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.
Vintage CHANEL LAGERFELD ERA Statement Pearl Torsade CC Logo Bracelet 2014
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A striking statement Chanel Pearl Torsade Bracelet crafted during the legedary Karl Lagerfeld tenure. Featuring multiple rows of luxurious pearls in a torsade style. Finished with th...
Chanel bracelet by Karl Lagerfeld Fall 1995
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1995 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Gripoix Atelier. Bracelet made of four pearl rows assembled with knots, a golden m...
Gilt Metal
Chanel 1984 Gold Plated 6-Row Pearl Bracelet with Rhinestone Rosettes
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Very nice 6 row bracelet consisting of false pearls between 9 double-sided rhinestone rosettes. The 6 rows of pearls are set in 3.5 cm wide leaf bridge taken. One side there is a hoo...
Pearl, Gold Plate
Chanel pearl bracelet Spring 1995
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Bracelet made of tiny baroque costume pearls and a golden metal fastener ornamented with red glass paste. Work from the Gripoix Atelier for Chanel. 1995 Spr...
Gilt Metal
$1,976Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel summer gold metal CC Cluster ball bracelet ore necklace, collection 2013
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Stuttgart, DE
A large lush bombastic pearl bracelet from Chanel with attached CC clasp from the summer collection 2013. A very decorative imitations pearl bracelet of different sizes. These are ...
Pearl, Gold Plate
Chanel bracelet by Karl Lagerfeld Fall 1995
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - 1995 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Gripoix Atelier. Bracelet made of four pearl rows assembled with knots, a golden m...
Gilt Metal
$2,118
Chanel pearl bracelet
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Multi-row costume pearl bracelet enlivened with golden metal and rhinestone rings. Jewelry from the 1980s. Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length: f...
Chanel Gold Metal and Black Leather Bracelet, 1990's
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Bracelet in gold metal and black leather, holding costume pearly beads. 2cc3 Collection. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: 14 cm Opening: 2 cm ...
Gilt Metal
14ct Yellow Gold Muslim Islamic Tasbih Misbaha Prayer Beads Bracelet
Located in London, GB
Beautiful religious handcrafted beads bracelet in 14ct yellow gold. The jewellery item length 23 inches Hallmarked The total weight of the jewellery 21.1 grams 14ct Yellow gold chunk...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Tahiti Pearl Bracelet with black drawstring closure
By 15DEGREESLONDON
Located in Boostedt, SH
This bracelet is made of 8-10mm Tahiti pearls in an AA/+AA quality. You can't look past it. Simple and concise. A modern classic, an evergreen and an ant...
Pearl
Contemporary Pearl and Diamond Beaded Bracelet, Sterling Silver Clasp
Located in Nantucket, MA
A three strand beaded pearl bracelet with 4 diamond bars between the pearls and a sterling silver and diamond snap-shut clasp. Pearls total 39.50 carats, Diamonds total 1.11 Inside...
Diamond, Pearl, Sterling Silver
Peruvian Turquoise, British Columbia Jade & Tahiti Pearl Men’s Bracelet
By 15DEGREESLONDON
Located in Boostedt, SH
Description A masterclass in earthy sophistication, this beaded bracelet balances rugged, natural textures with the refined luster of the sea. Meticulously handcrafted, it features 8...
Jade, South Sea Pearl, Turquoise
Tibetan Agate & Multi-Hue Tahiti Pearl Men’s Bracelet
By 15DEGREESLONDON
Located in Boostedt, SH
Description A striking study in contrast, this piece marries the ancient, weathered aesthetic of Tibetan Agate with the iridescent depth of the South Pacific. The bracelet features b...
Agate, South Sea Pearl
18k Rose Gold Beaded Stretch Bracelet Beads
Located in Great neck, NY
Stackable Design: This elegant piece of jewelry will fit perfectly with your favorite outfits; wear it alone or combine it with other bracelets, this bracelet will be the foundational cornerstone of your collection. Timeless and unique bracelet: For the modern woman who lets her personal style shine through, this bracelet is delicate and chic on her wrist, they are the perfect accessory as they are suitable for any occasion! Gift Box included: If you are looking to gift your spouse, girlfriend, kid, or mother on a special occasion like Christmas, birthday, engagement or anniversary then look no further! Ease Of Mind and With Full Confidence: Your satisfaction is our only priority so in the improbable case that you are not 100% thrilled with our bracelet, we will offer you a full refund, No questions asked! Add this classic 18k Gold Bead Bracelet...
Rose Gold
Natural White Jade Bracelet for Luck and Peace, Authentic Burmese Jadeite Beaded
Located in Kowloon, HK
This stunning handcrafted bracelet features 16 natural, "Type A" jadeite beads, each meticulously selected for its unique luster and character. Sourced directly from Myanmar, these b...
Jade
Antique Art Deco Rhodium Plated Pearl & Paste Bracelet, 1930s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A divine Antique Deco Pearl Bracelet from the 1930s. Art Deco jewellery emerged during a period defined by optimism, movement and modern glamour. The 1920s and 1930s were an era of e...
18k Yellow Gold Beaded Stretch Bracelet Beads
Located in Great neck, NY
Stackable Design: This elegant piece of jewelry will fit perfectly with your favorite outfits; wear it alone or combine it with other bracelets, this bracelet will be the foundational cornerstone of your collection. Timeless and unique bracelet: For the modern woman who lets her personal style shine through, this bracelet is delicate and chic on her wrist, they are the perfect accessory as they are suitable for any occasion! Gift Box included: If you are looking to gift your spouse, girlfriend, kid, or mother on a special occasion like Christmas, birthday, engagement or anniversary then look no further! Ease Of Mind and With Full Confidence: Your satisfaction is our only priority so in the improbable case that you are not 100% thrilled with our bracelet, we will offer you a full refund, No questions asked! Add this classic 18k Gold Bead Bracelet...
Yellow Gold
Mid Century Modern Black Celluloid Disc and Copper Bracelet Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Black Magic! Fabulous Celluloid Discs inter-spaced with Copper rondelles, bracelet measuring; elasticized to fits many size wrists; Discs measure approx. 1" in diameter; C1960s. For ...
Copper
Natural Green Jade Bracelet for Luck and Peace, Authentic Burmese Jadeite Beaded
Located in Kowloon, HK
This stunning handcrafted bracelet features 16 natural, "Type A" jadeite beads, each meticulously selected for its unique luster and character. Sourced directly from Myanmar, these b...
Jade
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Multi-Loop White South Sea Baroque Pearl Bracelet
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim created this 18 Karat Gold White South Sea Baroque Pearl Link Bracelet to be worn alone or paired with other bracelets. Pearls 11 mm - 12mm Length 8" adjustable Each brace...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Chanel 1996 Gold-Tone Mother-of-Pearl Beaded Bracelet by Lagerfeld
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Bracelet of fancy mother-of-pearl beads, gold-tone metal twist clasp. Spring/Summer 1996 Ready-to-Wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lager...
Gilt Metal
Chanel 1996 Gold-Tone Mother-of-Pearl Beaded Bracelet by Lagerfeld
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Bracelet of fancy mother-of-pearl beads, gold-tone metal twist clasp. Spring/Summer 1996 Ready-to-Wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lager...
Gilt Metal
Chanel 1996 twisted pearl bracelet
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Bracelet of fancy mother-of-pearl beads, gold-tone metal twist clasp. Spring/Summer 1996 Ready-to-Wear Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lager...
Gilt Metal
Chanel bracelet Winter 1995
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal bracelet with rhinestones, glass paste, and costume pearls. 1995 Fall-Winter Collection under the direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition: Very...
Gilt Metal
Chanel pearl bracelet
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Costume pearl bracelet with golden metal charms and rhinestones. Jewelry from the 1985s. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 19 cm SKU:BRAB16
Chanel bracelet 1994
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Champagne-color costume pearl bracelet. 1994 Spring-Summer Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition: Very good condition Dimen...
Chanel pearl bracelet
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Bracelet with costume pearls and black glass pearls. A 2012 Collection. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: from 16 cm to 22 cm SKU:BRAB139