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 Le Marais Extra Large Brown Bowler Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel Le Marais Bowler Bag is in a brown quilted lambskin, with antique silver hardware, dual shoulder straps, two zipper compartments. Comes with hologram and original dust cover.
Chanel F/W 2014 Supermarket Pink Plaid 14A Fantasy Tweed Jacket Skirt Suit
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Introducing the highly coveted Chanel Fall/Winter 2014 "Supermarket" pink tweed suit, a true investment piece for fashion collectors. It gained popularity by being worn by A-list cel...
Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Mini Rectangular Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Mini Rectangular Flap Bag SKU: 156300 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: No house has shaped the fashion landscape quite like C...
CHANEL navy blue viscose 2006 06P BOW RIB-KNIT Cardigan Sweater 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel rib-knit cardigan in navy blue viscose (76%) and elastane (24%). Features bow trim, 3/4 sleeves and patch pockets. Closes with hooks on the front. Unlined. Has ...
Chanel Lambskin 19 Medium Flap Shoulder 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 white cotton blend 2012 12P RIB-KNIT TRUMPET Dress 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel rib-knit dress in off-white cotton (81%) and nylon (19%). Features an elegant trumpet silhouette with a flattering above-the-knee length that moves beautifully ...
Chanel Runway Leather & Denim Jacket — Fall/Winter 2000, Look 38 Size M
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Berlin, BE
A rare and highly collectible piece from Chanel’s Fall/Winter 2000 runway, this mixed-media jacket exemplifies Karl Lagerfeld’s turn-of-the-millennium experimentation with texture, s...
CHANEL black silk 17S FLARED ZIP FRONT Skirt 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel skirt in black crepe silk (100%) with a fluid, softly textured finish that drapes beautifully. Designed in a high-waisted, flared silhouette with a refined knee...
Chanel jewelry belt by Karl Lagerfeld Fall-Winter 1992
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1992 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal articulated belt with glass-paste cabochons in blue, red, and green t...
Chanel 1999 Gilet long Veste FR40 Precious Green Blue Long Cardigan UK12 US8
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel long cardigan from the Spring/Summer 1999 collection by Karl Lagerfeld, crafted from lightweight, pale aqua-green viscose knit. It is fully embellished with crystals, sequins,...
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 Summer 1994 Runway Swimsuit Lagerfeld Era Claudia Schiffer Campaign
By Chanel
Located in CACHAN, FR
Rare and iconic vintage Chanel one-piece swimsuit from the legendary Spring/Summer 1994 runway collection designed by Karl Lagerfeld. A true collector’s archive piece featuring the o...
CHANEL 2021 19 navy cotton canvas fringe quilted mixed chain flap bag
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 2021 19 navy cotton canvas fringe quilted mixed chain flap bag Reference: AEMA/A00156 Brand: Chanel Designer: Virginie Viard Model: Chanel 19 Large Fringe Diamond Flap Bag Col...
Black high heels suede platform sandal with rhinestone CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
High heels suede platform sandal with rhinestone. Strap around the ankle with hook&lop closure. Heel height = 11cm Platform heigh= 2cm SHOE SIZE : 39 (It)
Chanel Vintage S/S 1994 Pink Tweed 3pcs Jacket Corset Skirt 94P Suit
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
An exceptionally rare and iconic three-piece Chanel suit from the legendary Spring 1994 collection. This unforgettable runway look was worn by Christy Turlington on the Spring 1994 r...
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 ...
Rare Chanel F/W 1998 Mohair Bouclé knit camisole top by Karl Lagerfeld
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
A beautifully understated expression of Karl Lagerfeld's late-1990s vision for Chanel, this exceptionally rare Fall/Winter 1998 bouclé camisole perfectly captures the house's effortl...
$1,612Sale Price|50% Off
Chanel Fall 2016 Size 40 / 8 - 10 Cashmere Black and White Abstract Sweater Top
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in San Diego, CA
Luxurious Chanel Fall 2016 black and white long sleeve cashmere sweater ! Seen on Lindsey Wilson at the Chanel Fine Jewelry Dinner in honor of Keira ...
Chanel Coco Rider Multi-pocket Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Amman, JO
Chanel Coco Rider Multi-pocket Flap Bag The Chanel Coco Rider Multi-Pocket Flap Bag is a distinctive and highly sought-after design that blends Chanel's timeless elegance with excep...
CHANEL white black cotton 23C MONTE CARLO WIDE RIBBON TWEED Pants 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel pants in white and black striped ribbon tweed. Woven in a textural polyamide (52%), cotton (27%), polyester (11%), and wool (10%) blend, these Chanel pants show...
CHANEL petrol wool 2012 12K LUREX TWEED MAXI Coat Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel lurex tweed maxi coat is crafted from a luxurious blend of petrol blue nylon (40%), wool (21%), polyester (16%), silk (12%), and mohair (11%). It features ...
Chanel Bottines Daim Noir EU38.5 Quilted Black Suede CC Ankle Boots UK5.5 US8
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Black suede Chanel boots featuring a quilted leather pattern on the upper shaft and a smooth leather round toe; leather-covered hexagonal heel bearing the Chanel logo; leather lining...
Chanel necklace 'Chanel prend la route' by Karl Lagerfeld Bus Cruise 2005-2006
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2005-2006 Chanel Bus Cruise "Chanel prend la route" Collection, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Silvery metal chain belt / necklace with enameled charms, co...
Chanel Cruise 2015 Black Gold Crystal Strap 15C Midi LBD Dress
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
From Chanel’s Cruise 2015 collection, this elegant little black dress redefines the classic LBD with refined glamour. Cut in a sleek, figure-hugging silhouette, the dress falls to a ...
CHANEL white & black cashmere 08P SEQUIN Cardigan Sweater M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel cardigan in white cashmere (please note the content and size tag are missing) is fully adorned with white sequins, creating a striking contrast with black ...
CHANEL cream beige alpaca blend textured knit CC short sleeve midi dress FR38 M
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL cream beige alpaca blend textured knit CC logo short sleeve midi dress FR38 M Reference: AEMA/A00127 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Material: Alpaca, Blend Color: Crea...
Chanel Fall 2017 17K Sequin Fantasy Tweed Zip Front Midi Pencil Skirt
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Divine Chanel fantasy tweed skirt from the Fall 2017 17K collection. Unworn with tags. Superbly crafted from sparkling navy blue fantasy tweed, scattered with thousands of tiny silve...
CHANEL black cashmere 17B PEARL DETAILED KNIT Dress 42 L
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel knit dress in black cashmere (100%). Features a refined, fitted silhouette that skims the body with an elegant knee length. Designed with short sleeves, a disti...
2006 Vintage Chanel Dark Chocolate Brown Coated Canvas Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This sophisticated Chanel tote bag is crafted from a unique dark chocolate brown coated canvas, offering a subtle metallic sheen that catches the light beautifully. The exterior feat...
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...
$7,387Sale Price|20% Off
2015 Chanel Paris Dubai Collection Premiere Minaudière Clutch
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Silver toned Chanel 2015 Paris Dubai Premier clutch. Structured geometric silhouette with transparent front and back panels, polished metal frame, and chain shoulder strap. Features...
Chanel Karl Lagerfeld Spring 1996 printed cotton dress
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in CANNES, FR
Chanel X Karl Lagerfeld Spring/Summer 1996 Ready-to-Wear Collection Sky blue cotton sleeveless zip dress with printed motifs. Size 40. (Very small stains at the collar).
CHANEL blue cotton 2019 19C LA PAUSA BELTED TWEED Dress 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel sleeveless tweed dress in blue, turquoise, white and navy polyester (26%), cotton (25%), linen (18%), acetate (10%), metallized fibers (8%), viscose (7%) and po...
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...
$1,262Sale Price|45% Off
Chanel Cashmere Size 42 Luxurious Soft Ivory Grey Logo Sweater Jumper w/ Pocket
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Luxurious Chanel, by Karl Lagerfeld, cashmere sweater ! The softest cashmere that feels so nice on. CC logo at left arm. Pocket at left waist. In great condition Made in United Kin...
Chanel long jacket by Virginie Viard Fall-Winter 2024
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2024 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Virginie Viard. Long silk jacket in black, pink, and mauve tones. Composition and size labels mis...
CHANEL 1990 Foldover Diamond Quilted dark grey lambskin mini bucket bag
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 1990 Foldover Diamond Quilted dark grey lambskin mini bucket bag Reference: TGAS/G00293 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Model: Foldover Bucket Bag Collection: 1990 Mate...
Chanel Mini Kelly Lilac Quilted Calfskin Crossbody Shopping Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
This Chanel Mini Kelly Shopping Bag is made from shiny aged calfskin with a quilted design. It features a long crossbody chain strap for comfortable wear. The aged gold hardware, inc...
Vintage Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Flap Shoulder Bag with Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Flap Shoulder Bag with Gold Hardware - Preowned A timeless vintage Chanel flap shoulder bag in supple black lambskin, finished with the House's...
Chanel Black Diamond Quilted Lambskin Clutch with CC Logo, Unisex
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
- Black - Signature interlocking CC logo - Silver-tone hardware - Diamond quilted lambskin leather - Top bar and kiss lock - Main compartment - Internal zip fastening compartment P...
Chanel 2012 Lagerfeld CC Logo Black Ruffle Cap Toe Pumps 37.5
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel 2012 Lagerfeld CC Logo Black Ruffle Cap Toe Pumps 37.5 Color Black Size 37.5EU Heel Height 4in Fabric upper Leather sole Lace ruffle opening Cap toe CC logo at back heel Kar...
Chanel Mixed Fibers Medium Deauville Tote Bag in Canvas Leather, Italy
By Chanel
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic NEAR NEW Chanel Mixed Fibers Medium Deauville shoulder bag tote. Features large canvas and leather exterior, top handles with shoulder strap, fabric interior with zipper po...
Chanel Beige Quilted Caviar Classic Wallet On Chain
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Beige Quilted Caviar Classic Wallet On Chain SKU: Z157886 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: No house has shaped the fashion landscape quite like Chane...
Chanel 2000's Black Leather Biker Booties with Patent Cap Toe and Flannel Lining
By Chanel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cool biker chic wear. Circa mid-2010s Chanel black leather ankle booties. Dual side zips with inset wool plaid panels. Chunky heel and black patent cap toe. Quilted top and double ...
CHANEL white cotton 23M COCO BEACH TWEED Jumpsuit 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jumpsuit in white tweed in polyamide (52%) and cotton (48%). This luxury Chanel jumpsuit features a sleek, fitted silhouette with a clean square neckline finish...
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 black patent leather swarovski stones shoulder bag
By Chanel
Located in Capri, IT
Chanel black patent leather swarovski stones shoulder bag
Chanel White & Black Coco Mark Leather Sandals circa 2000
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These Chanel White & Black Coco Mark Leather Sandals from circa 2000 exemplify timeless luxury and sophisticated craftsmanship. Featuring a sleek combination of white and black l...
Beige and lurex knit coat CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Beige and lurex knit coat . No fabric composition tag but probably the knit is made of mohair, cashmere and lurex . Branded button and buttonhole closure on the middle front. Pockets...
Chanel A/W2013 Karl Lagerfeld Chain Obsession Patent Leather Block Heel Boots 37
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel A/W2013 Karl Lagerfeld Chain Obsession Patent Leather Block Heel Boots 37 Color Black Size 37C EU Heel height 4.5in Leather upper Leather sole Gusseted vamp Buckle detail Al...
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...
We Adore - Chanel 22 Calfskin Leather Logo Hobo Bag With A Matching Pouch
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Chanel 22 Calfskin Leather Logo Hobo Bag With A Matching Pouch From the Spring-Summer 2022 collection is this black hobo bag crafted from soft, shiny quilted calfskin lea...
CHANEL navy velvet CC logo applique nude jute espadrille shoes EU37
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL navy velvet CC logo applique nude jute espadrille shoes EU37 Reference: CNPG/A00148 Brand: Chanel Material: Velvet Color: Navy, Nude Pattern: Solid Closure: Slip On Lining: Nu...
$3,225Sale Price|50% Off
Vintage Rare Chanel Plush Terry Cloth Maxi Weekender Travel Beach Shopper Tote
By Chanel
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The ultimate in handbag making luxury craftsmanship. The Iconic House of Chanel always provides us with timeless and classic pieces. The rare bag takes timeless creation to a new level of sophistication and charm. Made from the finest materials that you would expect from the Chanel House...
$744Sale Price|20% Off
1961 Chanel Haute Couture Top Vogue and Elle Covers
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
1961 Very rare Haute Couture Chanel silk top featuring back snap opening, with decorative buttons, a silk lurex ethnic pattern, a silk lining. See atta...
Chanel SS13 Boy Brick Lego Bag Black White Pearl Minaudière Unisex
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Karl Lagerfeld's Boy Brick Lego bag for Chanel's SS13 collection embodied the brand's youthful spirit. The bag came in various colours with pearl embellishments. In 2014, Lagerfeld c...
Chanel Black Fringed Tweed Kitten Heel Mules, Made in Italy
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Catégorie suggérée : Women’s Shoes / Mules & Clogs — Chanel Description : A chic pair of Chanel mules crafted from the house’s signature frayed black tweed, offering a textured, ...
CHANEL 2021 grey wool felt black CC velvet applique espadrille flats EU39
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 2021 grey wool felt black CC velvet applique espadrille flats EU39 Reference: JECN/A00030 Brand: Chanel Material: Fabric Color: Grey, Black Pattern: Solid Closure: Slip On Lin...
CHANEL black silk 15C DUBAI CHAIN TRIM PLATFORM Pumps Shoes 38.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel platform pumps are crafted from black silk and finished with a contrasting cap toe for timeless elegance. The design is elevated with signature silver-ton...
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...