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 black & white cotton 23B FOUR POCKET SHORT TWEED Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jacket in black and white grid tweed, a classic silhouette rendered in the house's signature graphic weave. Crafted from a luxury blend of cotton (92%) and poly...
Chanel Classic Flap Jumbo Double Flap Burgundy Caviar Leather Silver Hardware
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Classic Flap Jumbo Double Flap Burgundy Caviar Leather Silver Hardware These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD Moderate signs...
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 FW 2023 Beige Suede Cap Toe Knee High Block Heel Boots EU 40 CC Charm Zip
By Chanel
Located in Eagan, MN
Chanel FW 2023 Beige Suede Cap Toe Knee High Block Heel Boots EU 40 CC Charm Zip Women's size EU 40 Shoe sizing is inconsistent across brands. It is recommended to know your sizing ...
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 ...
Chanel Sac Pochette Ceinture Classique Silver Star Leather Classic mini bag NIB
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Small Chanel Classic series bag or clutch in silver quilted leather and silver metal, small flap closed by a magnetic snap topped with a large star encrusted with rhinestones and CC ...
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...
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 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 Vintage 2010 Cruise 10C Gold Foil Knit Short Dress FR38/UK10
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Absolutely incredible archival Chanel dress from the Cruise 10C collection which Karl Lagerfeld described as “Coco on the Lido”. Look 22 on the catwalk. In amazing unworn condition a...
CHANEL beige quilted Caviar leather GRAND SHOPPING TOTE GST Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Grand Shopping tote bag in light beige Caviar Leather with a stitched CC logo on the front on a slip pocket at the back. The design comes with an open-top and t...
CHANEL midnight blue CC TWEED & LEATHER FINGERLESS Gloves 7.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel fingerless gloves combine elegance and functionality, crafted in diagonally striped tweed in midnight blue and white with a midnight blue leather undersid...
CHANEL black & white cotton blend PLAID TWEED & FLORAL Skirt 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel plaid-tweed and floral A-line layered skirt in black and off-white rayon (40%), cotton (20%), silk (20%), nylon (10%), and wool (10%...
Chanel New White Camellia Cashmere Shawl
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel white cashmere white shawl with multicolor camellias on it and a black trim out of flowers and CC logos. The edges of the scarf are fringed. It's a big piece which can be worn...
Chanel Classic Flap Maxi Burgundy Lambskin Leather Double Flap Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Classic Flap Maxi Burgundy Lambskin Leather Double Flap Gold Hardware These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: EXCELLENT Light creases ne...
2009-10 Chanel Cream Bouclé Dress with Frayed Trim
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
2009-10 Chanel cream bouclé dress with frayed trim. Dating from the Karl Lagerfeld era, ready-to-wear collection. A great example of how Lagerfeld continued to reinterpret and at th...
$3,996Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel Classic 25 Double Flap Lambskin Leather Black
By Chanel
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic Chanel classic 25 double flap in black quilted calfskin leather. Features black quilted calfskin leather, this luxurious, runway-ready bag features a gorgeous chain strap w...
$1,782Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel 1999 Sac 2.55 Ecru Wool Jersey Dark Silver Shoulder Bag
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel bag model 2.55 format 24 in ecru wool jersey with horizontal quilting, 2.55 clasp with logo and shoulder strap (carried on the shoulder and crossbody) in aged silver metal cha...
Chanel Spring 2017 Navy & Silver Striped CC Button Knit Top
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Gorgeous Chanel knit top from the Spring 2017 collection. Look 31 on the runway. Unworn. Made from beautifully textured, intricately knitted navy, white and silver cotton/cashmere/si...
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...
Brown leather shoulder bag with top-stitching and chain Chanel Circa 1984
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Brown leather shoulder bag with top-stitching and chain. Black leather lining. One flat pocket with zip inside and one flat pocket without zip. "CC" claps covered with black leather...
CHANEL red wool & mohair 2014 DALLAS FRINGED KNIT Jacket L 14A
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 2014 Dallas fringed knit jacket in red, sand and blue wool (85%), mohair (10%) and nylon (5%). Features long sleeves and four buttoned patch pockets on the front. Opens with six buttons on the front. Unlined. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measurements Model Chanel14A...
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...
Chanel Green & Navy Camellia & Coco Mark Print Kiss-Lock Frame Tote Bag 2002
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Chanel Green & Navy Camellia & Coco Mark Print Kiss-Lock Frame Tote Bag from 2002 was designed by Karl Lagerfeld for the Spring/Summer 2002 collection, embodying his signatur...
Chanel Cotton Havana Cuba Scarf White
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel Cotton Havana Cuba Scarf in White and Red. The scarf is made of 100% cotton and features red writing on a white background. Brand new in unused condition.
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 20C black leather grosgrain cap toe gold CC heel mary jane flats EU40
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 20C black leather grosgrain cap toe gold textured heel mary jane flats EU40 Reference: VNWG/A00032 Brand: Chanel Designer: Virginie Viard Collection: 20C Material: Leather, Fabric Color: Black, Gold Pattern: Solid Closure: Ankle Strap Lining: Black Leather Extra Details: These Chanel Mary Jane flats...
Chanel S/S 2005 Ivory Lace And Black Striped Knit Camisole Top
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
From the S/S 2005 collection of Chanel, this camisole top is constructed in two distinct registers. The upper portion features tiered horizontal bands of ivory guipure and needle lac...
CHANEL 2024 Multi-Pocket Camera Case black quilted lambskin gold hardware bag
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 2024 Multi-Pocket Camera Case black quilted lambskin gold hardware bag Reference: KYCG/A00255 Brand: Chanel Designer: Virginie Viard Model: Multi-Pocket Camera Case Collection...
CHANEL pre fall 2016 Paris Rome Long dress
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, 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 Vintage 2002 Chocolate Bar black leather logo embossed chain tote bag
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL Vintage 2002 Chocolate Bar black leather logo embossed chain tote bag Reference: VNWG/A00009 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Model: Chocolate Bar Material: Leather Colo...
Chanel Vintage Fall 2015 Women's Herringbone Cashmere Wool Short Coat
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, 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 dark grey suede 18A HAMBURG QUILTED Ankle Boots Shoes 38.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel 2018 Hamburg quilted combat boot in dark grey combines utilitarian style with the House’s unmistakable elegance. Crafted from luxurious quilted suede, the ...
CHANEL black silk 2022 22C DUBAI CONTRAST TRIM KNIT Dress 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel rib-knit dress in black silk (78%), polyamide (17%) and elastane (5%). Features contrast ivory striped trims, a crew neck, two buttons pockets, belt loop and ma...
CHANEL black silk 22C DUBAI BRAID TRIM CROPPED CREPE Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jacket in black crepe, a tailored staple finished with the house's signature graphic contrast. Crafted from luxury silk (100%), this Chanel jacket is cut in a b...
Black see-through crochet cape with pattern CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black see-through crochet cape with pattern "COCO, Camélia flower and 5" No fabric tag composition but probably rayon. Braid in the same thread to knot on the top middle front SIZE M
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...
MUSEUM Chanel F/W 1991 Hip-Hop Baby Blue Silk Taffeta Ballgown
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
When Karl Lagerfeld closed Chanel’s Fall Winter 1991 ready to wear show with a ballgown, he did not send it out with pearls and satin pumps. He cinched it with an oversized gold CHANEL gladiator...
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...
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 Classic Flap Maxi Silver Lambskin Leather Single Flap Silver Hardware
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
[Rare] Chanel Classic Flap Maxi Silver Lambskin Leather Single Flap Silver Hardware 2011 These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD Ligh...
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 Limited Edition Minaudière Paris - Greece Owl Evening Bag 2018 Resort
By Chanel
Located in Sewickley, PA
Rare Chanel Limited Edition Black and Gold Acrylic and Strass Owl Evening Bag Gold Hardware, Cruise 2018 Seen on the Paris - Greece Chanel Runway show. A Whimsical Masterpiece from...
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...
Chanel Interwoven Suede & Chain 'CC' Logo Detail Leather Thong Sandals
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Interwoven Suede & Chain 'CC' Logo Detail Leather Thong Sandals Thong sandals deisgned with a black, lambskin leather diamond quilted footbed. Featuring Chanel's signatu...
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 cream wool 17A COSMOPOLITE STUDDED TRIM TWEED Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jacket in cream tweed, an elevated silhouette finished with the house's intricate hand-applied detailing. Crafted from luxury wool (100%), this Chanel jacket is...
CHANEL navy blue wool 21B CROPPED TWEED Jacket 34 XXS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jacket in navy and midnight blue wool tweed. This luxury Chanel jacket features a straight-cut, cropped silhouette with a clean collarless round neckline and st...
CHANEL black mesh 2019 19P CAMELLIA Ballet Flats Shoes 38.5 fit 38
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel pointed-toe black mesh ballet flats embellished with a mesh Camellia. Have been worn and are in excellent condition. Come with dust b...
Chanel 24C Cashmere Cardigan and Skirt Set in Pastel Blue and Purple
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
CHANEL 24C CASHMERE CARDIGAN AND SKIRT SET IN PASTEL BLUE AND PURPLE SIZE 36 / 38 FR Chanel 24C cashmere knit cardigan and skirt set. In excellent as new condition. Amazing Chanel D...
$8,796Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel Quilted Jumbo Classic Flap Bag Black, 1997-1999
By Chanel
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic Chanel classic flap jumbo quilted black lambskin cross body bag. Features flap top with famous large 24kt gold plating CC twist turn lock on the front of the bag, the exter...
Chanel Cruise 2015 Black Gold Crystal Strap 15C Midi LBD Dress
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, 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 CC logo Sportsline Bucket hat size M 100% Cotton
By Chanel
Located in Sewickley, PA
Iconic Chanel knit bucket hat featuring the house’s unmistakable CC logo in classic beige and black. A timeless, logo-forward silhouette that bridges vintage appeal with modern luxur...
Vintage 2000s Chanel Purple Diamond Weave Pencil Skirt with Zig Zag Trim
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage 2000s Chanel purple diamond weave pencil skirt with a vertical strip of zig zag cut trim at front and back side from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection designed by Karl Lagerf...
Chanel Vintage Beige Leather Chevron Quilted Kiss Lock Chain Bag
By Chanel
Located in Oakland, CA
This is a vintage Chevron quilted Chanel leather bag which measures approximately 9.75 inches long, 7 inches in height, and 2.5 inches in width, with a 6.75-inch strap drop. There in...
CHANEL yellow & black cotton 22P RIBBON TWEED Jacket 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel jacket in yellow ribbon tweed polyester (58%), cotton (28%), linen (11%), and polyamide (3%). Woven in a textural ribbon tweed, this Chanel jacket is threaded t...
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 2017 Black Plexiglass Gift Box Minaudière with Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Black Plexiglass Gift Box Minaudière Gold Hardware, 2017. The interior is lined in black leather. Includes authenticity card, and dust bag. This pre-owned Chanel® item has b...
$9,596Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel Quilted Leather Jumbo 34 Quilted Black Lambskin Cross Body Bag
By Chanel
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic Chanel classic flap jumbo 34 quilted black lambskin cross body bag. Features flap top with famous large CC twist turn lock on the front of the bag, the exterior rear has 1 ...
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...