The Perfect Chanel Tote for Your Daily Commute, Weekend Travels and Everything in Between

Brief History Chanel

When Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel launched her first perfume – N°5 – in 1921, she was already a force to be reckoned with in the Paris fashion world. From haute couture fashion and handbags to beauty products, each facet of the Chanel brand was, and still is, inspired by Coco Chanel’s revolutionary spirit. By the 1960s, Chanel was a global, household name, worn by the most prominent women of the era including Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor. While Coco Chanel passed away in 1971, her legacy lived on with the arrival of Karl Lagerfeld in 1983. Lagerfeld breathed new life into the iconic fashion house, designing for the modern woman. The success of Chanel is largely attributed to the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of its founder, and the abilities of her successors to reinvent with timeless allure. The House of Chanel has created some of the most legendary fashion pieces of all time, continuing to withstand the test of time.

Vintage Chanel Totes

Sotheby's has a curated selection of vintage Chanel totes in leather, canvas, denim and exotic materials. The selection changes weekly so check back often if you are looking for a specific color or style.

Chanel Grand Shopping Tote

The first iconic vintage Chanel tote was released by Karl Lagerfeld in the 1990s. The Chanel Grand Shopping Tote and the Chanel Petite Shopping Tote were sold until 2015. The Chanel Grand Shopping tote came in two sizes the Grand or XL. The Chanel tote bag has a roomy interior with diamond quilting, embossed CC with two leather chain shoulder straps. After the Chanel GST was discontinued in 2015, the desirability of these Chanel totes remained high and continue to be sought after on the secondary market. The durability of caviar leather, roomy interior and convenient shoulder straps make this classic design as modern and functional as when it was first introduced in the 1990s. Chanel fans and collectors remain attracted to the most classic Chanel brand motifs and classic vintage Chanel bag models. Sotheby's often has a curated selection of excellent condition Chanel Grand Shopping totes from 2010-2015. Older vintage Chanel Grand Shopping totes are rare in excellent condition and often sell quickly.

Chanel Medallion Tote

Another iconic vintage Chanel tote is the Chanel Medallion Tote that was introduced in the late 1990s by Karl Lagerfeld. The Chanel Medallion Tote was made in one size and a range or colors and materials. The Chanel Medallion tote was discontinued in 2013 but is often available on the secondary market. The name comes from the large coin zipper pull. The popularity of the Chanel Medallion tote was helped by its frequent appearance in first season of the MTV show The Hills in 2006. Lauren Conrad received a Chanel Medallion Tote from her boyfriend at the time, Jason Wahler and was frequently photographed with the bag.

Modern Chanel Totes

Sotheby's also has a selection of modern Chanel totes from recent seasons in leather, canvas and denim.

Chanel Deauville Tote

Refined yet casual, the Chanel Deauville tote was first introduced for the Spring-Summer 2012 collection. It is named after Coco Chanel's her first boutique that opened in 1913 located at Rue Gontaut-Biron in Deauville. The Deauville tote was an instant hit with buyers. The Deauville quickly became available in multiple colors, hardware, and material options to suit any season or occasion. Adorned with two intertwined chains, leather straps, the iconic interlocking CC logo, and “31 Rue Cambon” (the address of Coco Chanel’s apartment and first boutique), this tote is an ode to the luxury brand’s rich history. The spacious tote is equipped with large zipped pockets and a key clasp, ensuring that no personal belongings be misplaced. Designed as the ideal beach bag – able to hold all the oceanside necessities one may need – the Deauville is functional in all variations. Available in Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large, the only obvious difference among these tote offerings is that the Small does not have the additional leather handles that the larger sizes do. Instead, it is carried by the classic woven Chanel chain shoulder straps for a lighter wear. The canvas material makes this Chanel tote lighter than a leather tote, especially if you commute with a laptop.

Chanel 22 Tote

The Chanel 22 bag debuted at the Spring-Summer 2022 Ready-to-Wear show. Named after the Chanel's second fragrance, N. 22, the Chanel 22 bag is another design that honors a piece of the house's history. Virginie Viared’s introduction of a rectangular shoulder bag with a classic Chanel chain signified a new era for the constantly evolving house. The stylistically simple design and comfortable shape are what drew the attention of Chanel lovers. Multiple seasons later, the Chanel 22 bag has cemented its place as one of the most sought-after bags by Chanel. The Chanel 22 Tote is the least structured of the Chanel totes but still has a roomy interior.

Limited Edition Chanel Totes

Every season Chanel also produces limited edition totes. The limited edition Chanel tote is the ultimate collector piece since it is only produced for one season. Sotheby's always has a curated selection of limited edition Chanel totes in a range or materials including leather, canvas and denim.

Buying and Selling Chanel Totes at Sotheby's

Sotheby's has a curated selection of Chanel Totes available for immediate shipping in pristine condition. Expect to find iconic Chanel Grand Shopping Tote, popular Chanel Deauville Tote, the newest Chanel 22 tote and limited edition Chanel totes from prior seasons. If you have a pristine or excellent condition Chanel tote to consign, start selling here for a marketplace estimate.