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.
Chanel Fall 2019 Women's CC Logo Silk Knit Midi Dress, Size UK10
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Gorgeous Chanel CC logo ribbed silk knit midi dress form the Fall 2019 19B collection. Unworn. Made from black mid weight ribbed knit silk with polyamide (81:19) with grey CC logo to...
Chanel Blue Dress with Cape – Spring 2013 Collection – Sz. 36
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
Chanel Blue Dress with Cape – Spring 2013 Collection – Sz.36 – Very Good Condition This elegant Chanel dress from the 2013 collection features a fl...
CHANEL black & white STRIPED HALTER NECK MINI Dress S VINTAGE
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel striped halter neck mini dress in black and white cotton (assumed cause tag is missing). Features two buttoned patch pockets on the front and faux buttons on th...
CHANEL navy blue cotton 19C LA PAUSA TERRY CLOTH Dress 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel dress crafted in navy blue terry cloth cotton (83%) and polyamide (17%), offering a rich texture with a refined, couture finish. Designed in a relaxed yet flatt...
CHANEL pink & black 2007 07P FRINGE TRIM TWEED Dress 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel A-Line dress in pink and black cotton (42%), acrylic (19%) and polyester (19%). Features frayed finishing on the shoulder straps, neckline and hem. Closes with ...
CHANEL charcoal grey wool & mohair 2010 CROCHET TRIM KNIT Dress XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 2010 crochet trim knit dress in black and charcoal wool (61%), nylon (23%) and mohair (16%). Features long sleeves and two patch pockets on the front. Opens wit...
Chanel Sheer Floral Print Silk Midi Dress circa 1999
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Chanel Sheer Floral Print Silk Midi Dress from circa 1999 exudes timeless elegance and sophisticated femininity. Crafted from luxurious silk, the dress features a delicate flora...
Vintage Chanel Karl Lagerfeld Large Size 44 Pink 80s Logo Silk 1980s Shirt Dress
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare vintage CHANEL late 80s larger size pink and white logo print silk shirt dress! Unbelievably chic print with a flattering fit. Interior hook-and-eye c...
CHANEL 13K$ New Ribbon Tweed Dress in Beige
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
New stunning Chanel dress made of most precious Ribbon tweed -- current price of Chanel boutique for dresses in this kind of tweed starts from 10,000€ Size mark 38 FR. Never worn. - ...
Chanel By Karl Lagerfeld Button-Embellished Little Black Dress, FW 1990-1991
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Geneva, CH
So very Chanel ! Made from black wool, this 1990-1991 Fall-Winter Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld shift dress is designed for a roomy fit. Contrasting black sil...
$960Sale Price|20% Off
CHANEL 100% cashmere pink cream CC button pattern dress FR38 M
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 100% cashmere pink cream CC button pattern dress FR38 M Reference: TGAS/E00854 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Material: Cashmere Color: Red, Cream Pattern: Geometric C...
CHANEL tan white pink viscose cotto 15C DUBAI TWEED KNIT Dress 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel knit dress is crafted in a multicolored tweed blend of white, tan, pink, and grey (40% viscose, 29% cotton, 18% polyester, 9% nylon, 4% polyamide) with sil...
Chanel CC Buttons Braided Trim Black Dress
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Chanel little black dress with brand's signature braided trim. - CC logo buttons closure at back Size mark 34 FR. Condition is pristine.
Chanel cruise 1997 vintage white wedding midi dress with logo button up front
By Chanel Boutique, Chanel
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI Vintage A beautiful vintage button up dress from Chanel Cruise 1997 by Karl Lagerfeld White dress with a very fine waffle/weave text...
CHANEL RESORT 2019 La Pausa knitted dress
By Chanel
Located in Rubiera, RE
CHANEL Resort 2019 LA PAUSA Collection Dress in very light white cotton jersey with blue vertical stripes. Bateau neckline with CC logo embroidered at th...
Chanel 1996 Robe Marine FR40 Navy Wool Sleeveless CC Dress UK12 US10
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel dress from the Spring/Summer 1996 collection by Karl Lagerfeld, crafted in navy blue wool broadcloth. Features include a sleeveless design, a classic collar fastened with six ...
2005 Chanel Ivory Boucle Fringed Coat Dress w/ Matching Camellia
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Gresham, OR
2005 Chanel ivory multi-fiber blend boucle weave coat dress in a tailored silhouette with front zippered closure and tuft fringe detail. Attached faux jacket with silver-tone camellia buttons. Matching original structured bow belt and detachable fabric camellia brooch...
Chanel dress Haute Couture
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Strap dress made of pink silk muslin crepe. 1981 Spring-Summer Collection. No size nor composition label, it fits a 36FR. Piece sold with a certificate of c...
CHANEL red wool 2010 SHANGHAI LONG SLEEVE KNIT Dress 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Metiers D'Art 2010 Paris-Shanghai knit dress in red wool (87%) and polyester (13%). Features two patch pockets on the front and long raglan sleeves (sleeve meas...
Chanel. Elegant cashmere sweater dress, plus size (50 UK)
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
✨ Chanel. Elegant Cashmere Sweater Dress, Plus Size (UK 50) ✨ For sale: This luxurious and cozy Chanel dress, made of 100% cashmere, is the perfect choice for those who value comfor...
UNWORN Chanel Signature CC Logo Enblem Knit Cashmere Mini Dress 38
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Switzerland, CH
Bodyhugging signature cashmere dress by Chanel A timeless classic Simply slips on Mint color with blue center Black trimming and COCO CHANEL "CC" logo Rib knit Finest cashmere knit 1...
CHANEL black viscose 15C DUBAI TEXTURED KNIT MINI Dress 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel dress in black semi-sheer textured knit composed of viscose (82%) and polyester (18%). Designed in a fitted silhouette with a knee-length cut, this refined knit...
Chanel RTW Fall 2007 Red and White Wool Shirt dress
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Chanel shirtdress from the Fall 2007 runway collection. This dress was look 5/67 on the runway under the glass dome of the Grand Palais, and worn by Behati Prinsloo. Vibrant red wool...
CHANEL black cashmere 2020 20C CHAIN LONG SLEEVE MIDI KNIT Dress 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 2017 Cuba sleeveless knit dress in off-white, pink, green, lime, blue, red and purple cotton (100%). Features a 'CC' emblem oChanel chain embellished dress in black cashmere (100%). Features long sleeves, two sewn shut buttoned patch pockets and a Chanel emblem on the front. Unlined. Has been worn once and is in virtually new condition. 2020 Resort Measurements Model Chanel20C...
CHANEL raspberry cashmere 2016 16K DROP WAIST KNIT Dress 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 2016 crochet trim sleeveless knit dress in raspberry cashmere (81%) and silk (19%). Features zipped sides, a drop waist and a pink 'CC' emblem at the front. Sem...
CHANEL black & multi cashmere 22A FLORENCE EMBELLISHED PLAID Dress 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel sweater dress in pink, black, cream and turquoise plaid knit composed of cashmere (55%), wool (39%), silk (4%) and polyamide (2%), offering a sumptuous, softly ...
$4,117Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel 17P Resort 2017 'Cuba' Silk & Lace Maxi Slip Dress
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Gorgeous Chanel silk and lace maxi slip dress from the 17P Resort 2017 ‘Cuba’ collection. New with tag/fabric swatch. Has a cream silk bodice with black and white striped ribbed mid...
CHANEL light blue cotton 18C GREECE WASHED DENIM Dress 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel dress in washed light blue denim cotton (100%) features slightly darker trims for subtle contrast. Designed with a relaxed above-the-knee silhouette, it is...
Chanel Black Silk Dress with Quilted Bodice
By Chanel
Located in Oakland, CA
Classic lines on this Chanel dress. All over quilted bodice with darted bust. Dropped waist with a-line knife pleated skirt. Chanel button on hip. Back zipper. Lined. Tagged a ...
CHANEL black viscose COLD SHOULDER Dress 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel cut out short sleeve dress in black stretchy viscose (80%) and polyamide (20%) with a small logo embossed brooch at the left hip height. Slip on dress with a kn...
$2,471Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel Resort 2020 Women's Dark Navy Ribbed CC Logo Sweater Dress
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Comfy chic Chanel sweater dress from the Resort 2020 20P collection. New with tag/spare button. Made from heavy dark navy ribbed cotton with punched CC logo to the front and goldtone...
Chanel Knit Cream Wool Blend Dress Sz.40
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
Chanel Knit Dress – Size 40 Condition: Like new, never worn Material: 100% wool blend Color: Cream / Off-white Features: Long sleeve, crew neckline, intricate knit pattern, subtle me...
CHANEL mint green cotton 2012 12P TEXTURED KNIT Dress 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel textured knit dress in mint green and ivory cotton (63%) and polyamide (37%). Features a crewneck, godet hem and a racerback. Closes with a faux pearl button at...
CHANEL 08P black 100% silk ruched front boned waist shift dress FR34 XS
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 08P black 100% silk ruched front boned waist shift dress FR34 XS Reference: LNKO/A02271 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 08P Material: Silk Color: Black Patt...
Chanel Black Wool High-Collar Button Dress circa 1990s
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Chanel Black Wool High-Collar Button Dress from the circa 1990s is a quintessential example of timeless elegance and sophisticated style. Crafted from high-quality black wool, th...
Chanel 2015 Robe Cachemire FR44 Ecru Cashmere and Pearls Dress UK16 US14
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel Fall Winter 2015 collection dress (called "Brasserie Gabrielle") mid-length in ultra-soft ecru cotton and cashmere (47%), straight shape, round neck edged with white fancy hal...
CHANEL cream cotton 17P FLORAL LACE OFF-SHOULDER MIDI Dress 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel maxi dress in cream floral lace is crafted from a luxurious blend of cotton (70%), rayon (20%), and nylon (10%) - please note the content tag is missing. I...
Chanel Pink Velvet Burnout Dress w/Self Belt ca. 1970's
By Chanel
Located in Studio City, CA
1970's Chanel "Creation" label pink silk velvet burnout dress w/extra long ties at the back neck, a dropped waist, a self-belt and nude fabric lining at the interior. In excellent co...
CHANEL gold white black 2015 15C DUBAI LUREX TWEED Dress 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel sleeveless lurex tweed dress in white, black and gold nylon (56%), rayon (29%), polyester (12%) and cotton (3%). Features a fitted silhouette and V-neck. Closes...
CHANEL black cotton 2016 16B SLEEVELESS OPEN KNIT Dress 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel sleeveless knit dress in black cotton (100%). Features scalloped trims, buttoned epaulettes, a silver-tone CC button at the neck, an open knit top, a rib-knit w...
$3,792Sale Price|35% Off
Chanel Resort 2022 Logo Knit T-Shirt Layered Dress
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Super cool rock chick inspired Chanel t-shirt and knit dress from the Cruise 2022 collection - Look 23 on the runway. Unworn. Features a logo knit cashmere slip dress layered over a ...
Chanel Little Black Dress
By Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage Chanel little black dress in wool from fall 1995 collection. The dress might have been altered before and it fits like a 36 to 38. ...
CHANEL black wool 2006 06A WAIST BELTED SLEEVELESS SHEATH Dress 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 2006 Fall/Winter sleeveless dress in black wool (100%). Featuring belt straps at the waist and shoulders with crystal embellishe...
CHANEL black & multi cotton 21P FRINGE TRIM TUNIC KNIT Dress 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel dress in pink, blue, black and cream zigzag weave composed of cotton (76%), polyamide (14%), true hemp (7%) and viscose (3%), offering a richly textured yet lig...
Chanel Contemporary Blue Boucle Blazer, Silk Blouse & A-Line Skirt Set
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
CHANEL blue boucle blazer , cowl neck silk blouse and A line skirt set. Blazer measurement: Shoulder : / Bust : 36” / Hip: 36”/ jacket length: 18”/ sleeve length 16” Blouse measureme...
Chanel Vintage Women's Dress Circa 1990s Viscose Silk CC Logo Buttons
By Chanel
Located in CACHAN, FR
CHANEL Vintage dress with buttons signed CC logo. The size and composition label is absent but it is viscose, the lining signed in CC and silk. Suitable for a size 40. The dress is i...
CHANEL black cotton 2017 17P LACE COCKTAIL Dress 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel sleeveless cocktail dress in black lace cotton (60%), rayon (25%) and nylon (15%). Features a tailored, knee-length silhouette, spaghetti straps, fringed edges ...
Spring 1996 Chanel Navy Blue Boucle Dress
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Classic and always effortlessly chic Chanel navy blue wool boucle dress from the Spring 1996 collection. Sleeveless with a high boat neckline, centre seam...
F/W 2002 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Black Square Sequin Satin Slip Maxi Dress 42FR
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Karl Lagerfeld designed this chic black gown for his Fall/Winter 2002 collection at Chanel. This sexy silk satin slip dress features a square neckline, spaghetti straps, and an ankle-length hem. This stunning satin dress is complete with a panel of black sequins that cascade down the front of the dress, perfectly matching the sequin embellishments at the lower back. Perfect for a black tie affair or elevated evening out, this versatile Chanel slip dress...
$895Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel Paris-Edimbourg Cashmere Wool Blend Knit Dress Sz.44
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
Chanel Cashmere & Wool Dress – Paris-Edimbourg Pre-Fall 2013 – FR 44 / XXL Condition: Very good condition Condition details: Minimal signs of wear including light pilling on the fabr...
CHANEL black wool & silk 2007 07A PLEATED Cocktail Dress 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel sleeveless knee-length cocktail dress in back wool (100%) with top and bottom part in black silk (100%). Opens with four rhinestone buttons and a hidden zipper ...
CHANEL black cotton 2011 11P SLEEVELESS KNIT Dress 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel sleeveless knit dress in black cotton (100%) with a wide neckline. Unlined. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. 2011 Spring/Summer Measurements Tag...
CHANEL yellow & silver wool & cotton 97P LUREX TWEED Dress 40 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel sleeveless dress in chartreuse is crafted from a luxurious blend of wool (45%), cotton (38%), metal (15%), and polyamide (2%). Accented with a metallic sil...
CHANEL dark blue wool 2007 07A CREPE & LACE BUSTIER Cocktail Dress 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel cocktail dress in dark blue silk (100%) with top part in lace. Opens with zipper on the back. Lined. Belt around the waist is missing. Has been worn and is in e...
2012 Chanel Pink Linen & Cashmere Plisse Knit Dress
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Delicate and stunning Chanel dress from 2012 in the most beautiful shade of soft pink. Boat neckline in the front with a scoop in the back. Sleeveless and skater style that is fitted...
CHANEL tan white pink viscose cotto 15C DUBAI TWEED KNIT Dress 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel knit dress is crafted in a multicolored tweed blend of white, tan, pink, and grey (40% viscose, 29% cotton, 18% polyester, 9% nylon, 4% polyamide) with sil...
Denim skirt - bustier dress Show piece Chanel SS 2013
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Denim skirt - bustier dress Show piece worn by Cara Delevigne. Fabric composition: 100% cotton. Zip in the middle back with branded zip puller and branded button. Boned cotton busti...
CHANEL white pink navy 14S LEATHER TRIM TWEED MIDI SHIRT Dress 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel shirt dress is crafted in a white, bright pink, and navy blue grid tweed blend (61% polyester, 21% acrylic, 9% nylon, 8% viscose, 1% metal) accented with s...
Black dress in two differents kind of knit Chanel
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black dress in two differents kind of knit ( like a "trompe l'oeil" jacket and skirt) Fabric composition: 61% wool, 23% nylon, 16% mohair. Invisible zip on the left side. 2 branded ...
1983 Chanel White Pique Cotton CC Button Shirt Dress
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel 1983 Spring / Summer collection white pique cotton midi dress. Pulling inspiration from the 1920s and 1930s and bringing the brand’s tailoring sophistication to a timeless shi...