For as long as I can remember, I've been a fan of Dior. Growing up in the '90s and 2000s, there are a multitude of reasons why: Carrie Bradshaw's newspaper dress, Mariah Carey skiing in a pink logo-print puffer, Megan Fox wearing a vintage J'Adore Dior T-shirt - the list goes on. But perhaps most importantly, the image seared into my memory is of Princess Diana carrying the Lady Dior bag.
Season 6 part 1 has reignited my interest in the Lady Dior, especially with the holiday season approaching. The iconic accessory was first seen on the late princess' arm in September 1995, gifted to her by Bernadette Chirac. After Princess Diana attended a Dior-sponsored art event with the unreleased bag, the house named it "Lady Dior" as a tribute to her. Diana carried the bag everywhere, even to the 1996 Met Gala. Records show that she requested a navy blue colorway to match her eyes, a testament to her commitment to the accessory.
Fast-forward 28 years later, and the Lady Dior remains one of Hollywood's most beloved accessories, endorsed by celebrities like Blake Lively, Rihanna, and Marion Cotillard. Apart from its iconic status, the structured silhouette of the bag remains timeless, even when reimagined by Maria Grazia Chiuri in various colors, sizes, and materials for recent collections.
For me, the Lady Dior will always bring to mind Diana's original version in black lambskin with Cannage stitching and DIOR charms. It is a classic that should not be messed with, as the current nostalgia for favorite childhood trends has taught me. The enduring appeal of this bag is unmatched.
Written by Claire Stern
