Christian Dior Handbags and Purses
Today, vintage Dior handbags, totes, shoulder bags and clutches are known for the feminine sensibility and sophistication that has long been associated with the brand. Art dealer turned designer Christian Dior founded his fashion house in Paris in 1946. His haute couture New Look collection expressed glamorous optimism after World War II, and the brand gained wide popularity for its luxurious, lavishly full garments.
The most popular signature Dior bag is the Lady Dior, which was designed by the house's then-artistic director Gianfranco Ferré (prior to its 1995 debut, it was called the Chouchou). With its rigid structure and arched top handle, the Lady Dior handbag soared to immense popularity after French first lady Bernadette Chirac gave a version in black leather to Princess Diana. (Also a fan of simple black dresses designed by Versace, the Princess of Wales became a fashion icon early on, and she remained one until the end.)
Each Lady Dior bag is made from 130 pieces of leather and worked on by seven Dior craftsmen who spend at least eight hours perfecting it. The design takes its cues from house codes — the metal charms are inspired by the lucky charms treasured by the superstitious Monsieur Dior, and the signature quilting is based on the Napoleon III-style chairs guests sat on during Dior fashion shows.
A limited-edition version of the Lady Dior bag was issued as part of the 2019 Dioriviera cruise collection by Maria Grazia Chiuri. It featured a 1947 house of Dior toile de Jouy print with subtle beading.
The Lady Dior is available in various colors, sizes and leathers. Dior bags are known for their intricate, cannage quilting style and often include a dangling, leather-backed charm with the brand’s letters.
Some of the best known Dior bags include the Saddle, which was created by John Galliano, an audacious British designer who has garnered universal acclaim for genre-breaking collections not only at his eponymous label but also for Dior. Other favorites include 30 Montaigne and Book tote, both of which were designed by Chiuri.
When Dior launched his couture house, he wanted nothing less than to make “an elegant woman more beautiful and a beautiful woman more elegant.” He succeeded, and in doing so the visionary designer altered the landscape of 20th century fashion.
Find exquisite vintage Dior handbags for sale on 1stDibs.
21st Century and Contemporary Christian Dior Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary Christian Dior Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary French Christian Dior Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Christian Dior Handbags and Purses
Early 2000s French Christian Dior Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Christian Dior Handbags and Purses
Late 20th Century French Christian Dior Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Christian Dior Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary French Christian Dior Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary Christian Dior Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Christian Dior Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Christian Dior Handbags and Purses
2010s Christian Dior Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary Christian Dior Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary French Christian Dior Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary French Christian Dior Handbags and Purses
Vintage Handbags and Designer Purses for Sale on 1stDibs
An integral part of fashion, handbags and purses have been indispensable accessories ever since we began to carry around personal items. Level of craftsmanship, style and shape matters — from coin purses in ancient Greece to early 20th-century opera bags and onward, handbags have evolved considerably over the years to meet our needs and desires, whether or not you happen to be prioritizing functionality over a flashy exterior.
Once, a single “It” handbag ruled each fashion season. No more. Today, handbag lovers are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classic bags still rule.
“It is not a fashion bag — it is a statement bag,” says Mightychic's Debra Kent of Hermès's widely beloved accessories. “When you carry an iconic Hermès bag — Birkin, Kelly, Constance — no one knows how long you have been into this culture or if you are a newbie. Your status is validated immediately.”
First released in 1997, Fendi's Baguette rose to fame along with Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Recently, the design has seen such a resurgence in popularity that Fendi has reissued it.
They are part of design history, so owning a handbag has meaning. As New York–based fashion historian Sarah C. Byrd says, “You have made the choice to invest in this piece because you understand the value of it in the past and in the future to come.”
From a 1980s Chanel black leather quilted mini buckle bag to the rare Hermès Birkin 30cm Himalayan with diamond hardware to a range of 19th century bags, find a rich variety of vintage and designer handbags and purses spanning numerous brands on 1stDibs — seasonal “It” designation no longer needed.
Designers Similar to Christian Dior
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You can examine many elements to authenticate Dior shoes. Dior shoes have deep, well-defined treads, while imitations may have very shallow patterns. Insoles on Dior shoes read "made in Italy" and show the brand name in the correct font. The words "made in Italy" should also appear above the style number and the Italian shoe size. Shop a large selection of expertly vetted Dior shoes on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To clean a Dior canvas bag, moisten a soft cloth with lukewarm water. Add a few drops of mild dish soap and rub the ends of the cloth together to create lather. Gently wipe the entire bag. Then, moisten a second cloth and wipe again to remove the soap. Shop a large selection of Dior canvas bags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To authenticate a Dior scarf, examine the tag. Designs vary from year to year, but generally the tag will display at least the brand name in the correct font. On an authentic Dior scarf, the tag is usually perfectly parallel to the edge of the scarf and the printing appears centered and crisp. The stitching that holds the tag should be evenly spaced. Find a collection of expertly vetted Dior scarves on 1stDibs.
- What is Dior?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Dior is a luxury French fashion house that celebrates opulence, extravagance and femininity in fashion. It was founded in 1946 by French fashion designer Christian Dior and gained fame for revolutionizing women’s fashion after World War II. Find a collection of authentic Christian Dior clothing, jewelry and other stunning items on 1stDibs.
- Does dior go on sale?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Dior boutiques often have sales at the end of the season on select items. The best way to find out is to ask your nearest location or keep an eye on the inventory. For physical store locations, consult the brand’s website. Shop iconic vintage and contemporary Dior clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Dior runs sales for Black Friday and other occasions throughout the year. Promotions vary and usually do not include all the items in the online store's inventory. You also may find Dior apparel, jewelry and accessories available at discounted prices year-round on online platforms. Shop a large selection of Dior on 1stDibs.
- What are Dior bags made of?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Dior makes bags out of a variety of materials. Some bags feature fabrics, including cotton canvas, jacquard, satin and velvet. In addition, Dior offers bags made of textured, patent and smooth cowhide leather. A small number of sheepskin bags are also among the brand's designs. You’ll find a large selection of Dior bags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, the classic Dior saddle bag includes a shoulder strap. The more recent Dior and Sacai saddle bag has an adjustable strap, allowing you to wear it on your shoulder or fastened across your chest. Dior also sells longer canvas straps that you can attach to many of their bags, including the classic saddle bag. Find a collection of Dior saddle bags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, Dior bags don't all have serial numbers. In fact, the brand uses date codes in place of them. The date code begins with a two-digit number that represents the manufacturing year. A two-letter code specifying which factory produced the bag comes next. At the end of the date code is a four-number sequence. The first and third numbers correspond to the month of production, and the second and fourth numbers tell you the calendar date. For example, a date code ending in 1212 means the date of production was November 22. On 1stDibs, find a variety of expertly vetted Dior bags.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Whether or not Christian Dior jewelry is real gold depends on the type in question. Dior often uses genuine 18-karat gold for its fine jewelry pieces. Fashion jewelry is usually not real gold. Instead, the brand applies a gold-tone finish to a base metal. Silver-tone pieces typically feature the same base metal under a layer of palladium. Find a large collection of Christian Dior jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Are Dior bags handmade?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Dior bags are handmade at the brand's ateliers. The brand's artisans complete all of the assembly and stitching by hand, making the construction of each bag a painstaking and time-consuming process. For example, a Dior Caro handbag’s signature quilted effect requires roughly 18,000 stitches. You’ll find a large selection of Dior bags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How you style Dior B23 sneakers is largely a matter of personal preference. High-top styles tend to look best worn with socks no higher than the collar, while low-top options work well with socks of varying heights. Feel free to get creative and wear your sneakers with everything from dresses to jeans. Shop a range of Dior sneakers on 1stDibs.
- How do I pronounce Dior Homme?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To correctly pronounce the first word in Dior Homme, say "dee-OAR." The second word sounds like the word "home" but without the letter H. Dior is the French last name of the brand's founder, Christian Dior. "Homme" is the French word for man. Find a selection of Dior Homme on 1stDibs.
- How can I style Dior shoes?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How you style Dior shoes depends on the type of shoe and your personal preferences. Dior sneakers can put a trendy finishing touch on everything from dresses to shorts, while Dior boots can elevate cold-weather ensembles like wool skirts and sweater-and-jeans combos. Part of the fun of Dior fashions is defying the rules and creating your own unique looks, so feel free to think outside the box when styling. Shop a large selection of Dior shoes on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022On Dior Tribal earrings, the smaller front pearl goes in front of your ear lobe, and the larger pearl rests behind your ear. Pull the smaller pearl out and then position over your ear, and put them on by inserting the smaller piece back into the hole on the larger pearl. Find an array of Dior jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- When was Dior founded?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The company Christian Dior was originally founded in 1946 at 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris, France. From there, Dior strove to deliver fashion for an optimistic post-war future, leading to the great success of his company. Shop a collection of designer Christian Dior pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Where can I buy Dior sneakers?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You can buy Dior sneakers directly from the brand's official website. Additionally, the shoes are available from authorized brick-and-mortar retailers and online platforms, including 1stDibs. Buying from a reputable retailer or online platform can help ensure that you receive authentic Dior footwear. Shop a range of Dior sneakers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A new pair of Dior shoes are available online directly through Dior’s website and a variety of other retailers. Vintage editions of Christian Dior shoes are available from a number of online retailers, including on 1stDibs. It’s important to purchase from a vetted seller or vendor to ensure authenticity. While Christian Dior has at times inspired knockoffs, 1stDibs partners with only top-vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.
- What influenced Christian Dior?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Christian Dior was influenced by his years working as an art dealer and fashion illustrator before finally opening a fashion house of his own. He was initially interested in art and architecture. Prior to his work in fashion design, Dior ran an art gallery with a friend, where he showed the work of Max Ernst, Picasso, Joan Miró and others. In 1946, Dior opened his fashion house and strove to deliver bright fashions for a new era, discarding the sexless utilitarian garbs that had been forced upon people during the war. Three very talented women who worked in Dior’s studio — Madame Raymonde Zehnacker, Marguerite Carré and Mitzah Bricard — are also said to have inspired him. Shop iconic vintage and contemporary Dior clothing on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You can't do a Dior serial number check because bags and other accessories by the brand have date codes rather than numbers. Instead, examine the date code to ensure it consists of a series of two numbers, two letters and four additional numbers separated by dashes. You can also check the stitching and look for logo-embossed hardware to assess authenticity. Shop a range of expertly vetted Dior apparel on 1stDibs.