An exceptional example of Karl Lagerfeld-era Chanel tailoring, this vintage black skirt dates to the Chanel Spring/Summer 1997 collection and transforms the house's signature codes through a distinctly utilitarian, military-inspired silhouette.
Cut in a long, streamlined midi length, the skirt features a dramatic double-breasted arrangement of black and gold-tone interlocking CC buttons extending vertically across the front. Four buttons appear along either side, creating the appearance of a traditional double-breasted closure while lending the otherwise minimalist black silhouette unmistakable Chanel identity.
Perhaps most distinctive are the oversized patch pockets positioned at each hip. Their architectural scale gives the skirt a subtle utility influence while emphasizing the waist and hip line. The juxtaposition of practical pocket construction, restrained black textile and jewel-like CC hardware is characteristic of Karl Lagerfeld's ability to reinterpret functional and traditionally masculine details through the vocabulary of the House of Chanel.
The skirt sits high at the natural waist before falling into a long, relatively straight silhouette with subtle shaping through the hips. Vertical seaming creates an elongated line, while the clean back maintains the understated tailoring of the piece.
A concealed zipper provides the functional closure. The decorative front button configuration allows the skirt to retain the graphic impact of a double-breasted garment without interrupting its streamlined construction.
The buttons are particularly noteworthy: glossy black surrounds frame gold-tone interlocking CC emblems, providing just enough contrast against the monochromatic body of the skirt.
The interior retains its original CHANEL BOUTIQUE label. The original owner removed the size, care and composition labels for comfort; therefore, fiber content and tagged size cannot be confirmed. Please refer to the approximate measurements below for fit.
Dating to Spring/Summer 1997, this is now an approximately three-decade-old example of Chanel during one of Karl Lagerfeld's most collectible periods. Its combination of immediately recognizable house hardware and highly wearable black tailoring makes it particularly appealing both as an archival Chanel collectible and as a piece that can readily be incorporated into a contemporary wardrobe.
Style with a fitted Chanel jacket or silk blouse for classic house styling, or juxtapose the skirt with a simple knit, bodysuit or crisp white shirt to allow its extraordinary button and pocket detailing to take focus.
Details
Designer: Chanel
Creative Director: Karl Lagerfeld
Collection: Spring/Summer 1997
Period: 1990s
Year: 1997
Origin: France / Chanel Boutique
Department: Women
Garment: Skirt
Style: High-waisted midi / long skirt
Color: Black
Silhouette: Straight / subtly A-line
Closure: Concealed zipper
Pockets: Two oversized patch pockets
Hardware: Black buttons with gold-tone interlocking CC emblems
Label: CHANEL BOUTIQUE label present
Composition: Original composition label removed by previous owner; exact fiber content unknown
Tagged Size: Size label removed
Fit: Photographed on a US size 2 dress form
Approximate Measurements
Because the original size label has been removed, measurements should be considered the primary guide to fit.
Waist: approximately 26" circumference
Hips: approximately 36" circumference
Overall Length: approximately 31–32"
Sweep/Hem: approximately 39–40" circumference
Estimated modern fit: approximately US 2–4 depending upon desired fit and individual proportions.
Measurements are approximate and should be compared against a similar garment that fits the intended wearer well.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition with little to no visible wear.
The skirt presents exceptionally well considering its approximately 30-year age, with no significant visible flaws noted in the photographs. The black textile remains rich and the signature CC buttons retain strong presentation.
The original owner removed the size, care and composition labels for comfort. The CHANEL BOUTIQUE brand label remains present.
As with all vintage garments, very minor signs of age, storage or previous handling may be present upon close inspection.
Please review all photographs as they form an important part of the condition description.
Collectibility
Authentic vintage Chanel garments from the 1990s have become increasingly sought after by collectors, particularly pieces that combine strong Karl Lagerfeld-era design with unmistakable house iconography. Here, the repeated gold-tone CC hardware transforms an otherwise understated black skirt into an immediately recognizable archival Chanel statement.
The result is a rare balance of collectibility and wearability: unmistakably 1990s Chanel without feeling dependent upon period styling.
