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.
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...
Pale pink knit Twin-set CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pale pink knit Twin-set . Knit composition: 85% rayon, 15% cashmere. SIZE 42 on tag but fit more likely 38/M
Pristine Chanel 2018 Black Python Business Affinity Two Way Tote Bag GHW 69387
By Chanel
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Store item: 69387 In 2019 Spring, Chanel discontinued the use of all exotic skins for its leather goods. This pristine, like-new Pristine Chanel 2018 Black Python Business Affinity ...
White lace embroidered wedding skirt suit Chanel Couture
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White lace embroidered wedding skirt suit. Shoulder pad and chain inside the jacket on the bottom edge. Branded buttons and pockets. Silk jacquard bra...
Chanel Mary Jane Ballet Flats in Black Lambskin Leather New w/ Box
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
CHANEL MARY JANE BALLET FLATS IN BLACK LAMBSKIN LEATHER NEW NEVER WORN 40 EU Chanel Mary jane ballet flats in black lambskin leather. Double C logo embroidery on toes. Single strap...
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...
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...
CHANEL 1990 Vintage burgundy satin envelope turnlock chain shoulder clutch bag
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 1990 Vintage burgundy satin envelope CC turnlock chain shoulder clutch bag Reference: TGAS/G00292 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 1990s Material: Satin Colo...
CHANEL 2022 crinkled leather cap toe ankle chain CC charm ballerina flats EU36
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 2022 pink crinkled leather cap toe ankle chain CC charm ballerina flats EU36 Reference: LAYU/A00143 Brand: Chanel Designer: Virginie Viard Collection: Spring/Summer 2022 (22S ...
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 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 2013-2014 Paris-Edinburgh Burgundy Caviar Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
This Chanel Paris-Edinburgh Retro Class Flap Bag from the 2013-2014 collection is a rare seasonal piece crafted in premium burgundy grained calfskin. From the 2013 Métiers d'Art Pari...
Chanel Métiers dArt Prefall 2010 Paris Shangai Black tweed jacket
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in CANNES, FR
Chanel x Karl Lagerfeld Métiers d’Art Pre-Fall 2010 "Paris-Shanghai" Collection Black tweed jacket with red trim and gold Lurex. Size 34. Very good condition.
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 Vintage S/S 1998 Silver Crystal Chiclet Straps Black 98p Gown Dress
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Meet this exquisite vintage Chanel dress from the iconic Spring/Summer 1998 collection, famously worn by the stunning Naomi Campbell. Crafted from luxurious black wool crepe, its sil...
Chanel Pink Quilted Caviar Medium Classic Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Pink Quilted Caviar Medium Classic Double Flap Bag SKU: 158489 MSRP: 11700.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: No house has shaped the fashion l...
Chanel Cruise 1995 95C Black & White Fantasy Tweed Jacket
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Absolutely incredible, vintage Chanel jacket from the 95C Cruise 1995 collection. In amazing unworn condition. Made from black and white speckled fantasy tweed with black stitche...
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...
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 Mini Chanel 25 Caviar Quilted Handbag in Black Leather
By Chanel
Located in Houston, TX
Step into modern iconography with the Chanel Mini Chanel 25 Handbag, exquisitely crafted in black caviar calfskin leather with a supple, softly structured silhouette. Signature detai...
CHANEL black & white cotton 23B FOUR POCKET SHORT TWEED Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jacket in black and white grid tweed, a classic silhouette rendered in the house's signature graphic weave. Crafted from a luxury blend of cotton (92%) and poly...
Chanel S/S 2006 Marissa Cooper Bride Camellia Ivory White Evening Wedding Gown
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Chanel Spring/Summer 2006 cream camellia bride dress, an exceptionally rare and highly collectible final runway look from Karl Lagerfeld’s Spring 2006 collection. This ethereal strap...
$2,985
CHANEL XL Boy Bag
By Chanel
Located in Atlanta, GA
Condition grade: Very Good Condition details: Smashed in shape. Wear on exterior. Wear and fading on corners. Minor wear on interior. Includes • Dust Cover • Authenticity Card • Ent...
CHANEL black leather 2013 13K QUILTED PUFFER Jacket 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel quilted puffer jacket in black lambskin leather (100%). Features four CC logo buttons on the front and two at the cuffs, a round collar and two slit pockets at ...
CHANEL black 21C CAPRI CROPPED CHUNKY TWEED Jacket 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jacket in black chunky tweed crafted from acrylic (52%), polyester (30%), viscose (9%), and polyamide (9%), the richly textured bouclé weave carrying a subtle t...
CHANEL black 2004 MIRROR & LIPSTICK SATIN MINI Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 2004 Mirror & Lipstick shoulder bag in black quilted satin. The design features the classic silver-tone CC turn lock, chain shoulder-strap and is lined in a ton...
Chanel Vintage Fall 2015 Women's Herringbone Cashmere Wool Short Coat
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Utterly exquisite Chanel short coat from the Fall 2015 collection. Unworn. Superbly crafted from soft and smooth striped weave cashmere and wool (65:35), the panel of which have bee...
Chanel Black Quilted Caviar North South Filigree Vanity Case
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Black Quilted Caviar North South Filigree Vanity Case SKU: 158560 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: No house has shaped the fashion landscape quite l...
Chanel White Fluid Cropped Jacket
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
Chanel White fluid jacket featuring a black trIm edge, edge to edge opening, long sleeves with black & white CC interlocking detail at cuff edge. Circa 2004 Composition: 87% nylon, ...
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 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...
Vintage Chanel Bow Quilted Leather White Grosgrain Ballerina Flats 39.5
By Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Vintage Chanel Bow Quilted Leather White Grosgrain Ballerina Flats 39.5 Color White Size 39.5EU Heel Height .25in Leather upper Leather sole Leather bow detail Round toe Quilted le...
Edge to edge Tweed jacket with under bust tied scarf CHANEL FW 2010
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Edge to edge Tweed jacket with under bust tied scarf. Tweed composition: 48% wool, 27% acrylic, 19% nylon, 5% rayon, 1% lin. Silk branded lining. Shoulder pad. Button, chain and but...
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 Black and Fuchsia Suede Cap Toe Pumps with CC Logo High Heel Shoe
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chanel high heel suede pump in the classic contrast cap toe design in deep fuchsia pink and black. Stitched CC logo detail at toe and quilt-stitch detail at platform. From one of Kar...
Pastel knit cardigan CHANEL
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pastel knit cardigan . Knit composition: 40% nylon, 20% cotton, 20% polyester, 20% rayon. No closure on the middle front. Pocket on both side. SS 1998 SIZE 38 (Fr) M
Lustrous bronze caméra leather bag with chain shoulder strap Chanel Numbered
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Lustrous bronze caméra leather bag with chain shoulder strap.2 outside pocket with zip and one flat without. Burgundy cotton lining. Topstitched. Height: 16 cm Width: 27 cm Depth: 1...
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld métiers d’art Paris Edinburgh 2013 Goat Hair WOC Bag
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
An exceptional and highly distinctive Chanel Wallet on Chain from the Pre-Fall 2013 Métiers d'Art Paris-Edinburgh collection, designed by Karl Lagerfeld. A striking example of Lagerf...
Documented Chanel By Karl Lagerfeld Runway Metallic Ribbed-Knit Maxi Dress, FW96
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Geneva, CH
Perfect for the inter-seasons, the color of this rare Fall-Winter 1996 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld t-shirt maxi dress is reminiscent of the holiday season about to begin ! Its twin walk...
Chanel "Diana" Bag by Karl Lagerfeld, 1989–1991
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - Ready-to-wear collection 1989–1991, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Small Diana bag in pink quilted lambskin leather, gold-plated C...
CHANEL black patent leather 23A DAKAR LOGO PENNY Loafers Shoes 38.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel loafers are crafted from black patent calfskin and feature silver-tone logo lettering set on the signature Chanel chain for a luxurious touch. A CC metal ...
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 ...
Pale green long cardigan with rhinestone CHANEL
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pale green long cardigan with rhinestone . Fabric composition: 90% rayon, 10% nylon. SS 1999 SIZE 40 (Fr)
CHANEL purple pink blue wool 17K COLLARLESS TWEED Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jacket in purple and pink tweed woven from wool (29%), polyester (27%), cotton (26%), polyamide (9%), viscose (5%), and silk (4%), the richly dimensional bouclé...
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 light blue cotton 26C LAKE COMO STRIPED Jacket 34 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jacket in light blue and white tie-dye denim, a directional runway piece from the house's newest era under Matthieu Blazy. Crafted from luxury cotton (100%), th...
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 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...
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...
Black cashmere sweater with flowers and beads fringes embellishment Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black cashmere sweater with flowers and beads fringes embellishment. SIZE 42 / L
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 25B Khaki Quilted Canvas Small Chanel 25 Hobo
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel 25B Khaki Quilted Canvas Small Chanel 25 Hobo SKU: Z159904 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: No house has shaped the fashion landscape quite like Cha...
CHANEL red white cotton 2019 ICONIC LOGO CROPPED Cardigan Sweater 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 2019 cropped cardigan in white, red and black cotton (97%) and elastane (3%). Features the 'Chanel' logo in black on the front and long sleeves. Opens with six ...
Chanel Spring 2009 09P Indigo Tweed Rag Trim Jacket
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Stunning Chanel indigo tweed jacket from the Spring 2009 09A collection. Unworn. Made from soft indigo blue and black basket weave cotton mix tweed with rope, ribbon and rag cut brai...
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...
Rare and Collectible Chanel 95P Barbie collection Heart Patent Vanity in Black
By Chanel
Located in Sewickley, PA
Chanel Top Handle Bag From the 1995 95P "Barbie Collection" by Karl Lagerfeld Vintage Black & White Patent Leather Interlocking CC Logo & Quilted Pattern Gold-Tone Hardware C...
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 ...
CHANEL light grey suede 22P DAD SLIDE Sandals Shoes 38
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Dad sandals are crafted in light grey quilted suede, bringing a chic twist to the maison’s most iconic casual silhouette. They feature rounded open toes wi...
Chanel 2020 Braid Trim Cropped Tweed Jacket Black 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Black tweed jacket; wool (62%), polyamide (38%); beaded fringe trim and silver lurex chevron pattern; boxy cropped shape, collarless round neck, side slit pocke...
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 ...