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 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...
$306Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel oversized frame sunglasses, black, Silver tone logo
By Chanel
Located in NEWARK, GB
Gorgeous pair of Chanel black oversized frame sunglasses in the original case. We say you can never have too many sunglasses and this pair are sure to become your go to grab when h...
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 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 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 circa 1995 Ceinture Chaine T100 Golden Chain Black Leather Belt 4XL 40 in
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel belt circa 1995, composed of a long gold-tone metal chain, a curb link interwoven with black leather, a double row at the front, a hook closure attached to a CC logo medallion...
Chanel Mocassins Cuir EU39 CHA NEL Black Leather Loafers Flat Shoes UK6 US8.5
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel leather loafers (matte patent or vinyl finish?) in black, adorned with the letters CHA and NEL in gold-tone metal and black enamel, wide black rubber notched sole, leather lin...
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 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 Vintage Black Leather Gold Chain Link CC Coin "CHANEL" ID Tag Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
Vintage Interlocking gold CC Logo Chain-Link leather belt which can also be styled as a necklace 100% authentic Made in France Gold-Plated, leather Clasp closure Measurements approx....
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...
Rare Chanel x Pharrell Williams 2019 capsule multicolor leather loafers size 40
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Chanel x Pharrell Williams 2019 capsule collection by Karl Lagerfeld multicolor Leather loafers. Gold champagne metal “Chanel and “Pharrell” they are brand new size 40C. It come...
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 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 CC Logo Cap Toe Black Patent Leather Slingback Flats 37.5
By Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel CC Logo Cap Toe Black Patent Leather Slingback Flats 37.5 G38731 Color Black Size 37.5C EU Heel Height .5in Patent leather upper Pointed toe Interlocking CC logo detail Adj...
$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...
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...
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 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 / ...
New Vintage Chanel 90s Gold Logo Barrette 1990s Hair Clip Pin w/ Box
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for 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 vintage rhinestone sunglasses with oval shaped lenses
By Chanel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chanel vintage rhinestone sunglasses, new in original box.
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 CC Crystals Pearl Bead Necklace
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel CC Crystals Pearl Bead Necklace is crafted from crystals, glass pearls and resin beads. This necklace is accented with gold-tone metal and features a lobster claw closure.
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 Espadrilles Cuir 2 tons EU37 CC Baby Blue Leather Flat Shoes UK4 US6.5
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Flat Chanel espadrilles in two-tone sky blue leather, embroidered with a large CC logo across the instep, black leather almond toe, rope outsole lined with rubber, leather lining and...
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...
Chanel Vintage Chain Belt – Spring/Summer 1994 Runway, Karl Lagerfeld
By Chanel
Located in CACHAN, FR
An exceptional vintage Chanel chain belt from the iconic Spring/Summer 1994 collection, designed under Karl Lagerfeld. This rare archival piece was notably worn on the runway by Naom...
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.
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 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 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 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 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 belt 'Les dessous à la mode' by Karl Lagerfeld Spring 1993
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1993 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear 'Les dessous à la mode' Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Beaten golden-metal pastille belt, with the house initia...
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...
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...
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 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 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...
Chanel métiers d’art Paris Dallas 2014 runway faux Gripoix heels shoes
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel métiers d’art Paris Dallas Pre Fall 2014 collection by Karl Lagerfeld runway faux Gripoix black leather heels shoes. Statement piece! With original box. Worn once.
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...
slingback Chanel in pink canvas
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel slingback in gorgeous pink cotton canvas, size 37½ The shape is superb, and the colors are perfect for this summer; in excellent condition, this style is incredibly unique
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 gold-tone metal 1990s LEATHER INTERWOVEN CHAIN Belt OZ
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel waist belt is crafted in gold-tone curb link chain interwoven with black leather. It features a double-chain front detail and finishes with a signature coi...
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 ...
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 New Blue Red Flower Maxi Twilly
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel Floral CC Multicolored 100% Silk Twilly. Logo and floral print. Baby pink/baby blue/navy/creme/taupe/peach/purple. Brand new in unused condition.
Leather shoes with hologramme pattern open on the back CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Leather shoes with hologramme pattern open on the back. Elastic band on the top middle back. Heel's height : 8 1/2 cm SHOE SIZE : 39
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 2013 Paris-Edinburg Metiers d'Art red tartan mohair fringed scarf
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 2013 Paris-Edinburg Metiers d’Art red distressed tartan CC logo mohair blend fringed scarf Reference: AEMA/A00168 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: Pre-Fall...
CoCo Chanel Haute Couture Lion Belt Maison Goossens
By Maison Goossens for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Riverdale, NY
CoCo Chanel early chain belt composed of signature curb chain with classic signature lions head motifs terminating in an adjustable pendant tassel. Coco Chanel synthesizes her favor...
Chanel Bottines EU39 Black Wool Tweed and Chain Combat Shoes Boots UK6 US8.5
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel combat style boots in a multi-material version in quilted felt, iridescent canvas and black tweed, closed by a lace on 8 eyelets and 4 hooks, round toe in black suede, black c...
Vintage Chanel 4003 Rimless CC Frame Sunglasses Made In Italy Y2K
By Chanel
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Chanel 4003 Rimless Frame Sporting Grey Lenses It Show Sign Of Wear On The Lenses Due To More Than 20 Years Of Storage. Made In Italy Front. ...
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 New Black CC Silk Chiffon Shawl
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel Black Silk Shawl features a silver link print along the border and a CC Logo embellished. This shawl is a perfect accessory for any evening out.
2023 Chanel suede shearling Trapper hat with interlocking CC logos
By Chanel
Located in Capri, IT
2023 Chanel suede shearling Trapper hat with interlocking CC logos at sides and tie closure 100% suede 100% shearling
Chanel 1980s Classic Heavy Gold Tone and Black Leather Chain Belt
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
This timeless gold tone and black leather Chanel adjustable chain belt is stylish, classic and wonderfully diverse. Hook fastenings at either end of the belt enable it to be doubled ...
CHANEL silver metal 05A CRYSTAL CAMELLIA CHAIN Belt 85 90
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel mesh link belt in silver-tone metal showcases a striking flower motif, encrusted with clear and yellow strass and accented by a central faux pearl. A dangl...
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 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