Lady Dior: An Icon

The story goes that in September 1995, Princess Diana was gifted the new Dior “Chouchou” bag by Bernadette Chirac, First Lady of France, at the Cézanne Art Exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris. Diana loved it so much she ordered one in every available colour. It was regularly photographed on her arm and the name was later changed to Lady Dior in Diana’s honour. Within the first two years of productio, Dior sold more than 200,000 Lady Dior’s, cementing its iconic status. 

Dior famously said “Real luxury requires the best materials and the best craftsmanship”. This philosophy can be seen in the Lady Dior. The bag was originally designed by Gianfranco Ferre in 1994. The iconic Cannage motif is said to be taken from the Napoleon III chairs used by Dior in his first show in 1947. Each bag takes eight hours to make and seven skilled craftsmen. All 140 pieces of lambskin leather are hand stretched and stitched.

Lot 40. Christian Dior Fuchsia Medium Lady Dior Bag. Estimate: £1,200 - 2,000
Lot 117. Christian Dior Cream Python Medium Lady Dior. Estimate: £1,600 - 2,000

Combining the characteristics of the Lady Dior's namesake, with meticulous craftmanship has seen the bag become synomous with elegance and glamour. Over the years there have been numerous women including Carla Bruni, Diane Kruger, Monica Bellucci, Marion Cottillard and Jennifer Lawrence who have continue to represented and modernised the bag, ensuring the Lady Dior has remained in vogue. 

We are excited to offer in collaboration with Brand x Co Paris a selection of Lady Dior’ bags in our upcoming Designer Handbags and Fashion sale, taking place on Monday 11 May. 

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