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 by Karl Lagerfeld Velvet Choker Necklace, Cruciform Amethyst Glass, 2017
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A seriously cool Chanel Renaissance velvet choker from the 2017 collection. The detail is what holds it together, rich and deliberate, with a slightly rebellious edge. Cruciform moti...
Chanel by Lagerfeld Pearl CC Logo Necklace 2014
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Preloved Chanel Pearl CC Logo Necklace. The quintessential pearl necklace from the House of Chanel and a keeper from the legendary tenure of Karl Lagerfeld. Exquisite attention to ...
Chanel American Indian Zuni FW 1993 Poured Gripoix Glass Pendant Necklace
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel American Indian Zuni Inspired Lariat Fall Winter 1993 Poured Glass Pendant, by Maison Gripoix , Gripoix faux pearls with elaborate pendant of hand poured glass "stones" in r...
Bronze, Gilt Metal
Chanel Renaissance Revival Pearl Pendant, Maison Gripoix
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Renaissance Revival Pearl Pendant, Maison Gripoix by Victoire de Castellane for Chanel. Gripoix hand made poured glass pendant in ruby and emerald glass in bronze settings on ...
Bronze, Gilt Metal
Chanel by Lagerfeld Runway Tartan Choker Sautoir Métiers d'Art 2013
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A sensational runway piece - a Chanel Pearl & Tartan Choker Sautoir from the 2012- 2013 Métiers d'art Collection. Chanel's Métiers d'art collections, launched annually since 200...
Chanel multi-row necklace by Karl Lagerfeld 1984
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1984 ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Woloch Atelier. Golden metal byzantine-style multi-row necklace with glass-paste cabochons and...
Gilt Metal
Chanel sautoir necklace by Karl Lagerfeld 1985s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1985 under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Costume pearl sautoir necklace with red and green glass pearls, and Swarovski rhinesto...
Chanel Pre-Fall 2015 Salzburg Sissi 15A Star Crystal Ring
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
A spectacular statement ring from Chanel’s Pre-Fall 2015 Salzburg Métiers d’Art collection (15A) — the legendary show dedicated to the house’s artisans and the romance of Austria. K...
Crystal
Vintage Chanel by Lagerfeld Large Deep Purple Silk Velvet Corsage Brooch 1980s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A super luxe and wonderfully large Vintage Chanel Corsage Brooch. Crafted in deep purple silk velvet with a silk backing and glossy stamens. In very good vintage condition, signed, a...
Chanel byzantine necklace by Karl Lagerfeld circa 1985
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1985 under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Multi-row golden metal necklace with pearly cabochons and colorful glass paste. Made ...
Gilt Metal
Chanel Camelia Pearl Necklace, Maison Gripoix
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Camelia Pearl Necklace, Maison Gripoix from the 1990's. A central station of 3 hand poured glass crystal flowers with pearl centers is strung on a large 15mm faux ivory pink p...
Bronze, Gilt Metal
Chanel brooch by Karl Lagerfeld Fall-Winter 1991
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1991 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Woloch Atelier. Openwork golden metal brooch ornamented with rhinestones and glass...
Gilt Metal
Chanel cuff bracelet by Karl Lagerfeld Haute Couture Fall-Winter 1991-1992
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1991-1992 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Collection by Karl Lagerfeld. Gripoix Atelier. Half golden metal cuff bracelet with a byzantine style, ornamented with glass paste, and ...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Chanel Statement CC Logo Cuff KARL LAGERFELD 1994
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A megawatt Vintage Chanel CC Logo Cuff in exceptional condition. A piece from the 1994 Spring Collection and the iconic reign of Lagerfeld and Castellane not to mention the now legen...
Chanel choker necklace by Karl Lagerfeld circa 1985
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1985-1990 under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Choker baroque costume pearl necklace with a cross pendant made of golden metal, ...
Gilt Metal
Chanel necklace by Karl Lagerfeld Fall 1997
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1997 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Gripoix Atelier. Golden metal necklace with costume pearls and a pendant brooch ma...
Chanel necklace 'Astrology' by Karl Lagerfeld Fall 1995
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1995 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal sautoir chain necklace intertwined with black leather and ornamented ...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Chanel LAGERFELD ERA Iconic Statement Monochrome CC Logo Cuff 2006
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A stunning oversize Chanel Monochrome CC Cuff from the 2000s. Crafted in resin. Featuring a gigantic bold black interlocking CC logo on a white background to create a seriously iconi...
Chanel earrings by Karl Lagerfeld Fall-Winter 1997
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1997 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal clip-on earrings with green and red glass-paste cabochons. Made in F...
Gilt Metal
Chanel brooch by Karl Lagerfeld Fall-Winter 1991
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1991 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Gripoix Atelier. Golden metal cross pendant brooch with costume pearls, pearly cabo...
Gilt Metal
Chanel brooch by Karl Lagerfeld Fall 2013
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2013 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Silvery metal openwork brooch decorated with diferent-size rhinestones and centere...
Chanel cc brooch by Karl Lagerfeld Spring-Summer 2004
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2004 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Silvery metal brooch with Swarovski rhinestones and a cc logo. Made in France. ...
Chanel camellia bracelet by Karl Lagerfeld Spring 2007
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2007 spring-Summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal rigid bracelet ornamented with a golden metal camellia enameled wit...
Gilt Metal
Chanel necklace by Karl Lagerfeld circa late 1980s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A ready-to-wear Collection circa late 1980s under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Costume pearl dickey necklace ornamented with a golden metal chain and articulat...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Chanel LAGERFELD ERA Pastel Pink & Crystal Logo Brooch 1996
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A beautiful, large vintage Chanel Brooch. The perfect stylish investment piece. Featuring delightful faux rock crystal stones (resin) surrounding a salmon pink plaque (resin) that be...
Chanel brooch by Karl Lagerfeld Winter 1991
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1991 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal brooch with glass-paste cabochons. Made in France. Condition: Very ...
Gilt Metal
Chanel 'Timeless' pin by Karl Lagerfeld Fall-Winter 2002
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2002 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal "Timeless" bag brooch with black enameld and tiny costume-pearl handl...
Gilt Metal
Chanel White Bakelite Cuff Bracelet with Multicolored CC Logos, 2005
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) White bakelite bracelet ornamented with multicolored cc logos. 2005 Cruise Collection under the artistic direction of...
Chanel earrings by Karl Lagerfeld Cruise 1993
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1993 Cruise Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal hoop earrings with pink resin. Made in France. Condition: Very good condition Dimensi...
Gilt Metal
Chanel brooch by Karl Lagerfeld Fall-Winter 2003
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2003 Fall-winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Silvery metal cc brooch interspaced with enamel scratches in pale-yellow tones. M...
Chanel camellia bracelet by Karl Lagerfeld Spring-Summer 1998
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1998 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal camellia bracelet. Made in France. Condition: Very good condition...
Gilt Metal
Chanel earrings 'Perfume' Haute Couture by Karl Lagerfeld circa 1985
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A Haute Couture Collection circa 1985, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Perfume-bottle earrings made of resin and golden metal. Condition: Very good conditi...
Gilt Metal
Vintage CHANEL Grande Baroque Pearl Collar and Earrings, Early KARL LAGERFELD
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
An important and highly desirable vintage chanel pearl necklace and earring suite. Attributed to Maison Gripoix for the House of Chanel and to the first year of the now legendary Kar...
Gold Plate
Chanel camellia brooch
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) White camellia brooch decorated with a black silk bow. A Collection circa 1985 under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition: Very good conditi...
Vintage Chanel 24K Gold-Plated Triple Interlocking CC Pendant Necklace
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Ardmore, PA
Vintage Chanel 24K Gold-Plated Triple Interlocking CC Pendant Necklace Rare, Authentic Vintage Piece from Fall 1994 Collection by Karl Lagerfeld C...
24k Gold, Gold Plate
Vintage Chanel Leather Chunky Chain Bracelet 1980s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Vintage Chanel Leather Chain Bracelet. A perfect piece of Chanel heritage especially when we cast our thoughts back to the eternally iconic Linda Evangelista in black leather Chane...
Chanel necklace by Karl Lagerfeld Haute Couture Fall-Winter 1994
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1994 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Long costume pearl necklace with rhinestoned rings and tiny silvery-metal bows. M...
Chanel Coco Mark 2001A Metal Camelia Ring - 7 with Box
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Port Hope, ON
This 2001A Chanel Coco Mark Camelia ring is a hard to find item. It is a three leaf Camelia in silver tone, and nestled inside is a tiny camelia with the iconic cc. I would describe ...
Chanel sautoir necklace by Karl Lagerfeld Spring-Summer 1994
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1994 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Woloch Atelier. Golden metal and costume pearl sautoir necklace. Made in France...
Gilt Metal
Chanel Renaissance Style Pendant, Maison Gripoix.
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Renaissance Style Pendant from the 1980's hand made by Maison Gripoix. A reversible double sided oval pendant has poured glass work in emeral...
Bronze
Chanel necklace 'shell' Cruise Grand Central, New York 2007
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Champagne metal tiny chains necklace ornamented with costume pearls, pink pearls, white glass shells, and pink-tone stones. At the center, an impressive pea...
Chanel necklace by Karl Lagerfeld Fall-Winter 1991
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1991 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal necklace with glass paste in red tones and green rhinestones. Made in...
Gilt Metal
Chanel brooch fall-winter 1992
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Beaten golden metal brooch with colorful glass paste cabochons. 1992 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. C...
Gilt Metal
Chanel necklace by Karl Lagerfeld Fall-Winter 1991
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1991 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Costume-pearl choker necklace with a pendant ornamented with costume pearly caboch...
Gilt Metal
Chanel charm bracelet by Karl Lagerfeld Spring-Summer 1996
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1996 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Woloch Atelier. Golden metal charm bracelet ornamented with CHANEL letters. Mad...
Gilt Metal
Vintage CHANEL LAGERFELD ERA Statement Pearl Torsade CC Logo Bracelet 2014
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A striking statement Chanel Pearl Torsade Bracelet crafted during the legedary Karl Lagerfeld tenure. Featuring multiple rows of luxurious pearls in a torsade style. Finished with th...
Chanel brooch by Karl Lagerfeld Fall 2008
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2008 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Champagne metal CC brooch ornamented with white and pale-green costume pearls, and...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Chanel Amethyst & Turquoise Jewelled Cuff 2005
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
Vintage Chanel Jewelled Cuff – Spring 2005 Collection A rare and radiant piece from Chanel’s Spring 2005 collection, this vintage jewelled cuff exudes effortless luxury and timeless ...
Gold Plate
Chanel American Indian Zuni Inspired Lariat Fall Winter 1993
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Recently Karl Lagerfeld took Chanel's Metiers d'Art's team to Dallas for the Paris-Dallas RTW show. Viewers were treated to a luxurious yet campy mash up of Franglo-American styles w...
Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Gilt Metal
Vintage Chanel 1990s Gold Twisted Rope Knot Clip-On Earrings, Made in France
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Elevate your collection with these iconic vintage Chanel clip-on earrings, crafted in France during the early 90s. Designed in a bold interlocking knot motif, these statement earring...
Chanel pearl necklace 1980s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Two-row costume pearl necklace with a medallion centered with a glass paste cabochon. Jewelry from the early 1980s. Condition: Very good condition Dimensi...
Chanel necklace winter 1991
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Short necklace composed of a golden-metal chain row and a costume-pearl row. 1991 Fall-winter 'Hip-Hop' Ready-to-Wear Collection under the artistic directio...
Gilt Metal
Vintage CHANEL LAGERFELD ICONIC Chain Letter Charm BRACELET & NECKLACE 2002
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
An iconic Vintage Chanel Letter Charm Bracelet and Necklace set, dating to the 2002 Collection. A rarity to find and in such wonderful condition. Weighty gold plated chains adorned w...
Gold Plate
Chanel Byzantine Gilt Metal Bracelet with Glass Cabochons, 1990s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal rigid bracelet with glass paste cabochons. Jewelry from the 1990s under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition: Very good conditi...
Gilt Metal
Chanel brooch by Karl Lagerfeld Winter 1991
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1991 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal brooch with glass paste cabochons and costume pearly drops. Made in ...
Gilt Metal
Chanel necklace by Karl Lagerfeld circa 1980
By 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. Gripoix atelier. Two-row necklace made of red glass pearls interspaced with rhinestone...
Gilt Metal
Chanel Haute Couture Runway Fluorite Ring. Spring/Summer 2000
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Rare and unusual ring made for Chanel Haute Couture runway presentation for Spring Summer 2000. A massive emerald cut fluorite is mounted into a large sterling silver shank very reminiscent of the work of jeweler Tina Chow.
Made for Karl Lagerfeld by Ibu Poilane, the jeweler and owner of Ibu Gallery in the Palais Royale. The languid silk satin Chanel...
Fluorite, Silver, Sterling Silver
Chanel cuff bracelet by Karl Lagerfeld Spring-Summer 1990
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1990 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal cuff bracelet enameled with black. Made in France. Condition: Very ...
Gilt Metal
$16,654
Chanel necklace 'candy'
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Long golden metal necklace with colorful bakelite medallions. Signature engraved on the fastener. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: SKU:...
$12,371
Chanel bracelet summer 1987
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal chain necklace tied with golden metal charms ornamented with multicolored resin. 1987 Spring-Summer Collection under the artistic direction of ...
Gilt Metal