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 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 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...
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 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 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 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...
"The 1930s Meet the 1970s" Chanel belt by Karl Lagerfeld Autumn-Winter 1992-1993
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - "The 1930s Meet the 1970s" Collection, Haute Couture Autumn-Winter 1992-1993, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Belt composed of fifteen rows of gold-tone met...
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 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...
Vintage "CHANEL" ID Logo Chunky Gold Chain Statement Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
Vintage chunky gold CHANEL name plate Chain-Link belt which can also be styled as a collar necklace 100% authentic Made in France Gold Plated Clasp closure Measurements approx.: chai...
Chanel belt by Karl Lagerfeld circa 1985-1990
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1985-1990, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal chain belt with costume pearls. Made in France. Condition: Very g...
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 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 Vintage 1985 Large Rare Baroque Medallion Flower Statement Necklace Belt
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1985 Unisex Large Baroque Circle Round Medallion Flower Relief Engraved Pendant Charms Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Necklace Belt, Gold Plated Very good conditi...
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 1995 Barbie Collection Green Rhinestone Belt
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chanel Spring/Summer 1995 Runway Green Crystal CC Belt Spring/Summer 1995 Collection Length: 96 cm including CC drop, 91 cm without drop Condition: Good vintage condition An exce...
Chanel 1995 Barbie Collection Pink Rhinestone Belt
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chanel Spring/Summer 1995 Runway Pink Crystal CC Belt Spring/Summer 1995 Collection Length: 110 cm including CC drop, 104 cm without drop Condition: Excellent vintage condition An ...
Chanel 1995 Barbie Collection Yellow Rhinestone Belt
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
**Chanel Spring/Summer 1995 Runway Yellow Crystal CC Belt** **Spring/Summer 1995 Collection** **Length:** 94 cm including CC drop, 90 cm without drop **Condition:** Good vintage con...
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....
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...
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 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 Rare Gold Horse Rider Medallion Relief Statement Necklace Belt
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1980s Unisex Iconic Classic Logo Coco CC Horse Rider Horseback Arabesque Oval Medallion Pendant Charm Relief 3 Trio Strands Layers Long Chunky Statement Necklace Belt,...
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 By Lagerfeld Logo Plate & Medallion Coin Gold-Tone Chainlink Belt, SS1988
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Geneva, CH
Timeless late 80s (from Spring-Summer 1988 collection) Chanel gold plated metal chain-link belt with embossed "CC Chanel 31 Rue Cambon Paris" medallion and iconic "CHANEL" plate. The...
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 Vintage Gold Chain ID Plate and CC Coin Necklace/Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Hallmark: CHANEL Made in France Gold Plated The belt is in good condition showing minimal wear Measurements approx.: Length 28" Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This i...
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 Vintage 1984 Black Medallion CC Logo Leather Triple Strand Necklace Belt
By Chanel Boutique, Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1984 Medallion Round Pendant Iconic CC Logo Black Leather Triple 3 Strands Layers intertwined Chain Link Chunky Modernist Elegant Necklace Belt, Gold Plated Very exce...
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 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 Navy Large Leather Belt
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
Chanel navy large leather belt featuring adjustable length, large gold-tone metal perfume bottle buckle, stamped inside. Size:70 Circa: 1980s Length 31.8in. (81 cm) Width 2in. (5.5c...
Chanel 1985 Cruise White Quilted Leather Belt with Gold Plated Buckle
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chic Lagerfeld era Chanel belt from Chanel's 1985 Cruise collection. Wide quilted white leather band with an oversized gold plated buckle with the iconic interlocking CC monogram log...
Rare Chanel Cruise 2004 Runway CC Candy Charm Belt/Necklace by Karl Lagerfeld
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Documented on the Chanel Cruise 2004 Runway, this iconic Charm Belt perfectly embodies Karl Lagerfeld's playful vision of early 2000's Chanel. Designed by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel C...
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 belt by Karl Lagerfeld circa 1985
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1985 under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal articulated belt with beaten medallions cdentered with glass-paste caboch...
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 Vintage 1980s Red + Gilded Gold 80s Chain CC Medallion Belt or Necklace
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic, rare and collectible 1980s Chanel, by Karl Lagerfeld, red leather and gilded gold chain belt OR necklace ! Can be worn dressed up or down. Pair with jeans and a white tank, or...
1970s Vintage CHANEL Gold Toned Leather Chain Belt Black Gold
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage Chanel leather chain belt is crafted of sturdy gold toned chain interlaced with black lambskin leather. Stamped CHANEL. This belt can also be worn as a necklace. Adjusta...
Chanel belt 'Grand Central Station' by Karl Lagerfeld Cruise 2007
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2007 Cruise 'Grand Central Station' Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Silvery-metal locomotives belt with enamel and Swarovski rhinestones. Made i...
1993 Runway Vintage CHANEL Massive Leather Chain Belt Black Gold
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage Chanel massive leather chain belt is crafted of sturdy gold toned textured chain interlaced with black leather with front draped double-chain detail featuring a Byzantin...
Chanel Black Cuff Pearl Logo Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel vintage black lucite cuff bracelet withPearl and clear rhinestones CC logo. Gold plated metal hardware. Mint condition. Original box included.
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 Vintage Gold Toned Caged Pearl Belt
By Chanel
Located in Nice, FR
CHANEL gold toned belt featuring a chain-link of gold spheric cages encasing faux pearls, two hanging tiers and gold flower charm. Hook clasp. Adjustable length. One size fits all. ...
Chanel 1994 CC Lucky Charms Chain Belt Icon Gold and Black Leather
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This 1994 Chanel chain belt captures the maison’s most collectible era of whimsical hardware design, where symbolic detailing and bold materials were merged into pieces that felt as much like wearable talismans as accessories. Rendered in a rich gold-tone metal, the chain carries a series of signature CC lucky charms and emblematic motifs, each one designed to catch light and movement with a subtle, rhythmic glint against the body. The interplay of gold hardware with black leather accents introduces a grounded contrast that sharpens the overall silhouette. The leather elements soften the metallic structure just enough to create balance, allowing the belt to transition seamlessly between statement styling and layered refinement. Each charm feels intentionally placed rather than ornamental, reinforcing the sense of narrative design that defined Chanel’s mid-90s jewelry...
Chanel Long Belt Beaded Strands and Pearls w/CC Clasp
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Chanel long belt is designed as a fluid, jewelry-inspired piece, composed of cascading beaded strands interwoven with luminous faux pearls. The elongated silhouette allows the s...
$2,675
Chanel golden belt 1980s
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal belt from the 1980s, designed under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 95 cm SKU:C...
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...
Chanel belt by Karl Lagerfeld early 1980s
By Maison Goossens for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A ready-to-wear Collection circa early 1980s under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal articulated chain belt with a beaten metal lion-head buckle decora...
Chanel belt by Karl Lagerfeld circa 1980
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1980 under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal and red leather belt. Lion head medallion. Made in France. Condition: Ver...
CHANEL gold-tone metal 90P PEARL TASSEL CHAIN Belt OZ
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Chanel chain belt is crafted in polished gold-tone metal from a continuous series of oversized interlocking rings. The bold drop-chain is finished with an iconic...
Chanel golden belt 1985s-1990s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal chain belt representing CHANEL, the name of the house. Jewelry from the 1985s-1990s under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition:...
Chanel belt Fall-winter 1991
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal chain belt interlaced with black leather. 1991 Fall-Winter Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition: Very good con...
Chanel pearl belt Spring 1993
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Costume pearl belt assembled with knots. 1993 Spring-Summer Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition: Very good condition Dime...
1993 Vintage CHANEL Gold Toned Clover CC Chain Belt 42 Inches Long
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage CHANEL chain belt is crafted of sturdy gold toned chains featuring a massive CC clover charm. Adjustable hook fastening. Chain measures approximately 42 inches (106.5 cm...
CHANEL turquoise leather 20C BOW & CHAIN Belt One Size
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel chain belt in gold-tone metal is elegantly interwoven with turquoise leather, blending the house’s iconic materials with vibrant color. Designed to tie at ...
1980s Vintage CHANEL Leather Chain Belt Black Gold
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
This beautiful vintage CHANEL leather chain belt is crafted of sturdy gold toned chains interlaced with black lambskin leather with double chain draping at the front and adorned with...
Chanel belt 'Coco Pop' winter 2001
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal chain belt interlaced with purple leather, fastening decorated with a golden metal deer jewelry ornamented with rhi...
Chanel CC Belt or Necklace White Faux Pearls
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Playful yet unmistakably elegant, this Chanel faux pearl CC logo piece blurs the line between belt and necklace, embodying the house’s longstanding fascination with versatile, jewelr...