Chanel Black Large Classic Bag
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, 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.
- Misela Reptile Printed Leather BagLocated in Gazzaniga (BG), ITBeautiful Misela bag Leather Reptile print Anthracite color Central metal element Metal chain Magnetic closure Suede internal Internal pocket Cm 24 x 14...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tote Bags
- No-Nu Shopping bag size UniqueLocated in Gazzaniga (BG), ITLeather Brown color Totally embroidered with sequins and studs Two handles Can be carried on shoulder too Zip closure Two internal pockets (one with zip ) and phone holder Cm 42 x 45...Category
2010s Tote Bags
- Chloé Paddington BagBy ChloéLocated in Gazzaniga (BG), ITIconic Chloe Paddington bag Leather and patent Purple color Two handles Double zip closure Internal zip pocket Bronze metal inserts Key locker wit...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Tote Bags
- Bally Violet Lizard BagBy BallyLocated in Gazzaniga (BG), ITWonderful bag by Bally Lizard bag Lizard Purple color Two handles can be carried on shoulder too Internal zip pocket and phone holder Metal hardware Grey su...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Tote Bags
- Italian Artisanal Python and Crocodile BagLocated in Gazzaniga (BG), ITAmazing italian artisanal bag Real python Grey color Real crocodile, in pink shade Two handles Double internal compartment, divided by large zip pocket Red innternal leather Two inte...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tote Bags
- Carlo Zini Jewel BagBy Carlo ZiniLocated in Gazzaniga (BG), ITStunning Carlo Zini Milano jewel bag One of the world's best bijoux designers Textile Black color Multicolored inserts Floral theme Wonderful swarovski crystals applications Single l...Category
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Prada Black Patent Leather Gaufre Ruched Shoulder Bag ToteLocated in Philadelphia, PAPrada Black Patent Leather Gaufre Ruched Shoulder Bag Tote in excellent condition. Black patent leather exterior in signature ruched gaufre style t...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
- Chanel Black 2000 CC Grand Shopping ToteBy ChanelLocated in Atlanta, GAThis timeless black caviar leather shopping tote with gold hardware features a zipper closure. The leather interior offers one zippered pocket, ensuring your items stay secure. SPEC...Category
Early 2000s French Tote Bags
- Bottega Veneta Brown Intrecciato Calfskin Puffy Chain Top Handle Tote BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Bottega Veneta Brown Intrecciato Calfskin Puffy Chain Top Handle Tote Bag SKU: 118428 MSRP: 4980.00 Condition: Pre-owned (3000) Handbag Condition: Mint Condition Comme...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
- Lulu Guinness London Whimsical Canvas Straw Tote BagBy Lulu GuinnessLocated in University City, MOLulu Guinness London Whimsical canvas & straw tote bag The stylish black canvas tote depicts a chic embroidered woman's face with vinyl embroidered sunglas...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Tote Bags
- Hermes Black and White Striped Canvas Tote with pochetteBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLHermes Black and White Striped Canvas Tote- PRISTINE The cheerful summertime carryall is accompanied by a coordinating black canvas case. Black ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Tote Bags
- Prada Camouflage 2 Way ToteBy PradaLocated in West Hollywood, CAPrada military style tote bag. The bag has two large leather handles to wear it over the shoulder and comes also with a brown leather strap to wear it crossbody. The piece is made of...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tote Bags
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.