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.
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 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 pink cashmere 24C LOS ANGELES PALM STRIPED Cardigan Sweater 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel cardigan in a mélange of yellow and orange, pale pink and grey, and raspberry and purple intertwined stripes knit polyester (38%), cashmere (31%), polyamide (11...
Chanel Lambskin Bubble Quilt Satchel
By Chanel
Located in Houston, TX
The interlocking CC logo is synonymous with elegance and high French style. Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel first opened a Parisian millinery shop in the early 1900s. By the 1920s she was re...
Coco Chanel Early Poured Glass Sea Serpent Belt
By Chanel
Located in Riverdale, NY
Coco Chanel Early Poured Glass Haute Couture Belt. Designed as a series of swag chains with emerald poured glass stations. Classically Baroque in the Chanel idiom with sea serpent...
Chanel 24C Cashmere Cardigan and Skirt Set in Pastel Blue and Purple
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
CHANEL 24C CASHMERE CARDIGAN AND SKIRT SET IN PASTEL BLUE AND PURPLE SIZE 36 / 38 FR Chanel 24C cashmere knit cardigan and skirt set. In excellent as new condition. Amazing Chanel D...
Long evening dress with embroidered on lace and velvet back Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long evening dress with embroidered on lace and velvet back. Authenticity hologram
Chanel Classic Flap Maxi Burgundy Lambskin Leather Double Flap Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Classic Flap Maxi Burgundy Lambskin Leather Double Flap Gold Hardware These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: EXCELLENT Light creases ne...
"Nr 5 Stars" handbag mix leather and patent leather shoulder bag Chanel 2002/03
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
"Nr 5 Stars" handbag mix leather and patent leather shoulder bag. Opens with snaps. The inside is divided into 2 compartments. Zipper pocket against the back. Size: height: 25,5 cm...
CHANEL red leather & pink terry cloth FLAT THONG Sandals Shoes 38.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel CC thong sandals in red smooth leather with pink terry cloth lining. Have been worn once ot twice and are in excellent condition. Comes with dust bag. Measure...
Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Black Lace Gown
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Sharon, CT
Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Collection Croisière '84. Black floral motif lace Evening Gown with pink satin sash, fully lined.
Chanel Denim Deauville Small Tote
By Chanel
Located in Houston, TX
The interlocking CC logo is synonymous with elegance and high French style. Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel first opened a Parisian millinery shop in the early 1900s. By the 1920s she was re...
Chanel New Silk Pink CC Logo Scarf
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel Pink CC printed logo scarf is in 100% silk that displays a multicolor CC print. Brand new in unused condition.
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...
Brown leather shoulder bag with top-stitching and chain Chanel Circa 1984
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Brown leather shoulder bag with top-stitching and chain. Black leather lining. One flat pocket with zip inside and one flat pocket without zip. "CC" claps covered with black leather...
Yves Saint Laurent Black mombasa Sculptural Horn Handle & Buckled Front Pocket
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel Mary Jane flats in blush pink lambskin leather, featuring the iconic CC logo embroidered on the toe, finished with a fine matching metallic trim. The thin strap fastens with...
Chanel Classic Flap Maxi Silver Lambskin Leather Single Flap Silver Hardware
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
[Rare] Chanel Classic Flap Maxi Silver Lambskin Leather Single Flap Silver Hardware 2011 These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD Ligh...
$2,947Sale Price|50% Off
Chanel Size 50 / US 14 16 Fall 2004 Runway Black and White Vintage Tweed Jacket
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Such an impossible size to find. Chic and classic vintage Chanel Fall 2004 black and white runway tweed jacket. Designed by Karl Lagerfeld, this wardr...
Chanel New White Camellia Cashmere Shawl
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel white cashmere white shawl with multicolor camellias on it and a black trim out of flowers and CC logos. The edges of the scarf are fringed. It's a big piece which can be worn...
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 Spring 2010 3D Camellia Embellished Heels Black
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
The MOST exquisite, work of art Chanel camellia heels from the Spring 2010 Collection. Collectors’ piece. Superbly crafted from smooth black leat...
Chanel 1990s Vintage Mint Green Chocolare Bar Quilted Top Handle Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Step into the turn-of-the-millennium era of luxury with this exquisite vintage Chanel clutch. A quintessential piece from the iconic Chocolate Bar collection, this bag is a rare find...
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...
Chanel S/S 1990 Vintage Bridal Pearl Embellished Pleated Ivory Dress Gown
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
An incredibly rare and collectible piece from Chanel’s Spring/Summer 1990 collection by Karl Lagerfeld. It became an instant icon when Madonna wore it for Vanity Fair cover and edit...
Chanel Fall 2000 Women's Ski Sunglasses in Smoky Grey with CHANEL Logo
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
RARE CHANEL SKI SUNGLASSES - FALL RUNWAY 2000 Very rare grey Chanel ski sunglasses from the Fall runway 2000 collection. Featuring an oversized futuristic shield silhouette in smoky ...
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 20C black leather grosgrain cap toe gold CC heel mary jane flats EU40
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 20C black leather grosgrain cap toe gold textured heel mary jane flats EU40 Reference: VNWG/A00032 Brand: Chanel Designer: Virginie Viard Collection: 20C Material: Leather, Fabric Color: Black, Gold Pattern: Solid Closure: Ankle Strap Lining: Black Leather Extra Details: These Chanel Mary Jane flats...
$5,995Sale Price|30% Off
New With Tags Chanel Métiers d’Art 2019 Pant Suit Size 38
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Conroe, TX
Brand New With Tags A Rare Find Chanel Métiers d’Art 2019 Karl Lagerfeld drew from ancient Egypt for a lavish yet controlled collection, shown amidst the majesty of the Temple of Den...
Chanel Black Quilted Glazed Leather Tote
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel Black Quilted Glazed Leather Tote features diamond quilted calfskin leather, a silver chain link straps threaded with leather, dual leather handles, and a CC logo on the ...
1990 Chanel Golden CC Medallion Belt
By Chanel
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Fantastic and rare Chanel belt Chain belt with CC medallions, wearable as a necklace Period: 1990s Materials: Gold-tone metal Colours: Gold Dimensions: Length approx. 90 cm Conditio...
$2,354Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel cashmere twin set Fall 1996 FR 40
By Chanel
Located in Rubiera, RE
Chanel twin set Fall 1996 collection Cardigan and shirt 1/2 sleeves in rust red cashmere with micro sequins. Bright electric blue gaskets. Logo butto...
rare CHANEL 94P Vintage pink cotton tweed cropped jacket FR40 L
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare CHANEL 94P Vintage pink cotton tweed cropped jacket FR40 L Reference: TGAS/E00518 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 94P Material: Cotton, Blend Color: Pink, Whi...
Chanel Black Shiny Lambskin Quilted Extra Mini Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
LListing Title: Chanel Black Shiny Lambskin Quilted Extra Mini Flap Bag SKU: 155918 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: No house has shaped the fashion landscape quite like C...
CHANEL Vintage 2002 Chocolate Bar black leather logo embossed chain tote bag
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL Vintage 2002 Chocolate Bar black leather logo embossed chain tote bag Reference: VNWG/A00009 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Model: Chocolate Bar Material: Leather Colo...
CHANEL black leather 13K ENCHAINED BOY MEDIUM Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Enchained (old) Medium shoulder bag in smooth black leather is a bold and edgy take on the iconic Boy Bag. Featuring intric...
Vintage Chanel Chain Logo Charm Belt 1984
By Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
Vintage Chanel Chain Logo Belt - 1980s Icon A showstopping creation from Chanel’s golden era, this vintage logo belt embodies the bold glamour of the 1980s and specifically 1984. Cra...
Chanel S/S 2002 Black Kid Leather Mule Slides w Blonde Platform & Stiletto Heels
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Gresham, OR
Chanel S/S 2002 Black Kid Leather Mule Slides w Blonde Wooden Platform and Stiletto Heels: "CC" logo buckles. Styled after a 1950s summer Tiki sandal these classic Chanel Slides are ...
Chanel 2024 Limited-Edition Star Bag in Black Quilted Lambskin
By Chanel
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional and Rare Chanel limited-edition “Star Bag” from the Cruise 2024 collection. Crafted in black quilted lambskin with gold hardware and a leather-interlaced chain strap all...
CHANEL Vintage Cream Tweed Two-Piece Suit with Camellia Buttons
By Chanel
Located in Nice, FR
CHANEL Boutique vintage cream tweed two‑piece ensemble including a jacket and a matching skirt. This vintage Chanel tweed suit embodies the timeless elegance and refined craftsmansh...
CHANEL black Aged Calfskin leather 2.55 MEDIUM REISSUE 225 Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel 2.55 Medium Reissue 225 double flap bag in black aged calfskin showcases the maison’s heritage design. Detailed with classic diamond quilting and antique s...
CHANEL navy quilted lambskin leather metallic tweed mary jane sandals EU39
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL navy quilted lambskin leather metallic fantasy tweed CC logo mary jane sandals EU39 Reference: VNWG/A00042 Brand: Chanel Material: Leather, Tweed Color: Navy, Multicolour Patt...
CHANEL ivory wool 2007 07P SLEEVELESS TURTLENECK Blouse Shirt 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel sleeveless turtleneck top in ivory wool (100%). Closes on the back with concealed metal hooks. Unlined. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. 2007 Sprin...
Chanel Chain Trim Leather Shearling Lined Ankle Boots
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Amazing Chanel chain trim ankle boots. Worn twice and come with dustbag. Made from black leather with snug shearling linings and crepe soles. They have silvertone trims around the ba...
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 Espadrilles Cuir 2 tons EU37 CC Baby Blue Leather Flat Shoes UK4 US6.5
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Flat Chanel espadrilles in two-tone sky blue leather, embroidered with a large CC logo across the instep, black leather almond toe, rope outsole lined with rubber, leather lining and...
Chanel Classic Flap Jumbo Black Lambskin Leather Double Flap Silver Hardware
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Classic Flap Jumbo Black Lambskin Leather Double Flap Silver Hardware 2011 These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Embrace luxury with this timeles...
Pale gold jersey trouser CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pale gold jersey trouser. Jersey composition: 100% polyester. Invisible zip and hook&eye closure on the left side. Small metal brooch brand on the top left on the hips. SIZE 50
Chanel Chic Quilt Flap Large Black Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Chic Quilt Flap Large Black Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD This preloved item is i...
CHANEL black wool blend 96P FOUR POCKET Jacket S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel jacket is crafted in black serge wool (92%) and nylon (8%), offering a structured yet refined feel. It features a tailored, elongated silhouette with small...
1990s Chanel Rectangular Purple, Pink & Green Abstract Silk Scarf
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
An abstract print Chanel scarf in shades of purple, plum, pink, teal, and taupe, in lightweight silk. it is pleated throughout giving it crinkled texture and look. Long and wide, it ...
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 multicolor cotton 24P LUREX STRIPED Cardigan Sweater 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel cardigan in beige, cream, black and pink striped crochet knit composed of cotton (60%), viscose (20%), metalled fibre (12%), polyamide (4%) and polyester (4%), ...
Chanel Black and Fuschia Logo Cap Toe Pump
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chanel suede pump in the classic contrast cap toe design in deep fuchsia pink and black. Stitched logo detail at toe and quilt-stitch detail at plat...
Documented Chanel By Karl Lagerfeld Runway Metallic Ribbed-Knit Maxi Dress, FW96
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
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...
White cotton tank-top with lace and crochet edge CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White cotton tank-top with lace and crochet edge . SIZE 44 /M
$3,945Sale Price|25% Off
CHANEL pre fall 2016 Paris Rome Long dress
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Rubiera, RE
CHANEL Collection Pre-fall 2016 Paris-Rome Long black silk and white lace dress with lace and jewels buttons. Long black silk sleeves with white lace cuffs, zip fastening Front faste...
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 white leather 2021 21S LOW TOP Sneakers Shoes 38.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 2021 low-top sneakers in white smooth leather with a black & white rubber sole. Have been worn and show a faint scratch on the left shoe. Overall in excellent c...
Chanel 22P Pre Spring-Summer 2022 Camellia Print Silk Mini Dress New FR38/UK10
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Super cute Chanel camellia mini dress from the 22P 2022 Spring-Summer Pre-Collection Unworn. Made from black and white camellia printed silk with fringed panel detailing. It has an a...
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...