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 Sport Black and White Faux Fur CC Scarf
By Chanel
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
A bold and luxurious Chanel scarf crafted in plush black faux fur, featuring an oversized contrasting white interlocking CC motif at one end. The exceptionally soft, dense texture gi...
Chanel Gold Layered Chain Belt with Interlocking CC Circle Pendants
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Made in France Signed CHANEL 1984 collection Gold Plated Clasp closure Chain measurement approx.: 36 inches Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned v...
Chanel Red & White Flat Thong Sandals, Interlocking CC Logo in Original Box
By Chanel
Located in valatie, NY
Chanel Red and White Flat Thong Mule Sandals with Interlocking Silver CC Logo in Original Box. Chanel red and white flat thong mule sandals are a great seasonal fashion statement. Th...
CHANEL 1994 Rare Leather 64K Gold Plated Chains Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Iconic Chanel leather and metallic chain layered necklace from 1994 Fall collection. A very rare find! Comes with dustbag and Chanel carton box. Excellent condition.
Chanel Tie Excellent Mint Condition
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel tie with air balloons and CHANEL print Excellent mint condition Please see pictures Final Sale
Chanel Gold Tone and Acetate Metal Sunglasses
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
Chanel Gold-tone and acetate metal rectangular frame sunglasses featuring light brown lens, interlocking gold-toned “CC”. 100% acetate Circa 2010s Total width: 5.9in. (15cm) Width...
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 resin 24B CC BARRETTE Hair Clip
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel 2024 CC barrette hair clip in black resin is a chic and timeless accessory that adds an elegant finishing touch to any hairstyle. Crafted from sleek black ...
CHANEL brown tortoise SHIELD Sunglasses 5067
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel sunglasses in black acetate. Crafted from polished black acetate, these Chanel sunglasses combine a classic rectangular silhouette with a refined, jewel-like fi...
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...
CHANEL black cotton 22P PEARL CC Baseball Cap Hat 56 - 58
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel baseball cap in black canvas cotton (100%). Crafted from structured cotton canvas, it features a classic six-panel silhouett...
CHANEL natural 19C LA PAUSA POMPOM STRAW BOATER Hat M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel PomPom wide brim boater hat is a beautifully handcrafted accessory that reflects the exceptional savoir-faire of the Maison Michel ateliers. Expertly woven...
CHANEL black cashmere 21K CHUNKY KNIT BEANIE Hat OS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel beanie in black chunky knit cashmere (100%). Crafted from luxuriously soft, insulating cashmere, it features a rich, textured knit that adds depth and warmth wh...
Chanel Low heel two colour slingback size 39
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
A chic pair of Chanel low heeled slingback shoes. The shoes are in a light caramel colour leather with black fabric toe. Leather lined and sole. heel height 1 '' Made in Italy Size ...
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...
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 New Havana Cuba Scarf White Blue
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel Havana Cuba Scarf in White and Blue. The bold design features blue writing on a white background. Brand new in unused condition.
Vintage Chanel sunglasses from 2000's
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
Minimalist and instantly iconic, these Chanel rimless sunglasses from the 2000s perfectly showcase the House's exceptional craftsmanship through a design of remarkable elegance. Thei...
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 black green metal CHAIN TRIM ROUND Sunglasses 4265Q
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel round sunglasses in black metal, elevated by the house's iconic signature chain trim — a black leather-interwoven CC-link detail that runs continuously from the...
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...
$225Sale Price|50% 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...
1990 Chanel Golden CC Medallion Belt
By Chanel
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Fantastic and rare Chanel belt Chain belt with CC medallions, wearable as a necklace Period: 1990s Materials: Gold-tone metal Colours: Gold Dimensions: Length approx. 90 cm Conditio...
Chanel Foulard Blanco Azul Scarf New
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel Foulard Blanco Azul Scarf is in 100% silk with a blue and white Coco Chanel print. Brand new in unused condition.
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 Vintage Gold CC Medallion Chain Link Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Made in France Signed CHANEL Gold Plated Clasp closure Chain measurement approx.: 29 inches Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vintage piece and...
$461Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel black with swarovski stones sunglasses still with folder
By Chanel
Located in Capri, IT
Chanel black sunglasses still with folder CC on a side, Chanel on the other embellished with swarovski stones
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...
Chanel Jewelled CC Pearl White Camellia Flower Chain Belt A23
By Chanel
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
A romantic and highly feminine Chanel A23 chain belt featuring one of the house’s most enduring signatures—the white camellia. Chanel continues to treat the camellia as a central hou...
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 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...
Rare Chanel S/S 1992 runway 24k gold plated Multicolor Pill Chain Belt
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Documented Runway - Season 28 by Victoire de Castellane for Karl Lagerfeld A Playful Pop-Art Collector's Treasure. One of the most imaginative and collectible creations from Karl La...
Chanel New Silk Pink CC Logo Scarf
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel Pink CC printed logo scarf is in 100% silk that displays a multicolor CC print. Brand new in unused condition.
Chanel Rimless Sunglasses
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Reflective blue-tinted lenses Signature CC logo detail Silver-toned metal frames Comes with original case Very Good, light scratches to the lens Condition: Very Good This pre-owned i...
Chanel Vintage Bow CC Cap Toe Jersey Patent Pointed Toe Slingback Pumps 40
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel Vintage Bow CC Cap Toe Jersey Patent Pointed Toe Slingback Pumps 40 Color Black Size 40EU Heel Height 3.5in Leather upper Pointed toe Adjustable buckle strap Bow detail wit...
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...
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...
Chanel Oversized Round Tortoise Sunglasses With Coco Mark Details
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Chanel Oversized Round Tortoise Sunglasses With Coco Mark Details are a sophisticated and versatile accessory that effortlessly elevates any outfit. Featuring a bold, oversized round...
Black velvet and mirror plateforme sandals CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black velvet and mirror plateforme sandals with leather closure strap and buckle . Small "CC" brand" on the side. Dust bag provided. Plateforme height = 5cm Heel height = 12cm Shoe...
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 belt 'Les dessous à la mode' by Karl Lagerfeld Spring-Summer 1993
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1992 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear "Les dessous à la mode" Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Wide golden metal and black leather belt. Not signed. M...
Chanel White Grey Logo CC Cashmere Shawl
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel Cashmere white and grey logo CC cashmere and silk shawl, 76"x 54".
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 2018 Ceinture Cuir Noir T75 Black Leather CC CHANEL script Belt 30 inches
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel belt from the Fall/Winter 2018 collection, featuring soft black leather set on a wide elastic band. It is adorned with a large buckle displaying a "CC" logo encrusted with whi...
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 / 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 / ...
Chanel, CC turnlock sunglasses in brown
By Chanel
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Chanel, CC turnlock sunglasses in brown with leather quilted parts on the temples. The item has signs of wear on the lenses and the frame. Comes with case.
Chanel, Shield sunglasses with quilted temples
By Chanel
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Chanel, Shield sunglasses with metallic leather quilted temples. The item is in very good condition and comes with case.
Chanel New White Silk Blue CC Logo Scarf
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New Chanel silk scarf with big blue CC logo in the center which is surrounded by black mountains like the Alpes. The trim is blue and the edges are hand rolled. The scarf is 100% silk.
Chanel Vintage Rare Gold 1984 Medallion Charm Interlocked Chunky Necklace Belt
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1980s Medallion 31 Rue Cambon CC Logo Circle Charm Double Strand Chain Link Interlocked Chunky Modernist Elegant Necklace Belt, Gold Plated Very good condition. Only ...
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 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 hair clips spring 1997
By Chanel
Located in Rubiera, RE
CHANEL Hair clip barrette clear and gold Collection Spring 1997 Acrylic with mother of pearls effect Made in France cm. 10 x cm. 3,5 Excellent condition
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 light blue & beige CAMELLIA DENIM & LEATHER FINGERLESS Gloves 7.5
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel fingerless gloves in light blue denim and beige leather are a chic blend of casual elegance and iconic detailing. Featuring a Camellia relief and a metal ...
Vintage Chanel from 2000's
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
A refined expression of early-2000s luxury, this vintage Chanel frame embodies the Maison's signature approach to understated elegance. Its rimless construction and sleek rectangular...
CHANEL white & black cotton TWEED TURNLOCK CLOCHE Hat 57
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Turnlock Tweed Cloche Bucket Hat is a refined statement piece blending classic craftsmanship with iconic detailing. Crafted in elegant white and black twee...
Coco Chanel Early Poured Glass Sea Serpent Belt
By Chanel
Located in Riverdale, NY
Coco Chanel Early Poured Glass Haute Couture Belt. Designed as a series of swag chains with emerald poured glass stations. Classically Baroque in the Chanel idiom with sea serpent...
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 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...