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.
$1,505Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel 1990s Vintage Mint Green Quilted Leather Top Handle Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Vintage Chanel Mint Green (pastel light mint green) quilted top handle tote bag, matte gold handle with beautiful pearl stud edges, two separate purse opening slots with pearl pink c...
CHANEL 8K$ 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...
Black metallic leather single-breasted jacket Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black metallic leather single-breasted with branded buttons and branded silk jacquard lining. Raglan sleeves and shoulder-pads. SIZE 38 (Fr) 8 (Us)
CHANEL white & multi cashmere 19C LA PAUSA ZIP Cardigan Sweater 34 XXS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel cardigan in white and multicolored striped cashmere (100%) brings a playful twist to luxury knitwear. Designed with a relaxed silhouette and batwing sleeve...
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...
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.
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 cream silk blend 2005 05A CHUNKY TWEED Skirt 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel chunky tweed skirt in ecru and red silk (79%), wool (19%), nylon (1%) and polyester (1%). Closes with a concealed zipper in the back and is lined in silk (100%)...
CHANEL 19 Flap Bag Tiffany Light Blue Goatskin Large Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition:Normal signs of use, slight surface stains, scratches on hardware, clean interior. Accessories: Dust bag size: Width:30cm,height:21cm Designer:CHANEL Model: 19 Flap Ba...
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
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...
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 Limited Edition Rocket Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
- Limited Edition - Chanel FW 2017 Runway piece - Black lucite and crystal rocket ship - Silver hardware - Tonal lucite lined interior - Shoulder Strap Drop Max: 24cm - Condition: Ex...
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 Spring 2017 Navy & Silver Striped CC Button Knit Top
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for 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...
Blue topstitched leather bag with chains handles Chanel Numbered
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Blue topstitched leather bag with chains handles. One large pocket with zip in the middle ( which divided the bag in 2 differents compartments) Also 1 more pocket with zip and 2 flat...
CHANEL red leather 19C TRENDY CC Wallet on Chain WOC Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Trendy CC Wallet on Chain in red chevron quilted leather is a refined balance of elegance and functionality. Featuring the signature gold-tone metal bar wi...
Chanel Quilted Calfskin Gabrielle Small
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel Calfskin Chevron Quilted Small Gabrielle Hobo in Black and White is crafted of diamond quilted leather, with a black leather base. The bag features a black leather thread...
CHANEL 16P G31741 black patent leather silver CC logo mary jane flats EU38
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 16P G31741 black patent leather silver CC logo mary jane ballet flats EU38 Reference: MELK/A00298 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Model: G31741 Collection: 16P Material...
CHANEL black cashmere 96A FOUR POCKET OFFICIER Jacket S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel jacket is crafted in black cashmere (100%) and tailored to a refined, fitted silhouette with an elongated length. It features a stand collar and four front...
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...
Chanel F/W 2014 Supermarket Pink Plaid 14A Fantasy Tweed Jacket Skirt Suit
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, 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 grey suede 1997-99 255 REISSUE PATCHWORK FLAP Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel vintage patchwork Reissue 1997-1999 shoulder bag in grey suede featuring gunmetal turn-lock and chain strap. Lined in bl...
CHANEL black silk 22B SEQUIN VELVET DOWN Jacket 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel puffer jacket in black velvet (28% silk, 40% polyester, 21% cotton, 2% polyamide) intricately embellished with tonal sequins spelling “CHANEL,” creating a subtl...
Chanel Pre-Fall 2007 Button Trim Leather & Shearling Jacket
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Stunning, work of art vintage Chanel leather and shearling jacket from the Pre-Fall Metiers D’Art 2007 Paris-Monte Carlo collection. Unworn. Made from super fluid black taupe leather...
CHANEL Vintage 2002 Chocolate Bar black leather logo embossed chain tote bag
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
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 2000 Vintage Relic CC Buttons Tweed Coat 42 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
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 pink alpaca 22A FLORENCE STRIPED KNIT Midi Skirt 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel skirt is crafted in pink, red, navy blue, purple, coral, and cream striped knit composed of alpaca (45%), silk (19%), polyamide (16%), wool (11%), lyocell ...
CHANEL black leather 2002 CHAIN FRINGE SQUARE Crossbody Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 2002 quilted chain fringe square shoulder bag in black smooth lambskin featuring gunmetal chain details. Opens with a magnetic button on top and is lined in bla...
$6,995Sale Price|28% Off
New W/ Tags Chanel S/S 2016 Kendall Jenner Runway Skirt & Jacket Suit
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Conroe, TX
Rare Karl Lagerfeld Chanel Spring 2016 Runway Suit New With Tags Kendall Jenner wore this model for the Iconic "Airport" Runway Show Size French 38 ...
Chanel Elegant Black Lace Top with Bow - Size S / FR36
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
Chanel Black Lace Top with Bow – Size FR36 / S Elegant Chanel lace blouse with a delicate bow at the hem, crafted for a fitted silhouette. Minimal signs of use on the elastic, very g...
Chanel Ballerines EU38 Black White Leather Ribbon Cockade Flats Ballet Shoes UK5
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel ballerinas in black and white leather, rounded toe decorated with 2 black and white ribbon cockades, leather lining, inner and outer soles. Size 38FR or UK5 and US7.5. The bal...
Chanel Black Lambskin Bijoux Chain Jumbo Single Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Chanel Black Lambskin Bijoux Chain Jumbo Single Flap Bag Own a definitive piece of Chanel history with this rare Single Flap Jumbo. Dating from the 2006-2008 era, this bag is define...
Chanel Beige Leather Pointed Toe Slingback Pumps EU 38
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
Chanel Pointed Toe Slingback Pumps – Beige Leather Size: EU 38 / US 7–7.5 Condition: Very Good Description of Condition: Lightly used but very well maintained. Signs of wear include ...
Beige & Multicolor Chanel Printed Sleeveless Silk Dress Size FR 42
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Beige and multicolor printed sleeveless silk dress by Chanel. Pointed collar. Pleating at bodice. Front faux pearl button and belt closures. 40" bust, 32" waist, 40" length, 14" shou...
CHANEL 24C 100% cashmere pastel blue contrast trim glitter CC cropped cardigan F
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 24C 100% cashmere pastel blue contrast trim rainbow glitter CC buttons cropped cardigan FR34 XS Reference: YIKK/A00347 Brand: Chanel Designer: Virginie Viard Collection: Cruis...
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 Slot Machine Casino Minaudière Clutch 2023
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
This Casino Minaudière Evening Clutch Bag by Chanel is a highly sought-after and exclusive piece from the 2023 Cruise collection. - Circa 2023 - From the Chanel 2023 Cruise collectio...
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...
CHANEL 2020 Iconic Ad Campaign Black Leather Jacket 50 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Iconic Ad Campaign Black Leather Jacket with CC Buttons — Spring 2020 “PARIS ROOFTOPS” Runway, Virginie Viard • Boutique value: over $15,000 — This is the Viard-era icon th...
Chanel Mini Rectangular Patent Leather Silver HW Bag
By Chanel
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of use, small surface damage, worn chain, scratches on the hardware, clean interior. Accessories: No Accessories size: Width:20cm,height:12cm Designer:Chan...
Chanel Quilted Gilt Gripoix Cross-body Vintage Handbag
By Chanel
Located in Palm Springs, CA
One of the most scarce Coco Chanel handbags - black quilted suede and kidskin lamb leather in a half-moon shape, with a gilt-metal woven leather c...
$2,480
Chanel Vanity Case Black
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
- Black - Gold-tone clasp fastening - Tassel detail - Rectangular face - Condition: Fair This pre-owned item is in fair condition with visible signs of use. This may include fading o...
CHANEL Vintage red python l ballet flats 39 , 5 size
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Vintage red python Chanel ballet flats Size 39.5, featuring a black ribbon-effect appliqué on the instep and the double C logo Trimmed with cotton-spandex grosgrain ribbon The vibran...
CHANEL light blue 23B CC PRINTED DENIM Ballet Flats Shoes 38.5 fit 38
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel classic ballet flats in light blue denim with a white all-over CC logo print are a chic blend of casual and elegance. Featuring a blue leather bow, grosgr...
White tweed skirt- suit with owl 's branded button Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White tweed skirt- suit with owl 's branded button. Shoulder pad. Chain inside the jacket in the bottom edge. Fabric composition: 63% cotton 18% polyamide 12% polyethylene 7% rayon B...
CHANEL 15K$ New Paris / Dubai Ribbon Tweed Ensemble 36 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL Museum Level Paris / DUBAI Cruise Collection 2015 “Ribbon Mosaic Ensemble” — Jacket & Matching Vest by Karl Lagerfeld — Boutique value: over $15,000 at release — Comparable cr...
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 Paris / Saint-Tropez Lesage Yellow Tweed Jacket 38 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Lemon Lesage Tweed Jacket with Crystal CC Jewels — Cruise 2012 “FRENCH RIVIERA” Runway by Karl Lagerfeld — one of Lagerfeld’s most iconic sunlight chapters — Seen on Sar...
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...
1983 CHANEL Black Long Sleeve Sequin Drop Waist Gown
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1983 CHANEL Black Long Sleeve Sequin Drop Waist Gown. ( see runway image) - buttons - tulle - sequins Size 6 Bust 34/ Waist 30/ hip
Chanel Vintage 1996 Black Patent Leather Gold CC Turnlock 90s Phone Holder
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Rare vintage Chanel crossbody phone holder bag, circa 1996–1997. Made in black quilted patent leather with a 24K gold-plated CC turnlock (hallmark stamped). A true little gem and a g...
CHANLE raspberry pink quilted leather SOFT CAVIAR BANANE Belt Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Banane belt bag in quilted and textured raspberry pink leather with gunmetal hardware. Opens with a zipper on top and is lined in p...
Pale pink knit Twin-set CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pale pink knit Twin-set . Knit composition: 85% rayon, 15% cashmere. SIZE 42 on tag but fit more likely 38/M
CHANEL Kiss Lock Mini Black Lambskin Gold Hardware Flap Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Good, normal signs of use Accessories: Id Card,Dust bag Designer: CHANEL Model: Kiss Lock Mini Chain Shoulder Bag Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: Black ...
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 Cruise 1996 96C Pale Blue Tweed Vest Jacket
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Ultra feminine vintage Chanel fantasy tweed jacket from the Cruise 1996 (96C) collection. When once. Made from pale blue and white cotton mix rag textured fantasy tweed which has a l...
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 light beige silk shiny leather 2023 23S Loafers Shoes 41.5 fit 41
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel loafers in light beige shiny calfskin featuring metal logo lettering on the heel. Brand new. Come with dust bag. 2023 Spring/Summer Measurements Model 23S G39...
CHANEL Reliquary CC Gripoix Buttons Black Tweed Trench 38 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL Collector's Masterpiece by Karl Lagerfeld ~ A creation suspended between shadow and starlight this rare Chanel trench from the Fall 2009 collection is a relic of Lagerfeld’s...