PHOTO COURTESY OF DIOR
An object of desire and a true emblem of Dior elegance, the Lady Dior continues to evolve season after season. More than another classic handbag, this living icon bridges royal heritage with modern artistry, magnifying its eternal allure through each new vision.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DIOR
01 - Its name, of course, is an homage to Lady Diana. First presented to her in September 1995 during her visit to Paris, the bag quickly became her trusted companion. So beloved was it that Dior officially christened it the Lady Dior, a name that continues to grace the maison’s archives and hearts alike.
02 - Every Lady Dior begins in Dior’s Italian ateliers, where craftsmanship reigns supreme and savour-faire is key. Each piece requires hours of meticulous work as artisans assemble the leather panels, precision stitching and gleaming hardware by hand to shape its unmistakable silhouette.
03 - The signature Cannage motif is instantly recognisable. Inspired by the woven cane Napoleon III chairs that seated guests at Christian Dior’s first runway show in 1947, the distinctive criss-cross topstitching connects the bag’s design language back to the maison’s very beginning.
04 - Then come the charms, the iconic dangling metal letters that spell out D-I-O-R. Besides serving decorative purposes, they pay tribute to Monsieur Dior’s lifelong beliefs. A playful reference to his fondness for talismans, they echoing the lucky charms he often carried.
05 - Since 2016, the bag has become the canvas for the Dior Lady Art project. The annual collaboration invites artists from around the world to reinterpret its form, pushing the boundaries of material and design. Now in its 6th edition, artists Liang Yuanwei and Jeffrey Gibson continue to blend fashion with conceptual art.
06 - The classic square silhouette itself continues to evolve. Today, contemporary versions include the fully embroidered Lady D-Lite that replaces the leather with 3D-effect Cannage fabric. Similarly, the Lady D-Joy spins off a horizontal profile that offers easy access and modern proportions.
07 - Even the sizing options offer something for everyone. From the dimunitive micro and compact mini to the more practical small and medium sizes, each comes with an extra strap. Certain styles also replace the leather straps with dressier chain slings to suit different moods and occasions.
08 - For those seeking something personal, Dior’s My ABCDior customisation lets you adorn your strap with charms and initials. Choose from a selection, including letters and Dior Lucky charms, to personalise the thick leather strap. It’s a modern form of couture expression, made uniquely yours.
09 - Now, with creative director Jonathan Anderson at the helm, the Lady Dior is entering a new era. His debut campaign for summer 2026 stars Mia Goth, Greta Lee and Mikey Madison, marking a fresh perspective for Dior’s most storied bag.
10 - For a glimpse of what’s to come, sneak peeks showcase a delicate pink Lady Dior with a sweet bow. Another sees a clover-embroidered green version Jisoo carried during her Europe tour. Launching in January 2026, Anderson’s vision brings a contemporary lightness that feels both nostalgic and new.
