Chanel Black Velvet 2.55 Backpack, c. 1994-96
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Height: 6 in (15.24 cm)Width: 10.5 in (26.67 cm)Depth: 2.75 in (6.99 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Westport, CT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU183529362912
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, she 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 introduced in 1955 with its gold-chain shoulder strap that freed up a woman’s hands. Chanel's 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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Westport, CT
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Chanel Orange Lambskin BriefcaseBy ChanelLocated in Westport, CTChanel Orange Lambskin BriefcaseCategory
1990s French Briefcases and Attachés
- Chanel 1990s Vintage Rare Rucksack Gold Lambskin Leather BackpackBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLCirca 1991-1994. Vintage Chanel quilted leather backpack features gold tone hardware, dual leather and interwoven chain straps, front patch pocket, front flap with a CC turn lock clo...Category
1990s Italian Backpacks
- Chanel 1994 Backpack Ultra Rare Duma Vintage Red Lambskin Leather BackpackBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLUltra rare Chanel red vintage quilted lambskin backpack with interwoven chain straps 1994 {VINTAGE 28 Years} Gold hardware Double CC turnlock closu...Category
1990s French Backpacks
- Saint Laurent Black Canvas Rivington Race BackpackBy Saint LaurentLocated in Montreal, QuebecThis sturdy backpack is crafted of durable canvas in navy blue. The bag features a nylon adjustable strap and a top zipper that opens to a spacious fabric interior with room for all ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Backpacks
- Gucci Nylon Black Web Detail Techno BackpackBy GucciLocated in Montreal, QuebecGucci backpack. Black canvas. Web accent. Tonal hardware. Flat handle & dual adjustable shoulder straps. Three exterior pockets. Nylon lining & three interior pockets. Buckle. Closur...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Backpacks
- Off-White Black/White Leather Diag Drawstring BackpackBy Off-WhiteLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This practical and fashionable backpack will come in handy for daily use or as a style statement. It is smartly designed with a spacious interior for your belongings. Two shoulder st...Category
2010s Italian Backpacks
- Zaino Chanel Big Logo Vintage Pelle Nera 1994/1996By ChanelLocated in Torre Del Greco, ITZaino firmato Chanel, modello Vintage Big Logo, realizzato in pelle martellata nera con hardware dorati. Dotato di una patta esterna con chiusura a girello e di una chiusura interna ...Category
1990s Backpacks
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
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.
This Vintage Chanel Fur Muff Is Après-Ski Chic
It might not be as practical as a pair of mittens, but for something that looks this good, practicality really doesn't matter.