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 2018 Lace & Silk Blend Sheer Midi Dress Sz.46
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
Brand: Chanel Collection: Fall 2018 Ready-to-Wear Size: FR 46 Color: Dark navy / charcoal Closure: Front button fastening Features: Elastic waist, sheer sleeves, lace hem Condi...
Chanel S/S 1998 CC Logo Dragonfly Print Crepe Mini Dress
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW
An archival piece from Karl Lagerfeld’s S/S 1998 collection, this Chanel mini dress features an all-over dragonfly motif incorporating subtle interlocking CC logos within the print, ...
Autumn 1995 Chanel Magenta Boucle Dress
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Vintage Chanel bright magenta boucle dress from the Autumn 1995 collection. Sleeveless with a v neckline and a very classic straight shape. Detailing at w...
CHANEL PARIS-BYZANCE 11A Black Wool Short Sleeve Gripoix Button Dress Sz 36
By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
Located in Thiensville, WI
CHANEL black wool short sleeve dress. Draped open panels at front center and back. Front of dress is embellished with six gold-tone metal Byzatine-inspired Gripoix details. Black sil...
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel Fall 2011 Interlocking CC Cashmere Dress-Size 46
By Chanel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chanel Fall 2011 Interlocking CC Cashmere Dress-Size 46 This Cashmere sweater dress form the Fall 2011 collection by Karl Lagerfeld is made from 100%...
Chanel Multi-color Silk Printed Dress & Coat Set - 42 - circa 1980's
By Chanel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chanel Vintage Multi-color Silk Printed Dress & Coat Set - 42 - circa 1980's. This set is in good vintage condition with the main issue being a few small stains on the dress and a couple on the jacket which are not noticeable unless examined closely. One button is missing but the dress comes with 2 extra buttons on the inside and can easily be fixed.The dress is collared and buttons up with ruching in the middle. The kimono style coat...
Resort 2011 Chanel Dark Magenta Ribbed Knit Dress
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Chanel resort 2011 dark magenta short sleeve dress. Crew neckline with ribbed sleeves and bodice. Body con to the drop waist with a very slightly flared sh...
CHANEL Vintage 2008 Cruise Size S Black Silk Pleated Sleeveless Knee Length Cocktail Dress
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage CHANEL 2008 Cruise/Resort Collection cocktail dress in a black silk featuring a sleeveless style, pleated design, and back zipper closure with buttons. Made in France.Good Pr...
Chanel 2014 Black Ivory Tweed Combo Sleeveless Shift Dress
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Chanel 2014 Black Ivory Tweed Combo Sleeveless Shift Dress. From the Spring/Summer 2014 collection. Mini A-line dress. Crew neckline. Press-stud buttons fastening at back. Fringe a...
$1,326Sale Price|35% Off
CHANEL light pink beige black check tweed short sleeve sheath dress FR38 M
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL light pink beige black check tweed short sleeve sheath dress FR38 M Reference: KNLM/A00138 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Material: Tweed Color: Pink, Black Pattern: C...
UNWORN Chanel Ruffled Pink Cashmere Blend Knit Dress 40
By Chanel
Located in Switzerland, CH
A stunning Chanel dress Candy pink color with a ruffle body Hidden zip on side with CC logo Chanel CC logo button at waist A timeless yet chic Chanel piece for every season Dry Clea...
CHANEL Dress Vintage CHANEL Classic CC Logos Double Breasted
By Chanel Boutique, Chanel
Located in London, GB
CHANEL Dress Vintage CHANEL Classic CC Logos Double Breasted A Chanel rare stunning timeless classic CC logo buttons dress, made in a beautiful de...
Chanel 2000's Sleeveless Silk Dress
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Chanel early 2000's sleeveless mint green silk/satin day dress . Hidden under placket button front with notched collar. Narrow leather belt set at waist inside belt loops. CC logo pr...
Chanel 9K$ Iconic Graffiti Collection Navy Tweed Dress 48 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
– A canvas of wearable art, this navy tweed dress from Chanel’s 2014 Spring ‘Contemporary Art’ Collection by Karl Lagerfeld transcends mere attire, embodying the Maison’s avant-gar...
Chanel Fall/Winter 2007 Runway Beige Jersey Dress with Sculpted Trompe-l'Œil
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
A rare and elegant Chanel Fall/Winter 2007 dress designed by Karl Lagerfeld, showcasing the maison's exceptional ability to blend effortless femininity with couture-inspired craftsmanship. Crafted from an incredibly soft stretch jersey in a refined warm beige tone, this dress is distinguished by its remarkable raised trompe-l'œil appliqué across the bodice. Inspired by ornate baroque jewelry...
Chanel Haute Couture Black Jersey Dress
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel -Black jersey dress with removable collar and cuffs. Bolduc number 50707. No size indicated, it corresponds to a 44FR/46FR. Additional infor...
Chanel by Karl Lagerfield Resort 2014 Silver Metallic Tweed & Lace Dress
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Caserta, IT
- Designed by Karl Lagerfield - Midi sheath dress, body-skimming silhouette, knee to mid-calf length - Silver/grey metallic boucle tweed - Grey cotton guipure lace with a repeating d...
Chanel By Karl Lagerfeld Red Tweed Day Dress With Fancy Belt 2007
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld red and white tweed day dress featuring chest front pockets with flaps, a folding collar, a hidden button ...
UNWORN Chanel Multicolor Signature Gripoix Button Crochet Knit Dress Gown 34
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Switzerland, CH
A stunning knit dress by Chanel Dubai collection A timeless classic Featured in many editorials, seen on the runway and the AD campaign Finest crochet knit Scoop neck Beautiful Grip...
Chanel Cream & Black Zip Mini Dress circa 1995
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Chanel Cream & Black Zip Mini Dress from circa 1995 is a quintessential piece of late 20th-century fashion, embodying Chanel’s timeless elegance with a modern edge. Crafted from ...
Chanel Cashmere Knit Plane Pins Navy Blue Dress
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Knits aren't what your grandma used to make back in the 80s! This elegant Chanel knitted dress circa 2008 is crafted from navy blue cotton-cashmere-silk blend, with a sailor collar and a chest detail, embellished with gradient-sized silver-toned metal plane pins. We love grandma, but it's best if she leaves the knitting to Chanel. Featuring a knitted style, a ribbed design, a sailor collar, a front zip fastening, a long-sleeve design, a fitted skirt, a short length and three silver plane pins on the chest. Please be mindful that this piece has led a previous life, and may tell its story through minor imperfection. This would be perfect paired with some Christian Dior sneakers...
Chanel CC Logo Knited Dress Sz.34 Pre-owned
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
Chanel straight dress in ribbed cotton with long sleeves, with finely worked double C on the front. It's just above the knee. Boat neckline with a row of 3 gold jeweled buttons on th...
$864Sale Price|20% Off
CHANEL 2016 100% cashmere knit green mosaic CC button polo dress FR38 M
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL 2016 100% cashmere knit green mosaic CC button polo dress FR38 M Reference: TGAS/E00855 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 2016 Material: Cashmere Color: Green...
Chanel cashmere dress, size 50 (plus size)
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
An elegant Chanel cashmere dress, size 50 (plus size), is for sale. The perfect choice for those who value comfort and luxury! This Chanel dress is a true find for lovers of high-qu...
CHANEL Paris / Byzance Rarest CC Gripoix Buttons Dress 36 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
From the opulent Paris / BYZANCE 2011 Collection envisioned by Maestro Karl Lagerfeld, – this shimmering Chanel dress emerges as a reliquary of Byzantine grandeur and couture prec...
CHANEL Signature Monochrome Silk Print Asymmetric Wrap Style Dress 38
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Switzerland, CH
A classic CHANEL signature piece Asymmetric dress Finest silk with a timeless monochrome print Discreetly signed with „CHANEL“ Pleated details on shoulders Simply slips on, closes wi...
Chanel Ribbon Embellished Maxi Runway Lace Dress Cruise 2014 14C $7, 750
By Chanel
Located in Merced, CA
Chanel ribbon embellished runway maxi dress from Chanel Cruise 2014 runway collection. It is adorned with Chanel interlocking CC logo emblem. It is ...
2015 Chanel Fantasy Blue & Pink Tweed Button-Up Mini Dress
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The 2015 Chanel Fantasy Blue & Pink Tweed Button-Up Mini Dress embodies classic elegance with a modern twist. The dress features a striking navy blue base accented by a playful mix o...
Chanel Taupe Silk Sleeveless Faces Print Dress Collectors Spring 2000
By Chanel
Located in Boca Raton, FL
From a buttoned-up classiness to an effortless elegance, fashion by Chanel runs the gamut season after season that are both current yet act as a looking glass into the past. Circa 20...
Pink & Lilac Chanel Cotton Tweed Color Block Dress Size FR 46
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Pink and lilac cotton tweed color block A-line dress by Chanel. Geometric neckline. Short sleeves. Zip and button closures at back. 42" bust, 37" waist, 41" length, 10" shoulder width.
Chanel, open woven wool dress with white collar
By Chanel
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Chanel, open woven wool dress with white collar. The item is in good condition. • CONDITION: good condition • SIZE: FR36 - XS • MEASUREMENTS: length 92 cm, width 42 cm, waist 38...
2019 Chanel Metallic Gold-Tone Knit Egypt Collection Mini Dress
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The 2019 Chanel Metallic Gold-Tone Knit Egypt Collection Mini Dress is a striking piece that blends metallic gold knit with vibrant red and turquoise blue accents. This long-sleeve d...
Chanel Open Back Angora & Cashmere Dress
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Open Back Angora & Cashmere Dress Ivory mini jumper dress with rolled neckline and short sleeves. Abstract brush design around the centre par...
Chanel Cruise 2018 Greece Collection Navy Tweed Jacket Dress FR 36 Documented
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Chanel Cruise 2018 Greece Collection Navy Tweed Jacket Dress FR 36 Description: An exceptional documented Chanel jacket from the Spring Resort 2018 “Cruise Greece” Collection, desig...
Black and White Tweed Dress Chanel 2010
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pretty dress in black and white cotton tweed, inclusion of glossy bluish line, pretty silver bonton interlacing of black leather and Chanel logo in the center, Collection 2010.
Chanel 8K$ Wearable Art Navy Tweed Dress 36 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
– A canvas of wearable art, this navy tweed dress from Chanel’s 2014 Spring ‘Contemporary Art’ Collection by Karl Lagerfeld transcends mere attire, embodying the Maison’s avant-gar...
Chanel, Blue and white wrap dress
By Chanel
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Chanel, Blue and white wrap dress. The item is in very good condition. • CONDITION: very good condition • SIZE: FR38 - S • MEASUREMENTS: length 88 cm, width 43 cm, waist 43 cm ...
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld red cashmere wool and faux fur dress, fw 2010
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
▪ Chanel red cashmere wool knee-length dress ▪ Designed by Karl Lagerfeld ▪ Faux 'fantasy' fur skirt and sleeves ▪ Funnel neck backed with brown lambskin leather ▪ Two front pockets...
Chanel 2016 Ribbon Embellished Mini Dress Little Black Dress 36
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Merced, CA
Chanel ribbon embellished little black dress with Chanel interlocking CC logo emblem and from pockets. This is pre-owned in excellent condition.
Chanel, Blue and white wrap dress
By Chanel
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Chanel, Blue and white wrap dress. The item is in very good condition. • CONDITION: very good condition • SIZE: FR38 - S • MEASUREMENTS: length 88 cm, width 43 cm, waist 43 cm ...
Chanel Braided Trim Tweed Maxi Dress Interlocking CC logo Buttons 42 12P 2012
By Chanel
Located in Merced, CA
Chanel braided trim maxi dress adorned with interlocking CC logo buttons. This is pre-owned in excellent condition. It retails $13,620 before tax. Color is beautiful blend of navy bl...
Chanel Boutique Vintage Oversize Maxi Dress Shirt Cover Up 92P 1992
By Chanel Boutique, Chanel
Located in Merced, CA
Chanel rare vintage oversize maxi dress shirt adorned with full length Chanel CC interlocking buttons and abstract print throughout. This is from Chanel Spring 1992 runway collection...
Navy Chanel Tweed Short Sleeve Dress Size FR 50
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Product Details: Navy tweed short sleeve dress by Chanel. V-neck. Dual hip pockets. Zip closure at center back. 40" bust, 44" waist, 35" length, 17" shoulder width.
Chanel Paris / Singapore CC Logo Camellias Dress 34 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Collectible CC Logo and Camellia Dress — Paris / SINGAPORE Cruise Collection 2014 · by Karl Lagerfeld – A floral constellation of Chanel’s sacred emblems — where Camellias ...
Chanel Wool Ribbed Plisse Dress
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Wool Ribbed Plisse Dress From the Pre-Fall 2018 Collection is this ribbed dress fully crafted from wool. Featuring fitted bodice and plisse knee-length skirt. Adorned with ...
CHANEL Iconic Paris / MIAMI Tweed Dress with CC Heart Buttons 34 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Chanel Collectible Tweed Dress with Bow As Seen on Claudia Schiffer — Paris / MIAMI Cruise Collection By Karl Lagerfeld ~ To acquire it is to claim not merely a garment, but a fr...
$620Sale Price|65% Off
Chanel EU 38 Black Cap Sleeve Cocktail Tiered Bow Sheath Wool Dress
By Chanel
Located in Amman, JO
Exude timeless Parisian elegance with this stunning Chanel black textured sheath dress featuring a bold red sash belt. The structured sleeveless silhouette is enhanced by horizontal ...
Chanel Black Woven Dress - FR38
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
Chanel Black Woven Dress Size: FR38 / 38 Condition: Very good condition Material: 100% Cotton; Lining: 64% Cotton, 19% Elastane, 17% Polyamide Origin: Made in France Style: Sleeveles...
$799Sale Price|60% Off
NEW Chanel Black Crochet Knit Woven Dress 42
By Chanel
Located in Switzerland, CH
Lovely new interpretation of the timeless Chanel classic little black dress A true Chanel signature piece that will last for many years So versatile - dress it up with a slip dress (...
CHANEL red black cotton 17P RIBBON KNIT Dress 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel dress in a mix of different textured knits of black cotton (97%) and nylon (3%) with red, orange, brown, black and white striped silk ribbon yarns woven through...
Chanel Haltered Dress & Bolero Cardigan Set
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Haltered Dress & Bolero Cardigan Set Navy sleeveless knee-length dress with haltered strap neckline. Featuring white top, wide elasticated...
Chanel Pearl & Camellia Flower Cashmere Dress
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Pearl & Camellia Flower Cashmere Dress Black fitted dress crafted from cashmere with signature all over Camellia flower embroidery. Detailed with black pearl trimmed necklin...
CHANELdark grey silk dress CC all-over print FR 36
By Chanel
Located in Rubiera, RE
CHANEL Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Dress in dark grey silk satin with CC all-over print, two pockets, pleated skirt, back zip FR 36 100% silk Flat measures: Length cm. 103 Shoulders ...
Navy Chanel Silk Ruffle-Trimmed Zip Coat Size FR 36
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Navy silk zip coat by Chanel. Pointed collar. Ruffle trim at sleeves. Dual hip pockets. Front zip closure. 39" bust, 18" shoulder width, 24.5" sleeve length, 40.5" length.
NEW Chanel Black Crochet Knit Dress including Slip Dress 38
By Chanel
Located in Switzerland, CH
Lovely new interpretation of the timeless Chanel classic little black dress A true Chanel signature piece that will last for many years So versatile - dress it up with a slip dress for a formal yet seductive look and pair it with high heels or throw it over a swimsuit for a great casual look Wonderful crochet knit Closes with Chanel "CC" logo button on back Simply slips on Made in France Dry Clean Only Size 38 New & unworn Complete with slip dress, Chanel tags...
$2,160Sale Price|25% Off
CHANEL cream beige 4-pocket black CC crochet knit midi dress FR38 S
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL cream beige 4-pocket black CC crochet knit midi dress FR38 S Reference: KNLM/A00176 Brand: Chanel Designer: Virginie Viard Model: P60596K46437 Material: Silk, Polyester Color:...
Chanel S/S 2007 Pink Tweed Dress
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
We are excited to present this Chanel 2007 sleeveless pink tweed dress. Features pockets, zip back closure and knee length. In excellent vintage condition. Authenticity guaranteed. ...
CHANEL Embellished Striped Beaded Cashmere Blend Tunic Kaftan Mini Dress 34
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Switzerland, CH
Striped signature cashmere mix dress by Chanel So versatile, can be worn as a dress, tunic, top etc. A timeless classic Simply slips on Amazing multicolor beading on hem, sleeves, ne...
Chanel Front Zip Multicoloured Tweed Dress
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Front Zip Multicoloured Tweed Dress Fancy, blue dress crafted in Chanel's signature multicoloured tweed and embroidered with white crochet trimming. Blue 'CC' logo embossed ...
Chanel NWT 11A Fall 2011 Tweed Runway Dress 42 New
By Chanel
Located in Merced, CA
Rare to find Chanel tweed dress from Chanel Fall 2011 runway collection. It is adorned with back zip and Chanel interlocking cc emblem on the side. Th...