The Lady Dior handbag as it is now famously known, made by designer Christian Dior dates back to September 1995. At the Cezanne Art Exhibition, Paris, sponsored by Dior, this beautiful new, petite black leather grab bag was presented by France's first lady, Bernadette Chirac to Diana, Princess of Wales. The bag became a favourite of Diana's and as one of the most photographed women in the world the bag featured with the Princess of Wales on many of her royal official engagements in the UK and all over the World. It soon became the must have bag for many and is one of the most successful bags in the history of fashion, selling over 200,000 over the next 2 years. Dior decided to name it and the Lady Dior, as the Princess of Wales was affectionately known was born.

Gianfranco Ferre designed the grab bag that evokes sophistication, with it's elegant rattan pattern stitched detailed leather, round top handles and gold charms. Each bag takes several craftsmen with individual skills many hours to construct. It is made of 130 pieces of the finest lambskin leather, that are sanded, dyed and hand stitched and then hand cut by artisans around wooden moulds. The beautiful cannage stitching is said to be inspired by Napoleon III rattan style chairs. The capital letter D.I.O.R. charm letters, with the distinctive larger O, that hang from the handle are galvanised to ensure their luster, as are the metal rings that attach the handle to the body of the bag and the protective stud feet. The handbag also comes in a variety of sizes, from mini for evenings, to a large shopper for every day. Essentially the bag has not changed over the years, each season different types of leather, beading and materials such as denim and vivid colours are introduced. These limited edition can just involve the charm letters being changed by adding crystals or in different materials such as bamboo, faux tortoise shell or more extensively the whole of the bag covered in intricate beading or embroidery.

The expense makes the Chistian Dior Lady Dior, an exclusive bag only a few can afford. But do not despair as there are many reputable designers who make high quality bags that have been inspired by the classic lines of the Lady Dior, but do be aware of fakes, that are illegally stamped and copied which are poorly made in inferior materials from the Far East.

This iconic handbag with its royal destiny and the Princess who gave it its name, the Lady Dior has become a legend. A bag that today has continued it's celebrity status and worn by the famous and the rich.

At Attavanti we love to promote the 'Made in Italy' brand. For the very best in Italian leather designer handbags, shoulder bags, leather holdalls, briefcases, wallets and purses, take a look around our store at www.attavanti.com