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 Classic Flap Medium Black Caviar Leather with 24k Gold Hardware, 2008
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Classic Flap Medium Black Caviar Leather with 24k Gold Hardware, 2008-2009 These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. This one-of-a-kind Chanel Classi...
CHANEL black & pink wool 2019 19B LOGO STRIPE RIB KNIT Sweater 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel rib-knit sweater in black wool (87%), polyamide (8%), polyester (3%) and elastane (3%). Features a crewneck and logo stripe in pink. Unlined. Has been worn and ...
Brown leather dress with short-sleeves CHANEL
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Brown leather dress with short-sleeves. No lining. Branded button and buttonhole closure in the middle front. Pockets on both side. Cut-work. No lining. SIZE 40 (Fr) L
Chanel Bottines EU39 Black Wool Tweed and Chain Combat Shoes Boots UK6 US8.5
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel combat style boots in a multi-material version in quilted felt, iridescent canvas and black tweed, closed by a lace on 8 eyelets and 4 hooks, round toe in black suede, black c...
CHANEL 11K$ Paris / Edinburgh CC Lion Buttons Tweed Coat 38 FR
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, AE
CHANEL · Collectible Black & Navy Tweed Coat with CC Lion Buttons Paris / EDINBURGH Métiers d’Art Collection 2013 · by Karl Lagerfeld // Boutique value over 11,000$ // ~ Lager...
CHANEL black & multi silk 2022 22S FLORAL CHIFFON MAXI Dress 42 L
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel floral maxi dress in black and multicolor silk chiffon (100%). Features semi-sheer top with collar and two decorative buttons on the front that opens with gold-...
Chanel Fall 2015 Herringbone Short Coat
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Utterly exquisite Chanel short coat from the Fall 2015 collection. Unworn. Superbly crafted from soft and smooth striped weave cashmere and wool (65:35), the panel of which have bee...
Chanel New Checkered Cashmere Beanie
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel CC Checkered Cashmere Beanie in black, is in 100% cashmere, and a classic accessory for any winter outfit. Brand new in unused condition.
Chanel Veste Tweed FR40 Black Wool Tweed Lion Head Buttons Jacket UK12 US10
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel Uniform straight jacket in black cotton and silk tweed, small collar closed by 5 blackened metal clasps, 4 patch pockets closed by lion head buttons and slightly gold metal (b...
Chanel 12K$ Beige Leather and Taffeta Biker Jacket 34 FR
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, AE
Boutique price was 11,800$ Absolutely stunning Chanel beige leather biker jacket with masterpiece taffeta silk lining -- from Catwalk of Paris / DUBAI Cruise Collection by Karl Lager...
CHANEL black leather 2022 22S LARGE HEART Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Heart bag in black quilted leather with light gold-plated hardware. Features a flap pocket on the front with CC turn-lock, an open pocket on the back and classi...
Vintage Spring/Summer 1994 Ecru Ivory Cream Black Scoubidou 94P Jacket
By Chanel
Located in Sewickley, PA
In 's Spring-Summer 1994 collection, Karl Lagerfeld brought a fresh perspective to the classic suit. The first look from this iconic collection was the legendary ivory suit, adorned ...
CHANEL Paris / Byzance Collectors Artifact Tunic Dress 34 FR
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, AE
CHANEL · Museum-Level Woven Tunic Dress — Runway of PARIS / BYZANCE Métiers d’Art 2011 — // Comparable archivable pieces now exceed $8,000+ in the collector garments market ~ An es...
Chanel Classic Flap Mini Square Red Lambskin Leather Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Classic Flap Mini Square Red Lambskin Leather Gold Hardware These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD This previously owned and ...
CHANEL blue cotton 21A CHATEAU DES DAMES FLORAL DENIM Jacket 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel denim jacket in blue stretch cotton (94%), elastomultiester (4%) and elastane (2%) with an exquisite tonal floral print and contrasting orange topstitching. Fea...
Chanel Tan Quilted Calfskin CC Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Tan Quilted Calfskin CC Flap Bag SKU: 151244 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: A timeless classic that never goes out of style, the flap bag from Cha...
CHANEL New CC Buttons Cashmere Architectural Cardigan 34 FR
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, AE
CHANEL Cashmere Cardi Coat — Runway of the 2011 Fall “Lonely Day” Collection by Maestro Karl Lagerfeld ~ A garment born from the somber poetry of autumn, this Chanel cardi-coat carr...
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 1990 Jupe Cuir Plisse FR36 Black Leather Mini Pleats Skirt UK8 US6
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel skirt from the Fall/Winter 1990 collection by Karl Lagerfeld in black leather (ultra-soft and supple), straight cut with micro-pleats at the front and small inverted pleats ar...
Chanel Forest Magic Collection Faux Fur & Fantasy Tweed Jacket
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Chanel Faux Fur & Fantasy Tweed Cashmere & Mohair Paneled Jacket From the Fall/Winter 2018 'Forest Magic' Collection by Karl Lagerfeld is this luxurious jacket cr...
CHANEL black wool 96P TWEED MINI Skirt S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel skirt is crafted in black tweed wool with a touch of nylon for structure. It features a straight, mini-length silhouette with a buttoned side slit finished...
Chanel Quilted Jumbo Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Chanel Quilted Jumbo Double Flap Bag quilted, buttery soft lambskin leather, and also features a polished metal turn lock CC closure and double flap top, opens to a burgundy inte...
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 2010 Black Caviar Medium Classic Double Flap Bag SHW 64795
By Chanel
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Store item: 64795 For the vintage caviar classic flaps, we are known for procuring the most pristine/excellent condition from an era when quality was at its height. The iconic holy...
CHANEL Coco Brasserie Artisan Silk Jumper 38 FR
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, AE
CHANEL Artisan Silk Jumper with CC Camellia Charm – — A wearable sonnet of artisanal mastery and autumnal elegance // Boutique price 4,920$ ~ From the intimate reverie of Karl L...
Chanel Vintage Spring/Summer 1997 Black White CC Logo 97P Bodysuit Swimsuit
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Rare and highly collectible Chanel swimsuit from the Spring/Summer 1997 collection. Features iconic black-and-white CC logo straps and an embroidered CC logo at the chest. Seen in th...
Chanel Timeless Classic Flap Medium 2009 Black Lambskin Leather Silver Hardware
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Timeless Classic Flap Medium 2009 Black Lambskin Leather Silver Hardware These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION:VERY GOOD VINTAGE CONDIT...
Grey cotton see-through knit cardigan CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Grey cotton see-through knit cardigan. Button and buttonhole closure on the middle front OVERSIZE
Chanel By Karl Lagerfeld CC Logo Embellished Denim Bermuda Shorts, c. 1993
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Geneva, CH
Only Karl Lagerfeld could make denim shorts so cool and so Chanel ! Made from white denim (the black version is available in another listing), they have a classic five-pocket constru...
CHANEL CC Turnocks Cashmere Dress and Scarf Ensemble 36 FR
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, AE
Chanel Cashmere Ensemble — The Trinitarian Harmony of Shade and Form ~ An extraordinary Chanel creation, this ensemble unites a sculpted cashmere dress with a flowing scarf, embod...
Chanel 2010 Robe FR36 2 Tones Ecru Silk and Black Knit Minimal Dress UK8 US6
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel 2010 dress composed of an ecru silk crepe top, large rounded collar, sleeveless and a skirt, high waist almost empire (below the ribs), in black viscose and elastane knit deco...
Chanel Vintage Blue Quilted Denim Mini Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Vintage Blue Quilted Denim Mini Single Flap Bag SKU: 151278 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: A timeless classic that never goes out of style, the fl...
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 textured suede MIRROR HEEL OVER-KNEE Boots Shoes 39.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel over-knee boots in black textured suede featuring classic round cap toe and shiny black heel. Open with a zipper on the heel. Have been worn and are in excellen...
Chanel NIB Red Camellia Cashmere Scarf
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel Camellia Flower Scarf is in a cashmere and silk blend, featuring vibrant red Camellia Flowers. New with original box.
Chanel set fall-winter 1994
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Black silk muslin and wool set composed of a jacket with black bakelite buttons topped with golden metal four-leaf clovers, and of a mid-length dress with s...
CHANEL Timeless Classic Small Double Flap Black Lambskin Handbag 1986–1988
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Magnifique sac à main CHANEL modèle Timeless Classique Small Double Flap, réalisé en cuir d’agneau uni noir et sublimé par une élégante garniture dorée plaquée or 24 carats. Daté ent...
CHANEL black leather 12A BOMBAY QUILTED Ankle Boots Shoes 39 G28410
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel panelled ankle boots in smooth black leather, detailed with signature quilted trims and matching quilted block heels for a refined house touch. Designed with ro...
CHANEL black & gold leather 19A NEW YORK GRAFFITI OVERKNEE Boots Shoes 41
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel boots in black leather with metallic gold ancient egypt inspired Graffiti print embody bold house codes. Designed with an over-the-knee shaft, they feature...
Chanel Pink Matte Python Old Medium Boy Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Pink Matte Python Old Medium Boy Bag SKU: 150916 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: An instant classic, the Boy bag from Chanel was introduced in 2011...
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 Chain Trim Leather Shearling Lined Ankle Boots
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Amazing Chanel chain trim ankle boots. Worn twice and come with dustbag. Made from black leather with snug shearling linings and crepe soles. They have silvertone trims around the ba...
Chanel Black Gold Plated Steel Premiere Original Edition Watch
By Chanel
Located in Rome, Rome
Chanel 'Première - Edition Originale' Watch A true icon of timeless Parisian elegance, the Chanel Première - Edition Originale is the very first wristwatch ever created by the Maison...
Chanel Mini Shearling Flap Bag Brown Lambskin Brushed Gold Hardware Furry Coco
By Chanel
Located in West Chester, PA
CHANEL This Chanel Mini Shearling Flap Bag is of dark brown lambskin leather and beige shearling with brushed gold Hardware, featuring a mixture of signature diamond quilted lambskin...
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 11K$ New Paris / EGYPT Navy Tweed Jacket 36 FR
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, AE
~ A relic from CHANEL Karl Lagerfeld’s visionary Paris / EGYPT Métiers d’Art 2019 collection, first unveiled within the Temple of Dendur at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New-Yo...
CHANEL 2000 Vintage Relic CC Buttons Tweed Coat 42 FR
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, AE
CHANEL Artifact Collectible Tweed Coat with CC Cube Buttons — Runway of the Fall 2000 Collection by Karl Lagerfeld ~ Rare Collector’s Relic, More than attire — an Artifact ~ From...
CHANEL Timeless WOC Medium Black Lambskin Leather Handbag 1986–1988
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Magnifique sac à main CHANEL modèle Timeless WOC Mini, confectionné en cuir d’agneau uni noir et rehaussé d’une élégante garniture dorée plaquée or 24 carats. Datant de 1997 à 1999, ...
Chanel Jumbo vinyl bag 1995
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Quilted beige transparent vinyl Jumbo bag, edges made of black patent leather, with a golden metal turnlock fastening on a flap, and a golden metal chain ha...
CHANEL white 2001 JUST A DROP OF NO 5 POP ART Sweater 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel vintage 2001 'Just a Drop of No 5' sweater in red, white, yellow, black and blue cotton (80%) and acrylic (20%). Features rib...
Chanel Classique Bag on belt Leather Black OS
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel mini belt bag from the Timeless or Classic series in quilted leather and blackened silver metal, small flap closed with a magnetic snap top...
Chanel New Pink Cashmere Knit Hat Gloves Scarf Set
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel Winter Accessory Set includes a hat, scarf and gloves in a beautiful pink color. Brand new in unused condition. Gloves size 7/7.5. Hat medium.
CHANEL cream cashmere 2012 12C FLORAL BEADED Cardigan Sweater 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel round-neck cream cashmere (100%) cardigan embellished with red, grey, blue and cream floral studs and blue crystals. The design features two buttoned chest pock...
Chanel Classic Flap Mini Beige Almond Pink Lambskin Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Classic Flap Mini Beige Almond Pink Lambskin Gold Hardware These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD This previously owned and u...
CHANEL ivory patent leather CUT OUT Pumps Shoes 39
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel cut-out pumps in off-white patent leather and clear vinyl. Open with a zipper on the heel. Have been worn once inside and are in virtually new condition. Meas...
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld S/S 2003 Blue White Floral Logo Bodycon Mini Dress
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Dress from the iconic Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Spring-Summer 2003 Collection Halter top/strapless dress with adjustable string. It's incredible that after 20 years, this dress remain...
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...
08A Chanel Black Blazer Single Breasted EU38
Chanel Brown Fancy Tweed Wool Jacket
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
Chanel Brown fancy tweed wool jacket featuring two patched pockets, gold-tone logo buttons, brown contrasted gros-grain finishing, front buttoned opening, gold-tone chain inside bott...
CHANEL pink cotton 2016 SEOUL OVERSIZED TWEED Blazer Jacket 40 M 16C
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Cruise 2016 Seoul oversized one-button tweed blazer in pink cotton (92%) and acrylic (8%). Features epaulettes at the shoulder...