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 CC Print Pantyhose Tights NEW With Box Size Medium II
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
100% guaranteed authentic Chanel CC Print Pantyhose Tights NEW With Box .Only taken out for photography. Size Medium or II Made in Italy THESE PANT...
CHANEL Iconic Paris / Salzburg CC Jewel Buttons Tweed Jacket 34 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL Paris / SALZBURG 2015 Métiers d’Art Collection — A Collectible Masterpiece Jacket by Karl Lagerfeld ~ A rare jacket that stands among the most recognizable masterpieces of...
Chanel S/S 2019 By The Sea PVC Transparent Sand 19P Classic Flap Bag
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Chanel Spring/Summer 2019 “By the Sea” clear PVC bag, designed by Karl Lagerfeld for his final summer collection with the house. An extraordinary and playful piece from the seaside-...
Chanel 1989 Black Silk Extra Long Elongated Classic Flap Clutch
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chanel Vintage 1989 Runway Quilted CC Triple Turn-Lock Extra Long Clutch An iconic Chanel runway design from 1989, this quilted leather extra-long cl...
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 pink wool 22A FLORENCE BRAID TRIM TWEED Coat Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel coat in pink tweed wool (72%) and silk (28%), crafted in a richly textured weave that embodies the house’s signature elegance. Designed in a fitted, tailored si...
Chanel Large Chain Around Limited Edition Pristine Red Calfskin Leather Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Red Coral Large Chain Around Limited Edition Classic Flap Bag Comes with dust bag, authenticity hologram and Chanel paperwork. Same size and model as seen on Kim Kardashian...
Chanel Jumbo Shiny Skin Alligator Timeless Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Rare Item - Chanel Jumbo Shiny Skin Alligator Timeless Double Flap Bag Bright yellow iconic handbag crafted in Alligator skin and gold hardware. Double front flap and signature 'CC...
Chanel Vintage Limited Edition Basketball, 2004
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
Collectors item! Limited edition CHANEL basketball from 2004 Condition : lightly used Made in France Material: grained rubber IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vinta...
CHANEL black wool 21P DOUBLE BREASTED TWEED Jacket 42 L
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jacket in black tweed wool (46%), acrylic (27%), cotton (18%), and polyamide (9%).Tailored in a refined, feminine silhouette, it features sharp notched lapels, ...
Chanel Cambon Multi-pocket Ligne Reporter Bag Medium Black CC Black Leather
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Cambon Multi-pocket Ligne Reporter Bag Medium Black CC on Black Calfskin Leather These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Named after the Cambon str...
CHANEL Karl Lagerfeld Collection Camellia Vest With Pearl Belt 2001 SZ 40
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel camellia print vest with pearl belt from 2001 collection. Beautiful details ,pearl belt is attached at this vest and it's in mint condition. Fabric is off white with camellia ...
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...
CHANEL 13K$ New Vittoria Ceretti Style Black Tweed Jacket 34 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
— From the immortal Fall 2019 Runway, the last collection personally conceived by Karl Lagerfeld, comes this iconic black Lesage tweed jacket — a couture relic of farewell elegance ...
Chanel Black Silk Cocktail Dress
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, 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 nude caviar leather quilted CC pocket bucket crossbody chain bag
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL nude caviar leather quilted CC pocket bucket crossbody chain bag Reference: AAWC/A01588 Brand: Chanel Designer: Virginie Viard Material: Leather Color: Nude, Gold Pattern: Sol...
Chanel 2005 Caviar Cerf Executive Business Timeless Large Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 2005 Caviar Cerf Executive Business Timeless Large Tote Bag Year: 2005 Gold hardware Red burgundy caviar leather Quilted CC logo on the front Tall leather shoulder straps N...
Chanel Vintage Small Classic Flap Exotic Lizard Leather 24K Gold CC Black Bag
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Vintage Chanel Small Classic Flap crafted from rare black lizard skin with iconic 24 carat gold plated hardware. A highly collectible early example from Series 1, produced between 19...
Chanel 1994 Runway Ultra Rare Quilted CC Logo Mini Skirt
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chanel 1994 Runway Ultra Rare Quilted CC Logo Mini Skirt Rare early-90s Chanel sport-inspired mini skirt featuring the iconic oversized interlocking CC logo in textured embroidery a...
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 silver 2020 20B SEQUIN TWEED Slingback Flats Shoes 38
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel slingback flats in grey, black and golden lurex tweed embellished with silver sequins with a black grosgrain fabric cap toe. Have been worn and are in excellent...
Chanel Blue Quilted Calfskin Mini Perfect Fit Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Blue Quilted Calfskin Mini Perfect Fit Flap Bag SKU: 152814 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: A timeless classic that never goes out of style, the fl...
CHANEL 8K$ Paris / SINGAPORE Blue Lesage Tweed Jacket 36 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL Royal Blue Lesage Tweed Jacket — Paris / SINGAPORE Cruise Collection by Karl Lagerfeld ~ A relic of maritime light and metropolitan elegance, this jacket emerges from Chane...
CHANEL cream & red cotton 18A HAMBURG SALOR FLAP TWEED Coat Jacket 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel jacket in cream and beige tweed offers a nautical-inspired twist on classic sophistication. Crafted from a luxurious blend of cotton (33%), acetate (27%), ...
Black leather and patent leather low heel pump Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black leather and patent leather low heel pump. Dust bag provided. Heel height : 5 cm SHOE SIZE : 37 1/2
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 bag 'Paris-Shanghai' by Karl Lagerfeld Pre-Fall 2010
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2010 Metiers d'art 'Paris-Shanghai' Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Quilted black satin bag ornamented with feathers partially brushed with a gold...
Chanel Vintage F/W 1995 Black White Logo Tweed 95A Jacket
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
From the Fall/Winter 1995 collection, this black tweed jacket reflects the strong, tailored mood of mid 90s Chanel under Karl Lagerfeld. The style was seen on Naomi Campbell on the runway and worn by Helena Christensen in the season’s advertising campaign. Cut with a fitted waist and structured shoulders, the jacket creates a clean, defined silhouette. It features a double breasted front with matte black CC logo buttons, flap pockets at the hips, and white CHANEL embroidery...
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 ...
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 Beige Quilted Calfskin Mini Perfect Fit Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Beige Quilted Calfskin Mini Perfect Fit Flap Bag SKU: Z154218 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: A timeless classic that never goes out of style, the ...
CHANEL black wool 05C TWEED TRIM Blazer Jacket 34 XXS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Collage blazer in black wool is a true icon, as seen on Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada. It features a fitted silhouette with peak lapels and is ac...
Chanel minaudière bag by Karl Lagerfeld collection 1997/1999
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - Ready-to-Wear Collection 1997/1999, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Small bag in gold metallic lambskin leather with matching metallic threads, signed snap c...
CHANEL 14K$ New Paris / HAMBURG Runway Tweed Coat with Belt 40 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Lesage Tweed Coat with Logo Belt — Paris / HAMBURG 2018 Métiers d’Art, Karl Lagerfeld // Boutique value: over $14,000 ~ A Métiers d’Art coat that reads like a finished text...
CHANEL 13K$ Paris / EGYPT Sequinned Lesage Tweed Jacket 42 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Sequinned Lesage Tweed Jacket with Gripoix CC Buttons — Paris / New-Yorks / EGYPT 2019 Métiers d’Art, Karl Lagerfeld // Boutique value: over $13,000 — Collectibility: ~ Pr...
Chanel Spring 2001 Runway Pearl Belt Jacquard Vest FR 36
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
An exceptional Chanel Spring Summer 2001 runway vest designed under Karl Lagerfeld, executed in a richly textured beige and ivory floral jacquard with tonal CC motifs. The garment i...
CHANEL Paris / Edinburgh Iconic Black Tweed Jacket 38 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Paris / EDINBURGH Black Tweed Jacket Métiers d’Art 2013 — Advertising Campaign — A talisman of tweed and tartan. A statement chapter of Chanel history — ~ Born from Karl La...
Silk chiffon kaki cocktail dress wrapped and pleated with belt Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silk chiffon kaki cocktail dress wrapped and pleated with belt. One gold metal button ( with clover on) in the middle top front and 2 on each cuffs. Snap to close the dress in the m...
CHANEL black & white STRIPED HALTER NECK MINI Dress S VINTAGE
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel striped halter neck mini dress in black and white cotton (assumed cause tag is missing). Features two buttoned patch pockets on the front and faux buttons on th...
Chanel Black Leather Shoulder Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
Chanel black patent leather shoulder tote bag featuring a perforated logo pattern, shoulder chain handles, silver tone hardware, an inside detachable pocket by a detachable hook. Ci...
CHANEL 2020 100% cashmere cyan blue CC cursive logo cropped sweater FR36 S
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 2020 100% cashmere cyan blue CC cursive logo cropped sweater  FR36 S Reference: TGAS/F00971 Brand: Chanel Designer: Virginie Viard Collection: 2020 Material: Cashmere Color: ...
CHANEL 9K$ Vogue Cover New Khaki Suede Jacket 36 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Collectible Khaki Green Suede Jacket with “TWEED WE NEED” lettering at back — Runway “FASHION MANIFESTO” Collection, Spring 2015 · by Karl Lagerfeld // Boutique Value: $8,86...
Chanel 2004 Cruise Multicolor Charm Necklace Belt Vintage Accessory
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chanel Cruise 2004 Multicolor Charm Necklace Rare Chanel Cruise 2004 multicolor charm necklace featuring oversized resin CC logos, hearts, and star motifs in pink, green, white, and...
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 Iconic Paris / Cuba Black Tweed Jacket 34 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Iconic Black Tweed Jacket — Runway of the Paris / Cuba 2017 Cruise Collection by Karl Lagerfeld — ~ An emblem worn by celebrities, immortalised in the campaign, and covete...
Chanel Rare Rain Camouflage Boots
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel mint condition rain rubber boots, pull on style, with signature cc interlocking logo in contrast color. Knee length with flat rubber sole. Used a few times. Come with original...
Chanel Grey Pearl Med Classic w Silver Hardware
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chanel Sparkle Bags Disclaimer This authentic Chanel represents a sophisticated fusion of classic design and contemporary artistry. Meticulously crafted...
CHANEL Liliy Allen Style Grey Lesage Tweed Jacket 36 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL Liliy Allen Style Grey Lesage Tweed Jacket ~ An iconic Chanel creation, as seen on Lily Allen ~ A collector’s piece where heritage meets modern allure—wearable proof that ...
Chanel 19c CC Terry Tote Bag Red Blue Beige Cotton Leather Trim Travel Beach Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
- Red blue beige exterior - Leather trim handles - No dustbag Condition: The bag is in overall great condition with no major imperfections Measurements: ( Approximately In...
CHANEL 2019 New CC Pearl Buttons Black Tweed Jacket 42 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Black Shimmering Lesage Tweed Jacket with Pearl Buttons From 2019 Collection by Karl Lagerfeld — Icon of the late Master’s hand, ~ As seen upon luminaries and celebrities,...
CHANEL New 2019 Spring Yellow Tweed Bomber Jacket 36 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Collectible Lemon Tweed Jacket with Sequins — Spring–Summer 2019 Runway Collection by Karl Lagerfeld — The Maestro’s Final Spring Symphony — ~ As seen on global icons and ...
CHANEL silver leather 2018 MARBLED Slingback Flats Shoes 39.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel slingback flats in marbled metallic silver leather with matching polished silver cap toes and subtle CC detail at the heel. Elegant almond-toe silhouette paired...
Chanel 'Scoobie' jacket by Karl Lagerfeld Summer 1994
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1994 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear "Le Nouveau Corset" Collection, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Orange tweed jacket edged with blue and orange scoobie braid...
Chanel Pre-Fall 2021 Métiers d’Art “Château des Dames” Black Velvet 21A Top
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
From the highly collectible 21A Métiers d’Art collection, this piece reflects Chanel’s annual tribute to its specialized ateliers, the Maisons d’art, whose exceptional savoir-faire e...
CHANEL Pearl Crush Mini Square Flap lambskin aged gold hardware crossbody bag
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL Pearl Crush Mini Square Flap purple lambskin aged gold hardware crossbody bag Reference: LAYU/A00120 Brand: Chanel Designer: Virginie Viard M...
CHANEL Mini bag vintage velvet
By Chanel
Located in CACHAN, FR
CHANEL Mini Chanel bag in black velvet. Vintage. It shows signs of wear, the chain is slightly discolored and the closure part has come undone. It can be repaired and sewn back by a ...
$39,900
Chanel Teal Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
- Circa 2016/17 - Teal - Exotic leather (Alligator) - Silver-tone hardware - Leather and chain-link shoulder strap - Front flap closure - Signature interlocking CC turn-lock fastenin...
Chanel bag 'Camellia' by Virginie Viard circa 2023
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 2023 under the artistic direction of Virginie Viard. White leather 'Camellia' bag. Golden metal shoulder strap. RFID chip. Condition: Very ...
CHANEL New COCO Brasserie Timeless Black Tweed Jacket 38 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL Black Tweed Jacket with CC Camellia Buttons ~ COCO BRASSERIE Collection by Karl Lagerfeld ~ — As seen on Isabel Huppert and in numerous magazines — ~ Iconic unmistakably Cha...
Satin Ruby Chanel bag Collection Paris-Shangai Métiers d'Arts 2010
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Satin Ruby Chanel bag Paris-Shangai Metiers d'Arts 2011 Size: width= 28 cm height= 19 cm wide= 8cm Double chain in aged metal color and double flap ( the one underneath is shorter t...