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.
Graphic plateform sandals with ankle straps Chanel SS 2013
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Graphic platform sandals with white leather ankle straps and buckle closure. Heel height : 10 cm Platform : 3 cm SHOE SIZE : 36
CHANEL 2000 Artefact Collectible Tweed Coat with Logo Belt 40 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL Artifact Collectible Tweed Coat with Logo Belt — Runway of the Fall 2000 Collection by Karl Lagerfeld – Rare Collector’s Relic, More than attire — an Artifact – From the d...
CHANEL Vintage red python l ballet flats 39 , 5 size
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Vintage red python Chanel ballet flats Size 39.5, featuring a black ribbon-effect appliqué on the instep and the double C logo Trimmed with cotton-spandex grosgrain ribbon The vibran...
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 Paris / EGYPT Lesage Tweed Jacket & Trousers Suit 36 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Lesage Check Tweed Bomber Jacket & Trousers Suit — Paris / EGYPT 2019 Métiers d’Art by Karl Lagerfeld — Presented at the Metropolitan Museum, New York · As seen on V...
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 burgundy cashmere 23P CHUNKY KNIT Coat Jacket 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel knit coat in a rich burgundy palette accented with brown, red, and soft light blue, crafted from a luxurious blend of cashmere (50%), wool (37%), polyester (11%...
CHANEL 23K Runway black Camellia button cape overlay fluid parka coat FR38 M
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 23K Runway black Camellia button cape overlay fluid parka coat FR38 M Reference: VNWG/A00016 Brand: Chanel Designer: Virginie Viard Collection: Fall/Winter 2023/24 Ready-to-We...
Chanel Classic Flap Mini 2013 Pink Lambskin Leather Silver Hardware
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Classic Flap Mini 2013 Pink Lambskin Leather Silver Hardware These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Condition: VERY GOOD Overall light signs of us...
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...
$902Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel White & Black Interlocking CC Collectible Domino Set in box unused 2016
By Chanel
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
An beautiful exclusive unused Chanel White & Black Interlocking CC Collectible Domino Set in box. This rare set was originally produced as a VIP gift by Chanel and was never avai...
CHANEL Paris / Hamburg Runway Collectible Tweed Jacket 38 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Collectible Blue Violet Lesage Tweed Jacket — Runway Relic from the Paris / HAMBURG 2018 Métiers d’Art Collection by Karl Lagerfeld — ~ This jacket is Karl’s ode to Hamburg...
Chanel Silver 2.55 Reissue Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel 2.55 Reissue Flap Bag in a grey aged calfskin leather with silver-tone hardware, and a classic double flap closure with a "Mademoiselle" turn-lock fastening. Comes with origin...
CHANEL ivory wool 2007 07P SLEEVELESS TURTLENECK Blouse Shirt 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel sleeveless turtleneck top in ivory wool (100%). Closes on the back with concealed metal hooks. Unlined. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. 2007 Sprin...
Black leather and patent leather low heel pump Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black leather and patent leather low heel pump. Dust bag provided. Heel height : 5 cm SHOE SIZE : 37 1/2
CHANEL 12K$ Iconic Collectible CC Gripoix Buttons Coat 38 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Chanel 13K$ Paris / Byzance Art Level Runway Coat — 2011 Metiers d’ArtCollection by Karl Lagerfeld ~ With initial boutique value over 12,000, today’s boutique value for this lvevr ...
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...
Black Tuxedo jacket CHANEL
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black Tuxedo jacket with satin collar. . Main fabric composition: 94% wool, 6% nylon. Silk lining. Chin inside the jacket on the bottom edge. Shoulder pad. Pocket on both side. Brand...
Documented Chanel By Karl Lagerfeld Runway Metallic Ribbed-Knit Maxi Dress, FW96
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Geneva, CH
Perfect for the inter-seasons, the color of this rare Fall-Winter 1996 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld t-shirt maxi dress is reminiscent of the holiday season about to begin ! Its twin walk...
CHANEL Paris / Greece Runway Tweed Jacket with Jewel Belt 36 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
~ An ode to antiquity refracted through the prism of Paris, this Lesage tweed dress from Karl Lagerfeld’s Paris / GREECE 2018 Cruise Collection embodies couture as mythology — wove...
Chanel 1998 Veste Bouclette FR40 Baby Blue Boucle Tweed CC Jacket UK12 US10
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel jacket from the SS1998 collection by Karl Lagerfeld in cotton (54%) and wool bouclé tweed, classic collar closed in front by 4 silver metal buttons with CC logo, 2 flap pocket...
Pink terry cloth trouser with branded button CHANEL Resort 2024
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pink terry cloth trouser with branded button. Silk lining from the waist until mid-thigh. Invisible zip closure on the left side + branded button and buttonhole closure. Pocket on th...
Chanel 19 Large Single Flap Bag in Green and White Tweed
By Chanel
Located in Geneva, CH
This pre-owned but new Chanel 19 bag is a special edition from the 2022 F/W collection. It is crafted from two-tone tweed with a graphic pattern (pistachio/olive green and ecru white...
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 black SHEER STAR LACE Cap Sleeve Blouse Shirt M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel cap sleeve top in black sheer star lace (nylon-spandex blend - please note the content tag is missing). Embellished with embroidered stars all over the top and ...
Chanel Beige Quilted Caviar Medium Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Chanel Beige Quilted Caviar Medium Double Flap Bag SKU: 154116 MSRP: 11300.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: A timeless classic that never goes out o...
CHANEL black SATIN Slingback Pumps Shoes 38 VINTAGE
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel slingbacks in black satin with little rhinestone embellished buckle on the side. The buckle on the right shoe is missing a stone...
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 washed blue cotton 23A DAKAR SEQUIN WIDE JEANS Pants 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel patchwork jeans in various shades of washed blue denim cotton (100%) exude effortless luxury with an artistic edge. Adorned with short rows of pink, black,...
Coco Mademoiselle Chanel Doll Designed By Karl Lagerfeld 2010
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in New York, NY
100% Authentic guaranteed Chanel designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Each doll has slightly different face because they where all handmade. Chanel Mademoiselle doll was designed by Karl Lagerfeld For Chanel windows and given as gift to special clients. Not every window that season had this doll displayed...
Chanel 1990s Vintage Mint Green Chocolare Bar Quilted Top Handle Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Step into the turn-of-the-millennium era of luxury with this exquisite vintage Chanel clutch. A quintessential piece from the iconic Chocolate Bar collection, this bag is a rare find...
Chanel SS 1997 Karl Lagerfeld Runway Yellow Plaid Tweed Cropped Jacket FR 36
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Toronto, ON
Pre-owned Chanel Spring/Summer 1997 yellow and multicolour plaid tweed jacket featuring a spread collar, asymmetrical button front, patch pockets, cropped fit and chain trim at inner...
CHANEL black/white silk satin dress FR 40 Fall 2001 01A
By Chanel
Located in Rubiera, RE
CHANEL Fall 2001 Elegant dress in black and white silk satin with drapery on the neckline. Short sleeves. Side pockets. Zip closure on the back. size FR 40 Made in France 100% silk ...
CHANEL 2010 3 Accordion Mini Flap Bag black lambskin silver CC mini bag
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 2010 3 Accordion Mini Flap Bag black lambskin silver CC mini bag Reference: ECLO/A00232 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Model: 3 Accordion Mini Flap Bag Collection: 201...
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 New CC Buttons Cashmere Architectural Cardigan 34 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
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 carri...
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 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 ...
Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Black Lace Gown
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Sharon, CT
Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Collection Croisière '84. Black floral motif lace Evening Gown with pink satin sash, fully lined.
Chanel circa 1990 Short Ecru FR36 38 Ecru Wool Wide Leg Shorts UK8 10 US6 8
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel Bermuda-style shorts in ecru wool, high-waisted with no belt loops and fastened with four Chanel-branded buttons, wide leg, two wide pleats at the front, two slit pockets at t...
Chanel 98 Iridescent Dragonfly Logo Print Silk Chiffon Sheer Overlay Maxi Dress
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, 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 14K$ Museum Rare Supermarket Tweed Jacket 38 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Museum Rare Burgundy Architectural Tweed Jacket with Zipper Accents — “SUPERMARKET” Fall 2014 Ready-to-Wear Collection · by Karl Lagerfeld — // As seen on Cara Delevingne i...
Chanel Pink Fantasy Tweed Jacket Sequins 22P 2022 Spring-Summer Pre-Collection
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
The most divine, ultra detailed Chanel fantasy tweed jacket from the 22P 2022 Spring-Summer Pre-Collection. Unworn. Made from wonderfully textured pink based, multi coloured rag wea...
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 Matelasse Pink & Beige PVC Patchwork Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Chanel Matelasse Pink & Beige PVC Patchwork Flap Bag is a stunning accessory that combines classic elegance with modern appeal. Its intricate quilted design features a harmonious...
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 Vintage S/S 1995 Barbie Black White CC Belt Linen Jumpsuit 95P
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for 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 black leather CAMELLIA EMBOSSED Large Wallet
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel wallet in black smooth leather embossed with Camelia's and CC logo's. Opens with a push-button to a metallic silver leather lined interior with 8 credit card sl...
Chanel Vintage Flap Bag Medium Black Caviar Leather Mega CC 24k Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Vintage Flap Bag Medium Black Caviar Leather Mega CC 24k Gold Hardware These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Condition: VERY GOOD ORIGINAL CONDIT...
"Nr 5 Stars" handbag mix leather and patent leather shoulder bag Chanel 2002/03
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
"Nr 5 Stars" handbag mix leather and patent leather shoulder bag. Opens with snaps. The inside is divided into 2 compartments. Zipper pocket against the back. Size: height: 25,5 cm...
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 black & multi wool 07A BEADED TWEED Skirt S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel skirt is crafted in black and multicolored tweed (71% wool, 19% silk, 10% acrylic) and embellished throughout with vibrant cabochon beads that elevate its ...
CHANEL black quilted leather Wallet
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel wallet with stitched stripes in grey. Open with a push-button and is lined in black lambskin and logo nylon. The design is divid...
CHANEL New Collectors CC Logo Yellow Denim Shorts 36 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Chanel Collectible Yellow Denim Shorts — Spring 2006 Runway, Karl Lagerfeld — – A rare artifact from the dawn of the millennium, these Chanel shorts radiate the golden optimism o...
Chanel Cambon Multi-pocket Ligne Reporter Bag Large Black Calfskin Leather
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Cambon Multi-pocket Ligne Reporter Bag Large Black Calfskin Leather White Logo These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Named after the Cambon stree...
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 Paris / SEOUL Beige Lesage Tweed Jacket 42 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL 9K$ Beige Lesage Tweed Jacket — Runway of the Paris–Seoul 2016 Cruise Collection by Karl Lagerfeld — ~ This piece is not only couture — it is a relic of Chanel’s cultural pi...
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 Classic Flap Jumbo Beige Caviar Leather Single Flap Silver Hardware
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Classic Flap Jumbo Beige Caviar Leather Single Flap Silver Hardware These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Embrace luxury with this timeless Chane...
Chanel New Medium Boy Handbag Black Quilted Lambskin
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Make a bold statement with one of Chanel's most iconic and sought-after modern masterpieces. The Chanel Boy Bag is celebrated for its edgy, structured aesthetic, seamlessly blending ...