Welcome to our list of The 9 Most Iconic Vintage Chanel Bags!
What could be better than a vintage Chanel bag? Throughout Chanel’s history there were several amazing bags launched, most of them designed by the iconic Karl Lagerfeld. Unfortunately, many of those bags are no longer on the brand’s offerings, but you can still find them on the vintage market! Here I’ll show you 9 Chanel bags that are part of the brand’s history, none of them are currently sold by Chanel but you can still find them on the resale market!
Make sure to check out my list of the 14 Chanel Bags Every Bag Lover Should Know!
So, without further ado here are The 9 Most Iconic Vintage Chanel Bags:
1. Chanel Diana
Constantly seeking inspiration from the world around him, Karl Lagerfeld placed tremendous value in his muses, as these fashionable women helped solidify his designs as timeless classics. As such, Princess Diana of Wales, the ultimate style icon of the ‘80s and ‘90s, had a tremendous impact on Lagerfeld and the living legacy of Chanel. Produced from 1989 to approximately 1995, the Chanel Diana bag is a coveted find among vintage hunters and Diana admirers alike. This classic design closely resembles that of the Chanel Single Flap, and was sported so frequently by Princess Diana, that Karl Largefeld felt it only fitting to honor her in the name.
Following Diana’s divorce, rumor had it she didn’t like the Chanel logo, as the interlocking CCs reminded her of her ex-husband, Charles, and his new partner, Camilla. However, eventually, Diana did return to the classic brand and was often seen carrying their bags. The handbag was resurrected in the Spring 2015 collection, but the vintage Chanel Diana in caviar leather remains the most elusive and sought-after variation ever crafted.
The Chanel Diana is not currently sold by Chanel, but you can find it at Sotheby’s!
2. Chanel Shopping Tote
A wardrobe staple and icon of the early-2000s, the Shopping Tote is a long-time favorite among Chanel handbag lovers. Designed in three sizes – the Petite Shopping Tote, the Grand Shopping Tote, and the Grand Shopping Tote XL – the standard Grand Shopping Tote is the ultimate classic. Best recognized for its roominess and tasteful simplicity, the Chanel Shopping Tote is only available in classic quilting. Additionally, only two hardware colors – gold and silver – were ever offered.
After the GST was discontinued in 2015, the desirability of these Chanel handbags skyrocketed. Today, the Chanel Shopping Tote is a rare vintage find, coveted among those in the know.
3. Chanel Perfume Bottle Bag
After debuting in the Chanel Cruise 2014 collection, the plexiglass Perfume Bottle Bag was a sensational hit. Modeled after the iconic Chanel No. 5 Perfume bottle, these unconventional Chanel bags are adored among fashion trendsetters. Sported by the likes of Kim Kardashian and Rihanna, this Chanel purse shines in the spotlight. The limited availability of the Perfume Bottle Bag enhances its appeal, as it remains a coveted piece on the resale market. A modern interpretation of Chanel’s most recognizable perfume bottle, this playful conversation piece is a dream evening bag.
On the spring summer 22 collection, Chanel presented once again the Perfume Bottle bag and very limited quantities were sold this season!
4. Chanel Camera Bag
Introduced by Chanel in the 1980s, the Chanel Camera Bag is an elegant reinterpretation of the camera cases used by photographers and reporters. In comparison to other iconic Chanel purses, the Camera Bag has tremendous interior capacity and depth. With a full-zip closure and crossbody strap, the Chanel Camera Bag provides ultimate comfort and protection of your belongings. Despite its occasional release as part of the classic collection, the Camera Case is among the more elusive Chanel bags ever designed.
Thus, part of the allure of the Chanel Camera Bag is its rarity, as collectors avidly seek out this timeless Chanel bag.
5. Chanel Round Top Handle Vanity Case
Until this day Chanel still launches some beautiful vanity case bags, but the most iconic are the vintage ones from the 90’s and early 2000’s. Adored by fashionistas worldwide, the Vintage Round Top Handle Vanity Case is another highly collectible Chanel handbag. This 1994-1996 bag made appearances at many fashion weeks and is quick to be snatched up when seen on the resale market. The structure of the bag elicits a retro feel, while the sleekness of the patent leather allows the 90s and early 00s aesthetic to shine through.
A sister of this silhouette is the Vintage Heart Handle Bag. This fashionable artifact has an unforgettable charm thanks to its unique heart-shaped design, making it another standout addition to any handbag collection. The heart has been a recurrent motif in Chanel’s collections, so any bag with this form is worth collecting!
6. Chanel Graffiti Backpack
Imagine how a teenager would doodle on a backpack, that is just what Karl Lagerfeld did for AW14. He defaced a collection of shoulder bags and backpacks with a mash-up of graffiti prints and crafty embellishments. It’s a classic Karl design – a daring reinterpretation of the fashion house’s iconic branding that somehow just works. The backpack of course became the It-bag of the summer, it was seen on the shoulders of Kristen Stewart, Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus. This is only one of the examples of what the genius Karl Lagerfeld could do.
The Graffiti backpack bag remains a favorite of the most daring Chanel lovers.
7. Chanel Kelly Bag
Yes, Chanel also had a Kelly bag back in day, and I have to say it does look pretty similar to the Hermès one. The structured shape, minimalist exterior, and top handle make this bag so elegant. The Chanel Kelly bag is made from diamond quilted caviar leather and features a silver CC turn lock on the front flap of the bag. The exterior features a large slip pocket, while inside the bag you will find a black leather interior with a zipper and patch pocket so you can easily find everything. This is a sophisticated and chic bag that was a big hit in the 2000’s, but it was slowly discontinued in 2007 and by 2010 it was completely out of Chanel’s offerings.
One does wonder if the reason why they pulled this bag was because of the comparisons with the most famous Kelly bag, but nevertheless, this bag would be an amazing addition to your vintage Chanel collection!
8. Chanel Milk Carton bag
Perhaps one of the most memorable runway shows during Lagerfeld’s tenure was the Chanel Shopping Center show for Autumn Winter 2014. Karl Lagerfeld transformed the Grand Palais into a Chanel-themed supermarket with models walking through the aisles. This show provided the world with some of the most unique handbags in Chanel’s design history: the Shopping Basket Bag and the Milk Carton bag. This Lait de Coco bag was made of silver leather, ruthenium hardware and studded with pearls.
It was an instant hit and until this day is a collector’s item that resells for astonishing prices.
9. Chanel Duma Backpack
Designed in the 90’s by Karl Lagerfeld, this backpack is a sought-after collector’s item. The backpack opens with the interlocking CC lock and a drawstring, there are two pockets with a zip on the inside and one pocket with a flap on the front. It has gold-platted hardware and was made of lambskin leather. The double logo is iconic of the design, Lagerfeld once said: “logos are the Esperanto of marketing, luxury, and business today.”
A very rare item on the vintage Chanel market, this backpack is an icon of the golden days of the brand! Cool, chic and understated, this is perhaps the most amazing designer backpack you’ll ever find!
You can find amazing vintage Chanel bags on Sotheby’s!
