Christian Dior Top Handle Bags

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.