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 Fall 2011 Fingerless Black Lace Runway Gloves
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A quintessential Karl Lagerfeld era Chanel runway staple, new with tag. These exquisite lace gloves were documented at least twice in their distinct argyle motif amongst many similar...
Chanel Shield Runway Sunglasses 71158 with Dust Bag and Case
By Chanel
Located in Port Hope, ON
This an authentic pair of Chanel Shield Runway sunglasses 71158 L2447 3N in excellent condition. The sunglasses are rimless and have large mirror lenses with a quilting effect at the...
$351Sale Price|35% Off
Vintage Chanel CC Interlocking Black Large Side Logo Grey Lens Sunglasses
By Chanel
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Elevate your style with these exquisite Vintage Chanel CC Interlocking Black Large Side Logo Grey Lens Sunglasses. Crafted by the legendary house of Chanel, these sunglasses exude ti...
Chanel Vintage Gold 1982 Coin CC Chain Link Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
Vintage 1982 Chanel CC coin chain belt 100% authentic Made in France Gold Plated Measurements approx.: length of chain with coin attached 39" Very good condition overall aside from ...
CHANEL black acetate 1990s ICONIC OVAL Sunglasses
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel 1990s iconic chunky oval sunglasses feature a sleek black acetate frame finished with bold gold-tone CC logos on the temples. The sculptural, oversized si...
CHANEL Vintage Gold Coco Perfume Chain-Link Multi Strand Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Made in France Signed CHANEL Gold Plated Chain link closure Measurements approx.: Chain Length 30" Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vintage pi...
Chanel Gold Vintage Weave CC Logo Chain Link Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Made in France Collection 29 Gold Plated Measurements approx.: Length 30" Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vintage piece and may show signs of...
Vintage Chanel Sunglasses, bi colour frames, cased
By Chanel
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous pair of Chanel oversized style sunglasses. Grey / blue gradient tinted lenses with black and beige tone acetate frames woth a basket weave design to the beige and siver t...
Chanel Vintage Gold Double Chain CC Medallion Waist Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Hallmark: CHANEL Made in France 1984 collection Gold Plated The belt is in good condition showing minimal wear Measurements approx.: chain length 35” Comes with box IMPORTA...
Vintage Chanel Four Leaf Clover Bow Canvas and Leather Slip On Mules Flats 38.5
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel Four Leaf Clover Bow Embellished Canvas Leather Mules Color Brown / Cream Size 38.5EU Canvas and leather upper Leather sole Bow detail Four leaf clover gold finished embellish...
CHANEL gold-tone metal 92A COCO CHANEL CHAIN Belt OZ
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel chain belt is crafted in gold-plated metal and features oversized “COCO CHANEL” letter links separated by a classic CC. A large CC buckle anchors the desig...
Chanel NEW Aqua Cashmere Logo Shawl
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel brand new aqua and white multi logo cashmere shawl. New in unused condition.
CHANEL Vintage Gold CC White Leather Chain Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Made in France Signed CHANEL Gold Plated Clasp closure Measurements approx.: 30" long Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vintage piece and may s...
Chanel Pale Green Cashmere and Silk Scarf with Darker Green CHANEL Logo
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in New Hope, PA
This Chanel pale green cashmere and silk shawl or scarf has a darker green logo CHANEL at one of the narrow fringed ends. It leaves no doubt about your exquisite taste for style and...
Chanel Pre-Fall 2016 Beige Black Suede Grosgrain Pearl Heel Mules Size 38.5 39
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Step into timeless Parisian elegance with these rare Chanel Pre-Fall 2016 runway mules, a highly coveted design that perfectly embodies Karl Lagerfeld’s refined vision. Elevate your...
CHANEL Vintage Lion Medallion Triple Chain Gold Necklace Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
100% Authentic CHANEL by Robert Goossens Triple chain necklace/ belt Medallion lion in triumphant position, Chanel logo and CHANEL letter Signed CHANEL 2 CC 3 Made in France Dangling...
Chanel S/S 2016 Airline White Black Grid Tweed 16P Boater Hat
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Chanel tweed boater hat from the iconic Spring/Summer 2016 “Airline” collection — Karl Lagerfeld’s playful, jet-set fantasy staged inside a reimagined airport terminal at the Grand P...
$247Sale Price|45% Off
Vintage Chanel CC Interlocking Black Large Side Logo Grey Lens Sunglasses
By Chanel
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Vintage Chanel Millennium Black Rhinestone CC Logo Sunglasses Step into timeless elegance with these Vintage Chanel Millennium Sunglasses, a rare collector’s piece from the early 20...
CHANEL authentic vintage silk scarf pearl gripoix gold chains red jewels
By Chanel
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed CHANEL • CC Chanel gripoix necklace print • nave with gold chains, pearl and red jewel tone • vintage designer runway scarf 100% silk MEASUREMENTS • 34” x 34” VINTAGE CHANEL SCARF...
Chanel 09A Matryoshka Doll Charm Chain Belt
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chanel 09A Matryoshka Doll Charm Chain Belt Ultra-rare Chanel charm chain belt from the Fall/Winter 2009 (09A) collection featuring a series of playful matryoshka doll charms mixed w...
CHANEL Vintage Gold CC Coin Black Leather Chain Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Made in France Signed CHANEL Gold Plated Clasp closure Measurements approx.: Length 33" Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vintage piece and may...
Chanel Paris / Edinburgh Chain Embellished Mitten Gloves
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Exquisite Chanel tweed and leather mitten gloves ~ embellished with metallic chains ~ from Paris / EDINBURGH Collection by maestro Lagerfeld - CC logo Lionhead charm Size mark 8 / ...
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 Bottines Coco Neige EU39 Lined Suede Classique Chain Boots UK6 US8.5
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel mid-calf ankle boots in camel suede lined with shearling, round toe, matching rubber sole, cushioned heel, front adorned with gold-tone metal chains interwoven with matching l...
NEW Chanel Calfskin CC Logo Cap Toe White Dark Navy Slingback Low Heel Pumps 36
By Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel Calfskin CC Logo Cap Toe White Dark Navy Slingback Low Heel Pumps G45566 New, no original box Color White / Dark Navy Size 36EU Leather upper Semi pointed toe Leather sole In...
Chanel 2004 Cruise Multicolor Charm Necklace Belt Vintage Accessory
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chanel Cruise 2004 Multicolor Charm Necklace Rare Chanel Cruise 2004 multicolor charm necklace featuring oversized resin CC logos, hearts, and star motifs in pink, green, white, and...
New Vintage Chanel 90s Gold Logo Barrette 1990s Hair Clip Pin w/ Box
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
New in box vintage Chanel, by Karl Lagerfeld, gold logo barrette! Can be worn several different ways. The vintage Chanel olive green suit and brown la...
CHANEL gold-tone metal 90P PEARL TASSEL CHAIN Belt OZ
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
Tjos 100% authentic Chanel chain belt is crafted in gold-tone curb links and draped with two strands of pearly white imitation pearls for a signature layered effect. A pearl-strung coin medallion adds a classic Chanel accent...
CHANEL gold-tone metal 91P CABOCHON LINK CHAIN Belt OZ
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel chain belt is crafted in gold-tone metal and composed of a continuous row of domed medallion discs, each engraved with a contrasting black CC logo and fram...
CHANEL black SEQUIN EMBELLISHED ROUND Sunglasses 5451
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel sunglasses in black acetate feature a chic round frame, beautifully adorned with grey sequins on both the front and arms. The frames are finished with the...
Vintage Chanel Chain Logo Charm Belt 1984
By Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
Vintage Chanel Chain Logo Belt - 1980s Icon A showstopping creation from Chanel’s golden era, this vintage logo belt embodies the bold glamour of the 1980s and specifically 1984. Cra...
Chanel Paris-Moscow Matryoshka Doll Cuff Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
From the iconic Paris–Moscow collection, this cuff features the signature matryoshka doll motif and embodies Chanel’s distinctive storytelling and craftsmanship. Circumference: 1" W...
Chanel 2009 Fall Paris-Moscow Matryoshka Doll Moscow chain belt and Necklace
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chanel 2009 Fall Paris-Moscow Matryoshka Doll Moscow chain belt and Necklace Excellent condition. Ultra rare item
Chanel CC Print Sneakers NEW Size 39
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel CC print sneakers Sold out in stores NEW with dust-bags and box Size 39 IT.Please know your sizing in Chanel before purchase. FINAL SALE.
Chanel Vintage Gold Coin CC Rue Cambon Paris Multistrand Chain Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Made in France Signed CHANEL Gold Plated Clasp closure Measurements approx.: chain length 36" Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vintage piece ...
Chanel Vintage S/S 1992 Runway 24K Gold-Plated Multicolor Pill Belt
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
An exceptionally rare and highly collectible accessory from the iconic Chanel Spring/Summer 1992 collection, this multicolour pill chain belt is one of the most playful and recogniza...
CHANEL black acetate Square Sunglasses 5504
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel rectangular sunglasses are crafted from black acetate and feature gradient light grey polarized lenses for optimal sun protection. The design includes a g...
1990 Chanel Golden Rings Belt
By Chanel
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Fantastic and rare Chanel belt Vintage, year 1990 , 25th collection Golden metal chain Rings Large CC medallion (cm 3.5 x 3.5 ) Total length cm 90 (35.43 inches) Size 85 - S Comes wi...
CHANEL silver leather ankle boots 41 Spring 2012 12P
By Chanel
Located in Rubiera, RE
Chanel silver leather ankle boots Back zip Size IT 41 - US 11 - UK 8 Made in Italy New - never worn No box
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 extremely Rare Pink wire headband sunglasses, ss 1999 Vintage
By Chanel
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Extremaly Rare Chanel Pink wire headband sunglasses, ss 1999 Iconic, collector piece!
CHANEL Vintage Red Leather Gold Chain Link CC Logo Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Made in France Signed CHANEL Gold Plated Clasp closure Measurements approx.: 28" long Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vintage piece and may s...
CHANEL Vintage Black Leather Gold CC Logo Chain Belt/Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
Vintage Chanel CC Coin Logo Leather Chain belt which can also be styled as a necklace 100% authentic Made in France Gold-Plated, leather Clasp closure Very good condition overall asi...
Vintage Chanel CC Logo Bow Black Leather Slingback Pointed Toe Pumps 38.5EU
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Vintage Chanel CC Logo Leather Cap Toe Slingback Pumps Color Black Size 38.5EU Heel Height 2.75in Leather upper Pointed toe Interlocking CC logo Stretch fit strap Cap toe design M...
Chanel 1986 Ceinture Chaine Perles T70 a 85 Maxi Chain Pearl Belt 28 to 34 in
By Victoire de Castellane, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel belt from the SS1986 collection, composed of an extra-large gold-tone metal chain with a decorative pearl suspended from each wide, round link, fastened with a hook. The belt ...
CHANEL gold-tone metal 1990s MEDALLION CHAIN Belt OZ
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel waist belt is crafted in gold-plated curb links and finished with a dangling coin medallion at the end—an iconic accent that brings timeless Chanel elegan...
CHANEL gold-tone metal 90P SHIELD CHAIN Belt OZ
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel chain belt is crafted in gold-plated metal and composed of linked square plaques, each embellished with tonal cabochon detailing. A larger square plaque se...
Chanel CC Print Pantyhose Tights NEW With Box Size Medium II
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
100% guaranteed authentic Chanel CC Print Pantyhose Tights NEW With Box .Only taken out for photography. Size Medium or II Made in Italy THESE PANT...
CHANEL burgundy & black leather 2020 REVERSIBLE Belt 75
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel reversible belt in black and burgundy leather offers versatile elegance. Featuring a matte silver-tone CC buckle, thi...
Navy blue knit cashmere gloves CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Navy blue knit cashmere gloves. SIZE M
Chanel Rare Rain Camouflage Boots
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel mint condition rain rubber boots, pull on style, with signature cc interlocking logo in contrast color. Knee length with flat rubber sole. Used a few times. Come with original...
Chanel black beret 1990s
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - Moleskin beret-style hat topped with a black satin ribbon. Accessory from the 1990s under the artistic direction of Karl lagerfeld. Condition: Very good condition Dimensio...
Chanel Vintage Gold Coin CC 31 Rue Cambon Paris Chain Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Made in France Signed CHANEL Gold Plated Clasp closure Measurements approx.: Length 32" Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vintage piece and may...
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 belt Cruise Grand Central, New York 2007
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in Italy) Champagne metal belt with costume pearls interspaced with black and white resin locomotive. Grand Central Cruise Collection, New York 2006-2007, under the ar...
CHANEL black cashmere CC CABLE KNIT Beanie Hat
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel beanie is crafted in black cable-knit cashmere for a plush and cozy feel. It features a statement CC logo embellished with chain and bead detailing, a play...
Chanel Rare 80's Oversize Charm Belt
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel charm belt is a vinatge piece from the 80's and features a thick curb link chain from which hang six iconic Chanel charms dangle.
Chanel NIB Black Pumps With Icon SymbolsChanel
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel brand new black calfskin leather pumps with gold tone icon symbols. Come with original box. European size 37.5.
CHANEL beige clear acetate PANTOS ROUND Eyeglasses 3401
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel round eyeglasses are crafted from transparent beige acetate and feature clear sample lenses. The design is accented with ...
CHANEL black 5326 CHAIN CAT EYE Sunglasses
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel C501/S8 cat-eye sunglasses in black acetate with grey gradient lenses and antique gold-tone chain detailed temples. Have been worn and are in excellent conditio...