Vintage Chanel Pieces Available This December
Sotheby's fashion experts are proud to present an extraordinary range of vintage Chanel items in our December Fashion Icons sale. Join us as we preview five stunning garments on offer.
C elebrating the art of fashion throughout the ages, our second annual "Fashion Icons" on the 17th of December is the only one of its kind presented by an international auction house. This carefully curated sale includes haute couture from the world's major fashion houses, including over 40 vintage Chanel lots. Join us as we showcase five superb vintage Chanel garments.
Chanel By Karl Lagerfeld Fantasy Tweed Suit, Circa 1989. Estimate 6,000 - 10,000 USD
A striking example of Lagerfeld's creative genius, this Chanel By Karl Lagerfeld Fantasy Tweed Suit offered a contemporary twist on Chanel's classic tweed. This suit showcases Lagerfeld's innovative use of texture and detail, combining traditional craftsmanship with a modern flair that epitomizes the late 1980s era of sophistication.
The boutique-labelled garment comprises a double-breasted jacket with quilted leather collar, featuring self-covered buttons and edged in leather braid (bust 92-96 cm, 36-38 in). Includes matching skirt (waist 66-71 cm, 26-28 in).
Chanel By Karl Lagerfeld Ivory Bouclé Wool Ensemble, Late 1980s-Early 1990s. Estimate 5,000 - 8,000 USD
This supremely elegant Chanel By Karl Lagerfeld Ivory Bouclé Wool Ensemble, dating from the late 1980s, blends its signature textured fabric with a refined silhouette. This sophisticated design highlights Lagerfeld’s ability to honor Chanel’s heritage while infusing modernity, making it a quintessential piece of his era at the iconic fashion house.
The jacket is edged in braid and features gilt "CC" buttons, as well as a chain-weighted hem (bust 86 cm, 34 in). Includes matching skirt (61 cm, 24 in).
Carefully checked by our Sotheby's specialists, this garment is presented in good condition with no reserve.
Chanel By Karl Lagerfeld Black and White Sequinned Cocktail Dress, Spring-Summer 1987. Estimate 4,000 - 6,000 USD
This Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Black and White Sequined Cocktail Dress comes with excellent provenance, the property of a Lady of Title & Chanel Global Camellia client.
This cocktail dress came from the Spring-Summer 1987 collection and represents the iconic fusion of elegance and modernity that defined Lagerfeld's tenure at Chanel. This particular piece, boutique-labeled and equipped with exquisite details like a satin bow on the front and an internal corset, showcases the craftsmanship and luxurious design for which the brand is renowned.
The dress exemplifies the creativity of Lagerfeld, who joined Chanel in 1983 and revitalized the house's aesthetic. Under his direction, the use of intricate sequins and bold monochromatic contrasts became signature elements, as seen in this dress. The piece includes the accompanying Chanel box. Sizing: bust (86-92 cm, 34-36 in), waist (66 cm, 26 in).
Chanel By Karl Lagerfeld Haute Couture Pink Coral Tweed Blazer Dress, Circa 1994. Estimate 5,000 - 7,000 USD
The Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Haute Couture Pink Coral Tweed Blazer Dress, circa 1994, is a testament to Lagerfeld's innovative approach to modernizing Chanel's timeless designs. This piece embodies elegance through its coral pink tweed construction, accentuated by black lining and ornate gold and coral-colored buttons. It merges the sophistication of haute couture craftsmanship with a playful, vibrant palette that was a hallmark of Lagerfeld's tenure at Chanel.
Haute couture labels signify exclusivity and bespoke tailoring, with each piece meticulously crafted. This particular blazer dress showcases the iconic tweed fabric that Chanel pioneered, a material often reimagined by Lagerfeld in bold and contemporary color schemes. Its dimensions include a shoulder width of 35 cm (14 in) and a length of 75 cm (30 in).
Chanel By Karl Lagerfeld Haute Couture Navy Blue Chiffon Dress, Spring-Summer 1994. Estimate 4,000 - 6,000 USD
The Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Haute Couture Navy Blue Chiffon Dress from the Spring-Summer 1994 collection is an exquisite example of Lagerfeld's innovation in eveningwear. This dress featured prominently on the runway, worn by supermodel Claudia Schiffer, highlighting her close collaboration with Lagerfeld during this period. The inclusion of an integrated corset created an elegant silhouette.
Accessories that accompany the dress, such as the belt and brooch adorned with royal blue rhinestones and faux pearls, reflect the opulence and attention to detail characteristic of Chanel Haute Couture.
Buying and Selling Vintage Fashion at Sotheby's
Sotheby's global network of fashion specialists offer clients the chance to own rare and unique garments, providing a trusted source of carefully verified pieces from the world's leading couture houses.
- Explore our upcoming auctions, including the Fashion Icons sale in New York on the 17th December
- Speak to our specialists for advice on an auction lot or buy-now listing, or to explore private sales opportunities
- Research your vintage Chanel investment using our extensive sale archive
- Browse our range of carefully curated handbag and fashion items available for immediate delivery, all with assured provenance
Trust our worldwide network of leading specialists from a globally renowned auction house with a 280 year history.
