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 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 Cruise 1995 95C Black & White Fantasy Tweed Jacket
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, 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 F/W 1994 Black Sequin Lace Bow Camellia 94A Mini Dress
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Chanel Fall/Winter 1994 black sequin and lace mini dress, a rare and highly collectible runway piece from one of Karl Lagerfeld’s most charming ’90s collections for the House. This ...
Chanel Medium Raffia Jute Striped Flap Bag Black Diamond Wild Stitch
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Medium Raffia Jute Striped Flap Bag Black Diamond Wild Stitch These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD CONDITION This preloved ...
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...
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 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...
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 Resort 2009 Black & Silver Lattice Ankle Boots
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Absolutely stunning Chanel ankle boots from the Resort 2009 collection. Look 7 on the runway looks. Unworn with dustbag. Made from silver and black leather, they have a lattice const...
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.
1990's Chanel Vintage Black Leather Unisex Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel 90's unisex butter lambskin small black weekender bag. Handle drop 5.5". Shoulder drop 15.25". Comes with hologram, id card and generic dust cover.
CHANEL orange wool blend 1998 V-NECK KNIT Blazer Jacket 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Fall/Winter 1998 v-neck blazer in brown and orange wool (95%) and acrylic (5%). Features padded shoulders, two flap pockets on the front and buttoned cuffs. Ope...
CHANEL navy & black 2012 12P PANELLED TWEED Dress 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel panelled tweed dress in navy blue and black acrylic (43%), nylon (23%), polyester (20%) and viscose (14%). Features printed silk waist insert and flared bottom ...
CHANEL black leather 2018 18A HAMBURG PEARL CHAIN RIDING Boots Shoes 37.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel riding boots in black crinkled calfskin embellished embellished with detachable silver-tone pearl chain. The design features classic tonal cap toe and a zipper ...
Black silk top with zip in the front and quilted top-stitched strips Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black silk top with zip in the front and quilted top-stitched strips. SIZE 42(It) 38 (Fr) M
"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 Paris-Edinburgh Black Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel Paris-Edinburgh flap bag in black features aged calfskin with a gunmetal chain and leather woven shoulder straps, exterior slot pocket at front, woven interior lining, in...
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...
CHANEL ivory sheer silk georgette floral lace trim beach duster robe FR38 M
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL ivory sheer silk georgette floral lace trim beach duster robe FR38 M Reference: MELK/A00685 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Material: Silk Color: Pink Pattern: Solid Ex...
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...
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 Cruise 2020 CC To Drink Black Gold Leather Water Bottle Holder
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Chanel Cruise 2020 “CC To Drink” water bottle crossbody bag, one of the most playful and collectible accessories from the Cruise 2019/2020 runway collection. An ultra-luxe interpreta...
CHANEL black cashmere 96A FOUR POCKET OFFICIER Jacket S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel jacket is crafted in black cashmere (100%) and tailored to a refined, fitted silhouette with an elongated length. It features a stand collar and four front...
CHANEL black leather 25P QUILTED BOMBER Jacket 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel bomber jacket in black quilted lambskin leather. Features a relaxed, cropped silhouette with softly dropped shoulders, elasticated collar, cuffs and hem for a m...
CHANEL black 100% cashmere white contrast trim CC button pocket pullover FR40 L
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL black 100% cashmere white contrast trim CC button pocket pullover FR40 L Reference: MELK/A00613 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Material: 100% Cashmere Color: Black, Of...
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 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 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...
$2,343Sale 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...
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 belt 'Golden army' by Karl Lagerfeld Fall-Winter 1996
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1996 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear 'Golden Army' Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden chain belt with glass paste cabochon in amber-color, green, a...
Chanel Black Leather Knee High Boots with Silver CC Logo, Size 38.5
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
CHANEL Black Leather Silver CC Logo Zip Knee High Boots Block Heel 38.5 ✨ Description Elegant CHANEL black leather boots featuring a timeless silhouette and signature silver-tone CC ...
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 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 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...
Navy blue short sleeve jacket with check Tweed edge CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Navy blue cotton short sleeve jacket with check Tweed edge. Inset composition: 79% cotton, 12% nylon, 2% wool. Silk branded lining. Raglan sleeve. Denim button and buttonhole closure...
1990s Chanel burgundy velvet gold hardware backpack
By Chanel
Located in Capri, IT
1990s Chanel burgundy velvet gold hardware backpack made in france size 2.55
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...
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 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...
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 Classic Flap Jumbo Double Flap Burgundy Caviar Leather Silver Hardware
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Classic Flap Jumbo Double Flap Burgundy Caviar Leather Silver Hardware These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD Moderate signs...
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 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...
CHANEL white & cream wool 20K SCALLOPED TWEED Skirt 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel A-line skirt in cream and white tweed in wool (79%), acetate (19%), polyamide (1%) and polyethylene (1%). This exceptional luxury Chanel skirt features a fluid ...
CHANEL Vintage 2002 Chocolate Bar black leather logo embossed chain tote bag
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
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...
$3,955Sale Price|25% Off
CHANEL pre fall 2016 Paris Rome Long dress
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for 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 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...
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 Ballerines EU38 Black White Leather Ribbon Cockade Flats Ballet Shoes UK5
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel ballerinas in black and white leather, rounded toe decorated with 2 black and white ribbon cockades, leather lining, inner and outer soles. Size 38FR or UK5 and US7.5. The bal...
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 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 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 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...
CHANLE black acetate 2023 HEART CHAIN Sunglasses 5210Q
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 5210Q Heart Chain sunglasses in black acetate (100%) with metal chain detailing (100%). These luxury Chanel sunglasses feature a bold black acetate frame paired...
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...
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...
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...
Chanel Sac Pochette Ceinture Classique Silver Star Leather Classic mini bag NIB
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Small Chanel Classic series bag or clutch in silver quilted leather and silver metal, small flap closed by a magnetic snap topped with a large star encrusted with rhinestones and CC ...
CHANEL black leather OVER KNEE BLOCK HEEL Boots Shoes 37
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel over-knee boots in black smooth lambskin leather with signature patent toe tip. Open with a zipper to a light beige satin lining. Have been worn and show some s...