The House of Chanel was founded by Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel in 1910, the same year she opened her first boutique ‘Chanel Modes’ at 21 rue Cambon in Paris. In 1918 she opened her Couture House at 31 rue Cambon, featuring a boutique, workshops and salons. Chanel’s early designs featured simple lines, jersey fabric and leather or lace trimmings. Most were produced in traditionally masculine colours such as black, grey and navy blue. In the 1920s, she launched the first Chanel shoulder bag and the first Chanel perfume, Chanel N°5, which is now considered the most famous fragrance in the world. She also presented her first collection of powders, lipsticks and skincare products.
Although Chanel only presented one high jewellery collection, she designed high-end costume jewellery made from crystals and non-precious materials. Vintage Chanel earrings, charm bracelets, rings, brooches and pearl necklaces are treasured today for their originality and excellence in design and command high prices at auction.
During World War II, Chanel closed her Couture House and moved to the Ritz in Paris. She reopened 31 rue Cambon in 1954. Her comeback designs included the trimmed tweed Chanel suit, two-tone Chanel shoes and the quilted leather Chanel Flap Bag, dubbed the 2.55 after the date of its release. The classic Double Flap Bag with gold hardware and chain is still a must-have for every Chanel handbag collector. The House launched its Chanel 19 perfume in 1970. Coco Chanel died, aged 87, in 1971 at the Ritz in Paris.
Karl Lagerfeld took over as creative director in 1983, ushering in a new era for Chanel. He reimagined the iconography favoured by Coco Chanel, revitalised the Cruise collections and created Chanel ready-to-wear as we know it today. He also introduced the collectible Métiers d’Art handbags, the Chanel Boy Bag, the Chanel Deauville tote and the Chanel crossbody Gabrielle bag.
In 1987 the company launched its first collection of watches, followed in 1993 by the creation of its high jewellery line. The first boutique dedicated to Chanel watch and fine jewellery collections was inaugurated in 1997 at 18 Place Vendôme in Paris. After Lagerfeld’s death in 2019, Virginie Viard took over as Chanel’s creative director. She continues to combine the symbols dear to Coco Chanel with a fresh, playful touch.
A RARE, RUNWAY PINK & BLACK PATENT LEATHER HEART BAG WITH GOLD HARDWARE
CHANEL SPRING, 1995
A NAVY CHEVRON QUILTED CAVIAR JUMBO FLAP BAG WITH GOLD HARDWARE
CHANEL, 1994-1996
AN IRIDESCENT GOLD & BLACK GALUCHAT EFFECT MINI FRAME BAG
CHANEL, 2000-2002
A MÉTIERS D’ART RUNWAY PARIS-HAMBURG BLACK LUCITE, STRASS & GOLD LIFESAVER EVENING BAG
CHANEL, PRE-FALL 2018
A RUNWAY BLACK & WHITE FAUX PEARL AND BEADED MINI FLAP BAG WITH LIGHT GOLD HARDWARE
CHANEL, SPRING/SUMMER 2022
A BLACK SILK ROPE KELLY HANDLE BAG WITH GOLD HARDWARE
CHANEL, 1997-1999
A MATTE BLACK ALLIGATOR CERF TOTE WITH ANTIQUED SILVER HARDWARE
CHANEL, 2014-2015
Chanel. A Rare 18k White Gold and Ceramic Limited Edition Automatic Wristwatch Set with Diamonds and Rubies
SIGNED CHANEL, PARIS, J12 EDITIONS EXCLUSIVES MODEL, REFERENCE H2038, NO. 04/05, CASE NO. I.H.99334, CIRCA 2008
香奈儿,触目及极罕有,18K白金、黑色陶瓷、长形切割钻石及红宝石自动上弦腕表,配中心秒针,J12,限量生产,约2010年制,附原厂证书、盒子及外包装
J12 MODEL, CIRCA 2010
A CHANEL BALLGOWN, CAPE, SHOES AND MATCHING CLUTCH BAG
LABELED 'CHANEL', WITH CANVAS TAG STAMPED '32449', 1960S