More than a mere tastemaker, Karl Lagerfeld devoted himself to the continual pursuit of chic. “My life and my job,” the designer once said, “is to forget myself.” From his first collection at Chanel — after joining the brand in the early 1980s — he injected the venerable house with a frisson of modernity. Vintage Karl Lagerfeld designs for Chanel handbags, evening dresses, coats, jewelry and other clothing and accessories riffed on its iconography — tweed skirt suits, pearls, camellias — accenting a lexicon of Chanel-isms with tastes of the moment.
During his five-decade career as a designer for Chanel, Fendi, Chloé and many others, Lagerfeld was a quintessential chameleon, ever evolving to embody the times. An outsize, instantly recognizable personality — his ponytail powdered like an 18th-century viscount, his eyes perpetually shielded by dark glasses, wearing fistfuls of chunky silver jewels — Lagerfeld was, above all, an avatar of style.
Born in Hamburg (in 1933, ’35, or ’38 by varying accounts), Karl Lagerfeld packed his bags for Paris in 1954. His design for a coat won him the International Wool Secretariat and landed him a job with the celebrated couturier Pierre Balmain.
Lagerfeld went on to become the designer of Jean Patou, eventually realizing that his seemingly endless ideas could fuel a career as a designer-for-hire. As such, he lent his vision to everyone from Loewe and Max Mara to Krizia and Charles Jourdan, nimbly moving among a diverse range of styles. It was an unprecedented way of working in the days when freelance was still a dirty word.
During the late ’60s and ’70s, Lagerfeld refashioned Chloé to reflect the free spirit of the day and, beginning in 1965, joined forces with the Fendi family, taking it from sleepy furrier to fashion’s haute-est stratum. Because of his track record for reviving and reimagining brands that had grown stagnant, in 1983 Lagerfeld was handed the reins at Chanel, which had been gathering dust since its founder’s heyday.
Lagerfeld’s collections for the brand displayed his knack for synthesizing old and new, high and low. From Watteau (Spring/Summer 1985 couture) and Serge Roche (Spring/Summer 1990 ready-to-wear) to hip-hop fly girls (Fall/Winter 1991 ready-to-wear), surfers (Spring/Summer 2003 ready-to-wear) and ancient Egypt (Pre-Fall 2019), he used each season’s inspiration to conceive Chanel’s signatures anew.
Lagerfeld revived the house's ballet flats and thoroughly embraced the classic logo's interlocking CCs, which became a common and immediately recognizable feature of Chanel flap bags. Many of the rare Chanel bags much sought after today — and Chanel bags of the 1990s, generally — are objects of pure fantasy conjured up by the late couturier.
Despite producing eight collections a year for Chanel, as well as four to five for Fendi, Lagerfeld never faltered in proposing new ideas each time he put pencil to paper.
Find vintage Karl Lagerfeld Chanel day dresses, jackets, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
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...
New Vintage Chanel 90s Gold Logo Barrette 1990s Hair Clip Pin w/ Box
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, 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 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 5077-B Gradient Rimless Swarovski Crystal Sunglasses
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Berlin, DE
A glamorous and collectible pair of Chanel 5077-B sunglasses, featuring an oversized rectangular rimless design with elegant gradient lenses. The frames are adorned with a full borde...
Chanel Black Patent Chain Wedge Booties 2014 Collection Size 38.5
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in San Jose, CA
Rare Chanel Black Patent Leather Wedge Booties from the Spring 2014 Collection (14P), designed during the Karl Lagerfeld era. A standout runway piece, these high-shine booties feature bold silver-tone chain lace-up detail with oversized grommets—classic Chanel edge...
Chanel belt by Karl Lagerfeld Spring 1993
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1993 Spring-summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Beaten golden metal chain belt with the house name, ending with a cc logo medall...
Chanel golden belt by Karl Lagerfeld Spring-Summer 1993
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1993 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Iconic golden metal belt bearing the name of the House. Made in France. Condit...
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 Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for 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...
Vintage Chanel 2006 Script Floral CC Logo Kitten Heel Pointed Toe Mules 39.5
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Vintage Chanel 2006 Script Floral CC Logo Kitten Heel Pointed Toe Mules 39.5 Color Multi Size 39.5EU Heel Height 2.5in Satin upper Interlocking C logo embellishment at toebox Kitte...
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 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 multi-row belt Haute Couture by Karl Lagerfeld Fall 1991
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, 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 belt Fall-winter 1991
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for 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 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...
Chanel F/W 2013 rare runway pink powder mink helmet hat as seen on Lady Gaga
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Chanel Fall Winter 2013 runway powder pink mink fur helmet hat, like one size, as seen on Lady Gaga and many times on the catwalk. It’s a collectible piece and unique by Karl La...
Chanel foulard
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - Yellow cotton foulard with vehicles in purple, blue, red, and green tones. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: 161 cm x 129 cm SKU:FFC38
Chanel Panama Straw Hat, 1994, Size 57
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Stuttgart, DE
A rare Chanel Panama straw hat from 1994, crafted in France from finely woven natural straw. The classic flat crown and wide black grosgrain ribbon bow g...
Chanel Size 39.5 C Gold + Black Beaded Leather Logo CC Thong Sandals
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic Chanel gold and black beaded leather thong sandals ! Only worn once, with slight wear to the soles. Gold seed beads up the center strap. Gold CC metal logo plate at center ankle...
Rare Chanel métiers d’art Paris Moscou 2009 runway shoes by Karl Lagerfeld
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Extremely Rare Chanel métiers d’art Paris Moscou Pre Fall 2009 collection by Karl Lagerfeld shoes pump heels, amazing details and design red velvet, gold and Swarovski crystals. Size...
Chanel belt Spring 1988
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Black lamb leather belt ornamented with multiple golden metal buckles. 1988 Spring-Summer Ready-to-Wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lage...
Vintage Chanel Pastel Pink Cap Toe Slingback Kitten Heel Pointed Toe Pumps 36
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel Two Tone Pastel Pink Kitten Heel Retro Vintage Slingbacks Color Pink / Cream Size 36EU Heel Height 2in Leather upper Pointed toe Two tone colorway Adjustable buckle strap C...
Chanel Quilted CC Logo 2017 Cruise Patent Leather Maryjane Platform Pumps 36.5
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Chanel 2017 Interlocking CC Patent Leather Platform Maryjane Pumps G32407 In box, with dustbag Color Black / Cream Size 36.5EU Leather sole Leather upper CC logo at back of heels Mul...
Chanel Multi Color Graphic Cotton Shawl or Pareo Never Worn
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in New Hope, PA
This Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel shawl, sarong or pareo would be a very versatile addition to your wardrobe. The colors pop against the black background and the Modernist design is fu...
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 CC Logo Bow Cap Toe Slingback Pumps 37
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Vintage Chanel CC Logo Leather Cap Toe Slingback Pumps Color Gold / Black Size 37EU Heel Height 2.75in Leather and satin upper Pointed toe Interlo...
Chanel silk foulard
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in Italy) Red and blue silk foulard /scarf. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: 90 cm x 90 cm SKU:FFC36
Chanel F/W 2001 black raccoon fur cashmere and pearl CC logo scarf neck
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Chanel Fall Winter 2001 collection by Karl Lagerfeld massive black Raccoon fur and cashmere scarf neck, snap buttons and clasp, silver CC logo metal and pearls, amazing design.
Chanel F/W 1995 CC Logo Canvas Basketball Sneakers
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW
Dating to the F/W 1995 collection, these rare & classic Chanel sneakers are made of black canvas with white rubber soles and toes and feature a black on white CC logo on the side of ...
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld fur cap
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Fur Cap I present to you a wool (lamb) cap from Chanel. Country of origin: Italy The left side of the peak is adorned with a magnificent button with the CC b...
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 by Karl Lagerfeld Cruise 2004 Black Interlocking CC Logo Slides
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by Karl Lagerfeld - Sold by Skof.Archive - Cruise 2004 Collection - Platform slides - Interlocking CC logo - Black cotton strap - Made in France - Excellent conditions...
1990's Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Classic Black Leather & Chain Belt Rue Cambon
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1990's Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld classic black leather & chain belt with Rue Cambon medallion. Excellent condition and comes with Chanel box. Size adjustable up to 38" fully extended ...
Chanel belt Spring-Summer 1996
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for 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 1980’s rare 24k gold plated quilted cut out plate name belt/necklace
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Chanel 1980´s by Karl Lagerfeld 24k gold plated quilted cut out plane name and medallion belt/necklace. Adjustable up to 34 inches. It’s a statement piece! 4 rows
Chanel Pale Green Cashmere and Silk Scarf with Darker Green CHANEL Logo
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in New Hope, PA
This Chanel pale green cashmere and silk shawl or scarf has a darker green logo CHANEL at one of the narrow fringed ends. It leaves no doubt about your exquisite taste for style and...
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Logo Scarf
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel silk crepe de chine square scarf designed by Karl Lagerfeld. On a cream silk ground printed with gilt signature overlapping CCs with an old rose pink border. A gilt braid inn...
CHANEL c.1980's Vtg Black Satin Silver Barrette Large Bow Hair Clip Accessory
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Thiensville, WI
CHANEL c.1980's Vtg Black Satin Silver Barrette Large Bow Hair Clip Accessory Brand / Manufacturer: Chanel Collection: c.1980's Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Style: Hair barrette/clip Co...
CHANEL 1990s Watersnake Square-toe Flats
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Genève, CH
These rare Chanel square-toe flats are crafted from watersnake skin and leather, and are in very good condition for a piece from the 1990s era. The design features a unique 'space ag...
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...
Chanel Small Pink Silk Chiffon Scarf with CHANEL and COCO Logo in White
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in New Hope, PA
This charming small Chanel pink silk chiffon logo scarf or kerchief is covered with alternating rows of white letters spelling out CHANEL and COCO as the design element of the scarf....
Chanel Black and White athletic shoes
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by Karl Lagerfeld - Sold by Skof.Archive - Black canvas & white leather bowling shoes - White laces - The signature "CC" on the tab in the back - Comes without original...
Chanel belt Fall 1994
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 green glass paste. 1994 Spring-Summer Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Conditio...
Derbies Chanel par Karl Lagerfeld vers 2016-2017
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - Ready-to-wear collection circa 2016-2017 under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Silver braided leather derby shoes. Size 36.5. Made in Italy. Condition: Very go...
Chanel Chain Charms Belt 1980 Paris
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Massive Chanel Charms belt gold plated 1980, 5 important Chanel charms, one small at the end.
slingback Chanel in pink canvas
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for 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
Vintage Chanel Black Satin CC Logo Slingback Kitten Heel Pumps Size 39
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in San Jose, CA
Chanel black satin slingback pumps with classic cap toe styling, elegant kitten heels, and subtle embroidered CC logos. A timeless designer shoe that works effortlessly for office we...
Chanel hat Fall 2006
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Ivory and black cotton and lace hat. Size 57. 2006 Fall-Winter Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition: Very good condition D...
Chanel Karl Lagerfeld Large Silk Scarf Green Floral Gold Accents 130cm
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Large silk scarf from CHANEL, 130 cm x 130cm green with typical light CHANEL flowers, outlined in gold and leaves in gold. Perfect condition and hand washbar. Dimensions: 130 cm ...
Chanel 2008Black Embellished Strappy Heels 41 Gold Icon Studs Sandals
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in San Jose, CA
Rare Chanel embellished strappy heels from the Fall/Winter 2008 collection under Karl Lagerfeld. Size 41 (fits like US 10.5–11), with black textile straps adorned in signature gold Chanel icons—camellias, CC logos, clovers, stars, and crystals. A true collector's piece with a refined silhouette and 4.25" stiletto heel. These designer heels are perfect for holiday parties, weddings, luxury events, or elevated everyday looks. The slim straps are lightweight but secure, with an adjustable ankle buckle for a flattering, supportive fit. Condition: Pre-owned, rated Good. Light wear to soles and minor cosmetic signs of use on fabric, but no structural flaws. Style with a midi slip dress or wide-leg trousers and a fitted blazer for the ultimate old money meets fashion-forward vibe. A must for collectors of vintage Chanel and Y2K runway fashion. Great for Chanel lovers, collectors, stylists, or anyone looking for a timeless investment shoe with edge. Keywords: Chanel heels, black strappy heels, embellished sandals, Karl Lagerfeld Chanel, wedding guest shoes, holiday party heels, designer heels size 11, rare Chanel runway shoes...
Vintage Chanel 2006 Cruise Script CC Logo Pointed Toe Kitten Heel Mules 38
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Vintage Chanel 2006 Cruise Script CC Logo Pointed Toe Kitten Heel Mules 38 Color Multi Size 38EU Heel Height 2.5in Satin upper Interlocking C logo embellishment at toebox Kitten he...
CHANEL PANAMA STRAWHAT size 57 signed 1994
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Stuttgart, DE
A very nice and light Panama straw hat from Chanel, garnished with an 8 cm wide black silk ribbon. The fine Panama straw hat was braided by hand and is very light, it has hardly any weight and is marked with the head size 57 and made in 1994. With a real Panama hat from Ecuador you protect yourself from the sun with style and class and also fashion-consciously! Measurement: Head size 57, edge width 6 cm, head height 10 cm, brand width 8 cm. The hat is in very good condition, no signs of wear. The decorated vintage Chanel bags...
Chanel 'flags' foulard
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in Italy) Colorful cotton cheesecloth foulard printed with flags of the United States, Portugal, or Germany. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: 140 cm x 135 ...
Chanel 'Barbie' belt summer 1995
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal belt set with rhinestones. 1995 Spring-Summer Barbie Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition: Very good condition...
Chanel Silk Chiffon Scarf with Ombre Pastels and Black Logos
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in New Hope, PA
This large CHANEL silk chiffon scarf has an ombre pastel background with a double black border. The is printed with Chanel, Paris and Coco numerous times There are five Chanel double C...
Chanel cloche hat
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Black moleskin cloche hat. Accessory from the 2000s. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Circumference: about 58 cm SKU:CHP163
Chanel belt by Karl Lagerfeld circa 1994
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1994 under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal chain belt interlaced with black leather and ending with a medallion bear...
Chanel 1990s White Acetate PVC Hair Clip Bow by Karl Lagerfeld
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
This very Rare Vintage Collectors Item, a Handmade Chanel Hairclip Bow, was probably gifted to VIPS at a Chanel Runway in the early 90s. VIP g...
Chanel Blue Felt Cap With Grosgrain Ribbons
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Chanel Blue Felt Cap With Grosgrain Ribbons Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld fur cap Country of manufacture: Germany Size: M Chanel hat with Chanel logo at the brim, navy blue turnip ribbon ...
CHANEL Sandals with the iconic chain straps in black leather, size 41.5, 2020s
By Chanel Boutique, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Stuttgart, DE
CHANEL SANDALS (Made in Italy), black leather, with 4 iconic Chanel straps, a strap across the heel and a fastening strap across the front. The sandal features a very comfortable bla...