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.
White cotton jean with top-stitched pocket and branded buttons CHANEL 2004
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White cotton jean with top-stitched pocket and branded buttons. Fabric composition: 98% cotton, 2% elastane. Zip closure + button and buttonhole closure on the middle front. Belt-lo...
Flair denim jean with box pleats in the bottom of the legs Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Flair thin denim jean with box pleats in the bottom of the legs.Pockets on both side. Branded button in the top middle front and zip. Pockets on both side and two on the back. Belt-l...
CHANEL turquoise cotton 2016 16C SEOUL LACE CULOTTE Pants 42 L
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel lace culotte trousers in turquoise cotton (68%), viscose (27%) and polyamide (5%). Features a floral button at the waist. Closes with a hidden zipper and the up...
CHANEL S/S 2004 Black Cotton Gaberdine Straight Leg Raw Edge Fringe Capri Pants
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Thiensville, WI
Chanel S/S 2004 black cotton stretch gaberdine capri / ankle length pants. Straight cut. Center front zip fly with silver and black "CC" button closure. Two front hip pockets. Pin-tu...
$2,475Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel 2009 Karl Lagerfeld Women's Grey Jersey Track Pants FR38
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Super rare, unworn archival Chanel Sport Line 2009 09P track pant trousers. Made from soft cotton mix airtex inspired grey jersey, they have white topped wide ribbed waistband, matte...
CHANEL black wool STRAIGHT LEG Pants 40 M
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel straight pants in black wool (100%). With two pockets on the sides. Closes with welcro waist strap and black zipper on the front. Lined in black silk (100%). Ha...
Chanel Purple Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans Sz.36
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
Chanel Purple Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans Size: FR36 S US 4 Condition: Very good Description: Chanel mid-rise skinny jeans in a vibrant violet shade. Minimal signs of wear with slight ma...
CHANEL black viscose 2017 17K WIDE LEG CREPE Pants 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel crepe pants in black rayon (100%). Features a ankle wide-leg with one concealed zipper and two hooks on the front and a little but...
$962Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel 07A Paris-MonteCarlo Beaded Tuxedo Pants Trousers
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Gorgeous archival Chanel Pre-Fall 2007 07A tuxedo trousers from the ‘‘Paris-MonteCarlo’ Metiers D’Art 2007 Collection. New with spare fabric/button tag. Made from soft black wool/cas...
Chanel, black jeans with floral lasercut print
By Chanel
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Chanel, black jeans with floral lasercut print. The item is in very good condition.
CHANEL Runway cotton CC chain buckle belt wide leg bell bottom pants FR38 M
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHANEL Runway cotton black CC chain buckle belt wide leg bell bottom pants FR38 M Reference: KNLM/A00224 Brand: Chanel Designer: Virginie Viard Model: P60761V46402 Material: Cotton, ...
Chanel Grey Wool Wide Leg Pants-Size 42
By Chanel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chanel Grey Wool Wide Leg Pants-Size 42 The grey wool blend pants have a 6” front zipper with a hidden large hook and eye and button closure, a...
Vintage Chanel Back Wool Crepe Trousers
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of vintage black wool crepe trousers by Chanel. The trousers have pleats at the front and two back pockets. They are unlined. Size 40 Measurements: waist 28'' insid...
Rare Chanel Pre Fall 2012 Paris Bombay Quilted Turnlock Denim Jeans By Karl
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Chanel Pre-Fall 2012 Paris-Bombay Quilted Trompe-l’œil Denim Turnlock Jeans by Karl Lagerfeld - Size 38 An exceptional pair of Chanel Pre-Fall 2012 "Paris-Bombay" jeans, designe...
Chanel S/S 2022 Butterfly Print Denim logo Jeans
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
A striking pair of Chanel Spring/Summer 2022 Runway denim jeans designed by Virginie Viard, featuring one of the collection's most recognizable butterfly-inspired prints. Expertly ta...
Chanel Fall 2012 Green Textured Velvet Pedal Pushers Trousers
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
Amazing Chanel pedal pusher trousers from the Fall 2012 collection. look 17 on the runway. Unworn with spare fabric swatch included. Made from supe...
Chanel Spring 2006 Blue Tonal Stripe Denim Jeans FR 36
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Rare Chanel Spring 2006 striped denim jeans designed during the Karl Lagerfeld era for Chanel ready-to-wear. Crafted in Italy from soft stretch cotton denim, this exceptional archiva...
2007 Chanel 07A wool trousers
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Collection: 2007 Fall READY-TO-WEAR Country of production: Italy Dimensions 44 IT Chanel style: 07A / 94305 / P31694V04964 Composition: 100% wool Waist ...
Chanel 1997 Women's Lamb Leather Suede Effect Pants in Good Condition
By Chanel
Located in CACHAN, FR
Chanel lamb leather pants. Suede effect. collection 1997. He is in good condition. Very slight traces very discreet.
Chanel by Karl Lagerfield S/S 2003 Grey Bootcut Jeans
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Caserta, IT
- Designed by Karl Lagerfield - S/S 2003 - Grey Denim - Bootcut Fit - Metal Chanel tag on the back - Classic 5 pocket style - Button closure - Made in Italy - Very good condition: Th...
Chanel Black Jersey with Black Leather Gold Chain Pants
By Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage Chanel black jersey fabric with black leather gold chain pants from 1997 Pre Collection. Featuring a side zipper closure. The pants is scratchy a...
2004 A/H Chanel Black Wool Stretch Pants w/Quilted Satin Hip Pockets
By Chanel Boutique, Chanel
Located in Studio City, CA
2004 A/H Chanel black stretch wool straight leg pants with quilted satin hip pockets featuring black oval CC logo buttons, a CC logo button at the waist and a hidden frontal zipper c...
Black & White Chanel Embellished Plaid Tweed Trousers Size FR 38
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Black and white plaid tweed flared trousers by Chanel. Sequin embellishments throughout. Side closure. 27" waist, 34" hips, 29" inseam, 15.5" rise, 43.5" length.
Black Chanel Tonal Striped Jodhpurs Size FR 38
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Black tonal striped jodhpur trousers by Chanel. Front zip and button closures. 26" waist, 36" hips, 27" inseam, 14" rise, 39.5" length.
1996 Chanel Black Velvet Cigarette Pants
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
These elegant black velvet trousers were designed by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel in 1996. We're leaning more towards these being from spring 1996 on account of the button design for t...
Chanel Fall 2012 Black Textured Velvet Pedal Pushers Trousers
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in London, GB
Amazing Chanel cut velvet trousers from the Fall 2012 collection. Look 13. Worn once. Made from superbly textured black viscose/silk mix stretch cut velvet with black satin piping. T...
2012 Chanel Lace Trousers FW 2012
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Chanel lace trousers FW 2012 size 36 Waist (girth): 74 cm / 29.13 in Length: 95 cm / 37.40 in Inseam: 75 cm / 29.53 in Outseam: 14.5 cm / 5.71 in Hips (girth): 90 cm / 35.43 in exce...
CHANEL multicolor cotton 2014 14S CROPPED TWEED Pants 36 XS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel tweed pants in blue, yellow, green, pink, off-white and blue acrylic (53%), cotton (31%), nylon (10%) and polyester (6%). Features a cropped, straight-leg and t...
NWTChanel Wool Pants Trousers, Size 36
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
Elevate your wardrobe with these luxurious Chanel wool pants These trousers are brand new with tags and have never been worn. Perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any outfit. ...
2006 Chanel 06A Wool Trousers
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Chanel 06A Wool Trousers size 42 Waist (volume): 86cm / 33.86 inches Length: 113cm / 44.49 inches Inner step length: 85 cm / 33.46 inches Output: 24cm / 9.45inch Hips : 104 cm / 40....
Chanel denim pants 2000
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Blue cotton denim pants. Size 36FR. A 2000 Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Waist: 36...
Chanel Women CC Logo Floral Camellia Print Jean FR40 Black White Stretch Cotton
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
- Black white floral camellia exterior ( CC Logo print all over ) - Tagged size 40 in the brand - Made of 95% cotton , 3% Elastomultiester , 2% elastane Condition: The ...
$816Sale Price|27% Off
Chanel Black Jeans with Silk Tied Bows
By Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Chanel black jeans with silk tied bows. - Silver stripe pattern. - Silk waist Trim with "CC" snap button closure. - Zip fly closure. - Four front and back open pockets. -...
Chanel Black Wool Slim Cropped Pants – Size 38 (US 6)
By Chanel
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Chanel Black Wool Slim Cropped Pants – Size 38 (US 6) Refinement meets French tailoring in these classic Chanel wool trousers. Crafted from pure wool with a luxuriously soft silk li...
NEW Chanel Lambskin Stretch Skinny Leather Pants with Metallic Trim CC Logo 38
By Chanel
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning Chanel leather pants Feels like a second skin due to the fantstic leather cotton stretch mix Closes with hidden zip on side CC logo ador...
Chanel Paris Grey Denim Skinny Jeans Pants Size 40
By Chanel
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: Size FR 40. Featuring grey wash with dual front and rear pockets detail, skinny to straight fit. Made in France.
Chanel Khaki Flared Cotton Pants
By Chanel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a pair of vintage Chanel khaki cotton flared pants featuring, front side pockets, back patch pockets, a side zipp...
Chanel Joggers With 'CC' Logo Stitching
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Joggers With 'CC' Logo Stitching Navy slim-fit high waisted trousers crafted in viscose and detailed with 'CC' logo stitching to the sides. Feat...
Vintage Fall 1998 Chanel Black Velvet Pants
By Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage Chanel black velvet pants from 1998 A/W collection. - Wild legs cutting. - Black velvet "CC" button closure. - Zip fly closure. - ...
Chanel Yellow Velvet Pants
By Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Chanel yellow velvet pants. - Slim straight leg - Yellow gold toned "CC" button with hook closure. - Side zip closure. - Three yellow ...
Vintage 90s Chanel Beige Velvet Pants
By Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Chanel beige velvet pants. Featuring a side zip with gold "CC" button closure, three gold "CC" buttons closure on each hem. - Made...