Chanel Handbags and Purses
Vintage Chanel handbags and purses are some of the most well-known and sought-after accessories in the world. With a subtle and chic aesthetic, many of the legendary French house’s crossbody bags, shoulder bags, tote bags and other bags are popular among celebrities and fashion obsessives.
Crafted from top-quality materials, Chanel’s elegant iconic purses are coveted not only for their timelessness but also for their high resale value. The brand’s best-known bag, the Classic Double Flap bag, includes Chanel’s signature quilting and leather interlaced through a chain strap. Chanel Classic flap bags have been going strong since Karl Lagerfeld updated the beloved 2.55 handbag in the 1980s with the addition of the interlocking double Cs on the flap.
Other iconic bag styles are the Gabrielle and Boy bags. (Also designed by Lagerfeld, Chanel’s playful Boy Brick Lego bag has become a collector's item.) 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.
For its spectacular seasonal runway shows, Chanel designs special bags that are typically produced in smaller editions, making them all the more desirable and prompting long waiting lists for the most flamboyant creations. The widely hunted rare Chanel bags and many of the other bags much sought after today are objects of pure fantasy conjured up by the late couturier Lagerfeld, whose prolific tenure at the helm of the house lasted from 1983 to 2019.
Just like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and other luxury brands, Chanel has had to fight counterfeiters who manufacture and sell fake bags under its name. These days, provenance is as essential for Chanel bags as it is for a Chagall painting. And with forgeries improving, it's worth knowing how to spot a fake Chanel bag.
Find a collection of vintage Chanel totes, clutches, minaudières and other bags on 1stDibs today.
Early 20th Century French Chanel Handbags and Purses
Early 1900s French Chanel Handbags and Purses
Early 20th Century Chanel Handbags and Purses
Early 20th Century Chanel Handbags and Purses
Early 20th Century French Chanel Handbags and Purses
Early 2000s French Chanel Handbags and Purses
2010s French Chanel Handbags and Purses
1980s French Chanel Handbags and Purses
1990s French Chanel Handbags and Purses
1990s French Chanel Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary French Chanel Handbags and Purses
1990s French Chanel Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary Chanel Handbags and Purses
2010s American Chanel Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Chanel Handbags and Purses
1930s Chanel Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chanel Handbags and Purses
Early 1900s Italian Chanel Handbags and Purses
Early 1900s Italian Chanel Handbags and Purses
Early 1900s Italian Chanel Handbags and Purses
Early 1900s Italian Chanel Handbags and Purses
Early 1900s Italian Chanel Handbags and Purses
Early 1900s French Chanel Handbags and Purses
Early 20th Century French Chanel Handbags and Purses
Shop Vintage Handbags, Shoulder Bags, Clutches and Other Bags and Purses on 1stDibs
An integral part of fashion, handbags and purses have been indispensable accessories ever since we began to carry around personal items. Level of craftsmanship, style and shape matters — from coin purses in ancient Greece to early 20th-century opera bags and onward, handbags have evolved considerably over the years to meet our needs and desires, whether or not you happen to be prioritizing functionality over a flashy exterior.
Once, a single “It” handbag ruled each fashion season. No more. Today, handbag lovers are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classic bags still rule.
“It is not a fashion bag — it is a statement bag,” says Mightychic's Debra Kent of Hermès's widely beloved accessories. “When you carry an iconic Hermès bag — Birkin, Kelly, Constance — no one knows how long you have been into this culture or if you are a newbie. Your status is validated immediately.”
First released in 1997, Fendi's Baguette rose to fame along with Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Recently, the design has seen such a resurgence in popularity that Fendi has reissued it.
They are part of design history, so owning a handbag has meaning. As New York–based fashion historian Sarah C. Byrd says, “You have made the choice to invest in this piece because you understand the value of it in the past and in the future to come.”
From a 1980s Chanel black leather quilted mini buckle bag to the rare Hermès Birkin 30cm Himalayan with diamond hardware to a range of 19th century bags, find a rich variety of vintage and designer handbags and purses spanning numerous brands on 1stDibs — seasonal “It” designation no longer needed.
Designers Similar to Chanel
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Depending on the bag's material, a vintage Chanel can be quite expensive. For instance, a vintage crocodile top handle bag costs around $130,000. The classic quilted leather bag is around $10,000.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The latest prices for the Chanel wallet on chain is $3,100. There are many variations of this classic design, with some selling for closer to $2,100.
- Is Chanel a luxury brand?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, Chanel is one of the most desirable luxury brands in the world. This top-class designer brand creates their products from quality raw materials and high production methods while employing some of the best-known talent in the fashion world. Find many Chanel accessories and apparel on 1stDibs.
- How much is a Chanel tote?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A Chanel tote's price can vary on the second depending on size, model, condition, and age. New Chanel small clutches start at around $1,900 while totes and other purses fetch $4,000-$5,000.
- Do Chanel bags come with tags?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022All Chanel bags are guaranteed to be authentic, as they come with a unique tag and authentication card.This is an easy way for you to determine the authenticity of your bag. Shop a large selection of vintage or modern Chanel bags on 1stDibs.
- Does Chanel make men’s belts?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, Chanel doesn’t make men’s belts and they do not have a menswear line. That said, there are men who do wear Chanel belts and other items from the women’s line to create their own noteworthy style. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Chanel garments and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques.
- Are Chanel pearls real?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Although some Chanel jewelry contains real freshwater pearls, much of their costume jewelry is made from coated glass, though they are still high quality.
- Does Chanel have men’s clothes?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Chanel doesn't usually make men's clothing. The brand has never offered a full menswear line. However, Chanel does have partnerships with designers that occasionally yield items for men such as suits or neckties.
- Are Chanel earrings real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021All of Chanel's fine jewelry is made with 18K Gold (both yellow and white) and platinum and all of the diamonds used have very high clarity and color with a perfect set, resulting in some of the highest quality jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To remove creases from Chanel can be done with care, of course. Use a clean cloth and dry cleaning solution but stay away from any chemicals on the bag as they can damage it permanently. On 1stDibs, find vintage and modern Chanel pieces.
- How to make Chanel jacket trim?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022You can make Chanel jacket trims feathery, flat or embellished ribbons and stitched on wool bindings are worth all the effort with a seamstress. You'll find a vast collection of authentic Chanel twill jackets from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Although costume jewelry is usually more affordable because many Chanel costume pieces have a timeless style as well as good craftsmanship, they hold their value and so can be sold at an expensive price.
- What is Chanel?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJanuary 4, 2022Chanel is a luxury French fashion house founded by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in 1910. Focused on women’s ready-to-wear clothing and haute couture, Chanel is most famous for the 1921 perfume Chanel No. 5, the 1925 Chanel Suit and the iconic 1926 little black dress, which remains a staple in women’s closets around the world to this day. Shop a collection of vintage and designer Chanel pieces from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- What is Chanel Matelasse?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Chanel Matelasse is a quilted Chanel bag. It's an emblem of the Chanel brand. Chanel Matelasse bags and other Chanel bags can be found on 1stDibs.
- What does Chanel 5 smell like?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Chanel No. 5 smells like a subtle mix of florals, including rose, ylang-ylang, jasmine, lily of the valley and iris, sandalwood, and a hint of vanilla. Chanel No. 5 is one of the most popular scents in the world.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023The Chanel 11.12 bag is called that due to the style code of the original Medium Classic Flap Bag. This code was A01112. When the 11.12 first appeared, it was only available in the Medium size. However, the line has expanded to include other sizes, such as the Mini Square, Mini Rectangle, Small, Jumbo and Maxi. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of Chanel bags.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023The classic Chanel bag is called the 2.55 Flap Bag. Its name is a nod to February 1955 when Coco Chanel first introduced the now iconic bag. When it debuted, the 2.55 Flap Bag was the first handbag to feature a shoulder strap, and it went on to influence handbag designs for decades to come. On 1stDibs, explore an assortment of Chanel 2.55 Flap Bags.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023What color Chanel bags are inside varies. Many Chanel bags feature a burgundy lining, but there is no universal interior color for the French luxury fashion house. You can find Chanel bags with linings in neutral hues like cream and gray and colors that match or contrast with their exteriors. Chanel uses both leather and grosgrain silk for lining materials. Shop a large collection of Chanel bags on 1stDibs.
- What bag did Coco Chanel use?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Coco Chanel used many bags over the course of her life, but there is little information about which specific bags she carried. There are accounts that the acclaimed designer sported her iconic 2.55 Flap Bag, which was the first bag to ever feature a shoulder strap when it debuted in 1955. Some say that she used the hidden zipper compartment in the quilted shoulder bag to hide love letters from an admirer. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of Chanel bags.
- Are Chanel bags still popular?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Yes, Chanel bags are still popular. Although trends change from season to season, fashion lovers everywhere generally covet Chanel accessories all year round. The demand for both new and vintage Chanel bags rose sharply during the 2010s and early 2020s. The popularity of Chanel bags is owed largely to their rich history and their iconic details, like diamond quilting, chain straps and CC clasps. Many celebrities and fashion influencers, such as Rihanna, Kristen Stewart, Kendall Jenner, and others, have lent star power to the brand over the years by publicly accessorizing with Chanel clutches and shoulder bags. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of Chanel bags and purses.
Read More
With a Wink, Karl Lagerfeld Sent This Egg-Carton-Shaped Chanel Bag Down the Runway
For the brand’s 2014–15 ready-to-wear show in Paris, the designer was inspired by a most unexpected place: the supermarket.
A Chanel Wicker Handbag Gives Impossibly Chic Picnic Vibes
Only Chanel could elevate humble materials like denim and wicker to icon-level status.
Chanel’s Boy Brick Lego Bag Transforms a Barcode into Art
In the hands of Karl Lagerfeld, even running errands became a chic exercise.
A Chanel Obsessive’s Cache Extends Well beyond Her Walk-In Closet
From handbags and heels to jackets and jewels, Sharon Coplan Hurowitz has a deep admiration for (and collection of) all things Chanel.
14 Ways to Spot a Fake Chanel Bag
How do you tell if a Chanel purse is a knockoff or the real deal? We spoke with handbag experts Alexa Ridolfi and Gerry Gallagher about how to authenticate a Chanel bag. Of course, you don’t have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where all our sellers are highly vetted.
14 Iconic Luxury Handbags and the Stories behind Them
When the name of a bag is as well-known as its brand, you know it's a classic.