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 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...
CHANEL burgundy & black leather 2020 REVERSIBLE Belt 75
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel reversible belt in black and burgundy leather offers versatile elegance. Featuring a matte silver-tone CC buckle, thi...
Chanel 2008 08P jacket 2008 Karl Lagerfeld CC logo buttons France 6 US
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Rare! Chanel 2008 08P jacket 2008 Karl Lagerfeld CC logo buttons France 6 US Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Collection: Chanel 2008 08P Country of production: France Dimensions Marked Siz...
CHANEL Bag in Pink Raffia with Chain and Leather, Gold Hardware, Anni2000
By Chanel
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Refined and sought-after CHANEL bag made of powder pink woven raffia, an iconic material from the Maison's summer collections, reinterpreted with a sophisticated and timeless aesthet...
CHANEL HAUTE COUTURE By KARL LAGERFELD F/W 2007 Runway Dress
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Berlin, BE
Chanel Haute Couture by Karl Lagerfeld Couture Collection Fall Winter 2007 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: Fall Winter 2007 Fabric: No fabric label, estimated - S...
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 Vintage Pink Crocodile Kelly Handbag
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chanel Vintage Alligator Top Handle Flap Bag Condition: Excellent Vintage Condition Material: Alligator Color: Salmon Pink Hardware: Gold-Tone Series: 5-Series (1997–1999) Dimen...
Black knit and lurex cocktail dress CHANEL Les Métiers d'Art Paris Ritz
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black knit and lurex cocktail dress. No fabric composition tag but probably cashmere knit. Button and buttonhole closure on the top middle front and on the pockets. SIZE 48 (Fr)
CHANEL dark blue metal ROUND Sunglasses 4206
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel round sunglasses are crafted from dark blue metal and feature sleek blue lenses. The design includes a silver-tone bridge and arms, both engraved with the...
Chanel Haute Couture by Karl Lagerfeld Embroidered Tulle Ensemble, FW 1996
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Haute Couture evening ensemble by Karl Lagerfeld, comprising a black silk chiffon jumpsuit worn beneath a sleeveless embroidered tulle overdress. The jumpsuit is cut close to ...
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...
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 sandals, insole length 25, size 39
By Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Insole length 25 Chanel sandals, insole length 25, size 39 Size 39 C Good condition, some minor imperfections, see photos
Chanel iconic dark navy blue ballet flats
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Chanel iconic dark navy blue patent leather ballet flats. -Size 39. - it only comes with dust bag but no box.
Chanel Cruise 2002 Midnight Blue Jersey & Chiffon Sash 02C Gown
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
The Cruise collections have always been part of the house’s story. Gabrielle Chanel loved to travel and introduced the idea of “cruise” dressing in the 1920s, presenting complete se...
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 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 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 Relic Paris / MONACO Black Tweed Jacket 36 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Relic Chanel Collectible Black Shimmer Tweed Jacket — Paris / MONTE-CARLO Metiers d’Art Collection, by Karl Lagerfeld – A masterpiece born from the alchemy of light and thread, this...
Chanel Haute Couture "Coromandel Embroidery" coat by Karl Lagerfeld, Winter 1996
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - "Coromandel Embroidery" Collection, Haute Couture Autumn-Winter 1996, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Runway model with workshop ribbon, No. 52, Mr. Paquito'...
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...
CHANEL navy blue suede 20A RUE CAMBON CUT-OUT ANKLE Boots Shoes 39.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel ankle boots in deep navy blue suede, contrasted with elegant black grosgrain toe caps for a refined two-tone finish. Designed with softly almond-shaped toes, sc...
CHANEL 17K$ Jewel & Pearls Embellished Black Leather Jacket 38 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Black Leather Jacket with Jewel & Pearls Embellishment — Paris / MONACO Métiers d’Art, Karl Lagerfeld: Chanel in its night-jewel register: aristocratic, cinematic, and...
Chanel 2001 Top écru capuche FR42 Camelia Silk Satin Hooded Blouse UK14 US12
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel top blouse from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection in ecru "Camellia" silk satin, pleated bib front fastened with Chanel-branded half-pearl buttons, buttoned "Modesty" detail a...
Chanel Y2K Quilted Mini Crossbody Half Moon Crossbody Sling Bag – Pink Leather
By Chanel
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Channel early-2000s luxury with this adorable Chanel Y2K mini crossbody bag. Crafted in pink quilted leather, this compact piece features the house's iconic diamond stitching, a gold...
Chanel CC Logo Black Silk Blouse
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Stunning Chanel black silk shirt with CC logo pattern allover - CC logo buttons at center and cuffs Size mark 40 FR. Condition: pristine, kept unworn
Chanel Black Leather Coco Mark Thong Platform Sandals
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Chanel Black Leather Coco Mark Thong Platform Sandals are a luxurious addition to any high-end wardrobe, combining classic elegance with modern design. Crafted from black leather, th...
Chanel Vintage S/S 1995 Barbie Black White CC Belt Linen Jumpsuit 95P
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
An iconic piece from Chanel’s Spring Summer 1995 collection, this black and white linen jumpsuit closed the runway show as the grand finale look. Drawing inspiration from Gabrielle C...
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...
CHANEL 14K$ Jewel Embellished Black Ribbon Tweed Jacket 46 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Outstanding CHANEL Black Ribbon Tweed Jacket with Jewel Ember Embellishment — Paris / SAINT-TROPEZ Cruise Collection by Karl Lagerfeld ~ With boutique value over $15,000 and contem...
CHANEL Camellia Chocolate Bar Flap Bag Silver Metallic Lambskin Chain
By Chanel
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of wear. Logo is worn out. Shoulder strap buckle has damage. Bag buckle shows obvious wear. There are yellow stains on the petal part on the left side of the ...
$7,052Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel 1994 Vintage Forest Green Leather Duma Backpack Unisex Bag
By Chanel
Located in Capri, IT
1994 Chanel forest green leather Duma backpack Totally made in italy in forest green lamb leather and gold tone hardware the Backpack is still in excellent conditions for its age mea...
CHANEL black quilted leather 12A BOMBAY BOY MEDIUM Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Boy Medium shoulder bag in black leather. Crafted in a structured, iconic silhouette, this timeless piece features antique silver-tone hardware and a detachable...
Chanel Space Station 2.55 Reissue Flap Aged Calfskin Astronaut Charms
By Chanel
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Minor signs of wear, scratches on hardware, slight chain wear, clean interior and exterior. Accessories: Dust bag,ID card size: Width:24m,height:15cm Designer:Chanel M...
Black metallic leather single-breasted jacket Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black metallic leather single-breasted with branded buttons and branded silk jacquard lining. Raglan sleeves and shoulder-pads. SIZE 38 (Fr) 8 (Us)
CHANEL New Paris / Shanghai Lesage Tweed Skirt 46 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Collectible Lesage Tweed Skirt — Paris / SHANGHAI Métiers d’Art 2010 · By Karl Lagerfeld Boutiruq value 3,680$ A relic of Karl Lagerfeld’s vision; — A rare fragment of t...
CHANEL silver 17C CUBA TERRY CLOTH Espadrilles Flats Shoes 42 fit 40
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel espadrilles in white and black terry cloth with silver lurex. Lined in ecru leather. Have been worn and are in excellent condition. 2017 Paris-Cuba Resort Me...
Chanel Classic Medium Double Flap Red Lambskin Gold Hardware GHW Chip
By Chanel
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Slight signs of use, chain wear, clean inside and out. size: Width:24.5cm,height:13cm Designer: Chanel Model: Classic Double Flap Bag Exterior Material: Leather Exter...
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 taupe 24B SHEARLING Slippers & Pouch Shoes 37 fit 38
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel taupe shearling logo slippers are the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Crafted in plush shearling with CC logo stitching details, they offer cozy warm...
CHANEL New Paris / Bombay Runway Tweed Trousers 36 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Chanel Black & Deep Purple Tweed Pants with Gripoix Buttons — Paris / BOMBAY Métiers d’Art Collection — Boutique value 3,860$ – An artifact of quiet majesty, these Chanel pants eme...
Fall 2006 Chanel Cream and Black Bouclé Jacket
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Fall 2006 Chanel cream and black bouclé jacket. Open front, turned collar, closing with a tiny hook at the bust. Two slit pockets trimmed in black match the jacket trim. Each sleeve ...
2003 CHANEL Burgundy and Black Women's Wool Jacket A-Line Skirt Suit
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
2003 Chanel black and reddish brown or burgundy tweed with clear sequins fitted jacket and A- line skirt suit. Marked size 36f Fit US 2/4 A line skirt buttons collar pockets sequins
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 ...
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 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...
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 ...
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
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...
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 Rare Collectible Beige Fantasy Tweed Jacket 36 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL — Rare Collectible Beige Fantasy Tweed Jacket — A study in light, texture, and quiet authority — – This Chanel jacket does not announce itself — it shimmers into presence. ...
1980s Vintage CHANEL Diamond Quilted Lambskin Leather Waist Chain Flap Bag Red
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage CHANEL waist chain flap bag is crafted of red diamond quilted lambskin leather featuring gold toned hardware and gold toned chain belt ...
Chanel Women's GABRIELLE Hobo Bag, with two-tone hardware, Circa 2020
By Chanel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chanel Medium Tweed Gabrielle Hobo Bag with two-tone hardware and authenticity cards and hologram.
Chanel 98 Iridescent Dragonfly Logo Print Silk Chiffon Sheer Overlay Maxi Dress
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Spring 1998 Chanel long dress in layered silk chiffon. Constructed with a semi-sheer iridescent purple silk chiffon overlay printed with a dragonfly motif, layered over a coordinati...
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 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...
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 Medium Gabrielle Hobo Bag Navy Blue Black Aged Calfskin
By Chanel
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Normal wear: hardware scratches & chain abrasion, clean inside and out. Accessories ID card Size Width: 27m, Height: 23cm Designer Chanel Model Medium Gabrielle Exterior M...
$1,505Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel 1990s Vintage Mint Green Quilted Leather Top Handle Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Vintage Chanel Mint Green (pastel light mint green) quilted top handle tote bag, matte gold handle with beautiful pearl stud edges, two separate purse opening slots with pearl pink c...
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...