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 Allure Homme Huge Glass Factice Display Bottle
By Chanel
Located in University City, MO
Chanel Allure Homme huge glass factice display bottle The large glass collectible dummy display bottle makes a very unique decorative collectible The...
Chanel White & Black Interlocking CC Collectible Domino Set in box unused 2016
By Chanel
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
An beautiful exclusive unused Chanel White & Black Interlocking CC Collectible Domino Set in box. This rare set was originally produced as a VIP gift by Chanel and was never avai...
Coco Mademoiselle Chanel Doll Designed By Karl Lagerfeld 2010
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in New York, NY
100% Authentic guaranteed Chanel designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Each doll has slightly different face because they where all handmade. Chanel Mademoiselle doll was designed by Karl Lagerfeld For Chanel windows and given as gift to special clients. Not every window that season had this doll displayed...
Chanel Tennis Balls Caddy Set of 4 Quilted Pouch Zip White Black Vintage Sport
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
- Set of 4 CC Logo Chanel Tennis Balls - Quilted pouch - Part of the Chanel Sport Collection Condition: The pouch and tennis balls are overa...
Chanel Spring/Summer 2005 Haute Couture by Karl Lagerfeld Lookbook Catalog
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Step into the refined fantasy of the Chanel Spring/Summer 2005 collection with this rare runway catalogue, an authentic piece of fashion history. Shot under the creative direction of...
Chanel CC logo embroidery black stretchy sleep mask
By Chanel
Located in Capri, IT
Chanel CC logo embroidery black stretchy sleep mask
Limited Edition 2019 Skateboard
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
The Limited Edition 2019 Skateboard is a one-of-a-kind piece that adds sophistication and precision to any collection or home decor. It is crafted with black lacquered wood, durable ...
Limited edition Chanel Factory 5 Bundle Water Bottle 4 Pieces NEW
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
100% guaranteed brand new never used Chanel Factory 5 set total off 4 pieces + booklet that came with this collection Please see pictures off whats i...
Chanel Red Gradient Carbon Fibre Surfboard
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Get ready to catch a wave with this limited edition pre-owned 2015 Chanel Surfboard. First seen on Karl Lagerfeld's 1991 Spring/Summer runway, the surfboard has become a staple piece of Chanel's sporting collections. Designed by Philippe Barland, the board has been shaped from a red to white gradient carbon fibre...
Chanel Sport CC Logo Nylon Lanyard Necklace Blue White Red Keychain Vintage
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
- Red, White and blue exterior - Silver hardware Condition: The lanyard is in overall great condition with no major imperfections Measurements: ( Approximately In Inches ...
Chanel Vintage Limited Edition Basketball, 2004
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
Collectors item! Limited edition CHANEL basketball from 2004 Condition : lightly used Made in France Material: grained rubber IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vinta...
Le Grand No. de Chanel Playing Cards Game Rare Collectors Item Paris
By Chanel
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Very exceptional collectorsitem. "Le Grand Numéro de Chanel" is a special event and exhibition held by Chanel to celebrate the brand’s rich history with perfume, particularly the le...
Chanel Le Grand No. de Chanel Jue de Tarot Tarot Deck Game Collectors Item
By Chanel
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Extremely rare! The Paris Exhibition: Le Grand No. de Chanel Tarot Exhibition In conjunction with the launch or promotion of the tarot deck, Chanel organized a special exhibition in...
Chanel Advent Calendar Christmas Limited Edition N5 Collectible 100 Anniversary
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Chanel 2021 Advent Calendar, sold out worldwide in minutes! Collectible item. The box is opened, unsealed. The contents are new, never used...
Chanel Limited Sports Edition Set of 4 Tennis Balls Unopened
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Chanel Limited Sports Edition Set of 4 Tennis Balls is a rare and collectible item, perfect for tennis enthusiasts and fashion aficionados alike. New and unopened in original ba...
1980s Vintage CHANEL Gold Toned CC Chain Keyring Keychain
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage CHANEL key chain is crafted of gold toned metal featuring gold chain links with a key ring and a CC charm in tweed pattern. Stamped CHANEL 2 9 Made in France. Length mea...
Coco Chanel Perfume Advertisement Large Sign Featuring Ines De La Fressange 1985
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Coco Chanel Perfume Advertisement Large Sign Featuring Ines De La Fressange 1985. Very rare and impossible to find ,one of a kind sign. Could be used for home decor. Sign is plug ...
Chanel Limited Edition Gold Quilted Vanity Case Rare Home Decor Jewelry Case
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Limited Edition Pearl Lambskin Quilted Leather Rare Jewelry Box Vanity Case Home Decor Gold hardware Quilted Lambskin leather CC studded pearl drawer knob...
New Chanel CC Logo Cashmere Blend Throw Blanket
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel brand new in unused condition oversize blanket/throw. 3.6 lbs of cashmere . Light pilling ( we recommend putting it in the freezer overnight) . Double sided, one side darker a...
New Chanel Blue Checkers Beach Towel
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel brand new unisex checkers beach towel, navy and blue combination. Original care tag attached.
Chanel Rare Limited Edition Black Quilted Lambskin Collectors Decor Jewelry Box
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Limited Edition Black Quilted Lambskin Collectors Decor Jewelry Box Brand New with Tags and Box Black Gold Metal 22 Series Key x2 Quilted Lambskin Gold Hardware Mad...
Vintage CHANEL Light Decor
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Chanel light in working condition Approximate length 13" Came from store that used to sell Chanel cosmetics Not too heavy, border frame se...
Chanel Black Vanity Case Limited Edition Rare Home Decor Cosmetic Jewelry Box
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Limited Edition Pearl Lambskin Quilted Leather Rare Jewelry Box Vanity Case Home Decor Gold hardware Quilted Lambskin leather CC studded pearl drawer knob...
Chanel Giftbox Advent Calendar Christmas Ultra-Rare Worldwide Exclusive 2025
By Chanel
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Completely SOLD OUT worldwide! A WORK OF CHANEL ART! Limited to only 500 pieces worldwide, this highly coveted collector’s item is a true treasure for any Chanel enthusiast. Each cal...
Chanel Case Clutch Box Rare Vanity Minaudière Mini Trunk Jewelry Deep Green
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Vanity Clutch Minaudière Mini Trunk Jewelry Box 1994 {VINTAGE 31 Years} Gold-tone hardware, Metallic green patent leather quilted CC v...
Chanel 'CC' Logo Compact Folding Umbrella With A 'CC' Logo Pearl Handle
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Chanel 'CC' Logo Compact Folding Umbrella With A 'CC' Logo Pearl Handle White umbrella adorned with a colorful, multi-row border and interlocking 'CC' logo in matchi...
Chanel Bijou de Sac Gripoix Silver Metal Glass Bag Jewel Charm
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel silver-tone metal bag charm in the form of a rosette adorned with glass cabochons by Gripoix, signed CC, extending from a chain and a silver-tone metal clasp also signed CC. T...
Chanel large black fabric camelia brooch
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel large black fabric camellia brooch, 3" diam. Comes with original pouch.
Chanel 24k Gold Plated Collection 25 CC Logo Bangle Bracelet 80ck817s
By Chanel
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 25 Measurements: Length: 3" Width: .5" Height: 3" Circumference: 7.5" OVERALL VERY GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+ ) Signs of Wear: Hardware: Very...
CHANEL 2002 "Surf Line" Red White Blue CC Wave Large Parasol Umbrella w/ Cover
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Thiensville, WI
CHANEL 2002 "Surf Line" Red White Blue CC Wave Large Parasol Umbrella w/ Cover RARE Brand / Manufacturer: CHANEL Collection: 2002 "Surf Line" Label(s): CHANEL Designer: Karl Lagerfe...
Chanel Limited Edition Pearl Lambskin Quilted Leather Rare Jewelry Box Vanity
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Limited Edition Pearl Lambskin Quilted Leather Rare Jewelry Box Vanity Case Home Decor Gold hardware Quilted Lambskin leather CC studded pearl drawer knob Features removable ...
Chanel Blanket Throw Travel Rug NEW 74" X 55"
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel travel rug, throw or blanket New with Chanel dust-bag and tags Two different sides with large CC Approximate measure: 74' X 55" FINAL SALE
Chanel Tennis Ball
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Chanel Tennis Ball is in pristine unused condition. 2017 Collection. White with black interlocking CC logo. PBF 11850
Chanel Black CC Hand Mirror
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Black CC Hand Mirror Color: Black Materials: Acetate, glass Overall Condition: Very good pre-owned condition, with a scratch to logo Includes: Foam protector Measurements: ...
CHANEL black & ivory wool & cashmere THROW BLANKET & PILLOW CASE
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel CC throw blanket and matching pillow in soft black and off-white wool (90%) and cashmere (10%). Has been used and is in excellent condition. Measurements Leng...
Chanel Pink Padlock Keyring Bag Charm Cadena
By Chanel
Located in Sewickley, PA
Chanel Pink with Silver hardware padlock from 02C collection Great piece to use as a bag charm, a cadena or a key ring. Silver Hardware, pink resin body. Pulls down to open please ...
Chanel Keychain in Gold Metal
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Keychain in gold metal. Fall/Winter 1996 collection. Additional information: Dimensions: Height: 12 cm Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref numbe...
Chanel Hot Red Quilted Patent Leather Micro Mini Jewelry Box Crossbody Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Micro Mini Red Quilted Patent Leather Jewelry Box Crossbody Bag Patent leather Red Leather interwoven chain strap Top lid opening with magnetic snap closure Gold tone hardwar...
Chanel 1996 Porte Clefs ou Breloque CC Silver Turnlock Key Holder or Charm
By Chanel, Victoire de Castellane
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel Spring Summer 1996 collection key ring in silver metal composed of a large key ring, a chain and a large Chanel CC logo (or turnlock, like the clasp of the Timeless Classique ...
Chanel Vintage 1988 Quilted Black Lambskin Train Case Leather Home Decor Trunk
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Vintage 1988 Quilted Black Lambskin Train Case Leather Home Decor Trunk Authentic vintage 1988 Chanel oval vanity large cosmetic bag in black quilted leather. Top is secured ...
Chanel Vintage 1988 Quilted Black Lambskin Train Case Leather Home Decor Trunk
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Vintage 1988 Quilted Black Lambskin Train Case Leather Home Decor Trunk Authentic vintage 1988 Chanel oval vanity large cosmetic bag in black quilt...
Rare Chanel Le Grand Numéro Embroidery Kit Limited Edition Exhibition
By Chanel
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Never openend. Celebrate the elegance of Chanel and the artistry of Paris with this rare Le Grand N° de Chanel Embroidery Kit with hoop, released exc...
Chanel & Karl Lagerfeld Sports Line Vintage Wristband Y2K 2000s tenniscore Multi
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Chanel & Karl Lagerfeld Sports Line Vintage Wristband Y2K 2000s tenniscore Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 2001-2003 Country of production: Italy Composition: 65% - cotton, 25% ...
Chanel iPhone 12 Pro Pink Caviar Leather Phone Case With Chain
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Chanel iPhone 12 Pro Pink Caviar Leather Phone Case with Chain is the epitome of fashionable functionality. Made from luxurious caviar leather, this ...
Chanel “Game Series” Black and White Rugby Ball
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A striking departure from the expected, Chanel’s “Game Series” Rugby Ball channels the house’s signature codes into an object that feels equal parts design artifact and collectible c...
Chanel Leather with Chain Around Detail hair clip Barrette in Black Leather 2021
By Chanel
Located in Sewickley, PA
Chanel Leather Hair clip with Chain detail around the bow and CC logo. Features a strong closure and date stamp.
Chanel Rare 2018 Black Lambskin Chain Net Collectors Basketball
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Black Lambskin Chain Net Collectors Basketball Year: 2018 All-black designer basketball is regulation size, with silver Chanel and CC lettering, and includes a lambsk...
Le Grand No de Chanel Playing cards
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Experience the mystique of Chanel with these exquisite Tarot Cards, a limited edition item from the "Le Grand Numéro de Chanel" exhibition that was held at the Grand Palais Éphémère ...
Vintage Chanel bracelet
By Chanel
Located in Carnate, IT
Bracelet with Chanel charms, in gold-plated metal, consisting of a three-strand chain from which hang eight oval pendants with the words "CHANEL" engraved on each. Another identical...
Chanel Micro Mini Gold Quilted Lambskin Leather Jewelry Box Crossbody Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Micro Mini Gold Quilted Lambskin Leather Jewelry Box Crossbody Bag Lambskin leather Gold Leather interwoven chain strap Top lid opening with ...
Accessori da Viaggio\ Portagioie Chanel Vanity Case Pearl Trapuntato Nero
By Chanel
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Portagioie firmato Chanel, modello Vanity Case Pearl, realizzato in pelle d’agnello trapuntata nella colorazione nera con hardware dorati. Internamente rivestito in tessuto scamoscia...
Chanel Vintage Basketball
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel vintage basketball 1990's {VINTAGE 20+ Years} Made in France Condition: Very good vintage condition
1994 Vintage CHANEL Gold Toned Byzantine CC Medallion Charm
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage CHANEL gold toned CC medallion charm that was part of a vintage CHANEL keychain is crafted of gold toned metal in Byzantine style....
Chanel 31 Rue Cambon Cuff Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 31 Rue Cambon Cuff Circa 1990s {VINTAGE 20 Years} Gold plated 31 Rue Cambon Address & Telex Engraved Pin closure 7.75" x 1.25" Made in France
Chanel 2020 Black Quilted Lambskin Leather & Gold-Tone Metal Water-Bottle Bag
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Chanel 2020 Black Quilted Lambskin Leather & Gold-Tone Metal Water-Bottle Bag is an exquisite fusion of luxury and functionality, designed for the modern individual who appreciat...
Chanel 21B Soft Headband Winter Ski Snowboard 209ca84
By Chanel
Located in Dix hills, NY
Made In: Great Britain Measurements: Length: 9.5" Width: .3" Height: 3.5" Circumference: 19.5" OVERALL NEW CONDITION ( 10/10 or N ) Accessories: Tag Signs of Wear: Exterior: New...
Chanel 96A A07672 Y02003 Gold Plated CC Turtle Pin Tortoise Brooch 22ck76s
By Chanel
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 96 A Made In: France Measurements: Length: 1.4" Width: .5" Height: 3.2" OVERALL EXCELLENT VINTAGE CONDITION ( 9/10 or A ) Signs of Wear: Front: Excelle...
Chanel 24k Gold Plated Quilted CC Logo Earrings 47ck825s
By Chanel
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 2 6 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 1.2" Width: .1" Height: 1.2" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 8/10 or AB ) Signs of Wear: Hardware: Minor Marks ...
Chanel Rugby Football Ball
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rugby Football Ball 2007 {VINTAGE 15 Years} Very good condition
Chanel Micro Mini Black Quilted Patent Leather Jewelry Box Crossbody Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Micro Mini Black Quilted Patent Leather Jewelry Box Crossbody Bag Patent leather Black Leather interwoven chain strap Top lid opening with ma...