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 Daily Carry Messenger Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel Daily Carry Messenger Bag is in a Burgundy leather and features both a short chain top handle and a longer, adjustable leather-threaded shoulder strap, allowing for versatile ...
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 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...
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 beige leather 2019 19B LOGO FLAT Ankle Boots Shoes 39
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel fold-over flat ankle boots in beige lambskin leather. Feature black embroidered logo lettering around the ankle and grosgrain toe cap...
Chanel Caviar Quilted Large Flap Wallet Red Gold CC Logo Made in Spain
By Chanel
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic Chanel Caviar Quilted Large Flap Wallet in Red. Features caviar leather, CC front in ight gold, large interior with 12 credit card slots, zipper coin purse, billfold, and s...
Chanel Red CC Timeless Lambskin Gold Hardware w.o.c Shoulder Chain Wallet
By Chanel
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Chanel Gender: Ladies Length: 8.50 inches Measurements: (W x H x D): 1.75" x 5.00" x 2.00" Weight: 394.00 grams Discontinued Chanel red CC lambskin gold hardware chain wa...
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 Pink Multicolor & Black Tweed & Grosgrain Cap Toe CC Ballerina Flat sz 39
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Pink Multicolor & Black Tweed & Grosgrain Cap Toe CC Ballerina Flat sz 39 Made In: Italy Color: Pink with yellow, green and white and black captoe Materials: Tweed an...
CHANEL black 100% cashmere white contrast trim CC button pocket pullover FR40 L
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
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...
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 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 ...
$3,933Sale 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 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 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 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 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...
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 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 coat 'Paris Cosmopolite' by Karl Lagerfeld Pre Fall 2017
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2017 Fall-Winter Metiers d'Art "Paris Cosmopolite" Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Red wool tweed coat weaved with green checks. High neck. Silk ...
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 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 Grey Flannel Stretch Pencil Skirt
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Grey Flannel Stretch Pencil Skirt with logo zipper pulls throughout. Deep grey flannel with lycra blend for stretch with silk lining. 1990's France, Size 38.
CHANEL black SATIN Slingback Pumps Shoes 38 VINTAGE
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel slingbacks in black satin with little rhinestone embellished buckle on the side. The buckle on the right shoe is missing a stone...
Chanel Mini 25 Hobo Bag Black Caviar Antique Gold Hardware 26S
By Chanel
Located in West Chester, PA
The Chanel Mini Quilted Caviar 25 Hobo From Spring 26S collection Brand new Chanel 25 Mini Hobo Bag crafted in luxurious black caviar leather with classic diamond quilting. This chi...
Chanel belt 'Golden army' by Karl Lagerfeld Fall-Winter 1996
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for 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 blue cream grey wool 22B OVERSIZED PLAID TWEED Coat Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel peacoat in light blue, cream and grey plaid tweed in wool (42%), polyamide (41%), viscose (12%), polyester (3%) and cashmere (2%). This luxury Chanel coat featu...
CHANEL grey denim mini skirt FR 34
By Chanel
Located in Rubiera, RE
CHANEL Collection Spring 2011 Mini skirt Denim jeans, grey, distressed red Size FR 34 Made in Italy Flat measures: Length cm. 36 Waist cm. 34 Hip cm. 42 Very good cond...
Chanel 21st Century Black Gold-tone Tassel Vanity Case Unisex Handbag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
- Black - Gold-tone clasp fastening - Tassel detail - Rectangular face - Condition: Fair This pre-owned item is in fair condition with visible signs of use. This may include fading o...
Chanel New Aqua CC Cotton Scarf
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel CC Cotton small Scarf is aqua with coral CC logo. It is brand new in unused condition.
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 yellow cotton 21C CAPRI FUZZY TWEED Jacket 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jacket in pale yellow fuzzy fringe tweed crafted from cotton (66%), silk (22%), and polyamide (12%), the exuberantly textured fabric erupting in a cascading, fe...
Chanel Vintage S/S 1990 Pink Black CC Tweed Jacket
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
An iconic Chanel vintage jacket from the Spring/Summer 1990 collection, designed by Karl Lagerfeld at the height of the supermodel era. Rendered in soft pink and black textured wool ...
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 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 ...
New Chanel Coco Cuba Cashmere Shawl
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New Chanel watercolor scarf with a fringed trim. Coco cuba collection . The scarf shows a bridge pattern in different colors like pink green and blue. In one corner is a green CC log...
$3,422Sale Price|30% Off
Chanel Pre Fall 2022 Grey CC Logo Devore Long Skirt
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Super cool rock chick inspired Chanel long skirt from Pre Fall 2022 Metiers D’Art 22A collection. New with tag and hanger. Made from grey ‘smoked’ bu...
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 ...
CHANEL black & grey wool 2011 11A BYCANCE TWEED Peacoat Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel tweed peacoat jacket in black, grey, white and orange tweed wool (69%), polyamide (20%) and cotton (11%). The design features four stone embellished gold-tone b...
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 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...
CHANEL black quilted aged leather 2.55 REISSUE 225 MEDIUM Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 2.55 Reissue 225 double flap bag in black aged calfskin featuring classic diamond quilted stitchings. Opens with a turn-lock to a black and burgundy smooth calf...
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 By Lagerfeld Logo Plate & Medallion Coin Gold-Tone Chainlink Belt, SS1988
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Geneva, CH
Timeless late 80s (from Spring-Summer 1988 collection) Chanel gold plated metal chain-link belt with embossed "CC Chanel 31 Rue Cambon Paris" medallion and iconic "CHANEL" plate. The...
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...
Chanel Calfskin Double Pocket Small Camera Bag
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 & Karl Lagerfeld 2011 CC Logo Cotton Silk Dress Pink
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Chanel & Karl Lagerfeld 2011 CC Logo Cotton Silk Dress Pink Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Collection: Resort 2011 Country of production: Italy Chanel style: 2011 / P40367K02926 / AV984 M...
CHANEL Timeless CC Pocket agenda planner organizer with coins pouch
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL Timeless CC Caviar Pocket agenda planner organizer with coins pouch Reference: VNWG/A00044 Brand: Chanel Material: Leather Color: Cream Pattern: Solid Closure: Snap Buttons Li...
Chanel Vintage Spring/Summer 1995 Lavender Multicolor Plaid Tweed 95P Jacket
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
An iconic Chanel tweed jacket from the Spring Summer 1995 collection, one of the most celebrated and instantly recognizable seasons of the 1990s. This jacket belongs to the legendary...
Chanel belt 'Les dessous à la mode' by Karl Lagerfeld Spring-Summer 1993
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1992 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear "Les dessous à la mode" Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Wide golden metal and black leather belt. Not signed. M...
CHANEL 17A Paris Cosmopolite black lamb quilted pearl button ankle boots EU39.5
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 17A Paris Cosmopolite black lambskin quilted pearl button ankle boots EU39.5 Reference: VNWG/A00046 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 17A Paris Cosmopolite Ma...
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 black wool 11A BYZANCE EMBROIDERED TWEED Jacket 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jacket in black tweed wool (100%) exquisitely detailed with embroidered trims in burgundy, navy, pink and light blue, outlined in gold and silver lurex thread f...
Chanel Medium Flap Bag Happy Stitch Black Lambskin Leather 24k Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Medium Flap Bag Happy Stitch Black Lambskin Leather 24k Gold Hardware, 2003-04 These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. This one-of-a-kind Chanel Cl...
Chanel New Navy Knit Beanie & Scarf Set
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel Knit Beanie and Scarf Set is in a beautiful blue hue with contrasting creme CC knit applique on both beanie and scarf. Brand new in unused condition.
Chanel Black Quilted Jersey & Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Black Quilted Jersey Fabric & Lambskin Leather Vintage Medium Envelope Classic Single Flap Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1701 Brand: Chanel Model: Medium Envelope Classic ...
CHANEL cream leather 21P CHAIN TRIM CORK SLINGBACK Flats Shoes 37
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel slingback mules in white quilted calfskin leather. Feature rounded toes with contrasting black toe caps, black cord trim, and signature leather-interwoven chain...
Chanel Silver 2.55 Reissue Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel 2.55 Reissue Flap Bag in a grey aged calfskin leather with silver-tone hardware, and a classic double flap closure with a "Mademoiselle" turn-lock fastening. Comes with origin...
CHANEL authentic vintage silk scarf pearl gripoix gold chains red jewels
By Chanel
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed CHANEL • CC Chanel gripoix necklace print • nave with gold chains, pearl and red jewel tone • vintage designer runway scarf 100% silk MEASUREMENTS • 34” x 34” VINTAGE CHANEL SCARF...
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...