Style Staples is a monthly series where we dissect the best luxury bags to invest in. In this edition, we take a deep dive into all of the Dior need-to-know silhouettes to add to your forever closet.
When it comes to luxury fashion, few brands evoke the same level of elegance and desirability as Dior. Founded in 1946, the fashion house quickly gained recognition for its innovative designs and emphasis on haute couture dressing. From Christian Dior’s original (and revolutionary) ‘New Look’ to the spectacular, theatrical creations of John Galliano and the powerfully feminist vision of Maria Grazia Chiuri, the brand has always pushed the boundaries of style and femininity.
Over the decades, Dior bags have continued evolving with their elegant lines and quality materials, making them an instant classic. Crafted by skilled artisans, each bag is a masterpiece of design and taste. The brand spares no expense when it comes to materials; from sumptuous leathers to exquisite embellishments, every detail is carefully considered. As such, there’s a plethora of bold and beautiful Dior handbags to choose from, ranging from the timeless Lady Dior to new classics such as the Book Tote.
Dior bags also have a dedicated following among celebrities such as Rihanna, Natalie Portman and Anya Taylor-Joy, often showcasing their love for these luxury accessories on red carpets and in their everyday lives. Some Dior bags, such as the Saddle Bag of the late ’90s to ’00s used by Paris Hilton, have achieved iconic status, with their value increasing as they become rarer over time.
One of the driving forces behind the increased value of Dior bags is their exclusivity. Dior limits the production of certain bag models as the process of making them is expensive. This also ensures scarcity and rarity that appeals to style connoisseurs. Limited edition releases, in particular, can be highly sought after, with collectors willing to pay a premium for these unique pieces.
So, which Dior bags will actually give you a bang for your buck? Here are all the forever favourites to consider investing in.
Lady Dior
Created in 1995 and named after Diana, Princess of Wales, the Lady Dior bag is a symbol of elegance and stellar craftsmanship. It’s made from a combination of soft lambskin leather, topstitched with the signature Cannage motif, rounded top handles and Dior charms. Over the years, the legendary bag has been released in a multitude of colours, sizes and materials, being reinvented season after season.
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Saddle Bag
Originally designed by John Galliano in 1999, the Saddle bag is famed due to its iconic saddle shape, short shoulder strap and dangling ‘D’ buckle charm. The equestrian-inspired accessory has since been introduced in a belt bag style as well as in various other versions from patent leather and monochromatic matte leather to camouflage canvas and satin.
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Book Tote
The Book Tote, created by Maria Grazia Chiuri, is a spacious carry-all that comes in four sizes – large, medium, small and mini. Its Italian-made embroidered canvas, clean structures, fashion-forward prints and options for customisation make it effortless and practical in the most luxurious form. Presently, it has been re-released into several versions available in a choice of colours and fabrications.
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Bobby Bag
As a homage to Christian Dior himself, the Bobby bag is named after the designer’s beloved dog, Bobby. It’s a structured hobo-style bag defined by the ‘CD’ initials that sit atop the buckle and an easy magnetic opening, on the front of the bag. The removable (and adjustable) shoulder strap allows it to be carried over the shoulder, crossbody or by hand.
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Caro Bag
Released in 2021, the Caro bag features a flap bag style and an unstructured design, thanks to the use of soft calfskin in Dior’s signature Cannage motif. It comes in two sizes with varying colours and textures and is finished with gold-leaf stamping, hand-painted edges and a signature ’30 Montaigne’ embossing technique. There’s also a feature for interchangeable straps, adding an element of personalisation and versatility.
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