braided Mary-Jane espadrilles in light pink and black braided knit with classic beige raffia sole and gold-tone metal CC turn-lock. Have been worn and are i...
Chanel Taupe Silk Sleeveless Faces Print Dress Collectors Spring 2000
By Chanel
Located in Boca Raton, FL
From a buttoned-up classiness to an effortless elegance, fashion by Chanel runs the gamut season after season that are both current yet act as a looking glass into the past. Circa 20...
Chanel FW13 “Paris Edinburgh” Black Calfskin Combat Boots Size 38
By Chanel
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Chanel FW13 “Paris Edinburgh” Black Calfskin Combat Boots Size 38 Description: An extraordinary pair from Chanel’s celebrated Fall–Winter 2013 Métiers d’Art “Paris–Edinburgh” runway...
Chanel Runway Backwards Jacket in Rare FR 50 black with silver buttons
By Chanel
Located in Sewickley, PA
This is a Runway Featured Backwards Jacket that was featured several times in different tweed prints on the runway. This black jacket is a wool jacket with silk lining and silver bu...
CHANEL dark blue mohair 12K CRYSTAL TURTLENECK Sweater 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel sweater in navy blue chunky loose knit cashmere (70%), polyamide (18%), acrylic (6%) and mohair (6%) with blue facetted rhinestones throughout, creating a richl...
$1,854Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel Chanel Silver Caviar Leather Clutch Bag
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
Indulge in timeless elegance with this Chanel clutch, meticulously crafted to perfection. Its exquisite details and luxurious materials make it a statement piece for any sophisticat...
Chanel Paris Byzance Limited Edition Gold Caviar Leather Black Jewel Lock
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Paris Byzance Limited Edition Gold Caviar Leather Black Jewel Lock These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Discover the exclusive CHANEL Paris By...
Chanel Black Silk Sleeveless Cropped Shell Top c 1980s Petite
By Chanel
Located in University City, MO
Chanel Black silk sleeveless petite shell top c 1980s (Petite) Constructed with luxurious breezy silk fabric The stylish Chanel silk shell makes a versatile timeless garment The ba...
Chanel 2020 Top Soie FR40 Ecru silk satin smocking sleeveless Blouse UK12 US10
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel blouse circa 2020 in ecru silk satin, sleeveless, oversized fit, smocked bib on a deep neckline closed by a jewel button. Size 40FR or UK12 and US10: 45 cm shoulder, 49 cm che...
Chanel Black Lambskin Gold Metal Square CC Clutch
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Black Lambskin Gold Metal Square CC Clutch SKU: 136981 MSRP: 4800.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Conditio...
Chanel Navy Wool Jacket/Shirt with Elastic Bottom - 38
By Chanel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chanel Navy Wool Jacket/Shirt with Elastic Bottom - 38. This shirt is in good condition with minor wear. There is a matching maxi skirt in stock. ...
Chanel Pre-Fall 2016 Runway Pink Black Tweed Jacket, Look 36
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
An exceptional and highly collectible Chanel Pre-Fall 2016 (Paris–Rome Métiers d’Art) runway jacket, Look 36, designed by Karl Lagerfeld. This piece is rendered in a richly textured...
Chanel Pink Tweed & Lurex Deauville Long Zip Wallet
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Pink Tweed & Lurex Deauville Long Zip Wallet Product Details Xupes Ref: AA0315 Brand: Chanel Model: Deauville Long Zip Wallet Type: Wallet Serial Number: 25116346 Age: 20...
Sequin top with check pattern CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Sequin top with check pattern . Invisible zip closure on the top middle back. Jersey lining. size 36 (Fr) S
CHANEL black suede 2019 19B CHAIN TRIM BLOCK HEEL Pumps Shoes 37.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel block-heel pumps in black suede featuring grosgrain fabric cap toe with silver-tone chain trim. Have been worn and show some faint allover wear to the suede and...
Chanel suit Haute Couture
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Jersey suit composed of a jacket and an A-line skirt. Size and composition labels missing, it fits a 36FR/38FR. To be mentioned, the lining was replaced. Co...
Chanel Boy Brick Flap Bag Navy
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel Boy Brick Flap Bag made of plexiglass and lambskin leather. The interior features red canvas. Collection #18, 2013/2014. Shoulder drop 23.5. The bag is in excellent condition ...
Black see-through crochet cape with pattern CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black see-through crochet cape with pattern "COCO, Camélia flower and 5" No fabric tag composition but probably rayon. Braid in the same thread to knot on the top middle front SIZE M
$1,200
Chanel cashmere hat
By Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Chanel cashmere hat Excellent condition Contains cashmere
CHANEL off-white wool blend PEARL EMBELLISHED Pencil Skirt 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel straight knee-length skirt in off-white wool (34%), nylon (28%), rayon 22%), and cotton (16%). With scattered pearl beads. Closes with invisible back zipper. Li...
Chanel CC Perforated Leather Black Tote
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel leather perforated large CC Tote in black. The tote is a classic, distinctively structured bag that is crafted of stylish black diamond pattern perforated leather. The ba...
CHANEL Navy Tweed Coat with Leather Accents 38 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
~ A rare union of heritage texture and modern edge — timeless, tactile, and unmistakably Chanel // Size 38 FR / Condition: is pristine // — deep navy and black tweed forms a struct...
Chanel Rare Metiers d'Art Raised Geometric Pyramid Diamond Quilted Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Metiers d'Art Raised Geometric Pyramid Diamond Quilted Shoulder Bag 2009 Métiers d'Art Collection Gunmetal hardware Classic interwoven leather chain Drawstring closure Raised 3D geometric...
CHANEL black leather 19B PEARL EMBELLISHED SHINY COMBAT Boots Shoes 37.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel short combat boots in black shiny grained calfskin leather combine edgy style with feminine detailing. Embellished with velvet CC patches and faux pearl bu...
Chanel CC Logo 4 Pockets Braided Trim Tweed Jacket Blazer 08A 2008 New With Tag
By Chanel
Located in Merced, CA
Chanel Cc logo tweed jacket with braided trim jacket blazer. It is adorned with 4 front pockets and Chanel interlocking CC logo buttons. It ha...
Chanel Mini Boston Black Quilted Caviar Grain Calfskin Bag, 2005/2006
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Black quilted caviar grain calfskin bowling bag. Golden metal elements. A 2005/2006 Collection. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dime...
Chanel Women Sport Sprint Sneakers Size 38 US 8 Blue Cashmere Low Top Trainers
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
- Blue exterior - Tagged size 38 - No box Condition: The shoes are in overall decent condition with no major imperfections Measurements: ( Approximately In Inches ) Inso...
Chanel Black Tweed Houndstooth & Pink Print Jacket & Skirt Suit Set 1993
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Chanel Black Tweed Houndstooth & Pink Print Jacket & Skirt Suit Set from 1993 exemplifies timeless elegance with a bold, modern twist. The classic black tweed houndstoot...
Black cashmere double-breasted coat with belt CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black cashmere double-breasted coat with belt and belt-loop. Silk lining. Shoulder pad. Pocket on both side. Branded button and buttonhole closure 1998 SIZE 40 (Fr) L / XL
Navy blue leather pump with branded heels Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Navy blue leather pump with branded heels. Sample. Buckle closure on the top side. Heels height = 9,5 cm Shoe size = 38
CHANEL Dress Vintage CHANEL Classic CC Logos Double Breasted
By Chanel, Chanel Boutique
Located in London, GB
CHANEL Dress Vintage CHANEL Classic CC Logos Double Breasted A Chanel rare stunning timeless classic CC logo buttons dress, made in a beautiful de...
Chanel Small Navy Trendy CC Ruthenium Hardware Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stylish navy Chanel Small Trendy CC Flap Bag. The exterior of this Trendy is crafted with navy lambskin leather in the signature diamond style stitching and ruthenium silver tone h...
Chanel CC Logo Iridescent Patent Cap Toe Ballerina Flats 36
By Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel CC Logo Fuchsia Bow Ballet Flats Serial G02819 Color Multi Size 36EU Iridescent patent upper Interlocking CC embroidered detail Cap toe design Leather bow detail Signs of no...
Chanel Vintage F/W 1995 Black Satin Bow Wide Waist 95A Belt
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
This vintage Chanel satin belt is from the Fall/Winter 1995 collection. It features a large statement bow with a black satin finish, adjustable closure, and a chic, timeless aestheti...
Chanel Cashemere Cotton Lilac Stole New
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel Cashmere Shawl in purple. The pattern features a diamond print and small CC logos. 54% cashemre, 46% cotton. Machine trimmed edges.
Borsa a tracolla Chanel Mini Flap 20 Carta Da Zucchero
By Chanel
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Borsa firmata Chanel, modello Mini Flap, misura 19, realizzata in pelle liscia color carta da zucchero con hardware dorati. Dotata di una patta con chiusura a girello logo CC, intern...
1991 Runway Chanel Cream and Brown Skirt Suit
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
This documented vintage Chanel cream silk suit was designed by Karl Lagerfeld and the design, in black and white, walked the runway for the spring summer 1991 collection. Tailored fr...