Skip to main content

Chanel Snake

Vintage CHANEL Gripoix Rhinestone Snake Belt
Vintage CHANEL Gripoix Rhinestone Snake Belt

Vintage CHANEL Gripoix Rhinestone Snake Belt

By Chanel

Located in Kingersheim, Alsace

Vintage CHANEL Gripoix Rhinestone Snake Belt Size: Height: 1.18 inches (3 cm) round red gripoix Wearable Length: 31.4 inches (80 cm) to 33.8 inches (86 cm) Features: - 100% Authent...

Category

1990s French Belts

Chanel Iridescent Python Snake Mini Crossbody Bag
Chanel Iridescent Python Snake Mini Crossbody Bag

Chanel Iridescent Python Snake Mini Crossbody Bag

By Chanel

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Chanel limited edition iridescent python mini cross body bag. Shoulder strap 23". Comes with hologram and dust cover. This item does not ship to California due to wildlife regulations.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Chanel Black Lucite Mini Box Minaudière Bag Snake Chain Strap
Chanel Black Lucite Mini Box Minaudière Bag Snake Chain Strap

Chanel Black Lucite Mini Box Minaudière Bag Snake Chain Strap

By Chanel

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Suspended from a delicate gold-tone snake chain strap, the piece introduces fluidity against its structured body.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Bags and Minaudières

Recent Sales

90s Chanel snake leather peep toes in black, Sz 8
90s Chanel snake leather peep toes in black, Sz 8

90s Chanel snake leather peep toes in black, Sz 8

By Chanel

Located in Berlin, DE

90s Chanel snake leather peep toes in black, Sz 8

Category

Late 20th Century French Shoes

1996 Chanel vintage jumbo snake chain flap bag
1996 Chanel vintage jumbo snake chain flap bag

1996 Chanel vintage jumbo snake chain flap bag

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Excellent vintage condition Minor scratches to interior lambskin flap lining some minor knicks to patent leather Very rarely carried and always stored in dust bag Collectors dream ...

Category

1990s Structured Shoulder Bags

Rare 1997 Chanel Mini Black Plexiglass CC Snake Chain Box Bag
Rare 1997 Chanel Mini Black Plexiglass CC Snake Chain Box Bag

Rare 1997 Chanel Mini Black Plexiglass CC Snake Chain Box Bag

By Chanel

Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta

Rare vintage 1997 chanel acrylic box bag in black with gold snake chain.

Category

1990s Evening Bags and Minaudières

Vintage CHANEL Multi Color Snake Skin Sleeveless Top
Vintage CHANEL Multi Color Snake Skin Sleeveless Top

Vintage CHANEL Multi Color Snake Skin Sleeveless Top

By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

90s Chanel snake skin top in orange, blue, yellow, and black.

Category

Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses

Chanel Multi Colored Snake Skin Handbag
Chanel Multi Colored Snake Skin Handbag

Chanel Multi Colored Snake Skin Handbag

By Chanel

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Chanel multi colored snake skin handbag. Handle drop 3".

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Handbags and Purses

Chanel Tortoise Resin Snake Chain Bag
Chanel Tortoise Resin Snake Chain Bag

Chanel Tortoise Resin Snake Chain Bag

Sold

H 4.5 in D 2 in L 5 in

Chanel Tortoise Resin Snake Chain Bag

By Chanel

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Chanel Tortoise Resin Snake Chain Evening Bag- Pristine Condition; appears never carried.

Category

Late 20th Century French Structured Shoulder Bags

Snake skin and tweed sandals Chanel
Snake skin and tweed sandals Chanel

Snake skin and tweed sandals Chanel

By Chanel

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Snake skin and tweed sandals. New Sample. Heels height : 10 cm

Category

2010s Italian Shoes

Chanel Vintage Black Leather Snake Chain Bag
Chanel Vintage Black Leather Snake Chain Bag

Chanel Vintage Black Leather Snake Chain Bag

By Chanel

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Chanel Black Leather Snake Chain Flap Bag is in nearly pristine condition.

Category

1990s Structured Shoulder Bags

Chanel Blue Snake-Embossed Leather Heels - '10s
Chanel Blue Snake-Embossed Leather Heels - '10s

Chanel Blue Snake-Embossed Leather Heels - '10s

By Chanel

Located in Milano, Lombardia

The Chanel blue snake-embossed leather heels combine luxury and distinctive style in a unique accessory.

Category

2010s Heels

Chanel Classic Flap 2012 Medium Pink Snake Skin
Chanel Classic Flap 2012 Medium Pink Snake Skin

Chanel Classic Flap 2012 Medium Pink Snake Skin

By Chanel

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Chanel Classic Flap 2012 Medium Pink Snake Skin These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags.

Category

2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags

CHANEL Silver Metal Snake Mesh Belt Size 85 FR
CHANEL Silver Metal Snake Mesh Belt Size 85 FR

CHANEL Silver Metal Snake Mesh Belt Size 85 FR

By Chanel

Located in Paris, FR

Very beautiful CHANEL belt composed of 8 silver metal snake mesh chains.

Category

Early 2000s Unknown Belts

CHANEL Python Cream Brown Snake & Leather Skinny CC Logo Belt
CHANEL Python Cream Brown Snake & Leather Skinny CC Logo Belt

CHANEL Python Cream Brown Snake & Leather Skinny CC Logo Belt

By Chanel

Located in Krakow, PL

Rare CHANEL Python Cream Brown Snake Skin and Leather Skinny Belt CC Logo in Python Size 85cm / 34” Inches Rare Matte / Brushed Silver Hardware Collection: B Exotics, 12C Cru...

Category

2010s Belts

CHANEL Size 8.5 Pastel Yellow Snake Skin CC Slingback Pumps
CHANEL Size 8.5 Pastel Yellow Snake Skin CC Slingback Pumps

CHANEL Size 8.5 Pastel Yellow Snake Skin CC Slingback Pumps

By Chanel

Located in San Francisco, CA

CHANEL pumps come in pastel yellow matte snakeskin with a sling back, metallic gold leather trim, bow, and tow cap with enamel CC. Made in Italy. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Mark...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Low Heels

CHANEL Size 6 Black Snake Piping Cropped Leather 04 P Jacket
CHANEL Size 6 Black Snake Piping Cropped Leather 04 P Jacket

CHANEL Size 6 Black Snake Piping Cropped Leather 04 P Jacket

By Chanel

Located in San Francisco, CA

CHANEL Spring 2004 jacket comes in smooth matte leather with a collarless Coco Chanel classic cropped silhouette, zip front, patch pockets, slit cuff sleeves, and black snake leather...

Category

20th Century French Jackets

Classic CHANEL Size 10 Cap Toe Snake-Skin Stacked Heel Pumps
Classic CHANEL Size 10 Cap Toe Snake-Skin Stacked Heel Pumps

Classic CHANEL Size 10 Cap Toe Snake-Skin Stacked Heel Pumps

By Chanel

Located in San Francisco, CA

Amazing classic CHANEL pumps in snake skin and leather. Black square cap toe and thick, sturdy heel.

Category

20th Century Italian Shoes

Chanel Cambon Clutch White Leather Snake Skin CC Logo Black Strap
Chanel Cambon Clutch White Leather Snake Skin CC Logo Black Strap

Chanel Cambon Clutch White Leather Snake Skin CC Logo Black Strap

By Chanel

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Chanel Cambon Clutch White Leather Snake Skin CC Logo Black Strap These are professional photos of the actual bag.

Category

2010s French Shoulder Bags

Chanel 00T Snake Python Exotic Multicolor Snap CC Bracelet  96ck822s
Chanel 00T Snake Python Exotic Multicolor Snap CC Bracelet  96ck822s

Chanel 00T Snake Python Exotic Multicolor Snap CC Bracelet 96ck822s

By Chanel

Located in Dix hills, NY

Date Code/Serial Number: 00 T Made In: France Measurements: Length: 2" Width: .1" Height: .5" Circumference: 5"-7" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 8/10 or AB ) Accessories: Box Sig...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Other

CHANEL Size 8.5 Cream Leather & Black Grosgrain Toe Cap Snake Heel Mules
CHANEL Size 8.5 Cream Leather & Black Grosgrain Toe Cap Snake Heel Mules

CHANEL Size 8.5 Cream Leather & Black Grosgrain Toe Cap Snake Heel Mules

By Chanel

Located in San Francisco, CA

CHANEL mules comes in smooth cream leather with a black pointed grosgrain toe cap and feature a covered stiletto heel with faux pearl and silver tone, crystal eye snake coiled around...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Heels

CHANEL cream leather 2016 16A ROME SNAKE PEARL HEEL Mules Shoes 38.5
CHANEL cream leather 2016 16A ROME SNAKE PEARL HEEL Mules Shoes 38.5

CHANEL cream leather 2016 16A ROME SNAKE PEARL HEEL Mules Shoes 38.5

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Chanel pointed-toe mules in ecru lambskin with classic black grosgrain cap toe embellished with silver-tone metal snake and pearl detail on the heel.

Category

2010s Shoes

Chanel tortoise shell evening box bag with snake chain
Chanel tortoise shell evening box bag with snake chain

Chanel tortoise shell evening box bag with snake chain

By Karl Lagerfeld

Located in London, GB

Incredibly rare and unique Chanel tortoise shell evening box bag. The bag has a gold 'CC' Chanel logo on the top, snap closure and 'Chanel '97' Made in France' engraved inside. These...

Category

1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières

Chanel Two Tones Pointy Toe Sandals Pumps
Chanel Two Tones Pointy Toe Sandals Pumps

Chanel Two Tones Pointy Toe Sandals Pumps

By Chanel

Located in Sheung Wan, HK

- Vintage 90s Chanel two tones Beige/Pink snake skin leather pointy toe sandals pumps

Category

1990s Italian Heels

Vintage CHANEL Multi Color Snake Skin Sleeveless Top
Vintage CHANEL Multi Color Snake Skin Sleeveless Top

Vintage CHANEL Multi Color Snake Skin Sleeveless Top

By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

90s Chanel snake skin top in orange, blue, yellow, and black.

Category

Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses

Chanel Burgundy Lambskin Leather Heel Boots With Pearl & Snake Motif
Chanel Burgundy Lambskin Leather Heel Boots With Pearl & Snake Motif

Chanel Burgundy Lambskin Leather Heel Boots With Pearl & Snake Motif

By Chanel

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

The Chanel Burgundy Lambskin Leather Heel Boots with Pearl & Snake Motif are a stunning blend of elegance and daring design, embodying the luxury synonymous with the Chanel name.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Boots

Chanel Turquoise Blue Quilted Bubble Jersey Snake Effect Chain Shoulder Bag
Chanel Turquoise Blue Quilted Bubble Jersey Snake Effect Chain Shoulder Bag

Chanel Turquoise Blue Quilted Bubble Jersey Snake Effect Chain Shoulder Bag

By Chanel

Located in Irvine, CA

Chanel Turquoise Quilted Bubble Jersey Snake Effect Chain shoulder bag is crafted in a quilted pattern, this bag features a fabric shoulder pad with snake-effect chain link straps in...

Category

20th Century Shoulder Bags

Chanel Leather Snake Exotic Print Gold Carryall Top Handle Shoulder Tote Bag
Chanel Leather Snake Exotic Print Gold Carryall Top Handle Shoulder Tote Bag

Chanel Leather Snake Exotic Print Gold Carryall Top Handle Shoulder Tote Bag

By Chanel

Located in Chicago, IL

Leather Gold tone hardware Suede lining Turn lock closure Shoulder strap drop 10" Handle drop 4" Measures 12.5" W x 14" H x 6.75" D 100% authenticity guaranteed by NEWFOUND LUXURY

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Shoulder Bags

Chanel Thigh High White Snake Skin Boots
Chanel Thigh High White Snake Skin Boots

Chanel Thigh High White Snake Skin Boots

Located in Cloverdale, CA

Over the knee white snake skin boots by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel. Sz 39

Category

1990s French Shoes

Chanel Black Snake Skin Elasticated Ballerinas US9
Chanel Black Snake Skin Elasticated Ballerinas US9

Chanel Black Snake Skin Elasticated Ballerinas US9

By Chanel

Located in London, GB

Chanel Black Snake Skin Ballerinas -Luxurious matte black snake skin -Soft leather lining -Bow detail to the front with small logo in black hardware -Iconic patent leather detail ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoes

Vintage Chanel Black Patent Snake Chain Shoulder Bag
Vintage Chanel Black Patent Snake Chain Shoulder Bag

Vintage Chanel Black Patent Snake Chain Shoulder Bag

By Chanel

Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta

Beautiful vintage chanel bag in black patent leather. The patent surface has slightly dulled. Comes with its holo. Series #4. Overall in great vintage condition.

Category

1990s Shoulder Bags

Chanel 08C Coral and Matte Gold Snake Necklace / Bracelet
Chanel 08C Coral and Matte Gold Snake Necklace / Bracelet

Chanel 08C Coral and Matte Gold Snake Necklace / Bracelet

By Chanel

Located in Toronto, ON

Chanel 2008 Resort runway snake necklace. Coral and clear rhinestone inset with matte champagne gold metal.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Fashion

People Also Browsed

Tom Ford for Gucci Fall/Winter 2002 Black Leather Heels Size 37
Tom Ford for Gucci Fall/Winter 2002 Black Leather Heels Size 37

Tom Ford for Gucci Fall/Winter 2002 Black Leather Heels Size 37

By Tom Ford for Gucci

Located in Berlin, DE

Tom Ford for Gucci Fall/Winter 2002 Runway Heels — Black Leather with Grosgrain Wrap Ties An exceptional pair of Tom Ford for Gucci runway heels from the Fall/Winter 2002 collectio...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Heels

New Gucci GG Logo Web Mules Heels Size 37C
New Gucci GG Logo Web Mules Heels Size 37C

New Gucci GG Logo Web Mules Heels Size 37C

$840Sale Price|20% Off

Size: 37

New Gucci GG Logo Web Mules Heels Size 37C

By Gucci

Located in Conroe, TX

Gucci Heels Brand New * Gucci GG Beige Logo Footbed * Red & Green Gucci Canvas Straps * Euro Size: 37 C (these run wide) * Gold Grommets * Gold Bullets * Cream Leather Accents ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes

Hermes Connect the Dots Limited Edition HAC 40 Black Evergrain Leather
Hermes Connect the Dots Limited Edition HAC 40 Black Evergrain Leather

Hermes Connect the Dots Limited Edition HAC 40 Black Evergrain Leather

By Hermès

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers the Hermès HAC 40 “Connect the Dots” edition which reimagines one of the house’s most historic silhouettes through a modern, graphic lens. Rather than relying on tr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags

1990s Badgley Mischka Size 10 / 12 Gold Lace Sequins and Beads Vintage 90s Top
1990s Badgley Mischka Size 10 / 12 Gold Lace Sequins and Beads Vintage 90s Top

1990s Badgley Mischka Size 10 / 12 Gold Lace Sequins and Beads Vintage 90s Top

By Badgley Mischka, BADGLEY MISHCKA

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful late 1990s BADGLEY MISCHKA Couture gold lace beaded and sequined sleeveless top! Features high quality French lace. Hundreds of sequins and beads hand-sewn throughout. Hidd...

Category

1990s American Camisoles and Shell Tops

CHRISTIAN DIOR taupe FOX FUR Winter Coat Sz. F38 / M
CHRISTIAN DIOR taupe FOX FUR Winter Coat Sz. F38 / M

CHRISTIAN DIOR taupe FOX FUR Winter Coat Sz. F38 / M

By Christian Dior

Located in Zürich, CH

Christian Dior coat in off-white, brown, and taupe fox fur with wide collar. Two side pockets. Opens with two hooks on the front. Lined in black silk. Has been worn and is in excelle...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fur Puffer Coats

John Galliano for Christian Dior One Shoulder Silk Dress
John Galliano for Christian Dior One Shoulder Silk Dress

John Galliano for Christian Dior One Shoulder Silk Dress

By John Galliano, Christian Dior

Located in Water Mill, NY

A beautiful ethereal one shoulder dress from Christian Dior comprised of layers of semi sheer black silk over an opaque silk under dress. It has one shoulder with 2 panels of softly...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 37
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 37

New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 37

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Conroe, TX

Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New * Tom Ford Lotus Runway Ad Heels * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977... His Fi...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Shoes

Hermes Kelly Depeches 38 Briefcase Electric Blue Palladium Hardware
Hermes Kelly Depeches 38 Briefcase Electric Blue Palladium Hardware

Hermes Kelly Depeches 38 Briefcase Electric Blue Palladium Hardware

By Hermès

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers an Hermes coveted Kelly Depeches 38 briefcase. Very rare in Electric Blue. Epsom leather with Palladium hardware. Two large accordion compartments. Front wall ha...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Briefcases and Attachés

Tom Ford for Gucci Lavender Silk Halter Dress S/S 2003
Tom Ford for Gucci Lavender Silk Halter Dress S/S 2003

Tom Ford for Gucci Lavender Silk Halter Dress S/S 2003

By Gucci, Tom Ford

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous lavender stretch silk dress by Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 2003 collection. It has a plunging front neckline and racer back with multiple seams emanating from it and the side ...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER sheer silk bomber jacket with crocheted knit trim
vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER sheer silk bomber jacket with crocheted knit trim

vintage JEAN PAUL GAULTIER sheer silk bomber jacket with crocheted knit trim

By Jean Paul Gaultier

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Jean Paul Gaultier Maille silk bomber jacket in shades of grey and black. Made from sheer printed silk with an allover graphic motif, it’s cut with a zip front and narrow ribbed coll...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Jackets

Oscar de la Renta Navy and Bright Blue Patchwork Tweed Pencil Skirt Resort 2012
Oscar de la Renta Navy and Bright Blue Patchwork Tweed Pencil Skirt Resort 2012

Oscar de la Renta Navy and Bright Blue Patchwork Tweed Pencil Skirt Resort 2012

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in San Francisco, CA

Oscar de la Renta deep navy (almost black) and sky blue pencil skirt with tweed patchwork appliqué with sky blue and silver accents. Very slight asymmetric back hem due to the patchw...

Category

2010s Italian Pencil Skirts

Rare Limited Edition Fendi F3 Secret Code Bag Brown Alligator Mink Fur Satchel
Rare Limited Edition Fendi F3 Secret Code Bag Brown Alligator Mink Fur Satchel

Rare Limited Edition Fendi F3 Secret Code Bag Brown Alligator Mink Fur Satchel

By Fendi

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Rare Limited Edition Fendi Brown Alligator and Mink Fur F3 Secret Code Bag in excellent condition. Brown alligator leather exterior trimmed with brown mink fur and brushed gold hardw...

Category

2010s Top Handle Bags

Chanel Vintage Black Halfmoon Crocodile Flap
Chanel Vintage Black Halfmoon Crocodile Flap

Chanel Vintage Black Halfmoon Crocodile Flap

By Chanel

Located in San Francisco, CA

Chanel Vintage Black Half Moon Crocodile Flap Bag Classic vintage Chanel half moon silhouette crafted in glossy black crocodile with signature CC turn-lock closure and leather-interw...

Category

1990s Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Gianni Versace Sculptural Dress 1990s
Gianni Versace Sculptural Dress 1990s

Gianni Versace Sculptural Dress 1990s

By Gianni Versace

Located in Water Mill, NY

A stunning red wool dress by Gianni Versace. It has great lines with square cut armholes, a fitted bodice and fabulous flared skirt with the back a few inches longer and fuller than ...

Category

1990s Italian Day Dresses

Gucci Jackie 1961 Wicker Bag Pink Gold Hardware Leather Strap
Gucci Jackie 1961 Wicker Bag Pink Gold Hardware Leather Strap

Gucci Jackie 1961 Wicker Bag Pink Gold Hardware Leather Strap

By Gucci

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Condition: NEVER WORN.  Item sold in a private sale as the inside label has a cut corner.  DETAILS: Brand: Gucci  Model: Jackie 1961 Exterior Color: Pink and Beige Exterior Mat...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Chanel Chain Vintage Muff Black and White Grey Tweed Fur Cross Body Bag
Chanel Chain Vintage Muff Black and White Grey Tweed Fur Cross Body Bag

Chanel Chain Vintage Muff Black and White Grey Tweed Fur Cross Body Bag

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel White Fur Chain Vintage Muff Crossbody Tote 2001 {VINTAGE 21 Years} Silver and gold with interwoven multi colored tweed chain Zipper interior pocket Interior black felt linin...

Category

Early 2000s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Chanel Snake", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Chanel Snake For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact vintage or contemporary chanel snake you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Our collection includes a variety of colors, spanning Black, Brown, Gold and more. Making the right choice when shopping for a chanel snake may mean looking at versions that date from different eras — you can find early iterations from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. An accessory like this designed by Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured item — is worth considering. Finding a chanel snake for sale for women should be easy, but there are 4 pieces available to browse for men as well.

How Much is a Chanel Snake?

Prices for a chanel snake can differ depending upon size, designer and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $318 and can go as high as $18,500, while, on average they fetch $2,473.

Chanel for sale on 1stDibs

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. The 1957 two-tone slingback pumps had a practical heel height while offering a bold statement in the black tip of the shoes. 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. 

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. His collections for Chanel displayed his knack for synthesizing old and new, high and low. Lagerfeld revived Chanel ballet flats and thoroughly embraced the classic logo's interlocking CCs, which took the form of a clasp featured on so many of the rare Chanel bags that are much sought after today.

Vintage Karl Lagerfeld designs for Chanel dresses, coats and other clothing of the 1980s, '90s and 2000s riffed on its iconography, accenting a lexicon of Chanel-isms with tastes of the moment. And as the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers, vintage Chanel bags of the 1990s are among the most prized of the brand’s offerings.

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.