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 Vintage S/S 1990 Black White Flower Bodysuit Onepiece Swimsuit
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Chanel Spring/Summer 1990 black and ivory flower embellished bodysuit/swimsuit, a rare and charming piece from Karl Lagerfeld’s iconic early 1990s era for the house. The piece featur...
Chanel Black Petal Textured Swim Cover-Up Dress, Cruise 2009
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chanel vintage 2000s black sleeveless dress with tiers of petal shaped fabric at front. From the Cruise 2009 collection. Metal CC logo at back top. Lightweight fabric, great as a b...
CHANEL Summer 1994 Runway Swimsuit Lagerfeld Era Claudia Schiffer Campaign
By Chanel
Located in CACHAN, FR
Rare and iconic vintage Chanel one-piece swimsuit from the legendary Spring/Summer 1994 runway collection designed by Karl Lagerfeld. A true collector’s archive piece featuring the o...
Chanel 1995 Spring Summer Barbie Collection Hot Pink Rhinestone Bikini Size 40
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rare and collectible Hot Pink Barbie Collection 1995 Spring Summer Rhinestone Bikini. Worn on the runway by none other than Naomi Campbell. Size: 40 Color: Hot Pink with clear Rhines...
Black swimsuit CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black swimsuit . Fabric composition: 80% nylon, 20% elastane. SIZE S
Chanel S/S 2003 Abstract Pop-Art Boyshort Bikini Set
By Chanel
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare archival swim set from Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2003 collection, designed during Karl Lagerfeld’s celebrated early-2000s era at the house. Executed in a soft palette of lavender...
Chanel Vintage S/S1990 Black White Camellia Flower Bow Bodysuit Swimsuit
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
This iconic Chanel swimsuit, as seen on Helena Christensen, is a rare piece from the Spring/Summer 1990 collection. Featuring a scoop neckline, cap sleeves, and a black satin bow, it...
Chanel Cruise 2018 Paris Athènes Greek collection One piece swimming suit
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel Cruise 2018 Paris Athènes Greek Collection by Karl Lagerfeld One piece swimming suit by Karl Lagerfeld, brand new with tag. Size 36 FR (it can fit 34-36-38)
Rare Iconic Chanel one-piece swimwear, classic fit 90s style, real gem CC logo
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Rare Iconic Chanel one-piece swimwear, classic fit 90s style, real gem Chanel CC logo Worn by Gisele Bundchen on the cover of Vogue Paris Size 36, Perfect!
Chanel 1996 Micro Bikini Top
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rare Chanel 1996 micro bikini top from the iconic Karl Lagerfeld era, featuring Chanel’s ultra-minimal runway silhouette with signature white CC logos centered on each circular cup. ...
Rare Chanel Vintage Cruise 1994 Quilted Black White Logo 94C Bikini Swimsuit
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Ultra-rare black quilted bikini from Chanel’s Cruise 1994 collection, famously worn by Claudia Schiffer and later by Miley Cyrus. This iconic two-piece features Chanel’s signature di...
Chanel Vintage 1994 Black Gold Chain Strap Corset Swimsuit Bodysuit
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
This vintage Chanel corset swimsuit from 1994 is a rare and elegant piece. Designed in classic black, it features a structured fit that flatters the body...
Vintage Lagerfeld Chanel Runway 1989 Polka-Dot Swimsuit/Matching Skirt + Sleeves
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One of the most memorable and collectible 3 pc black and white polka-dot swimsuit ensemble by Chanel 1989. Designed in a very appealing sexy one shoulder one piece with adjustable length skirt and ruched arm sleeves. Entire ensemble boasts a full 25 authentic Chanel marked gold tone buttons. Each sleeves features 10 Chanel buttons; 6 on swimsuit and 5 on skirt. I’ve shown some of the fashion photographs in the day. Still very appealing and waiting to be worn. Great stylish and fun fashion from vintage Chanel. Models like Naomi Campbell etc can be seen walking the runway. Size: 38 Condition: very good; guarantee authentic vintage Chanel
Chanel Black & White Gingham Ruffled Halter Bikini
By Chanel
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare archival swim set from Chanel, executed in classic black-and-white gingham with delicate ruffled trim throughout. The set features a halter-style triangle bikini top with soft...
Chanel 2018 Gradient Blue Coco Mark Two-Piece Bikini Set
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Chanel 2018 Gradient Blue Coco Mark Two-Piece Bikini Set exudes luxury and sophistication, making it the perfect choice for those who want to stand out at the beach or poolside. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this bikini features a stunning gradient blue hue that transitions seamlessly from darker to lighter shades, embodying the essence of oceanic elegance. The set’s sleek design is complemented by subtle Chanel branding, offering a touch of high-end fashion to swimwear. For a complete, luxurious look, style this bikini with designer accessories such as a Hermès silk scarf tied around the waist, a Cartier bracelet, or a pair of Saint Laurent oversized sunglasses. Adding a Chanel straw tote...
Rare & Iconic Chanel cut out Camellia logo one-piece swimwear classic! Cruise20'
By Chanel
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Rare & Iconic Chanel cut out Camellia logo one-piece swimwear classic! Cruise20'21
Museum Chanel Spring 1996 Micro bikini
By Chanel
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Chanel Spring 1996 CC logo Micro bikini. Size FR 38. Condition: Good/really good.
Chanel S/S 1995 Pink Quilted Bikini Set
By Chanel
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exceptionally rare archival swim set from Chanel’s Spring/Summer 1995 collection, embodying the playful yet sharply recognizable visual codes that defined Karl Lagerfeld’s mid-199...
Chanel White Neckline Embellishment Swimsuit Sz.38
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
Make a splash with this stunning Chanel white one-piece swimsuit! Crafted from high-quality, textured fabric, this elegant swimsuit offers both style and comfort. The chic black and ...
Chanel, ergonomic rubber CC logo hand flippers, 1990s
By Chanel
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
Extremely rare and collectible pair of ergonomic swim hand flippers by Chanel, dating from the 1990s. Designed for streamlined performance in the water, these black and white rubber...
Chanel New Rare Vintage Spring 1998 Camelia Flower CC Swimsuit Bodysuit
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Vintage Spring 1998 Camelia Flower CC Swimsuit Bodysuit Size 36 / Small New Made in France
Black shiny one piece bathing-suit CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black shiny one piece bathing-suit. Fabric composition: 66% nylon, 18% polyurethane, 16% spandex. Detachable string . Very thin padded bra. Boned on both side. SIZE 38
CHANEL Vintage 1997 Black One-Pïece Swimsuit with Printed Pearls Trompe L'oeil
By Chanel
Located in Nice, FR
CHANEL by KARL LAGERFELD vintage black one-piece swimsuit featuring a printed pearl necklace trompe l'oeil. Spring/Summer 1997 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Label reads CHANEL. Made in...
UNWORN Y2K Rare Chanel One-Piece Logo Swimsuit Bodysuit Swimwear Beachwear 38
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Switzerland, CH
CHANEL signature one-piece swimsuit Designed by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel's S/S 2000 collection Beautiful aubergine color Lilac neckholder and waist tie with "CHANEL" logo Deep cut-o...
$2,235
Chanel swim set
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Set composed of a white swimsuit with camellias and a matching pareo. Size 42FR indicated, but it fits better a 40FR. Spring summer 1992 Condition: Very go...
Chanel Towel "Chanel Essentials" Spring/Summer 1994
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chanel 1994 Towel "Chanel Essentials". This spring/summer 1994 collection Chanel towel is a rare and original piece. This scarf represents the most iconic...
NEW Chanel Signature 2-Piece Top Bottom Bikini Swimsuit Swimwear 36
By Chanel
Located in Switzerland, CH
Classic CHANEL signature two-pieces bikini swimsuit Beautiful cut Two pieces Fully lined Comes brandnew with tags Made in France Size 36 Complete in the origi...
$279Sale Price|60% Off
NEW Chanel CC Logo Signature Two-Sided Terry Cloth Beach Pool Sport Towel
By Chanel
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning beach towel by Chanel Signature CC Logo Softest terry cloth cotton Stunning colors Reversible design One size Brandnew with Chanel CC pouch
Chanel Yellow Bikini – 1995 Collection
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Features the classic quilted design with a black CC logo on the right cup. Size: Marked 40 In great condition overall with no major flaws. Please refer to photos for details.
Chanel 25C One Piece Swimsuit with Pocket and Button Detail New w/ Tags
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Cruise 2025 one-piece swimsuit / bodysuit in green textured tweed effect stretch fabric. Double C enamel buttons and pocket detailing. Never worn, with tag, fabric and spare...
$2,080
Chanel Denim Blue Towel
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chanel Denim Blue Towel. This beautiful towel, is in perfect condition, the squared patter in a perfect representation of the brand fascination with the diamond shape, as seen on mos...
Vintage CHANEL Logo Transparent Pouch Candy Pink Bathing Suit Swimsuit Bodysuit
By Chanel
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage CHANEL Logo Transparent Pouch Candy Pink Bathing Suit Swimsuit Bodysuit Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust, waist and hips: Bust: inches (34 cm) Waist: 13 inch...
Chanel Size 40 Black Swimsuit
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Chanel Swim? Name something better! Feel sleek and expensive in this blacked-out Chanel swim piece! Snag this today as it is a perfect basic to keep in you...
Chanel Size 40 Black Floral Swimsuit
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Chanel swim? Name something better! This is an early 2000's gem! Nothing get's more lux than Chanel swimwear. Be the most fashionable one at the pool with ...
$1,499Sale Price|50% Off
UNWORN Chanel Black Neckholder Swimsuit with Coco No 5 Logo Coin Details 36
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Switzerland, CH
Classic CHANEL signature one-piece bodysuit Can also be worn as swimsuit Beautiful cut with open back Looks like bikini from back Coin details on straps and in front...
Chanel Club Navy one piece Swimsuit 38
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
Pre-Owned Very good condition. sz.38
NEW Chanel 2PCS Logo Swimsuit & Cover Up Pareo Beachwear Poolside Set Ensemble
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Switzerland, CH
Classic CHANEL signature one-piece swimsuit and cover up set Set is consisting of two pieces - the swimsuit and the XL cover up Can also be worn as bodysuit Perfect for a pool or bea...
Chanel Club Navy one piece Swimsuit
By Chanel
Located in Krakow, PL
Very good condition. sz.38