Chanel

 

"I don't do fashion, I am fashion"

Gabrielle Bonheur 'Coco' Chanel

Chanel sells exceptionally well through our Designer & Luxury and Fashion Sales. Chanel bags, Chanel jewellery, Chanel watches and Chanel fashion all reach top prices in our carefully curated sales. Renowned and coveted quilted Chanel bags, to include the Chanel 2.55, Chanel Classic, Chanel Boy, Chanel Gabrielle, Chanel Wallet on Chain and Chanel Grand Shopping Tote are all keenly bid on at auction, particularly for pieces in classic colourways, in good condition and limited edition designs. 

Gabrielle Bonheur 'Coco' Chanel was born in 1883 in Samur, France and is one of the most iconic fashion designers of all time. In 1910 she opened her first shop at 21 Rue Cambon in Paris selling her own designs, followed by stores in Deauville and Birratz in 1913 and 1915. In the 1920s, Chanel launched her Chanel No.5 perfume, and throughout this decade further perfumes, make-up and costume jewellery were all launched. 

By 1935, Chanel was at the peak of her fame, and employed around 4,000 workers, producing and retailing her vast output of fashion, fragrance and jewellery. Following the Second World War, Chanel had a reimagining of the house style, re-launching her Rue De Cambon store at the age of 71. In 1955, Chanel introduced the 2.55 bag, named after its year of production. Creating a revolutionary long shoulder strap, this bag allowed a woman's hands to be free whilst worn, a true revolution in bag design. The bag was crafted in black leather with a gold-tone chain shoulder strap, a design and colour scheme that continues to be amongst the most popular of all Chanel's designs. Throughout the 1960s, celebrity sightings with the Chanel 2.55 bag and garments only increased the appeal of this luxury brand.

Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel died in 1971, and her posthumous collection achieved great success. In 1978, Chanel launched a 'Ready to Wear' collection of clothing and accessories. In 1983 Karl Lagerfeld was appointed Artistic Director of Chanel. Under Lagerfeld's vision, Chanel launches the Classic, Boy, Grand Shopping Tote, Wallet on Chain, Perfume Bottle, and countless other coveted bags. 

One of the most consistently demanded and sought-after designers we see, selling your Chanel pieces at auction is an excellent way to maximise your return on any unworn items. We hold three Designer & Luxury Sales per year, with Fashion Sales taking place throughout our annual calendar of sales. Our Designer Department is headed by Liz Bailey, who oversees all of the designer bags, accessories and clothes entered into our sales. For a free, confidential auction valuation of your collection, to enquire about any of our lots or to enter your own collection into one of our specialist sales, get in touch: liz.bailey@wilson55.com or fill in our online valuation form below. 

 

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Liz Bailey

MA, FGA, DGA

Department Specialist

+44 (0)1270 623878
liz.bailey@wilson55.com

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