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 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 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 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 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 multi-row belt Haute Couture by Karl Lagerfeld Fall 1991
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1991 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Multi-row costume-pearl belt with golden metal, green rhinestones and glass paste....
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 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...
Maison Gripoix for Chanel 1988 Openwork Gold Belt with Amber Glass
By Maison Gripoix for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - Rare openwork golden-metal mughal-inspired belt with amber-colored poured glass and Swarovski rhinestones. Not signed jewelry. A Haute Couture Collection circa 1988 under th...
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 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 ...
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 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 Gripoix Fall 1993 Gilded metal glass brooch
By Chanel, Maison Gripoix for Chanel
Located in CANNES, FR
Chanel X Karl Lagerfeld - Maison Gripoix Autumn/Winter 1993-1994 Ready-to-Wear Collection Circular brooch in gilded metal and multicolored poured glass. Signed on plate. Diameter:...
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 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 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 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 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.
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...
$2,750
Chanel golden belt 1980s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, 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...
Vintage Chanel Gold CC Round Layered Chain Belt
By Chanel
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Vintage Chanel belt with round CC logo. Slight scuffing and tarnishing on the hardware. Length is 105 cm.
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 pearl belt Spring 1993
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for 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...
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 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 belt Spring-Summer 1996
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL -(Made in France) Multirow golden metal chain belt, fastening with a golden metal pompom decorated with costume pearly cabochons and costume pearl pompoms. 1996 spring-Summer ...
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.
1994 Vintage CHANEL COCO Leather Chain Belt Black Gold 94A
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
This beautiful vintage CHANEL leather chain belt is crafted of sturdy matte gold toned chains interlaced with black lambskin leather with double chain draping at the front and adorne...
CHANEL silver metal 05A AUTUM CHARMS CHAIN Belt 85 90
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel belt in silver-tone chain captures the essence of fall with its whimsical charm details. Adorned with acorns, assorted leaves, and faux pearls in black, gu...
Chanel Cruise 2007 rare runway train logo belt/necklace by Karl Lagerfeld
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in PARIS, FR
Extremely rare Chanel runway cruise 2007 enamel train logo belt/necklace by Karl Lagerfeld, 40 inches adjustable. Excellent condition, some light wear on the silver metal of the chai...
Chanel Coco Mark Silver-Tone Chain Waist Belt
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Chanel Coco Mark Silver-Tone Chain Waist Belt is a stunning accessory that embodies luxury and sophistication. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this belt features a sleek silver-tone chain adorned with the iconic Coco Mark logo, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit. Its versatile design makes it a perfect statement piece, effortlessly elevating casual and formal ensembles alike. Whether cinched at the waist of a flowing dress or paired with high-waisted trousers, this belt enhances your silhouette with a chic, modern edge. It pairs beautifully with designer items such as a Gucci silk blouse, a Prada tailored blazer, or a Louis Vuitton monogram skirt...
Chanel golden belt 1985s-1990s
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for 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:...
Very Rare 1994 Vintage Chanel Gold CC Chain Layered Belt
By Chanel
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Super rare Chanel CC Chain Belt with tiny cc embellishment details throughout. Such a special piece. Very rarely to come by. Minor scuffing due to storage. Comes with box. Length is ...
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 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 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....
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 jewelry belt Fall 1990
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Rare and impressive golden metal jewelry belt with colorful resin cabochons. Collector's piece jewelry - 1990 Fall-Winter 2cc3 Collection under the artistic...
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 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 Vintage 1980s Red + Gilded Gold 80s Chain CC Medallion Belt or Necklace
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for 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...
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...
1993 Vintage CHANEL Gold Toned Clover CC Chain Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage CHANEL chain belt is crafted of sturdy gold toned chains featuring two double draping and a fauxpearl equestrian charm. One draping sits on the back and other draping si...
Chanel Vintage 1983 Pearly Pearl Gilded Metal Belt with Red Cabochon
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - Belt of pearly pearls and gilded metal paved with a cabochon in red glass paste. Collection 1983. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: 77 cm Condition: Very good co...
Rare 1990s Chanel CC Waist Pouch Chain Belt
By Chanel
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Chanel vintage waist pouch belt. Sought after piece. In very good condition. Minor rubbing anf scuffs on the leather. Comes with the card only. The holo is missing. Pouch size is 15 ...
Chanel camellia belt Haute Couture
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal chain belt with a camellia buckle. A Haute Couture design from the 1980s. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 70 cm - Width: 2...
Chanel Vintage 1980s Gold Logo Coco CC Curb Medallion Interlocked Chunky Belt
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1980s Unisex Large Classic Medallion CC Logo Curb Link interlocked Chunky Statement Necklace Belt Very good condition. Light scratches and colour loss on one short pa...
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...
Vintage 1990s Chanel Charm Leather Belt
By Chanel
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Vintage Chanel charm belt with dangling details. Very cute vintage piece. Size 75. Slight signs of wear with scuffs and rubbing and the print has faded. Comes as is.
$4,186
Chanel bow belt 2002
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal jewelry belt with costume pearls and glass pearls. The buckle represents a glass paste bow. 2002 Fall-Winter Collection under the artistic dire...
Chanel Byzantine belt by Karl Lagerfeld 1985s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A Collection circa 1985-1990 under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal jewelry belt with costume pearls and colorful glass paste. Made in France. Conditi...
Chanel Runway Pearl, Gold, and Black Leather Cascade Chain Belt
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A dramatic and highly collectible runway belt from the House of Chanel, this striking cascade design exemplifies the maison’s bold approach to statement accessorizing under the creat...
Chanel 'Barbie' belt summer 1995
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Belt interspeced with golden metal chain set with rhinestones. 1995 Spring-Summer Barbie Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Conditi...
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 1988 Pearl Tassel Chain Belt
By Chanel
Located in Nice, FR
CHANEL vintage rare tassel belt featuring alternating gold toned chain sections and large faux pearls. Triple swag at front. Collection 23 - Year : 1988. Adjustable size. Hook clos...
Chanel Vintage Iconic CC Logo Navy Leather intertwined Chain Link Necklace Belt
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage Iconic Double CC Logo Navy Blue Leather intertwined Chain Linked Modernist Elegant Necklace Belt, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. Can be used as ...
Chanel Gold Iconic Logo Cc Runway Vintage 1993 Very Rare Belt
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Year: 1993 Size 75/30 100% Authentic CHANEL from 1993 Printemps Collection (Spring). - Black leather belt with massive CC charms. - Leather and chain swag with CC charm at the end. ...
Chanel Vintage Gold Coin Belt/Necklace
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel Vintage Gold Coin Belt/Necklace features a large link throughout and a CC medallion coin charm. The piece can be worn as a belt or necklace.
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...