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 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 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 pendant necklace by Karl Lagerfeld circa 1990
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1990 under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal pendant necklace with Swarovski rhinestones and a cc medallion. Made in ...
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 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 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
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...
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 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-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 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
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 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
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...
VintageChanel LAGERFELD Statement Crystal CHANEL Spellout Bangle 2003
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Vintage Chanel Spell-out Bracelet. Featuring a chunky resin bangle with the iconic name of the House of Chanel set invisibly set in rhinestones on the front. From 2003 when Karl La...
Chanel sautoir necklace by Karl Lagerfeld Fall-Winter 1988-1989
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1988-1989 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal sautoir necklace with costume pearls. Made in France. Condition:...
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 bracelet by Karl Lagerfeld Haute Couture 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. Golden metal cuff bracelet with costume pearls and Swarovski rhinestones. Made in Franc...
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...
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 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 cuff bracelet by Karl Lagerfeld Fall-Winter 1990
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1990 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal cuff bracelet with costume pearls. Made in France. Condition: Very go...
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 1984 Multi-Row Golden Metal Chain Necklace with Pearls & Pompom
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Multi-row golden metal chain necklace decorated with glass paste, costume pearls, and a matching pompom. A 1984 Collection. Condition: Very good condition ...
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 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...
$278Sale Price|60% Off
Chanel 2001 Mauve Pink Leather Cuff Bracelet, France, COA Included
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Port Hope, ON
Perfect bracelet for everyday wear. This leather and metal bracelet is stamped 2001 which you can find on a metal disc at the back. This bracelet was made in France. It is very easy ...
Base Metal
Chanel earrings by Karl Lagerfeld Spring-Summer 1993
By 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. Long golden metal clip-on earrings representing three cc logos. Made in France....
Gilt Metal
Chanel Spring 1994 Black Sequin Camellia Flower Brooch
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The classic Chanel Camellia flower brooch in sparkly black sequin iteration from the Chanel S/S 1994 runway collection. Shimmering black sequins affixed to dimensional, sculpted fabr...
Chanel sautoir 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. Blue glass-pearl sautoir necklace with golden elements ornamented with glass paste cabochons an...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Chanel LAGERFELD Era Statement Pink Cut Out Oversize CC Logo Cuff 2001
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A dreamy vintage noughties Chanel pink cuff by Lagerfeld that will be adored and coveted. Vintage Condition: Very good without damage or noteworthy wear. Signed: Chanel, 2001 Materi...
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
Chanel cuff bracelet by Karl Lagerfeld Cruise 2011
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2011 Cruise ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Beaten golden metal cuff bracelet with amber-color resin and tiny costume pearls. Made...
Gilt Metal
Chanel necklace Haute Couture by Karl Lagerfeld Winter 1991
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1991 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Short costume pearl necklace with golden metal set with rhinestones and green glas...
Gilt Metal
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
Chanel Sautoir Necklace by Karl Lagerfeld, Pink Rhinestones, 1981
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Iconic Chanel Sautoir (Made in France), signed 1981, pink polished rhinestones , two different sices. 1,2 cm and 0,9 cn in diameter . Length of the necklace 124/62 cm. Best conditio...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
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 bakelite bracelet by Karl Lagerfeld 1985
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1985 ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Woloch Atelier. Tortoiseshell bakelite bracelet topped with tiny glass-paste cabochons in red, ...
Vintage CHANEL KARL LAGERFELD Statement Loupe Pendant & Chain Necklace 1980s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A superb Vintage Chanel Looking Glass Necklace. Crafted in weighty gold plated metal and set with a magnifying glass finished to perfection with the iconic logo of the House of Chane...
Chanel byzantine necklace
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal pendant necklace with pearly cabochons, and red and green glass paste. Jewelry from the 1980s. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Len...
Gilt Metal
$12,509
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
Chanel multi-row necklace by Karl Lagerfeld 1990s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1990 under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Woloch Atelier. Multi-row costume pearl necklace with a golden metal fastener. Made in ...
Gilt Metal
Chanel sautoir necklace by Karl Lagerfeld circa 1990
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Costume pearl sautoir necklace with golden metal flowers centered with a Swarovski rhinestone. Mad...
Gilt Metal
Chanel earrings 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 earrings representing a cc logo full of holes. Made in France. Con...
Vintage Chanel LAGERFELD Statement Crystal CHANEL Spellout Bangle 2003
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Vintage Chanel Spell-out Bracelet from the AW 2003 Collection. Featuring a chunky resin bangle with the iconic name of the House of Chanel set invisibly set in rhinestones on the f...
$1,684
Chanel cross earrings
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal clip-on earrings with glass paste cabochons. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm SKU:BOB266
$6,375
Chanel charm bracelet
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal charm bracelet with CHANEL engraved buttons. Jewelry from the early 1990s. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 20 cm SKU:BRAB6
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 magnifying glass 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. Golden metal chain sautoir necklace ornamented with costume pearls, red and gree...
Gilt Metal
Chanel 'bow' brooch
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - Black silk bow brooch. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 49 cm - Width: 18 cm SKU:BRB87
Chanel glass paste bracelet
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Openwork silvery metal cuff bracelet with rhinestones, and green, red, and purple glass paste. Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Circumference: 13.5 c...
Chanel golden necklace 1980s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A ready-to-wear Collection from the 1980s under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Long two-row golden metal pearl necklace. Made in France Condition: Very good cond...
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 earrings 'Paris-Dallas' by Karl Lagerfeld Pre Fall 2015
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2015 Pre Fall ready-to-wear 'Paris-Dallas' Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Golden metal cc earrings enameled with burgundy red. Made in France. ...
Chanel pendant necklace 1990s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Long golden metal necklace, pendant ornamented with tiny glass paste cabochons. Jewelry from the 1990s under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Cond...
Gilt Metal
Chanel turnlock bracelet 1997
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal bracelet, turnlock collection. 1997 Spring-Summer Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition: Very good condition D...
Vintage Chanel LAGERFELD Era Medallion Necklace 1980s (see condition report)
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Vintage Chanel Sunburst Medallion Necklace. Please see condition details. Centring on the iconic theme of the sunburst immortalised by Coco Chanel in...
$1,684
Chanel cross brooch
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal cross brooch with glass paste and costume pearly drops. 1997 Fall-Winter Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition:...