Darling, it’s Dior. Whether you’re a fashion virtuoso or new to haute couture vocabulary, you likely understand the weight of those three little words.
Born on 30 Avenue Montaigne, Paris in 1946, luxury label Dior is attributed to giving the French city back its sense of beauty and glamor post World War II. And whilst the modern woman is hardly starved of fashion options, Dior’s storied apparel and accessories continue to speak to the savoir vivre and eternalized elegance of high French fashion.
With a powerful feminine spirit and sensual mystique, Christian Dior was designed to challenge the status quo and empower women through self-expression, aspirational dressing, and excessive passion. Christian Dior bags are case in point.
Designed in Paris and hand stitched in Italy, Dior bags address the je ne sais quoi of the immortal label. The Cannage leather Lady Dior bag could rival the seduction of the best YSL bags. An intricately embroidered Dior Book Tote is as trend-transcending as the best Louis Vuitton bags. And while the ubiquitous slouchy Saddle bag may not be as exclusive as the best Hermes bags, the noughties-favorite is just as sought after.
As one of the most popular luxury brands—and as one of the historically significant labels—there’s only one way to describe our lifelong love affair with the Parisian fashion house.
Nous a-dior-ons.
The 10 best Dior bags to buy
Lady Dior
Bonjour Lady Dior, enchantée. A timeless accessory that exudes unparalleled sophistication and charm, the Lady Dior bag was originally named the Chouchou, meaning favorite in French. And while the sentiment holds true for many, the iconic bag’s moniker was later changed to Lady Dior as a tribute to the late Princess Diana, who was gifted the Christian Dior purse by the First Lady of France during a trip to Paris in 1995. Popularized by the Princess of Wales—never to be seen without it—the Lady Dior became a ubiquitous presence at prestigious galas and royal events around the globe.
Crafted from the finest lambskin, the decadent silhouette boasts Dior’s signature cannage (read the geometrical patterns of squares and diagonals) stitching. While its sturdy structure retains its shape over time. Ranging from cardholders to pearl-embellished totes, the Lady Dior bag seamlessly blends a feminine spirit with eternalized elegance—a true testament to the legacy of the House of Dior itself.
Best for: Having tea with the Queen.
| Release: | 1995 |
| Retail price: | $410 – $9,100 |
Dior Saddle
Quintessentially Y2K, the Dior Saddle was created by John Galliano and quickly became a noughties-favorite. Appearing on the arms of fashion aficionados such as Carrie Bradshaw, Paris Hilton, and Nicole Richie, the Dior handbag is instantly recognizable by its equestrian-inspired shape, asymmetrical flap, and stirrup-influenced D clip.
The Dior Saddle bag comes in various sizes, colors, and materials, embellished with numerous embroideries, prints, and logos over the years. But whether you invest in an embossed calfskin crossbody or quietly treat yourself to an oblique jacquard purse, the result is the same—a trendsetting accessory with the uncanny ability to metamorphose your entire aesthetic.
Best for: Reigning in a new era of Y2K fashion.
| Release: | 1999 |
| Retail price: | $390 – $4,900 |
Dior Book Tote
The Dior Book Tote is designed for a life in motion; be it your college campus debut or daily commute (see our best designer work bags.) Contemporary yet casual, the bag’s laissez-faire attitude is exemplified by its simplicity and short straps. While the clean, boxy-cut alludes to an air of polished professionalism.
Designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri in 2018, the Dior tote bag is everything we look for in the best totes for women. And while we adore the collection’s mini accessories—such as the mini phone bag—when it comes to the Dior Book Tote, we say bigger is better. Spacious enough to fit a laptop and makeup bag, the colorful canvas large Dior tote bag is Jessica Alba’s trusted travel companion. While Rihanna prefers the more muted, yet equally glamorous, black and white print.
Best for: Booking out.
| Release: | 2018 |
| Retail price: | $2,350 – 3,800 |
30 Montaigne
Named after the iconic address of Dior’s Paris headquarters, the 30 Montaigne reflects the je ne sais quoi of the historically-significant fashion house. Designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, the Christian Dior bag’s structured silhouette, bold CD monogram, and clean lines speak to an immortalized elegance and understated opulence.
This Christian Dior bag is a nod to the past in so many ways. But only launched in 2019, it also encapsulates the dreams and aspirations of the modern woman. The versatile silhouette is void of fuss and frills. And the canvas, leather or crocodile fabrics only come in a range of neutral hues and prints, making it a must-have for those who appreciate classic and minimalist designs.
Best for: Storied simplicity.
| Release: | 2019 |
| Retail price: | $380 – $4,200 |
Dior Bobby
If a dog is a man’s best friend, the Dior Bobby is ours. Perhaps unsurprisingly, considering that the Dior crossbody bag was named after the famous designer’s beloved pooch. The crescent-shaped bag is a nod to the cult-favorite hobo style. And featuring adjustable shoulder straps and military-inspired buckles, the Dior Bobby is just as functional as it is fashionable.
Like all the best Dior bags, the Bobby comes in various materials and colors—our favorite being the black grained calfskin with a blue Dior oblique embroidered strap. Not only is it unequivocally timeless, but the embellished strap adds a chic street-style edge, paired best with a fresh pair of white kicks.
Best for: Unleashing your inner influencer.
| Release: | 2020 |
| Retail price: | $990 – $4,400 |
Dior Caro
Introduced in the Cruise 2021 collection, the Dior Caro is a tribute to the designer’s love for his sister, Catherine. Much like the woman she was, the Christian Dior bag is unequivocally elegant and understated with touches of whimsy and playfulness. Suited for everyday and evening occasions, the classic silhouette features Dior’s cannage embroidered leathers and houndstooth tweed, as well as velvet and shearling iterations.
As an original expression of Dior codes, the gold chain embellishments give the Christian Dior bag its distinctive glamorous touch. And whether you opt for a show-stopping red heart chain shoulder bag or a more versatile black rectangular iteration, there’s no denying Dior’s feminine spirit and trend-transcending aesthetic.
Best for: Your current crossbody’s more sophisticated older sister.
| Release: | 2021 |
| Retail price: | $320 – $8,600 |
Lady D-Lite
Just like déjà vu, the Lady D-Lite is a modern reinterpretation of one of the most adored Christian Dior handbags, the Lady Dior. Released in 2020, the Lady D-Lite is a more casual adaptation of the 1995 classic. It is characterized by playful prints, added embellishments and an uncanny joie de vivre.
Featuring sunset-like undertones, a wild jungle-inspired spirit, and the brand’s signature D.I.O.R gold charms, the Lady D-Lite embodies the sentiment behind Summer vacations and European escapes. The design is also unquestionably practical, as it includes a wide, reversible, and removable shoulder strap, large zip pockets, and a spacious interior—perfect for your holiday read.
Best for: D-Liting in playful prints and plenty of space.
| Release: | 2020 |
| Retail price: | $4,300 – $17,000 |
Lady D-Joy
Lady Dior—but make it horizontal. Distinguished by its east-west silhouette, the Lady D-Joy is yet another reimagination of the all-hailed Lady Dior. And just like the Lady D-Lite, it comes with all the added fun and creativity. Think: D.I.O.R charms, embroidered denims, Cannage calf skins, embossed leathers—and of course, the iconic Christian Dior Paris logo.
Looking for a mini accessory to liven up your wardrobe? The petite bag in a floral-embroidered raffia is a timeless showstopper? Prefer more versatile accessories? You can’t go wrong with a black medium Lady D-Joy. And if you’re after the creme de la creme of Dior bags—well, the blue saint-gall denim rendition encapsulates all we love about the sensual label.
Best for: A joyful take on a classic.
| Release: | 2022 |
| Retail price: | $2,950 – $5,600 |
Diorcamp
First released in Dior’s 2019 Cruise show, the Diorcamp marries the brand’s signature éclat with contemporary conveniences. The avant-garde silhouette is a more extravagant take on the classical messenger bag. Featuring a long strap and flap closure, we believe that the delivery-style accessory only carries long-awaited love letters.
But love letters take on a new form in the new era. And whilst some prefer their romantic gestures in writing, we prefer ours in monogram oblique canvases, macronnage calf skins and white logo lettering. Don’t forget the sportswear-inspired CD buckles in a pale gold finish—they are quintessential to solidifying the love affair.
Best for: Signed, sealed, and delivered: the beginning of a lifelong love affair.
| Release: | 2019 |
| Retail price: | $3,700 – $4,200 |
Dior Vanity
It may be called the Vanity, but we think that this Dior bag is simply too exquisite to confine to bathroom walls and your chest of drawers. And clearly, all our favorite street-style stars agree. As one of the brand’s most popular silhouettes, the Dior crossbody is très chic and right on trend.
The Lady Dior-inspired design features soft black lambskin, a structured box shape, and a wraparound zipper to keep your items secure. Versatile enough to be used as a toiletry bag or as a crossbody, the mini bag has a top handle and a long shoulder strap for different carrying options. And the gold hardware logo charm adds that glamorous edge—making it oh-so-Dior.
Best for: Lady Dior gets a mini makeover.
| Release: | 2020 |
| Retail price: | $2,400 – $3,000 |
A brief history of Dior
Christian Dior himself was a visionary who revolutionized haute couture and contributed to Paris’ reputation as a fashion capital. Born in 1905, he pursued a career as a gallerist before discovering his passion for sketching and creating couture. Dior’s first collection in 1947, featuring the New Look silhouette, redefined femininity in fashion. It celebrated beauty and glamor in a city deprived during the war. And by giving women back a sense of empowerment and aspiration, the decadent fashion house was considered the catalyst for the revival of Paris as the fashion capital post World War II.
Handbags only became an essential component of Dior’s offerings in the 1990s. And as instrumental as the founder was in the success of the label, it was Marc Bohan that introduced many of the most iconic Christian Dior bags. Following the unexpected death of Christian Dior in 1957, Marc took over the haute couture label. Released in 1995, the first Dior handbag—the Lady Dior (then named the Chouchou)—was famously popularized by the late Princess Diana, who was never seen without it. Subsequent silhouettes, such as the Saddle bag and the Book tote, seemed to follow suit. And adopted by everyone who was anyone—from royalty to highly influential street style stars—the high-flying handbags quickly acquired cult-favorite status.
Recognized by the brand’s signature Oblique monogram, Cannage leather or D.I.O.R charms, Christian Dior bags are just as relevant in high fashion today as they were decades ago. To have and to hold? For us, that’s an easy vow to make.
Where are Dior bags made?
Designed in Paris, made in Italy. We’ll wait while you try to think of a more illustrious combination. Impossible? We know. Hand-stitched in Italy, Dior bags speak to the age-old generational trade of meticulous craftsmanship and the highest quality materials. And whether it’s the label’s signature Cannage leather, Oblique monogrammed canvas or intricate embroidery, every element is scrupulously worked on with the greatest attention to detail.
But your Dior bag says “made in Spain”? Don’t worry, it isn’t necessarily fake. While most Christian Dior bags are produced in Italy, a few models are produced in small family-run factories in Spain.
How much does a Dior bag cost?
We all know that Dior bags don’t come cheap. And if they did—well, they wouldn’t be Dior. But exactly how much should you expect to pay for an authentic Christian Dior purse or bag?
The cost of a Dior bag varies according to size, materials, details and exclusivity. For example, you can buy a Lady Dior card holder for around $410, while a personalized Lady Dior handbag is priced at around $5,600. However, many of the most popular Dior bags are priced somewhere between $3,000 and $4,000 with more exclusive lines ranging between $10,000 and $17,000.
Where to buy a Dior bag?
All new Dior handbags can be shopped online on the brand’s official website, as well as on authorized online stores such as 24S, the LVMH-owned online retailer. However, if you can’t afford a brand new Dior, or the style you love has been discontinued, the secondhand market is strong, with many of the most popular Christian Dior bags being sold in mint condition for more affordable price tags.
Where to shop pre-owned Dior bags? Reputable e-retailers such as The RealReal, Fashionphile and Vestiaire Collective sell authenticated secondhand Christian Dior bags that are still in excellent condition.
Frequently asked questions about Dior bags
Dior is a luxury fashion brand that is renowned for many famous items, but one of its most iconic and famous items is the Lady Dior handbag. As the most coveted Christian Dior tote bag, the Lady Dior was created and popularized by Princess Diana in 1995 and has since become one of the brand’s most recognizable and sought-after accessories.
Dior has many famous bags, but the Lady Dior is undeniably the most well-known. Released in 1995, the Dior tote was first named the Chouchou. But after Princess Diana made the style quintessential to her unofficial uniform, the bag was aptly named the Lady Dior in honor of the women who catapulted it to cult-favorite status. Check our ranking of the best Dior bags to learn more.
Dior bags are known for their quality, craftsmanship, and iconic designs, which often result in high demand and can help them hold their value over time. Many of the most popular Dior bags—such as the Lady Dior and the 30 Montaigne Dior crossbody bag—have actually increased in value, making them smart investments.
Both Dior and Louis Vuitton are considered to be among the top luxury brands in the world, with a long history of high-quality craftsmanship and iconic designs. While Louis Vuitton is best known for its legendary leather trunks, Dior is famous for its unrivaled glamor and eternal elegance. The same luxury group, LVMH, owns both.
