More than a mere tastemaker, Karl Lagerfeld devoted himself to the continual pursuit of chic. “My life and my job,” the designer once said, “is to forget myself.” From his first collection at Chanel — after joining the brand in the early 1980s — he injected the venerable house with a frisson of modernity. Vintage Karl Lagerfeld designs for Chanel handbags, evening dresses, coats, jewelry and other clothing and accessories riffed on its iconography — tweed skirt suits, pearls, camellias — accenting a lexicon of Chanel-isms with tastes of the moment.
During his five-decade career as a designer for Chanel, Fendi, Chloé and many others, Lagerfeld was a quintessential chameleon, ever evolving to embody the times. An outsize, instantly recognizable personality — his ponytail powdered like an 18th-century viscount, his eyes perpetually shielded by dark glasses, wearing fistfuls of chunky silver jewels — Lagerfeld was, above all, an avatar of style.
Born in Hamburg (in 1933, ’35, or ’38 by varying accounts), Karl Lagerfeld packed his bags for Paris in 1954. His design for a coat won him the International Wool Secretariat and landed him a job with the celebrated couturier Pierre Balmain.
Lagerfeld went on to become the designer of Jean Patou, eventually realizing that his seemingly endless ideas could fuel a career as a designer-for-hire. As such, he lent his vision to everyone from Loewe and Max Mara to Krizia and Charles Jourdan, nimbly moving among a diverse range of styles. It was an unprecedented way of working in the days when freelance was still a dirty word.
During the late ’60s and ’70s, Lagerfeld refashioned Chloé to reflect the free spirit of the day and, beginning in 1965, joined forces with the Fendi family, taking it from sleepy furrier to fashion’s haute-est stratum. Because of his track record for reviving and reimagining brands that had grown stagnant, in 1983 Lagerfeld was handed the reins at Chanel, which had been gathering dust since its founder’s heyday.
Lagerfeld’s collections for the brand displayed his knack for synthesizing old and new, high and low. From Watteau (Spring/Summer 1985 couture) and Serge Roche (Spring/Summer 1990 ready-to-wear) to hip-hop fly girls (Fall/Winter 1991 ready-to-wear), surfers (Spring/Summer 2003 ready-to-wear) and ancient Egypt (Pre-Fall 2019), he used each season’s inspiration to conceive Chanel’s signatures anew.
Lagerfeld revived the house's ballet flats and thoroughly embraced the classic logo's interlocking CCs, which became a common and immediately recognizable feature of Chanel flap bags. Many of the rare Chanel bags much sought after today — and Chanel bags of the 1990s, generally — are objects of pure fantasy conjured up by the late couturier.
Despite producing eight collections a year for Chanel, as well as four to five for Fendi, Lagerfeld never faltered in proposing new ideas each time he put pencil to paper.
Find vintage Karl Lagerfeld Chanel day dresses, jackets, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
Chanel bag by Karl Lagerfeld Summer 1997
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1997 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear 'Horse style' Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Transparent and blue faceted pearl bag with a crossbody strap deco...
Chanel evening bag by Karl Lagerfeld 1996-1997
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A Collection from 1996-1997, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Quilted raspberry-color silk satin bag with a golden metal clip fastening and golden metal chai...
Chanel minaudière bag by Karl Lagerfeld collection 1997/1999
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - Ready-to-Wear Collection 1997/1999, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Small bag in gold metallic lambskin leather with matching metallic threads, signed snap c...
Chanel minaudière bag by Karl Lagerfeld 1994-1996
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1994-1996 Collection, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Minaudière bag in quilted black silk satin, with a gold-tone metal handle interwoven with black silk. ...
$5,671
Chanel bag Summer 1997
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Quilted canvas 'shopping' bag printed with a stylised multicolored flower pattern. 1997 Spring-Summer Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerf...
$14,179
Chanel Vanity Bag, 1996
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel -(Made in France) Vanity bag in black matte leather, handle with thick chain intertwined with leather. Interior in burgundy leather, pockets and mirror integrated. Card of aut...
$8,035
Chanel evening bag 1991
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - Partially quilted red satin evening bag. Golden metal cc fastener, and satin interlaced crossbody chain handle. Piece with a serial number. A 1989/1991 Collection. Conditio...
$12,170
Chanel evening bag 1989-1991
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Quilted purple silk evening bag with golden metal chain handle and elements. The bag comes with a tiny enveloppe. A 1989-1991 Collection under the artistic ...
Chanel leather bag 1991-1992
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Quilted metallic-blue leather bag ornamented with a golden metal jewelry, rhinestones, and a costume pearly cabochon. Round handle. Piece with a serial numb...
HERMÉS KELLY 20cm bordeaux Calfskin Leather, gold hardware, small shoulder bag
By Hermès, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Stuttgart, DE
About Very beautiful Mini Hermès Sellier shoulder bag, bordeaux , Box calf, M in circle - 1983 Features: - Inside Pocket 1 - Size " Width 7,9 inches x H 5,7 inches x 3.7 inches - Si...
$15,361
Chanel Vanity bag 1986-1988
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Quilted black lamb leather oval Vanity bag. Golden cc fastener, and rigid interlaced chain handle. Piece with a serial number. A 1986/1988 Collection under ...
$8,271
Chanel jewelry bag 1987s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in Italy) Silk bag with a jewelry print and red lamb leather. Zipper fastening, pompom zip, and interlaced chain crossbody strap. Piece with a Hologramme and an authen...
$15,361
Chanel vanity bag
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Quilted patent leather vanity bag. Golden metal elements. Piece with a serial number and an authenticity card. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: ...
Chanel Black Satin Crystal CC Clutch Chain Evening Bag Rare Designer
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in San Jose, CA
Chanel Black Satin Crystal CC Clutch with Silver Chain Shoulder Strap, rare luxury designer evening bag perfect for high fashion events, weddings, cocktail nights, and glamour closet...
Chanel 'box' bag Summer 1996
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Quilted black patent leather 'box' bag with silvery metal elements. Piece with a serial number. 1996 Spring-Summer Collection under the artistic direction o...
Chanel embroidered leather bag 2000
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Black lamb leather bag with an organza lay embroidered with sequins and tweed. Black lamb leather lining. Piece with an authenticity card and a serial numbe...
$6,380
Chanel handbag
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Paisley pattern fabric handbag in red, green, and yellow tones. Burgundy leather inside. Golden metal handle interlaced with leather, and golden metal eleme...
CHANEL EVENING SCHULTER BAG, schwarzer Jacquard Stoff mit iconischen CC 1990's
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Eine sehr schöne und seltene CHANEL Tasche (Made in Italy) aus schwarzem Jacquard Stoff mit eingewobenem CC Logo und der typischen CHANEL Kette. Silbener CC Verschluss und passende ...
$5,789
Chanel evening bag 1988
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in Italy) Quilted blue satin evening bag with a golden metal press fastener set with rhinestones. Multi-row chain handle interspaced with rhinestones. Piece with a ser...
$9,560Sale Price|46% Off
H 12.5 in D 4 in L 14.5 in
NEW LOUIS VUITTON Rare Fuchsia Runway Cartoon Art Firebird Limited Edition Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The extremely rare LOUIS VUITTON Fuchsia Cartoon Firebird, the most luxurious of them all. One of a kind and only a few were released Worldwide in 2008! Cartoon Limited Collection ba...
Fendi mini bag in neon yellow sequins
By Fendi
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Fendi mini bag in neon yellow sequins
Beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels Brown Jacquard Evening bag with Gold Chain
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Sheffield, GB
A beautiful Vintage VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Chocolate brown jacquard evening bag with a detachable gold chain strap. MADE IN FRANCE. 22 Place Vendôme, Paris. Features; Beautiful Gold Chain...
Chanel Graffiti Box 2015 On The Pavement Khaki Canvas Messenger Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Graffiti Box 2015 On The Pavement New with Tag Khaki Canvas Messenger Bag Very rare and soldout runway graffiti bag. As seen on Bell...
Kathrine Baumann Leopard Design Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag
By Kathrine Baumann Beverly Hills
Located in Tustin, CA
Exquisite handmade designer, Kathrine Baumann, who is the celebrated handbag maker to the stars, leopard pattern pillow shaped minaudière, evening bag...
$495
H 3.5 in D 2 in L 6 in
Animal Motif Crystal Clutch In The Style Of Judith Leiber, Great Condition.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Animal Motif Crystal Clutch In The Style Of Judith Leiber Great Condition, No Crystals missing. Silver Strap Inclosed.
Judith Leiber Pink Swarovski Crystal Minaudière Clutch Evening Bag Purse
By Judith Leiber
Located in Studio City, CA
A Judith Leiber pink minaudière evening purse entirely covered with pink Swarovski crystals. Features gold tone metal trim, a hinge-top opener/clasp and gold leather lined interior. ...
Judith Leiber 1984 Bullfrog Miniaudiere
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Add this amazing piece to your collection! Circa 1980s, this Judith Leiber frog miniaudiere features multi color Jade, Amethyst and Onyx stones with...
Gucci Marmont Super Mini Flap Leather Bag Red Leather
By Gucci
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Gucci Marmont Super Mini Flap Leather Bag Red Leather These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. The Gucci Marmont Bag is a timeless and adaptable accessory ...
Chanel Black Mini Logo Satin Silk Texturized Shoulder Tote
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Satin Silk Texturized Mini Vintage Logo Tote 1991 {VINTAGE 33 Years} Gold hardware CC turn-lock top closure Gold metallic interior Internal slip pocket 6.5" H x 6.7" W...
Chanel Timeless Bag Rare Vintage 1990's Limited Edition Lucky Charm Black Tote
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Timeless Bag Rare Vintage 1990's Limited Edition Lucky Charm Black Tote Made in France
$24,200
H 10 in W 11 in D 3 in
Chanel 1994 Backpack Ultra Rare Duma Vintage Red Lambskin Leather Backpack
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Ultra rare Chanel red vintage quilted lambskin backpack with interwoven chain straps 1994 {VINTAGE 28 Years} Gold hardware Double CC turnlock closu...
Chanel bag by Karl Lagerfeld 2010-2011
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2010-2011 ready-to-wear Collection, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Chocolate-brown crocodile leather bag with a golden metal turnlock fastener, and a golde...
Chanel handbag by Karl Lagerfeld circa 2008
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A Collection circa 2008, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Quilted black and white lamb leather handbag with a clip fastener on a rigid frame, and an inside p...
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Silver Beaded Chainmail Belt Bag, SS 1999
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Chanel ▪ Creative Director: Karl Lagerfeld ▪ Collection: Spring-Summer 1999 ▪ Fabric: Metal ▪ Size: Waist 76cm/30in ▪ Made in: France ▪ Condition: Excellent ▪ Mannequin: 183...
Chanel minaudiere bag by Karl Lagerfeld circa 1998
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - A Collection circa 1998, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Lamb leather minaudiere bag with black trimming, a branded golden metal ball fastener, and a chain h...
Chanel bag 'tape' by Karl Lagerfeld Summer 2004
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 2004 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Black lucite 'tape' handbag ornamented with white details. White enamel house nam...
Chanel 'box' bag 1996
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Quilted black lamb leather bag with silvery metal elements and cc logo. Piece with a serial number. 1996 Spring-Summer Collection Printemps-eté 1996 under t...
Chanel 'box' bag 1996-1997
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in Italy) Quilted black lamb leather bag with tortoiseshell-like bakelite. Bakelite chain handle interlaced with black leather. A 1996-1997 Collection under the artist...
Chanel métiers d’art Paris Edinburgh 2013 rare Coco Sporran Flask minaudière bag
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Chanel Métiers d’art Paris Edinburgh Pre fall 2013 collection by Karl Lagerfeld small Coco sporran Flask leather minaudière crossbody bag, highly collectible as seen many times...
Chanel bag 'square' 1991/1994
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Black satin square bag with chevron topstitches. Quilted golden metal CC fastening on a flap. Quilted golden metal chain handle. Piece with a serial number ...
Chanel bag 'Micro Classic' 1989/1991 Collection
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Quilted black satin Micro Classic bag. Press stud fastening on a flap topped with the house initials. Chain crossbody strap interlaced with black lamb leath...
Chanel bag 'Micro classic' circa 1990
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Quilted navy-blue lamb leather Micro Classic bag. Press stud fastening on a flap, topped with the house initials. Chain crossbody strap interlaced with blac...
Chanel mini 'Classic' bag winter 2004
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Black satin mini classic bag with Choco Bar topstitches. Black resin charms ornamented with multicolored rhinestones. Silvery metal "CC" fastener on a flap....