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 Wide Gold Curb Link Cuff Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Hallmark: CHANEL Made in France Collection 23 Gold Plated The bracelet is in good condition showing minimal wear Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-ow...
Gold
Chanel Gold Vintage CC Heart Cuff Bangle Bracelet, 95 P
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Hallmark: CHANEL Made in France 1995 Collection Gold plated The bracelet is in good condition showing minimal wear, minor scruffs Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Thi...
Gold
Curata Italian Solid 14k Yellow Gold Wide Polished Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Curata Jewelry
Located in Great Neck, NY
Metal Purity: 14k Stamped Country of Origin: Italy Metal Weight: 44.6 grams Measurement: 47mm (2") wide - Adjustable Certificate of Authenticity Italian Solid 14k Yellow Gold 47mm Wide Polished Cuff Bangle Bracelet is a piece of jewelry made from 14-karat yellow gold that has been polished to a high shine. The cuff bangle style means that it is open and can be slipped onto the wrist, making it easy to wear. The bracelet is 47mm wide, which is just under 2 inches, and it has a substantial feel to it. This type of bracelet is often considered a statement piece, as it is quite bold and eye-catching. It can be worn on its own or paired with other bracelets or bangles for a stacked look. The high-polish finish gives it a luxurious look and the Italian craftsmanship is known for its attention to detail and quality. Solid gold jewelry...
Yellow Gold
CHANEL Vintage Textured Gold Cuff Statement Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Hallmark: CHANEL Made in France Gold Plated The bracelet is in good condition showing minimal wear Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned vintage pi...
Gold
CHANEL Vintage Elegant Gold CC Clover Cuff Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Hallmark: CHANEL Made in France 1995 Collection Gold Plated The bracelet is in good condition showing minimal wear Comes with box IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-...
Gold
Chanel Vintage Gold Tone CC Hinged Bangle Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Step into timeless elegance with the Chanel Vintage Gold Tone CC Hinged Bangle Bracelet. Crafted to perfection, this stunning piece features a chunky design with intricate geometric ...
$13,320
H 0.18 in W 1.26 in L 2.76 in
Tiffany & Co. 18K 750 Solid Yellow Gold Paloma Picasso Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Vintage 18k Paloma Picasso Graffiti Motif Cuff Bangle Bracelet Metal Type: 18k Yellow Gold Total Item Weight: 51.3 Grams Length: 70.0 mm Width: 32.0 mm Height: 4.5...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1990’s 14k Yellow Gold Wide Cuff Bangle Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Exuding minimalist glamour, this vintage 14k yellow gold cuff bracelet from the 1990s makes a bold, contemporary statement. The bracelet takes the form of a substantial wide cuff that wraps regally around the wrist. With a substantial width of 0.88 inches (2.2 cm), the cuff has an undeniable presence and eye-catching appeal. Rendered in rich 14k yellow gold, the cuff showcases the eternal beauty of the warm, buttery precious metal. The minimalist design allows the natural radiance of the gold to take center stage. The outer surface has a bright polished finish that catches the light beautifully, while the interior side has a satin brushed finish for a subtle contrast in textures. Despite its striking, oversized width, the cuff remains comfortable to wear thanks to the hollow, open design on the back side. This ingenious construction allows the cuff to have an impressive weight of 35.14 grams without feeling heavy or cumbersome on the wrist. With an open design that slips over the wrist, the circumference is 7” which fits most wrists. Perfect for day or night, this iconic 1990s piece epitomizes understated luxury with its timeless combination of 14k gold and a chic, minimalist aesthetic. A bonafide statement maker, this wide cuff bangle...
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Geometric Wide Bangle in Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A stylish vintage geometric wide bangle set in 18k yellow gold.
The bracelet is composed of a wave-shaped band set with a gradient width. To one side of the bangle is a cl...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
Bvlgari Vintage Yellow Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet is a testament to timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this bracelet radiates a warm, rich glow...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Criss Cross Wide Yellow Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Criss Cross Wide Cuff Bangle Bracelet by Verdura. Details: Weight: 66.3 grams Width: 1.5" Length: 6.25" Stamped Hallmarks: VERDURA 750 *Free Shipping within the Uni...
Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow & White Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White & Yellow Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels. The Van Cleef & Arpels bangle cuff bracelet is an epitome of sophistication, crafted from 18k yellow and white go...
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow & White Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White & Yellow Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels. The Van Cleef & Arpels bangle cuff bracelet is an epitome of sophistication, crafted from 18k yellow ...
18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Double C Diamond Tri-Color Gold Trinity Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Tri-Color Gold (Yellow, White, Rose) Diamond Double-C Bangle Cuff Bracelet by Cartier. The Cartier 18k Tri-Color Gold Diamond Double C Wide Cuff Bangle Bracelet elegantly combin...
Diamond, Gold
Vintage Bulgari Bvlgari Link Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Link Vintage Bracelet by Bulgari. Exuding timeless sophistication, this Vintage Bvlgari 18k Yellow Gold Link Bracelet showcases the brand’s mastery in crafting iconi...
Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
An enduring icon of luxury and romance, this authentic Cartier Love Bracelet is expertly crafted in 18K yellow gold and features the Maison’s legendary screw motif, a timeless symbol...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
