Since her royal debut in 1981, Princess Diana has been known for many things. She was a wife, a mother, a humanitarian, and of course, a style icon. More than 20 years after her death, the late Princess is making headlines yet again due to the latest season of the hit Netflix series The Crown—where Emma Corrin delivers a spot-on portrayal of the beloved British royal. Not only has the show reignited the public’s general interest about her life, but also reminded everyone of her unique and impeccable sense of style.
TOP STORY: 10 Universally Flattering Hair Color Ideas If You're Planning a MakeoverWhen it comes to fashion, the Princess was (and still is) known to be a formidable style influencer who continues to inspire today’s generation when it comes to putting together statement 'fits. From her iconic Christina Stambolian “revenge dress” to her chic minimalist '90s street style looks that all IG girls are copying as of late, Diana always dressed to impress no matter the occasion. One piece in particular that has reemerged into the fashion scene is the cult classic, Lady Dior bag that the Princess was rarely seen without. But did you know that the bag was actually named in honor of the People’s Princess?
During Princess Diana’s visit to Paris in 1995, she was gifted with a Dior bag by former First Lady to France, Bernadette Chirac, during the opening of the Cézanne exhibition. Back then, the black leather, top-handle bag, quilted in the house’s signature “cannage” stitching was called the Chouchou, and instantly became Diana’s favorite! She even bought several more in various sizes and varations upon her return to London.
Since then, the bag has been her constant companion to the various events that filled up her social calendar. From an official state visit to Liverpool where she paired it with a tangerine Versace suit, to an appearance at the Met Gala in 1996, this time in a haute couture slip dress by John Galliano for Dior.
Being the fashion icon that she is, the more the Princess was seen with the bag, the more popular it became. And before long, the Chouchou became a symbol of elegance and refinement synonymous with the Princess of Wales. In 1996, the house of Dior decided to honor the stylish royal by naming the bag Lady Dior after the Princess’ former title: Lady Diana Spencer.
Medium Lady Dior bag, $4,900 (approx. P235,831), DIOR, Solaire
Since its conception, the Lady Dior has been reinterpreted and reworked into various colors, sizes, and fabrics while staying true to its classic silhouette. For the fashion house’s S/S20 collection, current creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri introduced the Lady D-Lite—a modern minimalist version of the Lady Dior.
Still featuring the bag’s signature “cannage” stitching, but this time created with 3-D embroidery, the Lady D-Lite includes a matching embroidered strap and comes in a subtle and neutral colorway making the bag more casual and wearable for everyday affairs.
Medium Lady D-Lite bag, $4,500 (approx. P216,166), DIOR, Solaire
Today, a slew of celebs like Nina Dobrev, Liza Koshy, and Jisoo of BLACKPINK are seen sporting the new iteration of the Lady Dior making the bag a cult-favorite piece for a new generation of style setters.
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
