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 Coco Cocoon Nylon Backpack
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Coolest Chanel Coco Cocoon nylon backpack. Comes with authenticity card. Made from black, squishy quilted nylon with black leather trim, flat top handle, dual adjustable shoulder st...
2006-2008 CHANEL Large Black Biarritz Quilted Coated Canvas Tote with COA/Card
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Port Hope, ON
Perfect bag for a short trip! This 2006-2008 Biarritz quilted coated canvas tote is the bag I personally take and I can take enough for 2 weeks, if I limit myself to one extra pair o...
Chanel Vintage 2006 Naked PVC Transparent Gold Classic Flap Bag
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Chanel rare vintage transparent “Naked” Classic Flap bag, a highly collectible novelty piece from the 2006–2008 era. Designed in clear PVC with metallic gold leather trim, this medi...
Museum Worthy Chanel Métiers d’art 2014 Paris Dallas Sample Minaudière
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Museum-Worthy Chanel Métiers d'Art Paris-Dallas Pre-Fall 2014 Sample Minaudière by Karl Lagerfeld - Prototype Archive Piece from 31 Rue Cambon. An extraordinary opportunity to acquir...
Chanel Vintage 1980s Large Quilted Lambskin Crossbody Bag with CC Lock
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Port Hope, ON
This is a large quilted lambskin bag which can be worn crossbody or shoulder. Vintage from the 80s it has a rare diamond etched CC turn lock fastening; interwoven leather and gold to...
Chanel Classic Square bag by Karl Lagerfeld circa 1990
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - Ready-to-wear collection circa 1990 under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Classique Square 17 cm bag in gray quilted satin, gold-plated metal CC clasp and matchin...
1986 Chanel Chocolate Brown w/Shoulder/Crossbody Chain Strap and COA
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Port Hope, ON
The outside is in wonderful condition, no corner wear and the quilted leather butter soft. This includes the wonderful fringed top zip pull with gold tone ball which has a CC incise...
Chanel Vintage Duma Black Lambskin Leather Quilted 24K Gold Backpack
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
A true vintage Chanel icon: the Duma backpack, dating to the mid-1990s (c. 1994–1996), crafted in supple black quilted lambskin and finished with rich 24k gold-plated hardware—the w...
Chanel S/S 2019 By The Sea PVC Transparent Sand 19P Classic Flap Bag
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Chanel Spring/Summer 2019 “By the Sea” clear PVC bag, designed by Karl Lagerfeld for his final summer collection with the house. An extraordinary and playful piece from the seaside-...
A Rare 2000s Black Caviar Leather and Bakelite Top Handle Bag By Chanel
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a highly Rare and Vintage Chanel Top Handle Bag from the late 1990s to early 2000s, confirmed by its distinctive design and serial code. This structured top-handle bag is cra...
Chanel bag by Karl Lagerfeld Summer 1997
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1997 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear 'Horse style' Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Transparent and blue faceted pearl bag with a crossbody strap deco...
Chanel evening bag by Karl Lagerfeld 1996-1997
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A Collection from 1996-1997, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Quilted raspberry-color silk satin bag with a golden metal clip fastening and golden metal chai...
Chanel Vintage Black/Pink Canvas Structured Shoulder Bag in Excellent Condition
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Classic Chanel black and pink canvas single flap shoulder bag from year 2005 to 2006. - Silver hardware. - Black canvas interior zip closure. - Acrylic charm. - Authenticit...
Chanel 2017 Karl Lagerfeld Silver Keyboard Clutch Robot Charm Lambskin
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in San Jose, CA
Authentic Chanel silver metallic lambskin clutch featuring the iconic keyboard design and signature robot zipper charm from the Karl Lagerfeld era. Chanel metallic clutches, novelty ...
Chanel Vintage S/S 1991 Iridescent White 24K Gold Sequin Micro Mini Flap Bag
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
An ultra-rare and collectible treasure from Chanel’s iconic Spring/Summer 1991 collection. This exquisite micro mini flap bag is hand-embroidered with luminous white sequins, each ca...
Brown leather shoulder bag with top-stitching and chain Chanel Circa 1984
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Brown leather shoulder bag with top-stitching and chain. Black leather lining. One flat pocket with zip inside and one flat pocket without zip. "CC" claps covered with black leather...
Vintage 1990s Chanel Brown Quilted Jumbo Tote Shoulder Bag Purse Gold CC Charm
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Discover this Vintage 1990s Authentic Chanel Brown Quilted Jumbo Tote Shoulder Bag Purse with iconic gold CC charm — the ultimate statement for any Chanel collector or luxury lover. ...
Chanel bag 'Paris-Shanghai' by Karl Lagerfeld Pre-Fall 2010
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2010 Metiers d'art 'Paris-Shanghai' Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Quilted black satin bag ornamented with feathers partially brushed with a gold...
Chanel minaudière bag by Karl Lagerfeld collection 1997/1999
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - Ready-to-Wear Collection 1997/1999, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Small bag in gold metallic lambskin leather with matching metallic threads, signed snap c...
2000-2002 Chanel leather Chocolate bar mini bag
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Designed during the iconic tenure of Karl Lagerfeld, this Chanel flap bag from the 2000-2002 collection offers a sharp, modern alternative to the traditional diamond quilting. The ba...
Chanel 'Tweed Girl' bag 2017
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in Italy) Crossbody tweed 'Tweed Girl' handbag with pink lamb leather and decorated with engraved golden metal buttons and cc logos. Removable golden metal chain handl...
Chanel 'shopper' bag 2008/2009
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in Italy) Metallic-pink lamb leather 'Shopper' bag with metal chains varnished with the color, a press stud fastening, and a double handle. Piece with a serial number ...
Chanel 2.55 bag 2011 Collection
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in Italy) 2.55 bag entirely embroidered with black and silvery sequins, and with black patent leather details. Silvery metal elements. Piece with a serial number. A 20...
1990’s Chanel off-white Cotton twill and bakelite tortoise shell shoulder bag
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
A mix between the search of absolute elegance in its finest of Karl Lagerfeld and the rural lightness of summer fabrics. This bag from the Cruise collection is set to be a must-have ...
Chanel dark navy satin quilted handbag
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
-Chanel dark navy satin quilted handbag from year 1997 to 1999 collection. -Black metal "CHANEL" hardware kiss lock closure. -Black metal handle. -Leather interior zip closure. -...
Chanel evening bag 1989-1991
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Quilted purple silk evening bag with golden metal chain handle and elements. The bag comes with a tiny enveloppe. A 1989-1991 Collection under the artistic ...
Chanel Timeless Quilted Black Leather Bag, 1996/1997
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Quilted black leather bag with a double flap and golden metal elements. Bag with a serial number. 1996/1997 Collection. Additional information: Condition:...
Chanel Business Affinity Backpack Beige Caviar Leather
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Superb and super rare Chanel Business Affinity backpack with authenticity card and dustbag. Used once. Made from classic beige caviar...
Chanel Mini Boston Black Quilted Caviar Grain Calfskin Bag, 2005/2006
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Black quilted caviar grain calfskin bowling bag. Golden metal elements. A 2005/2006 Collection. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dime...
Chanel Vanity Bag, 1996
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel -(Made in France) Vanity bag in black matte leather, handle with thick chain intertwined with leather. Interior in burgundy leather, pockets and mirror integrated. Card of aut...
HERMÉS KELLY BAG 2 WAY 35 cm CHEVRE LEATHER, black, collection B - 1998
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
HERMÉS KELLY BAG 35 cm, black Chevre leather (Made in France), Collection B = 1998 and in very good condition! CHEVRE LEATHER - very insentive! Measurement: Width of the bag 35 cm...
Chanel “Pyramid Kheops” bag 2019
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) "Pyramid Kheops" bag in old gold metallic lambskin. "Paris - New-York" collection Métiers d'art Pre-Fall2019, under the direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condit...
Chanel Timeless Wool and Leather Bag, 2013/2014
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in Italy) Wool and leather bag, silver metal attributes. Serial number present. Collection 2013/2014. Additional information: Dimensions: Height : 16 cm, Length :...
Chanel Black Caviar Wallet
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Chanel black caviar leather wallet from year 1991 to 1994. - Front flap with snap button closure. - Exterior back zip pocket closure. - Slip compartments and interior zip poc...
Chanel Blue Leather Bag Paris-Cuba, 2017
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Blue leather and glitter bag. Gold metal attributes. Serial number present. Resort 2017 collection. Additional information: Di...
Chanel leather bag 1991-1992
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Quilted metallic-blue leather bag ornamented with a golden metal jewelry, rhinestones, and a costume pearly cabochon. Round handle. Piece with a serial numb...
Chanel tiny bag by Karl Lagerfeld circa 1988
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A Collection circa 1988 under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Tiny evening bag made of slate-gray quilted satin and lamb leather, ornamented with a blackish gray ...
CHANEL bag, black lambs skin with colorful flowers, double chain from the 1990s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Stuttgart, DE
A totally extraordinary Chanel bag in the form of an accordion, which makes it very spacious and has a large opening. The cover of this bag is provided with 4 colorful fabric flowers...
Rare Chanel 2010 Shanghai Red Sequins Timeless Double Flap Bag
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Rare Chanel 2010 Shanghai Red Sequins Timeless Double Flap Bag, in black silk with hand-embroidered red sequins, brass/gold hardware. Condition: Good, to note: some missing sequins....
Chanel vanity bag
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Quilted patent leather vanity bag. Golden metal elements. Piece with a serial number and an authenticity card. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: ...
Chanel Multicolored Canvas Bag, 2003/2004
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in Italy) Multicolored canvas bag, leather and wooden handles. It is accompanied by a scarf in cotton cheesecloth. Serial number and authenticity card present. Collect...
Chanel basket bag Spring-Summer 1994
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Rattan basket bag with a golden metal chain fishnet interlaced with black lamb leather. Double chain handle with a matching interlacing. Red canvas lining p...
Chanel evening bag 1991
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - Partially quilted red satin evening bag. Golden metal cc fastener, and satin interlaced crossbody chain handle. Piece with a serial number. A 1989/1991 Collection. Conditio...
Chanel Rare Fall/Winter 2014 Karl Lagerfeld Shopping Center Tote Bag Collectable
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
This rare and authentic CHANEL Shopping Center tote bag was created exclusively for the Fall/Winter 2014 Ready-to-Wear runway show in Paris, designed by Karl Lagerfeld. The collectio...
Chanel Urban Spirit Backpack Circa 2010 Blue Lamb Leather Quilted Bag
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Super cool Chanel Urban Spirit backpack - worn once and comes with authenticity card and dustbag. Made from bright blue lamb leather with signature diamond quilting, it has silverton...
Chanel Vanity bag 1986-1988
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Quilted black lamb leather oval Vanity bag. Golden cc fastener, and rigid interlaced chain handle. Piece with a serial number. A 1986/1988 Collection under ...
Chanel leather distressed silver Reissure 2, 55 maxi double flap bag 2000s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Limited edition maxi Reissure double flap Chanel bag in silver metallic-distressed leather and with thick silver chains. Made in Italy. Double cha...
Chanel minaudière bag by Karl Lagerfeld 1994-1996
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1994-1996 Collection, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Minaudière bag in quilted black silk satin, with a gold-tone metal handle interwoven with black silk. ...
HERMÉS KELLY 20cm bordeaux Calfskin Leather, gold hardware, small shoulder bag
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
About Very beautiful Mini Hermès Sellier shoulder bag, bordeaux , Box calf, M in circle - 1983 Features: - Inside Pocket 1 - Size " Width 7,9 inches x H 5,7 inches x 3.7 inches - Si...
Chanel Jumbo vinyl bag 1995
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Quilted beige transparent vinyl Jumbo bag, edges made of black patent leather, with a golden metal turnlock fastening on a flap, and a golden metal chain ha...
Chanel pink bag 1989-1991
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in Italy) Quilted purple leather bag with pink panama straw. Red leather lining. Double golden metal chain handle interlaced with red leather, decorated with a red lea...
Chanel Matelassé Backpack Green Ombre Nylon by Karl Lagerfeld, Women's
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Coolest Chanel Matelassé Backpack in green ombre nylon. Comes with authenticity card. It has reflective CC strip to front, adjustable shoulder straps with leather, top zip closure an...
1990's Chanel Denim & Tortoiseshell Logo Plaque Tote Purse Handbag
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW
Dating to the 90's, this rare & authentic Chanel structured top-handle bag pairs dark washed denim with faux-tortoiseshell resin details for an unexpectedly refined, minimalist s...
Chanel 25cm black "CC" caviar tote bag
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage Chanel black caviar "CC" tote bag from year 1997 to 1999 collection. - Hardware: Gold - "CHANEL" zip closure. - Two side slip pockets. - Measurements: Length: 25cm...
2016 Chanel Matelassé gold lamb caviar leather shoulder bag
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Capri, IT
2016 Chanel Matelassé gold lamb caviar leather shoulder bag Lamb skin caviar leather gold tone chain bronze bag totally made in france measurements: 23*18*45 cm
Chanel white lambskin CC stitching backpack
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Chanel white lambskin leather CC stitching backpack from year 1996 to 1997 collection. - Flap with snap button closure. -Two compartments with two interior zip closures. - Wh...
A RUNWAY PROTOTYPE of a CHANEL Jumbo denim bag with CHANEL Icons 2007-2008A
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Stuttgart, DE
A totally unusual and unique Chanel bag made of black denim, adorned with many Chanel Icons and jewels from Chanel. It is a prototype Autumn 2007-2008 and was only produced once. IT...
Chanel Doudoune Quilted Nylon Tote Bag by Karl Lagerfeld, Women's, New
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Fabulous Chanel Doudoune logo quilted nylon tote bag. Unworn with protective plastic cover on fobs. Made from glossy navy nylon with padded CHANEL logo...
Chanel Iconic Ice Cream Parfait Canvas Print Handbag circa 2003
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Adorable Chanel bag perfect for all your days out! Circa 2003-2004, this canvas top handle features an ice cream sundae motif with Chanel umbrellas. Buckle style top handle stamped C...
Vintage CHANEL quilted double flap bag, lambskin leather, medium in pink, 1995
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Vintage CHANEL bag, Modell 2,55 medium, double flap quilted lambskin, ID Code 6437921, great color inside also lined with leather of the same color. Great used condition with slight ...