These days, it’s difficult for handbags to reach true It bag status; they can be hot one minute, then fade into oblivion the next. Remember the Gucci Marmont bags of 2016? Virtually every star carried one, and now, you rarely see them. It’s not to say they won’t come back into style again: Recently, the Chloé Paddington of the 2000s, and the Celine Phantom of the 2010s, have both enjoyed a revival. There are some bags, however, that have avoided the It bag curse entirely, and remained icons for years to come—even decades.
Take the Lady Dior bag. First introduced in 1995 and designed by Gianfranco Ferré, the sleek accessory remains a celebrity favorite, even today. The petite, boxy leather bag—featuring a quilted pattern and top-handle silhouette—debuted when it was presented to Princess Diana, as a gift from the former First Lady of France, Bernadette Chirac. The following year, the style was dubbed the Lady Dior, as a tribute to Diana.
Princess Diana with the Lady Dior in 1995
Photo: Getty Images
In the three decades that have followed, stars have continued to gravitate towards the classic and elegant bag—and Dior has routinely updated it too, releasing it in a variety of new colors and materials. (There are now mini versions and elongated styles.) It’s no wonder why the French label has a hit on their hands: Its clean, structured shape is extremely timeless, and can meld to just about any personal style.
The large array of celebrities who have carried it over the years are certainly indicative of its versatility, whether it has been paired with a great tailored coat, or a more casual pair of jeans. It looks just as good with a refined skirt suit—as first worn by Princess Diana—as it does with an edgier all-black ensemble and dramatic chapeau, as sported by Rihanna to the label’s spring couture show last year. That’s the making of a real hit bag, isn’t it? Something that can add a subtle finishing touch to just about any outfit.
