1980s Chanel silk blouse
View Similar Items
1980s Chanel silk blouse
About the Item
Chanel
In the years following the opening of her modest millinery shop, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel became a pivotal designer of both fashionable casual wear and Paris haute couture as well as an icon and arbiter of 20th-century style with her bob haircut and pearls. Today vintage Chanel handbags, jackets and evening dresses are among the most sought-after clothing and accessories for fashion lovers all over the world.
The first Chanel shop was established in 1910 in Paris on rue Cambon by the young milliner Gabrielle Chanel (1883–1971), who had picked up the nickname “Coco” while working as a club singer. The boutique drew the attention of the Parisian fashion elite who popularized her wide-brimmed Chanel Modes hats. Soon she added a sportswear store in the Normandy resort town of Deauville, where Coco set the tone for her defining sense of style — traditionally masculine garments reimagined for feminine shapes, made from simple jersey fabric.
Effortless and elegant, Chanel's designs promoted comfort and grace in women’s wear that had been dominated in the previous century by complicated layers of fabric and cumbersome corsets. She followed this success with a couture house, opened in 1915 in Biarritz.
But Chanel was not born into a life of glamour. Following the death of her mother, her father left her in an orphanage where she lived until the age of 18. It was there that she learned to sew as well as appreciate the classic pairing of black and white as worn by the nuns.
In 1926, Chanel introduced her first little black dress, reclaiming a color that had once been reserved for mourning and working-class women. That same decade, she debuted her perfume, Chanel No. 5, as well as the Chanel suit with a fitted skirt, inspired by the boxy lines of men’s clothing and employing a sporty tweed.
Chanel closed her fashion operations during World War II, then returned to the industry in 1954 to design for the functional needs of modern women.
Structure and wearability endured in all of Chanel’s clothing and accessories, like the quilted leather 2.55 handbag — a 1955 update of a 1920s-era design — with its gold-chain shoulder strap that freed up a woman’s hands. Her collarless jacket reacted against the constricting styles of Christian Dior's New Look, replacing them with a design that was timeless, an instant classic. The 1957 two-tone slingback pumps had a practical heel height while offering a bold statement in the black tip of the shoes.
After Coco Chanel died in 1971, the brand underwent several changes in leadership, including fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, who took over as artistic director in 1983. Over the years, the company has continued to innovate, such as expanding into ready-to-wear fashion in 1978 and, in 2002, establishing a subsidiary company — Paraffection — dedicated to preserving the heritage skills of fashion artisan workshops. The House of Chanel still operates its flagship on rue Cambon in Paris, where it all began.
Browse vintage Chanel bags, evening dresses, shoes, jewelry and other clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
- Rei Kawakubo 1990s sheer nylon brown topBy Rei KawakuboLocated in Austin, TXRei Kawakubo 1990s sheer nylon brown top. Size M Condition: very good, some wear, see photos.Category
1990s Japanese Shirts
- 2006 Comme des Garcons British Flag tankBy Comme des Garçons, Rei KawabukoLocated in Austin, TX2006 SS Comme des Garcons British Flag tank Condition: Very good 29" bust, 20" waist, 26.5" length 100% wool Size SCategory
Early 2000s Japanese Shirts
- 1996 MARTIN MARGIELA Metal Ring TopBy Maison Martin MargielaLocated in Austin, TX1996 Martin Margiela brown knit crop top with tie back and metal ring neck Condition: Excellent Bust 24" , 18" waist, 21.5" length size XS / SCategory
1990s Unknown Halter Tops
- 1990s Masaki MatsushimaBy Masaki MatsushimaLocated in Austin, TXMasaki Matsushima grey wool dress, high slit. Condition: Excellent Made in Paris Size 2 / US 6Category
1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
$1,800 - 1990s Atsuro Tayama Wool Belted CoatLocated in Austin, TX1990s Atsura Tayama wool belted coat. Condition: Excellent Size 6Category
1990s Japanese Coats and Outerwear
- 1992 Gianni Versace Denim Leopard Vest and JeansBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Austin, TX1992 Gianni Versace leopard print vest and jeans. Medusa buttons. Zip up closure on vest. Cotton fabric. Condition excellent. Size XS, IT38, US 2 ...Category
1990s Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
$2,520 Sale Price30% Off
- Valentino Black Logo Applique Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt XXLBy ValentinoLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Whether you want to go out on casual outings with friends or just want to lounge around, this t-shirt is a versatile piece and can be styled in many ways. It has been made using fine...Category
2010s European T-Shirts
- Jacquemus Navy Blue Linen & Cotton Le Haut Bebi Crop Top SBy JacquemusLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Crafted with a blend of linen and cotton, the Jacquemus Le Haut Bebi Crop Top exudes effortless charm. Its minimalist design features a flattering crop length, perfect for warm days....Category
2010s European Crop Tops
- Louis Vuitton Cream Wool Blend Knit Boat Neck Top LBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Careful tailoring, quality materials, and elegant cuts make this designer top a piece to cherish! It comes in a classic design to be easy to style.Category
2010s European Tunics
- Givenchy Black Logo Print Cotton Oversized T-Shirt SBy GivenchyLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Perfect for casual outings or errands, this T-shirt is the best piece to feel comfortable and stylish in. It flaunts a catchy shade and a relaxed fit.Category
2010s European T-Shirts
- Amiri Black Ouija Board Print Cotton Half Sleeve T-Shirt XXLBy AmiriLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Get the comfort and the right casual style with this designer T-shirt. Designed to be reliable and durable, the creation has a simple neckline and signature detailing.Category
2010s Italian T-Shirts
- Gucci White Graphic Print Cotton T-Shirt SBy GucciLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Perfect for casual outings or errands, this T-shirt is the best piece to feel comfortable and stylish in. It flaunts a catchy shade and a relaxed fit.Category
2010s Italian T-Shirts
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
From the Runway to Rihanna, These Chanel Pearl Sunglasses Are the Peak of ’90s Chic
This cheeky accessory is seriously fun.
With a Wink, Karl Lagerfeld Sent This Egg-Carton-Shaped Chanel Bag Down the Runway
For the brand’s 2014–15 ready-to-wear show in Paris, the designer was inspired by a most unexpected place: the supermarket.