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 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 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 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 Sac Pochette Wallet On Chain Coral Pink Leather Golden CC Mini Bag New
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Small Chanel "Classic" series bag or mini Wallet on Chain in coral pink quilted leather with gold-tone hardware; features a small flap with a magnetic snap closure topped by a gold-t...
CHANEL black leather 19B PEARL EMBELLISHED SHINY COMBAT Boots Shoes 37.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel short combat boots in black shiny grained calfskin leather combine edgy style with feminine detailing. Embellished with velvet CC patches and faux pearl bu...
CHANEL fuchsia & black rubber 16K LUREX TWEED Ballet Flats Shoes 38.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel tweed ballet flats are crafted in a vibrant fuchsia tweed with subtle silver lurex woven throughout for a hint of shimmer. The design features a classic C...
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...
Chanel Haute Couture S/S 1960 Blush Pink Lace Wheat Dress
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Exceptional Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1960 wheat dress, a rare lifetime Gabrielle Chanel piece and a remarkable example of the house’s late 1950s–early 1960s couture romanticism. Executed in a delicate blush pink tone, the dress is crafted from sheer lace richly embroidered with wheat motifs, a symbol long associated with Gabrielle Chanel and her private world. The surface is beautifully worked with tonal embroidery and subtle iridescent threads, giving the dress a soft, luminous effect as it catches the light. The silhouette is classic early-1960s Chanel couture: sculpted bodice, elegant bateau neckline, softly extended shoulders, defined waist, and a full pleated skirt with a scalloped lace hem. A gold variation of this wheat dress was featured in the landmark Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto exhibition, shown at major institutions including Palais Galliera and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The design is also closely associated with Jeanne Moreau, who wore a magnificent Chanel wheat...
Chanel x Pharrell Capsule Collection Bathrobe Saffron Lesage Embroidery M NEW
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel x Pharrell Capsule Collection Bathrobe saffron color with Lesage Embroidery An urban capsule collection highlighting Pharrell Williams’ lo...
Chanel Jewelled CC Pearl White Camellia Flower Chain Belt A23
By Chanel
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
A romantic and highly feminine Chanel A23 chain belt featuring one of the house’s most enduring signatures—the white camellia. Chanel continues to treat the camellia as a central hou...
Tulle and lurex tweed dress with jewellery button Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Tulle and lurex tweed dress with jewellery button and zip on the side
Chanel Paillette Flap Bag Rectangular Mini Multicolor Glitter Sequins
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Paillette Flap Bag Rectangular Mini Multicolor Glitter Sequins These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: EXCELLENT This previously owned a...
New Chanel Blue Beach Bag Towel Set Iconic Design
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel brand new beach set, tote and matching beach towel. Terry cloth blue bag lined in cotton print matching the terry cloth towel. Detachable pouch can be worn separately. Towel 1...
CHANEL green wool 16C SEOUL TWEED Skirt Suit 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel skirt suit in black and white tweed cotton (68%), nylon (22%) and polyester (10%), accented with green ribbon detailing that forms a graphic square pattern thro...
White cotton skirt-suit with navy gros-grain piping and camellia's button Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White cotton skirt-suit with navy gros-grain piping and camellia's buttons.Shoulder pad. Silk branded lining. SIZE 38 (M)
Chanel Black Silk Cocktail Dress
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Sharon, CT
Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel designed 'little black dress' with black & white spaghetti straps. Lagerfeld continues Chanel's technique of crisscross piecing as a structural device. Met...
Chanel 2022 Black Lambskin Book Gold Chain 22B Cardholder
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
A playful, instantly collectible Chanel piece from the 22B season: the iconic “book” cardholder reimagined as a tiny crossbody. Crafted in black quilted lambskin with contrasting wh...
1982 CHANEL black sequined jacket and skirt suit
By Chanel
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Spectacular black sequined skirt suit from Chanel’s Winter 1982 collection. The collarless jacket is tailored through the waist with a slim, structured silhouette. Four open pockets ...
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 Black Leather Shoulder Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
Chanel black patent leather shoulder tote bag featuring a perforated logo pattern, shoulder chain handles, silver tone hardware, an inside detachable pocket by a detachable hook. Ci...
CHANEL blue & white cotton denim 2008 08C LA STRIPED WIDE JEANS Pants 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel striped wide-leg jeans in grey and navy denim cotton (with 5% polyurethane) Feature silver thread stitching along the seams and around the pockets, two front an...
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 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 silk 2022 22C DUBAI CONTRAST TRIM KNIT Dress 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel rib-knit dress in black silk (78%), polyamide (17%) and elastane (5%). Features contrast ivory striped trims, a crew neck, two buttons pockets, belt loop and ma...
$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 Vintage Camel Jumbo Quilted Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel Quilted Lambskin Jumbo Double Flap in camel is a classic shoulder bag of diamond quilted lambskin, a leather-chain shoulder strap, a half moon back pocket, and a CC turn-...
CHANEL cream lambskin leather LARGE BOY Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel (old) Large Boy flap bag in cream quilted lambskin leather with Ruthenium (anitque silver) hardware. Features a leather and chain strap. Closes with a Boy metal...
CHANEL black & white cotton blend PLAID TWEED & FLORAL Skirt 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel plaid-tweed and floral A-line layered skirt in black and off-white rayon (40%), cotton (20%), silk (20%), nylon (10%), and wool (10%...
CHANEL ivory silk 2019 19K SHEER RUFFLED Blouse Shirt 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 2019 sheer blouse in ivory silk (100%) with ruched detail at front that opens with seven lion head buttons in mother-of-pearl. Features a high collar and ruched...
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...
2009-10 Chanel Cream Bouclé Dress with Frayed Trim
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
2009-10 Chanel cream bouclé dress with frayed trim. Dating from the Karl Lagerfeld era, ready-to-wear collection. A great example of how Lagerfeld continued to reinterpret and at th...
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 Mademoiselle Chanel Doll Designed By Karl Lagerfeld 2010
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in New York, NY
100% Authentic guaranteed Chanel designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Each doll has slightly different face because they where all handmade. Chanel Mademoiselle doll was designed by Karl Lagerfeld For Chanel windows and given as gift to special clients. Not every window that season had this doll displayed...
$735Sale 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...
$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 ivory & coral wool blend 2004 04C PUSSY BOW SILK & TWEED Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel puss-bow tweed jacket in ivory, coral, red and mint green wool (36%), nylon (34%), viscose (16%) and cotton (14%). Features coral silk chiffon panels, collar an...
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 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 ...
Chanel Medium Double Sided Top Handle Flap Bag Black Lambskin Leather Gold Hw
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Medium Double Sided Top Handle Flap Bag Black Lambskin Leather 24k Gold Hardware These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. This rare exquisite Chanel...
2017K Chanel Beaded Grey Sweater New With Tags $3600
By Chanel
Located in Ardmore, PA
2017K Chanel Beaded Grey Sweater New With Tags New US $3,600
CHANEL 1990 Vintage burgundy satin envelope turnlock chain shoulder clutch bag
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
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 Mirror Reissue 225 Double Flap
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel Mirror Reissue 225 Double Flap Bag features a silver mirrored leather, silver-tone hardware, chain-link shoulder straps, a half moon back pocket, The original dust bag an...
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Haute Couture Bow Skirt Suit, Circa 1985
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Geneva, CH
Iconic, timeless, chic and versatile ! Very few garment can provide these four qualities simultaneously. A Chanel skirt suit has definitely such power, especially when it is Haute Co...
Chanel New White Silk Blue CC Logo Scarf
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New Chanel silk scarf with big blue CC logo in the center which is surrounded by black mountains like the Alpes. The trim is blue and the edges are hand rolled. The scarf is 100% silk.
Chanel Spring 2017 Navy & Silver Striped CC Button Knit Top
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Gorgeous Chanel knit top from the Spring 2017 collection. Look 31 on the runway. Unworn. Made from beautifully textured, intricately knitted navy, white and silver cotton/cashmere/si...
Chanel Fall 1994 Gold Leather CC Button Waistcoat Vest Jacket
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Absolutely incredible, super rare unworn vintage Chanel coat from the Fall 1996 runway. Made from thick bright red wool with a smooth red silk lining with stunning gilt Gripoix butto...
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 Black Caviar Chevron So Black Small Coco Top Handle Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Black Caviar Chevron So Black Small Coco Top Handle Bag SKU: 155878 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: No house has shaped the fashion landscape quite ...
CHANEL pink alpaca 22A FLORENCE STRIPED KNIT Midi Skirt 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel skirt is crafted in pink, red, navy blue, purple, coral, and cream striped knit composed of alpaca (45%), silk (19%), polyamide (16%), wool (11%), lyocell ...
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 2021 black leather patent cap toe gold camellia block heel pumps EU39C
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 2021 black leather patent cap toe gold camellia block heel pumps EU39C Reference: VNWG/A00061 Brand: Chanel Designer: Virginie Viard Collection: 2021 Material: Leather Color: ...
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 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 Vintage Light Blue New Travel Line Nylon Tote MM Bag
By Chanel
Located in Rome, Rome
The Chanel New Travel Line, first introduced in the early 2000s, was designed as a lightweight and practical alternative for the modern traveler, evolving from the original 1999 Trav...
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 2023 Casino Minaudière Clutch with Rainbow Crystals & Gold
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
This Casino Minaudière Evening Clutch Bag by Chanel is a highly sought-after and exclusive piece from the 2023 Cruise collection. - Circa 2023 - From the Chanel 2023 Cruise collectio...
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 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...
Chanel Black Quilted Caviar Small Vanity Case With Chain
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Black Quilted Caviar Small Vanity Case With Chain SKU: 156275 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: No house has shaped the fashion landscape quite like C...
CHANEL blue canvas Ballet Flats Shoes 38
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel classic ballet flats in blue and grey canvas with midnight blue cap toe. Have been worn and are in excellent condition. Measurements Imprinted Size 38 Shoe Si...