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 26P Black Calfskin Large Bowling Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel 26P Black Calfskin Large Bowling Bag SKU: Z154478 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Pristine Condition Comments: Item has no indication of wear. Final sa...
$753Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel Vintage Black Leather Bow Mule Heels EU 38
By Chanel
Located in Amsterdam, NL
These beautiful Chanel black mules are vintage and is easy to wear because of the good size hight of the heel. We offer more exclusive items, view our frontstore Details: Size heel...
CHANEL black white wool 19K HOUNDSTOOTH LUREX TWEED Coat Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel lurex tweed coat in black and white houndstooth is crafted from a luxurious blend of wool (75%), polyamide (15%), and viscose (10%). As an iconic piece tha...
Chanel CC Print Sneakers NEW Size 39
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel CC print sneakers Sold out in stores NEW with dust-bags and box Size 39 IT.Please know your sizing in Chanel before purchase. FINAL SALE.
CHANEL black leather 11A BYZANCE 2.55 REISSUE TOTE Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 2.55 Reissue tote in black quilted leather. Crafted in a structured, timeless silhouette, this elegant piece features antique silver-tone hardware, double leath...
Chanel Black Ruched Silk Chiffon Cropped Bolero Jacket FR 34
By Chanel
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
A refined Chanel cropped bolero jacket executed in richly textured ruched fabric with delicate silk chiffon paneling. The piece features a softly structured silhouette with an open f...
Chanel FW 2000 Karl Lagerfeld Light Blue Grey Fuzzy Dress FR 36
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Toronto, ON
Pre-owned Chanel Fall/ Winter 2000 light blue grey fuzzy sleeveless dress featuring round neckline, structured A-line silhouette, concealed zip at back, and CC hardware logo at chest...
$700Sale Price|20% Off
CHANEL Creations Muted Gray - Green Wool Coat with C.C. Buttons c 1980s
By Chanel
Located in University City, MO
CHANEL Creations muted gray - green wool coat with C.C. buttons c 1980s The stylish winter gauge wool coat is designed with a rounded stand-up collar Adorned with five burnished bras...
$775Sale Price|39% Off
Chanel Silk Charmeuse Ribbon Trim Cocktail Dress Circa 1990s
By Chanel
Located in University City, MO
Chanel Silk charmeuse ribbon trim cocktail dress c 1990s Size 34 The elegant Chanel black silk evening dress is designed with slit detail on both shoulders accented with black ribb...
Chanel 2019 Sac Ceinture Epaule CC Mania Green Leather Crossbody Bag on Belt
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel CC Mania bag, worn at the waist or crossbody, in green leather and gold-tone metal, with a gray cotton canvas and black leather interior featuri...
Chanel The Metropolitan Museum of Art Hardcover Book circa 2005
By Chanel
Located in University City, MO
Chanel The Metropolitan Museum of Art hardcover book c 2005 A beautiful collection of Chanel's luxurious garments; with fine and costume jewelry designs Showcases the exquisite co...
Chanel Timeless Classic Flap Medium Light Blue Caviar Leather Silver Hardware
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Timeless Classic Flap Medium Light Blue Caviar Leather Silver Hardware These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD CONDITION This ...
Black leather branded ridding boots Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black leather ridding boots . Branded "CC" on the top back Shoe size = 38C Heel height = 3 cm Height = 40 cm
Graphic plateform sandals with ankle straps Chanel SS 2013
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Graphic platform sandals with white leather ankle straps and buckle closure. Heel height : 10 cm Platform : 3 cm SHOE SIZE : 36
Rare Iconic Chanel one-piece swimwear, classic fit 90s style, real gem CC logo
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Rare Iconic Chanel one-piece swimwear, classic fit 90s style, real gem Chanel CC logo Worn by Gisele Bundchen on the cover of Vogue Paris Size 36, Perfect!
Chanel 1990s Vintage Pink Quilted Leather Tote Bag with CC Logo
By Chanel
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This vintage Chanel tote bag is crafted from pink quilted leather, featuring the brand's signature diamond-stitched pattern. It is accented by the iconic interlocking CC logo in silv...
Black metallic leather single-breasted jacket Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black metallic leather single-breasted with branded buttons and branded silk jacquard lining. Raglan sleeves and shoulder-pads. SIZE 38 (Fr) 8 (Us)
Top monospalla Lanvin
By Chanel
Located in Carnate, IT
Top monospalla Lanvin Top rosso plissè con cerniera laterale. Manica 23cm Lunghezza 60cm Seno circa 37cm Taglia 34 100% poliestere
Chanel Bi-Color Denim Pants 36 FR with CC Logo Buttons, Excellent
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL Bi-Color Denim Pants — The Duality of Light and Shadow — A Rare Contemporary Artefact of Chanel Modernism — // Boutique value: over $2,300. ~ A study in dual essence, these ...
Chanel Bottines Coco Neige EU39 Lined Suede Classique Chain Boots UK6 US8.5
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel mid-calf ankle boots in camel suede lined with shearling, round toe, matching rubber sole, cushioned heel, front adorned with gold-tone metal chains interwoven with matching l...
CHANEL beige leather 2024 24P DAD SLIDE Sandals Shoes 41 fit 40.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Dad mule sandals in beige quilted lambskin leather. Feature chain CC buttons and two adjustable straps. Brand new. Come with dust bags. 2024 Pre-Spring Measu...
CHANEL Paris / SALZBURG Navy Tyrolean Floral Jumper 34 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Navy Tyrolean Floral Jumper with Gripoix CC Jewels — Paris / SALZBURG 2015 Métiers d’Art, Karl Lagerfeld — A Métiers d’Art Collection Paris / SALZBURG 2015 is one of Lage...
CHANEL silver 17K MILKY WAY GLITTER & PATENT Ballet Flats Shoes 41
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic pair of Chanel Glitter Fabric Patent Calfskin Mocassin Loafers in black and silver. These stunning loafers are crafted from glossy patent calfskin leather in bla...
Fuchsia Boy Brick Lego Minaudière Clutch
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel's playful Lego clutch gets a fierce upgrade. This rare and collectible clutch bag is made of fuchsia plexiglass. Featuring prominent logos across both sides of its hard-case f...
Chanel Spring 2016 Navy Blue Fantasy Tweed Size 42 Metallic Jacket
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful Chanel, by Karl Lagerfeld, Spring 2016 navy blue fantasy tweed dual breasted jacket ! Features a luxurious fabric blend of Acrylic (29%), Polyester (37%), Nylon (26%), Meta...
A Polka Dots crepe cocktail dress by Chanel Haute Couture numbered 59644 C. 1975
By Chanel
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1970-1980 France Chanel Haute Couture cocktail dress numbered 59644 dating from the 1970s. Short dress, long sleeves with small puffs, in ivory...
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 Pre-Fall 2007 Button Trim Leather & Shearling Jacket
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Stunning, work of art vintage Chanel leather and shearling jacket from the Pre-Fall Metiers D’Art 2007 Paris-Monte Carlo collection. Unworn. Made from super fluid black taupe leather...
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...
CHANEL black/white silk satin dress FR 40 Fall 2001 01A
By Chanel
Located in Rubiera, RE
CHANEL Fall 2001 Elegant dress in black and white silk satin with drapery on the neckline. Short sleeves. Side pockets. Zip closure on the back. size FR 40 Made in France 100% silk ...
Sequin skirt-suit with Tweed print CHANEL Les Métiers d'Art 2022
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Sequin skirt-suit with Tweed print. Main composition: 100% polyester. Silk lining. Branded button and buttonhole closure on the middle front and on the cuffs. Chain inside the jacke...
CHANEL red leather 19C TRENDY CC Wallet on Chain WOC Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Trendy CC Wallet on Chain in red chevron quilted leather is a refined balance of elegance and functionality. Featuring the signature gold-tone metal bar wi...
Chanel NEW Aqua Cashmere Logo Shawl
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel brand new aqua and white multi logo cashmere shawl. New in unused condition.
Chanel 2014 Resort Limited Edition Transparent Bottle Minaudière Clutch Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Resort Limited Edition Transparent Bottle Minaudière Clutch Bag Iconic Chanel no.5 perfume bottle bag made from transparent plexiglass, and attached interwoven lambskin leath...
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 light blue & beige CAMELLIA DENIM & LEATHER FINGERLESS Gloves 7.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel fingerless gloves in light blue denim and beige leather are a chic blend of casual elegance and iconic detailing. Featuring a Camellia relief and a metal ...
Chanel 'Paris-New-York' bag by Karl Lagerfeld Pre-Fall 2019
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2019 'Paris-New-York' Metiers d'art Egypt Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Blue denim Maxi Jumbo bag with white fur edges, golden metal turnlock f...
Chanel Small Shopping Bag Black Grained Leather Cerf Executive Vintage Tote 2014
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Small Shopping Bag Black Grained Caviar Leather Cerf Executive Vintage Tote Year: 2014 Silver hardwre Black grained caviar leather Interlocking CC Logo Rolled Handles &...
Chanel Silk Chiffon Tiered Cocktail Dress by Lagerfeld
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Sharon, CT
Based on the classic Coco Chanel Tiered Cocktail Dress, Karl Lagerfeld's homage is printed with a transparent black repeated floral and CC logo pattern. EU appx size 36-38.
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 silver leather ankle boots 41 Spring 2012 12P
By Chanel
Located in Rubiera, RE
Chanel silver leather ankle boots Back zip Size IT 41 - US 11 - UK 8 Made in Italy New - never worn No box
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 ...
CHANEL black & white 2015 15C DUBAI STRASS CC MINAUDIERE Clutch Bag w Chain
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel CC Minaudière black satin hard case clutch with chain embellished black & white strass and ruthenium CC logo closure and shoulder-strap. The interior is lined i...
CHANEL Paris / Venice Rare Maritime Striped Cardigan 38 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL Collectible Maritime Cardigan — Paris / VENICE Cruise 2010, by Karl Lagerfeld ~ This is no ordinary cardigan but a passage — Chanel as vessel, crossing from the maritime myt...
CHANEL pink leather 22K MARY JANE Ballet Flats Shoes 39
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Mary-Jane ballet flats in pink lambskin leather exude timeless elegance with a refined contrast. Designed with black velvet trims and a matching toe cap, t...
Haute-Couture Chanel coat-dress pink wild silk
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Haute-Couture Chanel coat-dress shall numbered in pink wild silk and mother of pearl buttons
CHANEL black wool 20A RUE CAMBON FRINGE TWEED Jacket 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jacket in black tweed wool (with 2% polyamide). Features an elegant, fitted silhouette with a longer length and a flattering V-neckline. Designed with four faux...
Chanel 2010 Straw Country Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
- From Chanel's Spring / Summer 2010 Runway - Beige - Straw - Gold-tone hardware - Multicoloured ribbon trimmings and detailing - Front flap closure - Interwoven chain and ribbon str...
1995 COLLECTOR! CHANEL & Karl Lagerfeld 95A F/W Black wool bouclé jacket
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
COLLECTOR! CHANEL & Karl Lagerfeld 95A F/W 1995 Black wool bouclé jacket collector item! CHANEL by Karl Lagerfeld Collection: Fall / Winter 1995 Ready-to-Wear Chanel Style: 95a / 943...
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...
Chanel Tweed Pearl CC Thong Sandals
By Chanel
Located in Dallas, TX
Chanel Tweed Pearl CC Thong Sandals Color: Ivory Size: 38.5 Condition: Fair Iconic Chanel thong sandals crafted in ivory tweed with a quilted leat...
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 ...
$6,995Sale Price|28% Off
New W/ Tags Chanel S/S 2016 Kendall Jenner Runway Skirt & Jacket Suit
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Conroe, TX
Rare Karl Lagerfeld Chanel Spring 2016 Runway Suit New With Tags Kendall Jenner wore this model for the Iconic "Airport" Runway Show Size French 38 ...
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...
CHANEL black 17P SEQUIN Ankle Boots Shoes 39.5 G32739
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel ankle boots in striking black oversized sequins, designed to capture light with every step. A statement silhouette featuring rounded toes, ankle-high shafts, an...
CHANEL black leather & patent 2018 18S TRENCH Coat Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel trench coat in black leather with patent leather top. Features two patch pockets with additional flap pocket on the front and features an elastic waistband. Clo...
CHANEL Paris / Byzance Legendary Black Tweed Coat 50 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
~ A relic of couture mythology, this masterpiece coat from Karl Lagerfeld’s legendary Paris / BYZANCE Métiers d’Art 2011 Collection stands as one of the most exalted creations of th...
CHANEL midnight blue CC TWEED & LEATHER FINGERLESS Gloves 7.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel fingerless gloves combine elegance and functionality, crafted in diagonally striped tweed in midnight blue and white with a midnight blue leather undersid...
Chanel New Blue Red Flower Maxi Twilly
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel Floral CC Multicolored 100% Silk Twilly. Logo and floral print. Baby pink/baby blue/navy/creme/taupe/peach/purple. Brand new in unused condition.
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...