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.
Vintage Chanel Cruise 2004 Sz 40 White High Waist Wide Leg Cotton Sailor Pants
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Chanel Cruise 2004 by Karl Lagerfeld white high waisted wide leg pants ! Nautical / Sailor style, with pockets on the front of each leg. Soft cotton (97%)and elastane (3%) pr...
Vintage Chanel Size 8 / 10 Early 1990s Khaki Cotton Cargo Pants Gold CC Buttons
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
These vintage Chanel cargo pants from the early 1990s combine the brand’s signature luxury detailing with a utilitarian silhouette. Designed by Karl Lagerfeld, cut from soft khaki cotton, they feature a straight-leg fit with front pleats and side cargo pockets, bridging the shift from the fuller 1980s silhouette into the relaxed minimalism of the 1990s. The standout detail is the gold-tone CC logo buttons, a hallmark of late 1980s Chanel design, found at the waistband, cargo pockets, and rear welt pockets. The juxtaposition of utility styling with couture-level finishing embodies Karl Lagerfeld’s era at the house, where everyday pieces were elevated with unmistakable Chanel codes. Marked a vintage size, best fits like a modern US 8–10. The pants measure: • 31-inch waist • 45-inch hip • 11.5-inch rise • 30-inch inseam A rare find for collectors of Chanel ready-to-wear, these trousers balance function and elegance, pairing effortlessly with a crisp white shirt, silk blouse, or tailored jacket. ⸻ Key Features: • Designer: Chanel • Era: Early 1990s (with late 1980s CC button hardware) • Style: Cargo pants with pleated front • Color: Khaki • Fabric: 100% cotton • Hardware: Gold-tone CC logo buttons • Fit: Straight leg, high rise • Details: Side cargo pockets, rear welt pockets, belt loops • Size: Fits modern US 8–10 (see measurements) • Measurements: See above • Made in France early 1990s Chanel pants, vintage Chanel cargo, Chanel CC button trousers, khaki cotton Chanel pants, Chanel straight leg pants, Chanel pleated cargo trousers, 80s Chanel buttons, vintage Chanel clothing, Chanel khaki trousers, luxury vintage Chanel pants
Chanel Resort 2018 Women's Super Wide Leg Button Up Jeans FR38/UK10
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Absolutely fabulous Chanel super wide leg button up jeans from the Resort 2018 collection. Look 52 on the runway. Unworn. Made from super soft two tone pale blue denim with horse relief...
Chanel 1990s Sz 40 Suede Leather Black Knickers Vintage 90s Cropped Pants Shorts
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare Vintage Chanel 1990s black suede pedal pusher shorts knickers / capri pants ! Features an elastic waistband, and elastic under the knees. Fully lined in CC log black silk. Pockets at each side of the waist. Silver metal plaque encrusted with the CC logo at left pocket. Can easily be dressed up or down. Made in France Marked Size 40 ( elastic waistband can accommodate an array of sizes ) Measurements: 28-34 inch waist 38-40 inch hips 11 inch rise 19 inch inseam Model in video is 5’8 feet tall The following items in the video are also available in my 1stdibs Shop: -1980s Guy Laroche sheer leopard animal print bodysuit - 1990s Jean Paul Gaultier cropped denim jacket with faux fur collar - 2000s Swarovski one-of-a-kind brown leather antler crossbody bag ( upcycled from a Swedish military ammo bag ) - Chanel Resort 2012 Runway black and white cashmere short sleeve sweater A beautifully preserved pair of early 1990s CHANEL black suede cropped pants, showcasing Karl Lagerfeld’s signature approach to elevated ease. The supple suede is paired with CHANEL’s iconic lattice-smocked elastic waistband and matching smocked cuffs, a design detail seen throughout the late 1980s–early 1990s collections. Effortless pull-on styling, side pockets, and a softly tapered leg create a silhouette that feels both luxurious and wearable. These rare CHANEL suede pants move seamlessly from day to evening. Style them with a crisp white blouse and ballet flats for timeless Parisian ease, or pair them with a fitted black turtleneck and heels for a sleek nighttime look. They also work beautifully with oversized knits, cropped jackets, or tailored blazers, making them a versatile alternative to a dress or skirt when you want texture and sophistication. A collector-worthy vintage CHANEL piece that blends comfort, craftsmanship, and classic 1990s chic. Chanel suede pants, vintage Chanel trousers...
Jacob Cohen Limited Edition 622 Tailored Jeans Size 31 Dark Denim
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Luxe Jacob Cohen Japanese denim 622 tailored jeans - these are limited edition and are numbered 009 of 129. Bought for £795 and unworn. Superbly crafted and detailed. Made from dark,...
Chanel 08C 2008 Cruise Resort jeans
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Chanel 08C 2008 Cruise Resort jeans Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 08c / 2007 / 2008 Cruise (Paris LA Collection) Style: 8C / P32197V22734 / AR784 Country of production: Italy ...
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld S/S 2013 Technical Mesh High Waist Pants
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Milano, IT
• Rare Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Spring/Summer 2013 black technical mesh high waist pants runway sample • Dramatic ultra high rise silhouette extending to underbust height with a scul...
Chanel Resort 2017 Women's Red Cream Striped Wide Leg Trousers FR38
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Stunning Chanel wide leg striped trousers from the Resort 2017 collection - looks 29 & 30 on the runway. Unworn. Made from heavy red and cream striped textured poly/cotton with super...
2003 Chanel Boucle Purple Trouser 34
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Purple is THE color at the moment and these 2003 purple Chanel boucle wool trousers are stunning. They are in such good condition, pleated and wide leg (not too wide) and lined in a...
Chanel Resort 2006 06C Sequin Distressed Patchwork Jeans
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Stunning Chanel sequin distressed patchwork jeans from the Resort 2006 06C collection. Worn once. Made from washed black cotton and elastane denim with...
Chanel Spring 2010 Women's Quilted Waist Jeans in Muted Blue Cotton
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Stealth luxe, archival Chanel jeans from the Spring 2010 collection. Unworn. Made from ultra soft and stretchy muted blue cotton and elastane with silver stitched logo to back. They ...
Beige thin wool trouser with branded buttons CHANEL
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Beige thin wool trouser with branded buttons. Silk branded "CC" lining. 2 pockets in the front and 2 on the back. SIZE 44 (Fr) 14 (US) XL
Chanel 14A Paris Dallas Light Gray Jeans
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Chanel 14A, 2014 Fall Flattering Low Rider Jeans from the Paris-Dallas Collection. Never Worn! Stonewashed light gray with white on all the seams. There are 2 rows of belt loops wh...
Chanel & Karl Lagerfeld 08P 2008 jeans Runway
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Chanel & Karl Lagerfeld 08P 2008 jeans Designer: Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Collection: Chanel 2008 spring / summer Country of production: Italy Marked Size: 40 Composition: 100% cott...
Chanel Spring 2007 Pink Slubbed Silk Flared Trousers
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Gorgeous Chanel flared trousers from the Spring 2007 Collection. Unworn. Made from bubblegum pink slubbed silk, they have bootcut flared legs, low rise waist, 4 pockets and large dec...
Chanel Fall 2012 Black Textured Velvet Pedal Pushers Trousers
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Amazing Chanel cut velvet trousers from the Fall 2012 collection. Look 13. Worn once. Made from superbly textured black viscose/silk mix stretch cut velvet with black satin piping. T...
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld S/S 2001 White ribbed high waisted flare pants
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Milano, IT
- Chanel White ribbed cotton flare pants - Designed by Karl Lagerfeld - Spring-Summer 2001 - Belt loops with silver logo engraved - High waist - Hidden front closure - Gusset po...
Chanel blue embellished metallic gun metal & lace denim pants, ss 2004
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by Karl Lagerfeld - Sold by Skof.Archive - Runway Look 43 - Embellished high-rise pants - Lace bustier - Logo engraved button closure and a concealed zipper on the fron...
Chanel Pre Fall 2015 Paris Salzburg Baptiste Giabiconi Pharrell Pants
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Chanel métiers d’art Paris Salzburg Pre Fall 2015 by Karl Lagerfeld runway pants worn by Baptiste Giabiconi himself (it’s a runway piece as seen on the tags) and as seen on Phar...
Chanel S/S 2018 blue quilted stretchy jeans by Karl Lagerfeld
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel Spring Summer 2018 collection blue jeans velvet quilted details, stretch, slim fit. Size 38.
Chanel & Karl Lagerfeld 2009 White Capri Pants
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Chanel & Karl Lagerfeld 2009 White Capri Pants Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Collection: 2009 Sports Line Country of Manufacture: France Marked Size: 34 FR (Please pay attention to the m...
Chanel Resort 2012 Women's Barrel Leg Cotton Silk Jeans Size FR36/UK8
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Super comfy, slouchy luxe Chanel barrel leg jeans pants from the Resort 2012 collection. Worn once and then carefully stored. Made from soft mid blue cot...
Chanel 2009 Karl Lagerfeld Women's Grey Jersey Track Pants FR38
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Super rare, unworn archival Chanel Sport Line 2009 09P track pant trousers. Made from soft cotton mix airtex inspired grey jersey, they have white topped wide ribbed waistband, matte...
Chanel denim pants 2000
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Blue cotton denim pants. Size 36FR. A 2000 Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Waist: 36...
Chanel Fall 2012 Green Textured Velvet Pedal Pushers Trousers
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Amazing Chanel pedal pusher trousers from the Fall 2012 collection. look 17 on the runway. Unworn with spare fabric swatch included. Made from supe...
01A CHANEL 2001 Fall RTW jeans with leather
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
01A CHANEL 2001 Fall RTW jeans with leather Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Collection: 2001 Fall READY-TO-WEAR Country of production: Italy Marked Size: 34 IT Chanel style: 01A / AH734/ P...
Chanel 07A Paris-MonteCarlo Beaded Tuxedo Pants Trousers
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Gorgeous archival Chanel Pre-Fall 2007 07A tuxedo trousers from the ‘‘Paris-MonteCarlo’ Metiers D’Art 2007 Collection. New with spare fabric/button tag. Made from soft black wool/cas...
Chanel by Karl Lagerfield S/S 2003 Grey Bootcut Jeans
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Caserta, IT
- Designed by Karl Lagerfield - S/S 2003 - Grey Denim - Bootcut Fit - Metal Chanel tag on the back - Classic 5 pocket style - Button closure - Made in Italy - Very good condition: Th...
2007 Chanel 07A wool trousers
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Collection: 2007 Fall READY-TO-WEAR Country of production: Italy Dimensions 44 IT Chanel style: 07A / 94305 / P31694V04964 Composition: 100% wool Waist ...
2012 Chanel Lace Trousers FW 2012
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Chanel lace trousers FW 2012 size 36 Waist (girth): 74 cm / 29.13 in Length: 95 cm / 37.40 in Inseam: 75 cm / 29.53 in Outseam: 14.5 cm / 5.71 in Hips (girth): 90 cm / 35.43 in exce...
2006 Chanel 06A Wool Trousers
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Chanel 06A Wool Trousers size 42 Waist (volume): 86cm / 33.86 inches Length: 113cm / 44.49 inches Inner step length: 85 cm / 33.46 inches Output: 24cm / 9.45inch Hips : 104 cm / 40....
Chanel 1999 99С trousers Cruise
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Chanel 1999 99С trousers Cruise Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Collection: Chanel Cruise 1999 Country of production: France Chanel style: 99C / H0109 /...
Chanel wool pants fall 2004
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in Italy) wool pants. Size 36FR. 2004 Fall-Winter Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Waist: 37 cm ...