Bonhams’ Upcoming Sale Spotlights Some of Chanel’s Greatest Hits

By Annie Davidson Watson | August 03, 2023

Coinciding with the “Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto” exhibition opening at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), Bonhams Knightsbridge is hosting a Sept. 11–21 sale full of Chanel tweeds, quilted bags, CC logo jewels, and more.

“The auction is ideal for those wishing to acquire their first piece of Chanel or the seasoned collector looking to add to their collection.” Meg Randell, Bonhams’ head of designer bags and fashion in the U.K., said in a statement about next month’s The Art of Luxury: Chanel sale. “We are delighted to include a selection of haute couture designs, originally created for the elite Chanel couture buyers.

“Chanel has long been known as the name behind the world’s most coveted style. Gabrielle Chanel created some of the most iconic and elegant fashion statements, from the 2.55 flap handbag to the bouclé suit, both of which have stood the test of time and continue to garner intense interest at auction,” Randell’s statement said.

Chanel jacket — *Gabrielle Chanel haute couture jacket in gold-embroidered tweed on cream silk, estimate £500–£800*

One standout from the sale is a one-of-a-kind piece designed by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel herself for fall/winter 1966–1967, with its original Chanel label. The tailored jacket of gold-embroidered tweed on cream silk features a Nehru collar and gold chain woven buttons, with black stitch detail accenting the collar and cuffs as well as a cream silk lining with a gold chain hem. The jacket is expected to fetch between £500 and £800 ($632–$1,102).

Chanel earrings — *Victoire de Castellane for Chanel No 5 gold-plated clip-back hoop earrings, estimate £1,200–£1,800*

The original designs don’t stop there. The sale also offers jewels by Victoire de Castellane for Chanel, including a pair of oversize gold-plated earrings from spring 1987, which are expected to go for anywhere between £1,200 and £1,800 ($1,518–$2,277). In addition to jewels and ready-to-wear, Bonhams’ sale includes plenty of Chanel’s signature handbag designs—of course!