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 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 Haute Couture By Karl Lagerfeld "Bouclé" Jacket, Spring-Summer 1995
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Geneva, CH
Pamper yourself with the sophistication of Chanel's Haute Couture Spring-Summer 1995 collection with this wonderful "little black jacket" ! A rare and collectible piece that perfectl...
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Black Leather Sock Boots with Stiletto Heel, 2000s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Berlin, DE
These chic Chanel black leather sock boots exude understated Parisian elegance, blending sleek minimalism with subtle house detailing. Crafted in Italy from supple black leather, the...
Chanel Vintage Cream Wool Metallic Lurex Skirt Suit
By Chanel
Located in Oakland, CA
Vintage open front cream wool boucle Chanel skirt suit with metallic gold lurex threads. The jacket has functional 3-button sleeve cuffs and front pockets. The inner lining is silk ...
Chanel 2020 Iconic Peach Teddy Jacket with Chains 38 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
– CHANEL Iconic Peach Fluffy Chain-Link Jacket — Cruise 2020 Campaign by Virginie Viard – An icon immortalized on billboards Adverts across the world, this jacket is more than a...
Chanel Black Sequin Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress circa 2002
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Chanel Black Sequin Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress from circa 2002 is a stunning example of timeless elegance and high-end craftsmanship. The dress features a sleek, figure-hugging ...
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 ...
Vintage Chanel sunglasses from 2000's
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
Minimalist and instantly iconic, these Chanel rimless sunglasses from the 2000s perfectly showcase the House's exceptional craftsmanship through a design of remarkable elegance. Thei...
CHANEL black green metal CHAIN TRIM ROUND Sunglasses 4265Q
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel round sunglasses in black metal, elevated by the house's iconic signature chain trim — a black leather-interwoven CC-link detail that runs continuously from the...
CHANEL neon yellow leather 16C SEOUL COCO RAIN FLAP Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Mini Flap bag in neon yellow quilted leather with geometric printed raincoat. Crafted in a classic, softly structured silhouette, this playful yet refined piece...
2015 Chanel Paris Dubai perforated metallic leather Shoulder bag
By Chanel
Located in Capri, IT
Chanel, Limited Edition from the Resort 2015 Paris - Dubai collection. Classique PM bag in perforated metallic leather and embellished with rhinestone eyelets. This Chanel flap bag f...
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...
CHANEL Rare CC Handshake Buttons Black Tweed Jacket 36 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Iconic and timeless Chanel black tweed jacket with CC logo Handshake buttons ~ rare classic piece for true Chanel collectors! Size mark 36 FR / Condition: never worn - most recognisa...
CHANEL 13K$ COCO Brasserie Statement Black Tweed Jacket 36 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL “COCO BRASSERIE” Collection — The Eternal Black Jacket — A Timeless Masterpiece by Karl Lagerfeld — // Boutique value over 13,000$ – An eternal and statement Chanel piece, b...
CHANEL white glitter fabric CLASSIC BALLET Flats Shoes 39
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel ballet flats in luminous white glitter fabric with contrasting black grosgrain cap toes and subtle CC detail. Elegant almond-toe silhouette finished with a deli...
CHANEL Paris / SHANGHAI Black Tweed Jacket with Braided Trim 36 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Black Tweed Jacket with Braided Trim — Paris / SHANGHAI 2010 Métiers d’Art, Karl Lagerfeld – One of the House’s most mythic: Billboard and ad Campaign seen, celebrity-cite...
CHANEL Legendary CC Gripoix Buttons Burgundy Tweed Jacket 42 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Collectible Burgundy Lesage Tweed Jacket — Runway Fall/Winter 2011 “Lonely Day” Collection by Karl Lagerfeld — // Boutique value: approx. €13,000 · Museum-grade Runway piece...
CHANEL gold coated canvas CLASSIC BALLET Flats Shoes 39 fit 38.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel ballet flats in cream textured fabric with contrasting black grosgrain cap toes and subtle CC detail. Elegant almond-toe silhouette finished with a delicate bow...
Museum Worthy Chanel Métiers d’art 2014 Paris Dallas Sample Minaudière
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Museum-Worthy Chanel Métiers d'Art Paris-Dallas Pre-Fall 2014 Sample Minaudière by Karl Lagerfeld - Prototype Archive Piece from 31 Rue Cambon. An extraordinary opportunity to acquir...
CHANEL Fall 2021 Lavender Tweed Jacket With CC Logo 38 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Lavender Tweed Jacket with CC Logo Lapels & Jewel Buttons — Fall 2021 Runway, Virginie Viard — Iconic Viard-era collectible · celebrity-worn · instantly recognizable — ...
Chanel Fall 2008 Purple Silk Taffeta Babydoll Swing Coat with Bow
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fabulously dramatic never-worn Chanel Pre-Fall 2008 opera coat in deep purple silk taffeta as seen on the runway. Classic 1960's style babydoll swing jacket silhouette with a rounded...
CHANEL New CC Buttons Cashmere Architectural Cardigan 34 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL Cashmere Cardi Coat — Runway of the 2011 Fall “Lonely Day” Collection by Maestro Karl Lagerfeld –A garment born from the somber poetry of autumn, this Chanel cardi-coat carri...
CHANEL 10K$ Iridescent Black Lesage Tweed Jacket 42 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL Iridescent Black Lesage Tweed Jacket ~ As seen on Kristen Stewart and on the covers of leading magazines ~ A jacket that is more than attire: it is a relic of Chanel’s eter...
CHANEL Camellia Motif Lesage Tweed Ensemble 38 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Camellia-Motif Lesage Tweed Ensemble — Mid-2000s Karl Lagerfeld— Exceptionally rare · archival-era collectible · motif echoed again in Fall 2024 — – A mid-2000s Lagerfeld ...
CHANEL Vintage Black Leather Gold CC Logo Chain Belt/Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
Vintage Chanel CC Coin Logo Leather Chain belt which can also be styled as a necklace 100% authentic Made in France Gold-Plated, leather Clasp closure Very good condition overall asi...
CHANEL New Digital Renaissance Blue Tweed Jacket 42 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
// Size mark 42 FR / Condition: never worn // — Inside, the tonal silk lining preserves the house’s quiet sensuality, and the chain link at the interior hem maintains equilibrium
CHANEL natural 19C LA PAUSA POMPOM STRAW BOATER Hat M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel PomPom wide brim boater hat is a beautifully handcrafted accessory that reflects the exceptional savoir-faire of the Maison Michel ateliers. Expertly woven...
CHANEL Collectible 1993 Runway Lesage Ribbon Tweed Jacket 34 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Lesage Ribbon Tweed Jacket — Fall 1993 Runway, Karl Lagerfeld – Fall 1993 is Chanel at maximal clarity — Lagerfeld as the architect of power— not simply a jacket, but a wo...
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 ...
Chanel Vintage S/S 1995 Barbie Periwinkle Lavender Tweed 95P Jacket Skirt Suit
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for 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 black 1990s BEADE POINTELLE KNIT MAXI Dress S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel gown in black semi-sheer pointelle knit. Features a sleek, sleeveless bodycon silhouette that falls to a refined maxi length, finished with a sculpting turtlene...
Chanel Pre-Fall 2016 Beige Black Suede Grosgrain Pearl Heel Mules Size 38.5 39
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Step into timeless Parisian elegance with these rare Chanel Pre-Fall 2016 runway mules, a highly coveted design that perfectly embodies Karl Lagerfeld’s refined vision. Elevate your...
Late 1990s Excellent Condition Chanel Smooth Black Leather Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This authentic Chanel tote bag is crafted from smooth, supple black leather, offering a minimalist and highly versatile aesthetic for daily use. The front is detailed with a subtle l...
Vintage 80s Chanel Black Pleated Crepe Dress Deep V-Neck Detachable Satin Cuffs
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Rare Vintage 1980s Chanel Boutique Black Deep V-Neck Pleated Crepe Dress, Designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Step into timeless sophistication with this authentic vintage Chanel Boutique d...
CHANEL New Paris / Cosmopolite Ribbon Tweed Jacket 42 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
One of the most recognisable Chanel jacket from Paris / COSMOPOLITE Collection, 2017 metiers d'Art As seen in Adverts all over the world! Boutique price over 11,000$ Size mark 42 FR....
Vintage Chanel 2000s Black Patent Leather CC Logo Quilted Wristlet Micro Clutch
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage Chanel black patent leather mini wristlet purse from 2003/2004. Bag has square quilting throughout with CC logos, large CC logo at top. Dangling large gunmetal silver metal C...
Chanel Black Caviar Medallion Tote Bag
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Oakland, CA
The Chanel Medallion Tote was produced in one size and measures approximately 12.5 inches in width, 10 inches in height, and 6 inches in depth, with a 6.5-inch handle drop. It was in...
CHANEL 5K$ New Paris / Edinburgh Runway Teddy Jumper 34 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Paris / EDINBURGH Silk Cashmere Jumper with Gripoix Charm Métiers d’Art 2013 — Runway & Advertising Campaign // Boutique value over $4,800 // A winter talisman— written ...
CHANEL New Paris / Edinburgh Iconic Red Tartan Jacket 34 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
~ From the legendary Paris / EDINBURGH 2013 Métiers d’Art collection under Karl Lagerfeld, this tartan wool jacket is not merely a garment — it is the axis upon which the entire col...
CHANEL Paris / Cosmopolite Eternal Black Tweed Jacket 40 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL Paris / COSMOPOLITE 2017 Métiers d’Art Collection — The Eternal Black Jacket — As Seen on Cara Delevingne — A Symbol of Modern Nobility – From the celebrated Paris / Cosmopo...
CHANEL Vintage Noble Purple Tweed Suit with 64K Gold CC Buttons 44 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Noble Purple Tweed Suit with 64K Gold CC Buttons — Fall 1990/ 1991 ‘Supermodel’ Runway, Karl Lagerfeld • Rares Archival Vintage (collectors market) — A Fall 1990/91 Super...
CHANEL silver leather 2018 MARBLED Slingback Flats Shoes 39.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel slingback flats in marbled metallic silver leather with matching polished silver cap toes and subtle CC detail at the heel. Elegant almond-toe silhouette paired...
Chanel 1999 Gilet long Veste FR40 Precious Green Blue Long Cardigan UK12 US8
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel long cardigan from the Spring/Summer 1999 collection by Karl Lagerfeld, crafted from lightweight, pale aqua-green viscose knit. It is fully embellished with crystals, sequins,...
Sac Chanel Mini Square Vintage 1991
By Chanel
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Sac Chanel Mini Square vintage 1991 en cuir d’agneau noir avec finitions gold. Pièce iconique. Ce sac Chanel Mini Square vintage, réalisé en cuir d’agneau noir avec finitions gold, ...
Chanel Black Petal Textured Swim Cover-Up Dress, Cruise 2009
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chanel vintage 2000s black sleeveless dress with tiers of petal shaped fabric at front. From the Cruise 2009 collection. Metal CC logo at back top. Lightweight fabric, great as a b...
CHANEL black acetate 1990s ICONIC OVAL Sunglasses
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel 1990s iconic chunky oval sunglasses feature a sleek black acetate frame finished with bold gold-tone CC logos on the temples. The sculptural, oversized si...
Chanel Vintage Limited Edition Basketball, 2004
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
Collectors item! Limited edition CHANEL basketball from 2004 Condition : lightly used Made in France Material: grained rubber IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vinta...
CHANEL black cashmere 23B CHAIN TRIM Cardigan Sweater 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel cardigan in black textured knit cashmere (100%), showcasing a soft, richly structured surface that reflects the house’s signature knit craftsmanship. Designed i...
CHANEL black & white cotton 21P HOUNDSTOOTH STRAIGHT TWEED Pants 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel pants in white and navy blue houndstooth tweed in cotton (69%), polyamide (20%) and viscose (11%) with multicoloured speckles throughout. These luxury Chanel pa...
Chanel Pre-Fall 2007 Floral Applique Cashmere Dress Black
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Gorgeous vintage Chanel dress - from the Pre-Fall Metiers D’Art 2007 or Paris-Monte Carlo collection. Only worn a couple of times and in excellent vintage condition. made from soft, ...
rare CHANEL Puzzle blue plastic CC chip leather stitch tote bag
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare CHANEL Puzzle blue plastic CC chip leather stitch tote bag Reference: TGAS/E00380 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Material: Leather, Acrylic ...
CHANEL navy blue cotton 17P FRINGE TRIM TWEED MINI Dress 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel dress in navy blue gauze tweed wool (38%), cotton (27%), nylon (17%), viscose (17%) and polyester (1%), intricately embroidered in a grid pattern in white, blue...
Chanel Stylish Paris / Dallas Runway Cashmere Jacket 38 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Super stylish Chanel black anthracite cashmere jacket ~ from Runway of Paris / DALLAS Collection ~ 2014 Metiers d'Art by Karl Lagerfeld Size mark 38 FR / Condition: never worn - ...
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 black STRETCH & PATENT leather 22B Ankle Boots Shoes 39.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel ankle boots in elegant black leather, combining timeless design with subtle sparkle. Crafted with rounded patent leather cap toes and sleek stretch leather shaf...
Chanel 80s Black Vintage Leather Shoulder Chain Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel excellent vintage black shoulder bag, partially quilted. Gold tone hardware. Collection 1986/1988. Shoulder drop 13". Comes with holo...
Rare Chanel S/S 1992 runway 24k gold plated Multicolor Pill Chain Belt
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Documented Runway - Season 28 by Victoire de Castellane for Karl Lagerfeld A Playful Pop-Art Collector's Treasure. One of the most imaginative and collectible creations from Karl La...
Chanel Black Satin Top Handle Satchel Kelly Style Mini Party Evening Bag
By Chanel
Located in Charlotte, NC
Chanel Black Satin Top Handle Satchel Kelly Style Mini Party Evening Bag Satin Gold tone hardware Leather lining Date code present Made in France Turnlock closure Handle drop 3" Mea...
CHANEL black viscose 24P LOGO GLITTER JERSEY Coat Jacket 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel trench coat in black jersey viscose (72%), polyamide (24%) and elastane (1%), finished with an all-over tonal logo jacquard and subtle glitter-disc accents impr...
Chanel dress 'Pretes pour le surf' by Karl Lagerfeld Summer 2003
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2003 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear "Prêtes pour le surf" Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Silk muslin dress embroidered with black and white sequins...