The Timeless Allure of the Lady Dior: A Royal Icon with Parisian Elegance

Few handbags in fashion history carry a story as iconic and as royal as the Lady Dior. From its Parisian origins to its place on the arm of Princess Diana, this handbag isn’t just a piece of luxury—it’s a legend. And today, owning one means carrying a piece of fashion history. 

A Star is Born: The Origins of the Lady Dior 

The Lady Dior was first introduced by the House of Dior in 1995 under the internal name Chouchou — French for "favorite". With its boxy silhouette, quilted leather, and gold hardware charms spelling "D-I-O-R", the bag was an elegant nod to the heritage of the brand. 

But it wasn’t until one unforgettable moment that the bag truly earned its crown. 

Princess Diana: The Woman Behind the Name 

In September 1995, then-First Lady Bernadette Chirac gifted the bag to Princess Diana during her visit to Paris. Diana, known for her impeccable style, fell instantly in love with it. She was soon photographed carrying the piece repeatedly, pairing it effortlessly with both daywear and gowns — always elegant, always hers. 

After she was seen with it all over the world, Dior renamed the bag in her honor: "Lady Dior", a subtle nod to her official title, Lady Diana Spencer. 

Diana would go on to own multiple Lady Dior bags in various colors and finishes—black, navy, red, and even special editions, cementing the bag’s status as both timeless and versatile. 

Why the Lady Dior Remains a Style Icon 

Nearly three decades later, the Lady Dior remains a staple of sophisticated style. It has been reimagined in countless versions: mini, medium, large; in lambskin, patent leather, and exotic materials; with traditional cannage stitching or modern artistic twists. 

But at its heart, it’s still the same: a bag that elevates any look, from classic to contemporary. 

Whether you're carrying it with jeans and a blazer or a little black dress, the Lady Dior speaks of taste, heritage, and quiet confidence. 

Investing in a Piece of History — Sustainably 

At éternelle, we believe luxury and sustainability go hand in hand. That’s why we’ve curated a special collection of pre-loved Lady Dior bags, each carefully authenticated, curated, and ready to begin its next chapter with you. 

Buying pre-loved means you’re investing in: 

Some of the most coveted Lady Dior bags are waiting to be discovered.