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 suit pink jacket and dress S/S 1996
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Rubiera, RE
CHANEL S/S 1996 Suit pink tweed wool jacket and dress 90% wool 10% nylon Lining: 100% silk Size FR 42 Made in France Excellent conditions Flat measures Jacket: Length cm. 49 ...
Vintage Spring 1998 Chanel Pink/White Tweed Suit
By Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage Chanel pink/white tweed suit from spring 1998. - Gold hardware “CC” buttons closure. - Four front pockets. - Boxy straight cut. - Silk “C...
2000s Chanel Punch Pink Jacket
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
A 2000s Chanel boucle woollen jacket in a punch pink with a tailored bodice composed of curved exposed dart seams, creating a flattering silhouette on the body. The bodice includes a...
$5,171Sale Price|20% Off
Size: FR 38 - IT 42 - UK 10 - US 6
Chanel by Karl Lagerfield S/S 1992 Wool Pink Tailleur
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel Boutique
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by Karl Lagerfied - Money by Skof.Archive - Wool Pink Tailleur - Spring Summer 1992 Collection - Runway Set - Round Neckline - Double-breasted front closure with six match...
Chanel Vintage S/S 1994 Pink Tweed 3pcs Jacket Corset Skirt 94P Suit
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
An exceptionally rare and iconic three-piece Chanel suit from the legendary Spring 1994 collection. This unforgettable runway look was worn by Christy Turlington on the Spring 1994 r...
Rare Chanel 1983 Sz 44 10 Bubblegum Pink Boucle Vintage 80s Jacket Skirt Suit
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
It doesn’t get any better than this ! Super rare vintage Chanel spring 1983 bubblegum Barbie pink skirt suit ! Tailored jacket features a lighter pink braid trim down the front center, around the neck, arm cuffs, and hem. Signature gold chain at the bottom of the lining. Hook-and-eye closures up the front. Functional pockets at each side of the waist with gold CC buttons. Gold CC buttons also at each sleeve cuff. High waisted skirt has multiple snaps and hook-and-eye closures. Both pieces are fully lined in silk, and are great together or as separates. In great condition, with minor wear to the lining. Made in France Marked Size 44 US 10 (the jacket has been professionally let out on one of the seams to make bigger. Could easily be restored) Measurements: Jacket and skirt were clipped on the model. Model in video is 5’8 feet tall, and Size 6/8. Fits like a 10 Jacket 40 inch bust 36 inch waist 16.5 inches from back shoulder seam to seam Skirt (high waisted) 30 inch waist 40-42 inch hips 22 inches in length An exceptionally rare vintage Chanel skirt suit in the dreamiest shade of soft pink bouclé, trimmed throughout with signature braided detailing and finished with iconic gold tone CC buttons at the sleeves and pockets. This elegant two-piece ensemble embodies the timeless sophistication of late 1970s to early 1980s Chanel Boutique design, just before the dramatic transformation of the house under Karl Lagerfeld. The texture on this set is absolutely exquisite in person, with a richly woven bouclé fabrication that gives the suit incredible depth and dimension. The braided trim framing the neckline, front placket, cuffs, and pockets adds a distinctly couture feel that Chanel collectors endlessly search for. The silhouette remains eternally chic and wearable today, whether styled traditionally together or broken apart for a more modern editorial look. The jacket pairs beautifully with denim, silk trousers, or even layered over a slip dress, while the skirt works effortlessly with cashmere knits and crisp white shirting. This is the kind of Chanel set that instantly evokes Parisian elegance, private luncheons at the Ritz, and classic Slim Aarons glamour. Made in France. Labeled Chanel Boutique. A truly special collector’s piece that is increasingly difficult to find, especially in this highly desirable pale pink colorway with matching original skirt. Excellent vintage condition with normal light wear consistent with age. vintage Chanel pink bouclé suit Chanel skirt suit Chanel Boutique France rare Chanel tweed suit braided trim Chanel 1980s Chanel collector Chanel pastel skirt...
CHANEL 1996 Iconic Pastel Pink Tweed with CC Gripoix Buttons 40 FR
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
CHANEL · Pastel Pink Tweed with CC Gripoix Buttons — Legendary Runway of Fall 1996, Karl Lagerfeld • Museum level value: archival-level collectible (rare, connoisseur market) • W...
$3,106Sale Price|20% Off
Unworn Vintage Chanel Spring 1995 Pink Jacket
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage Chanel pink tweed jacket from spring 1995 collection. (Barbie collection). - “Chanel’ gold hardware zip closure. - Four front pockets. - “CC’ gold hardware buttons. ...
Unworn Vintage Chanel Spring 1995 Pink Jacket
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage Chanel pink tweed jacket from spring 1995 collection. - “Chanel’ gold hardware zip closure. - Four front pockets. - “CC’ gold ...
1980s Chanel Coral Pink Two Piece Suit
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
A Chanel two-piece silk crêpe suit from the 1980s, consisting of a loose-fitting, lightweight shirt and skirt. The shirt has a deep v neckline and is crossed over and fastened with d...
1980S EMANUEL UNGARO Hot Pink Silk Crepe 3-Piece Ensemble
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in New York, NY
1980S EMANUEL UNGARO Hot Pink Silk Crepe 3-Piece Ensemble
1990S Bubble Gum Pink Silk Faille Gown
Located in New York, NY
This gown retains no label, however the amount of hand-finishing points to Haute Couture or custom made quality, fully lined in silk. 1990S Bubble Gum Pink Silk Faille Gown
1990S JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Peach & Cream Wool Taffeta Patchwork Suit
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
1990S JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Peach & Cream Wool Taffeta Patchwork Suit
1990S YVES SAINT LAURENT JUNIOR Ivory Polyester Blend Ensemble
Located in New York, NY
1990S YVES SAINT LAURENT JUNIOR Ivory Polyester Blend Ensemble
2000S Jil Sander Hot Pink Cashmere Lightweight Unlined Coat
Located in New York, NY
2000S Jil Sander Hot Pink Cashmere Lightweight Unlined Coat MORPHEW VINTAGE represents the finest pieces of fashions past. Sourced from across the globe, dating as far back as a cen...
1980'S JAMES GALANOS Haute Couture Magenta Silk & Blue Lurex Skirt Suit With Be
By James Galanos
Located in New York, NY
1980'S JAMES GALANOS Haute Couture Magenta Silk & Blue Lurex Skirt Suit With Belt
