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.
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Chanel 2001 Mauve Pink Leather Cuff Bracelet, France, COA Included
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Port Hope, ON
Perfect bracelet for everyday wear. This leather and metal bracelet is stamped 2001 which you can find on a metal disc at the back. This bracelet was made in France. It is very easy ...
Base Metal
Chanel Byzantine Gold-Plated Metal Bracelet
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Gold-plated metal bracelet with multicolored glass paste cabochons. Additional information: Dimensions: Circumference: 15 cm Opening: 3 cm Condition: Ve...
Gilt Metal
Chanel Bracelet in Engraved Gold Metal, 1995
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel -(Made in France) Bracelet in engraved gold metal. Fall-Winter 1995 collection. Additional information: Dimensions: Circumference: 18 cm Opening: 10 cm Condition: Very go...
Gilt Metal
Chanel Enamelled Gold Bracelet
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel -(Made in France) Enamelled gold metal bracelet. Additional information: Dimensions: Circumference: 15 cm Opening: 2.8 cm Width: 3.3 cm Condit...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Chanel Bracelet of Silver-Plated Metal, Summer 2013
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel -(Made in Italy) Bracelet composed of silver-plated metal spheres. Summer 2013 collection. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: 27 cm Condition: Very good condition ...
Chanel Gold Plated Bracelet
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel -(Made in France) Gold plated metal bracelet. Additional information: Dimensions: Circumference: 17 cm Opening: 2.5 cm Height: 3.5 cm Conditio...
Gilt Metal
$1,250
H 1.5 in W 3.5 in
1960's Vintage Sirokoro Scandinavian Sterling Silver Sculptural Cuff Bracelet
Located in North Miami, FL
This hallmarked unusual RARE vintage Scandinavian modern sculptural thick sterling silver signed cuff bracelet has the markings of Sorokoro MJH 925 Made in Fin. It is fabulous! Very ...
Sterling Silver
Sonwai Wood Turquoise Lapis Lazuli Silver and Yellow Gold Height Inlay Cuff 2020
Located in New York, NY
Ebony, Vermillion wood, Lone Mountain turquoise, lapis lazuli, yellow gold and sterling silver height inlay cuff, with stones and wood set in a...
Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Gold, Silver
Yianni Creations 18 Karat Gold Bangle Bracelet with Citrine
By Yianni Creations
Located in Astoria, NY
This bracelet from Yianni Creations is all handmade in Greece from 18 Karat Gold and set with 1.75 Carat Citrine. The unique look is created by using ancient techniques of craftsmanship - brushed texture and nature-inspired liquid edges. For a full selection of Yianni Creations (YC) jewelry please visit our storefront here on 1stdibs – Yianni Creations Inc...
Citrine, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$15,850
H 1.25 in W 2.5 in Dm 2 in
Vintage Italian 18 Karat Gold Sculptural Cuff Bracelet 1970's Design
Located in North Miami, FL
This thick and stunning vintage Italian sculptural bracelet is stamped 18K Gold. It has great weight and presence. it has 3 rows of 18 K yellow gold that is recessed and 3 rows that is frontal giving it it's sculptural entity. It has an in and out pattern of gold as in a weave pattern. It is beautiful, timeless, classic and will work day or evening. It is hallmarked 18K. There is a florentine like pattern on the gold and it is extremely well made. This is a very very fine Italian 18K gold cuff bracelet. The weight is 51.7 DWT. There are two safety hooks and clasps. This will fit a wrist of 6 inches in diameter which is a small wrist to a medium small wrist. The small wrist will have some wiggle room. It will fit a slightly larger wrist which would be a small to medium that will have a tighter fit like 6.5". The inside diameter of this gorgeous bracelet is 2". This has good weight to it and is a very special elegant Italian 18K gold bracelet...
18k Gold, Gold
Royston Turquoise and Sterling Bracelet
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Large Royston turquoise and sterling silver bracelet. Large beautiful center stone surrounded by chain links in shadow box design with twisted rope border and three bands along sides...
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Lucea New York Hammered Cuff Rustic Diamond and Emerald Bracelet
By Lucea New York
Located in New York, NY
Rustic Collection Hammered metal with star fish motif bangle cuff set with emerald and rustic diamond on sterling silver 14k gold plating. Emerald : 15.21ct total weight Diamond : ...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate, Si...
Vintage PALOMA PICASSO Parfums Red Glass Cabochon Wide Cuff Bracelet
By Paloma Picasso
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage PALOMA PICASSO Parfums Red Glass Cabochon Wide Cuff Bracelet Measurements: Height: 2.75 inches (7 cm) Upper Inner Circumference: 6.77 inches (17.2 cm) Bottom Inner Circumfer...
RUCHI Pink Sapphire and Diamond Rose Gold Link Bracelet
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K Rose Gold Pink Sapphire- 10.06 Cts Diamond- 0.43 Cts All Diamonds are G/H- SI
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Magnificent Wide Diamond Cuff Bracelet
By Diamond Scene
Located in New York, NY
A fabulous design! 29.40 carats of diamonds, featuring larger pear shaped diamonds throughout. Set in 18k white gold Approximately 2...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
22 Karat Gold Spiral Cuff Bracelet
By Romae Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
22 Karat Yellow Gold Spiral Cuff Bracelet by ROMAE Jewelry - Inspired by an Ancient Design. Our stunning solid gold "Eupraxia" bracelet features a timeless "figure-eight" spiral repe...
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Judith Hendler Vintage !980's Clear and White Lucite Cuff Bracelet
By Judith Hendler
Located in North Miami, FL
The bands of clear, white and then clear again make this very chic chunky vintage lucite cuff bracelet from the 80's so wearable and fun! It is designed by a famous Californian artis...
Vintage CLAUDE MONTANA Golden M Space Age Lucite Resin Wide Cuff Bracelet
By Claude Montana Paris
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage CLAUDE MONTANA Golden M Space Age Lucite Resin Wide Cuff Bracelet Features: - 100% Authentic CLAUDE MONTANA. - Space age lucite wide rigid cuff bracelet with golden M initia...
Chanel Scarab Gold Plated Metal Bracelet
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel -(Made in France) Gold plated metal bracelet. To note, the metal is patinated by place. Additional information: Dimensions: Circumference: 17 cm Condition: Good condition...
Gilt Metal
Chanel Wooden and Golden Metal Bracelet
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel -(Made in France) Wooden and golden metal bracelet paved with multicolored cabochons. Additional information: Dimensions: Diameter: 7 cm Circumference: 20.5 cm Condition: ...
Gilt Metal
Chanel Astrology Zodiac Signs Bracelet, 1980s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Golden metal spiral bracelet representing zodiac signs. Jewellery from the 1990's. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Circu...
Chanel Bracelet Topped with CC Logos, Fall-Winter 1993
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Golden metal rigid bracelet ornamented with pearlised pastilles topped with cc logos. 1993 Fall-Winter Collection. Additional information: Condition: Very ...
Chanel Gold Plated Metal Bracelet
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel -(Made in France) Gold plated metal bracelet. Additional information: Dimensions: Circumference: 17 cm Opening: 2.5 cm Height: 4.5 cm Condition: Very good condition Sel...
Gilt Metal
Chanel Gold-Plated Metal Bracelet, Fall 1997
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Gold-plated metal bracelet. Fall-Winter 1997 collection. Additional information: Dimensions: Diameter: 6.5 cm Circumference: 20 cm Condition: Very good co...
Gilt Metal
Pair of Chanel Bracelet, Fall 1994
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Pair of supple bracelets in gold metal, black leather and colored resin. Fall-Winter 1994 collection. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: 22 cm Wi...
Gilt Metal
Chanel Pearl Gold Metal Beads Bracelet
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Bracelet of pearly pearls and gold metal beads. Jewel from the 1980s. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: 22 cm Condi...
Gilt Metal
Chanel "Flowers" Bracelet in Bakelite, Glass Paste and Gilded Metal
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Bracelet in bakelite, glass paste and gilded metal. Collection 2cc8. Additional information: Dimensions: Circumference: 13 cm Opening: 3 cm Condition: Ver...
Gilt Metal
Chanel "Flower" Bracelet in Bakelite, Glass and Gilded Metal, 1990's
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel -(Made in France) Bracelet in bakelite, glass and gilded metal. Collection 2cc8. Additional information: Dimensions: Circumference: 13 cm Opening: 3 cm Condition: Very g...
Gilt Metal
Chanel Dark Gold Metal and Multicolored Glass Paste Bracelet
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Dark gold metal and multicolored glass paste bracelet. Additional information: Dimensions: Circumference: 14 cm Openin...
Gilt Metal
Chanel Wooden and Golden Metal Bracelet Paved with Multicolored Cabochons
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel -(Made in France) Wooden and golden metal bracelet paved with multicolored cabochons. Additional information: Dimensions: Diameter: 7 cm Circumference: 20.5 cm Condition: Ve...
Gilt Metal