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Ultimate Christian Dior Bags Guide: History, Leathers, Styles, Authentication

Ultimate Christian Dior Bags Guide: History, Leathers, Styles, Authentication

 Christian Dior bags have been carried by everyone from Hollywood celebrities to European Royal families. Eye-catching and stylish, they serve as a symbol of femininity and excellent taste. Do you want to learn how the fashion house acquired its cult status throughout the time? Welcome to our Ultimate Christian Dior Bags Guide!

We are going to explain why these purses are expensive and coveted, discuss the ways to authenticate a real handbag from a cheap fake, and tell the secret of how you can find a Dior bag in mint condition with a discount!

Ready to join this ride? Hop on!

 

 

Christian Dior History

Ultimate Christian Dior Bags Guide: History, Leathers, Styles, Authentication

 

Although standing in line with other elite French brands like Chanel, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton, Dior is the “youngest” of them. Understanding the role of this fashion house is impossible without learning how Christian Dior started. That is why we are going to dive into history a little.

It was December of the year 1946 when the House of Dior was established. However, the first Spring/Summer haute couture collection appeared only two months later. It consisted of two lines, but went down in history under the name of the “New Look”. Paying special attention to the very first runway show is essential because it explains why and how Christian Dior influenced the fashion industry.

The gorgeous silhouettes and aspiring looks created by the talented designer were like a breath of fresh air that people needed after tough and long war years. The House of Dior couldn’t choose a better period with its revolutionary fashion ideas! The collection was a success and got the attention and love of the fashion society across the globe. It attracted wealthy clients from Hollywood, the US, and the European aristocracy and had a huge impact on the designers of that time.

 

Ultimate Christian Dior Bags Guide: History, Leathers, Styles, Authentication

 

Two years later, in 1949, the brand started to expand its range of items and influence in the world. Opening boutiques in other countries, dressing the first ladies and lead actresses in iconic Hollywood movies, the house of Dior was able to turn into a respected empire by the mid-1950s. Yet, the sudden death of the gifted founder (at the age of 52, Christian Dior died from a heart attack) seemed to set the company in chaos.

The replacement was found quickly. Yves Saint Laurent, who was at that time the only Head Assistant of the designer, was appointed as the Artistic Director of the fashion house. He managed to keep the sophisticated looks of the clothing and was crowned as a national hero. However, his ideas became more and more daring and in the late 1960s, he was replaced. 

In 1981, the company was purchased by Bernard Arnault, a French investor and chairman of the LVMH group. Under him, the fashion house changed for the better. He turned Dior into a quality and exclusive brand by reducing its accessibility. Love and respect for feminine nature that was reflected in Christian Dior’s first collections were continued in handbags.

The first iconic purses appeared in the mid-1990s and since then, they are the main focus of the brand. Nowadays, the luxury fashion house is mostly associated with quality accessories, not clothes. So bags will be the center of our talk as well.

 

 

Where Are Dior Bags Made?

Ultimate Christian Dior Bags Guide: History, Leathers, Styles, Authentication

 

Like other French brands, Dior ensures the high quality of its goods. That is why only the best artisans work on the production of purses. Despite multiple rumors and ridiculous theories that all high-end items are now manufactured in China, it is not true.

For the fashion house, reputation is more important than extra income. That is why all Dior bags are made in Italy or Spain, two countries that border France and act as a source of excellent leather. You can find the country of production on the leather tag inside each purse.

Still don’t believe it? Read our article – Where Are Chanel Bags Are Made. We give multiple explanations why these made-in-China theories are nothing but rumors.

 

 

Christian Dior Leathers

Ultimate Christian Dior Bags Guide: History, Leathers, Styles, Authentication

As we have already mentioned the exclusive selection of materials for luxury purses, it’s time to talk about the materials used by the fashion house.

First, the leathers (traditional and exotic): 

  1.   Lambskin;
  2.   Calfskin;
  3.   Goatskin;
  4.   Crocodile leather;
  5.   Python leather.

 

Apart from that, there are several other materials that are suitable for fashionistas who can’t stand the idea of carrying a leather purse. You won’t find faux leather among the items of the brand, but the House of Dior turns its non-leather goods into a piece of art.

 

Ultimate Christian Dior Bags Guide: History, Leathers, Styles, Authentication

What are the non-leather options?

  1. Jacquard;
  2. Denim;
  3. Multicolor embroidery.

When it comes to choosing a Dior bag, the options are endless. Most iconic silhouettes are manufactured in all materials and colors. What are these models? The next part of our Ultimate Christian Dior Bags Guide is all about them!

 

 

List of Most Popular Dior Bags

It might come as a surprise, but the oldest of the legendary Dior purses was released only in 1994. How did it happen that a handbag reached a cult status so quickly? The answer is simple: elegant and sophisticated shapes highlighting femininity (the aspect that Christian Dior himself valued in women the most).

Here is the list of the most popular Dior bags with a short description. If you want to read more information about their history, be sure to check our Top 10 Most Iconic Dior Bags That You’ll Never Regret Buying. Below, we mention only a few of them.

 
Lady Dior

Ultimate Christian Dior Bags Guide: History, Leathers, Styles, Authentication lady dior

 

This is a truly royal accessory and the most popular bag of the fashion house. It was introduced in 1994 and one year later it acquired a cult status thanks to Princess Diana Spencer. The rumors keep going that she fell in love with the accessory and ordered all the existing models to accompany her during her trips. Being touched by such affection and attention, the brand later renamed this silhouette into Lady Dior.

Currently, Lady Dior is one of the most expensive handbags. However, you can save lots of money if shopping pre-owned. We have 4 different Lady Dior bags in stock, each of them can be a nice treat for you!

Doubt if it’s worth investing money in it? Read our article about The Most Iconic Christian Dior Bag: Lady Dior Ultimate Reference Guide.

 

 

Miss Dior

Ultimate Christian Dior Bags Guide: History, Leathers, Styles, Authentication miss dior

Released in 2011, this bag was discontinued 5 years later. It was a real shock for fashionistas as this accessory has a timeless and chic design. A quilted flap bag on the chain is an ideal choice for both day and evening outfits. Miss Dior was introduced in two variations: with a short chain to carry the purse on the shoulder, and with a long chain for cross-body wear. Now, it can be found only pre-loved. By the way, we still have Miss Dior in a large size in stock for just $1,099! Be sure to get it before anyone else!

 

 

Diorissimo

Ultimate Christian Dior Bags Guide: History, Leathers, Styles, Authentication diorissimo

Diorissimo is sometimes called “a casual Lady Dior” and that’s for a reason. The two models share the same sturdy round top handles and feminine look. However, Diorissimo has a more relaxed structure. It can be a great office purse or match your evening outfit. The bag was manufactured in three sizes and a vast range of materials – from traditional calfskin to exotic alligator leather. Sadly, it’s also been discontinued.

 

 

Diorama

Ultimate Christian Dior Bags Guide: History, Leathers, Styles, Authentication diorama

Since its appearance on Dior’s Spring/Summer 2015 runway, the purse has become an instant hit. This model was able to achieve the same success as the iconic Lady Dior. Celebrities and ordinary fashionistas swept the bag off the shelves immediately. Produced in multiple sizes, colors, and materials, this was the perfect accessory for a modern woman. However, it was discontinued around 2020.

If you want to learn more about the history of this purse and see a thorough comparison of Diorama and Chanel Boy Bag, read our Dior Diorama Bag Reference Guide.

 

 

Dior Saddle Bag

 

Ultimate Christian Dior Bags Guide: History, Leathers, Styles, Authentication dior saddle bag

The most interesting shape in the fashion industry. Originally introduced in 1999, the bag wasn’t a great success. Despite its appearance on “Sex and the City”, people didn't rush to boutiques to get whatever-Carrie-Bradshaw-has. 15 years later, Instagram helped this silhouette revive from the ashes. When about 100 celebrities and influences posted photos with a Dior Saddle Bag, there was no chance to avoid it. The invention of John Galliano was back in the saddle again!

 

 

Dior Book Tote

Ultimate Christian Dior Bags Guide: History, Leathers, Styles, Authentication dior book tote

Currently, it’s the “youngest” iconic bag of the fashion house. It was a part of the Dior Spring/Summer 2018 collection. The design of this model was prompted by Marc Bohan sketches from 1967. So we can state that the history of Dior Book Tote began a long time ago. Luckily, the brand chose the proper time to introduce it, as this accessory instantly turned into a hit. It remains the main choice of A-class celebrities and influencers.

Want to know more about this convenient and spacious model? We have reviewed two recently released tote bags and shared our opinion in the article – What is the Best Designer Tote Bag: Dior Book Tote vs Louis Vuitton Onthego.

 

 

How Much Does a Dior Bag Cost?

No Ultimate Christian Dior Bags Guide can be complete without a price chart. Well, it’s time to learn the cost of fashion! We have selected the most popular sizes of each purse and found the official prices of legendary Dior bags!

Name

Size

Dimensions (in inches)

Material

Price in USD*

Lady Dior

Medium

9.5 x 8 x 4.5

Cannage lambskin

5,200

Miss Dior

Medium (long chain)

10.24 x 6.30 x 2.36

Quilted lambskin

3,500**

Diorissimo

Medium

12.5 x 9 x 4.3

Calfskin

4,600**

Diorama

Small

21.5 x 13 x 8

Lambskin

3,400**

Dior Saddle Bag

Medium

10 x 8 x 3

Oblique jacquard

3,800

Dior Tote Bag

Medium

16.5 x 14 x 7

Oblique embroidery

3,250

* the data was gathered from the Dior official website in June 2021. Current prices may vary. State tax is excluded

** the last known retail price (for discontinued models)

Is that a hefty price tag for a bag? Well, if you want to get one, we recommend hurrying up! Like many other luxury fashion houses, Dior has a habit to increase the cost of its goods every year. Despite the pandemic, the prices have skyrocketed. It means the products are still in high demand. You can see the difference (in USD and percentage) yourself in our comparison – Christian Dior Price Increase: Updated Dior Bags Prices 2021. Spoiler: some models went by 20% since last year!

 

 

Where To Buy Dior Bags?

Ultimate Christian Dior Bags Guide: History, Leathers, Styles, Authentication dior boutique

The question that bothers all fashion lovers is where to get a coveted luxury purse! We know that Louis Vuitton never makes discounts. It’s the policy of the brand. But what about the House of Dior?

Here are all possible ways to purchase a bag from the iconic brand:

  • On the official website
  • In one of the closest boutiques
  • Visit one of the existing outlets
  • Pre-loved in a consignment shop.

 

Can You Buy a Christian Dior Bag Online?

People who don’t live in large cities, mostly rely on online shopping. Is it safe to get a luxury accessory on the Internet? Well, online shopping has its risks, especially if you buy a second-hand item.

We recommend ordering professional authentication of any Dior bag before paying. The service costs less than lunch but will erase all the doubts about the honesty of the reseller. Why do we insist on it? Because there’s always a chance to spend a huge sum on a counterfeit product. Moreover, it’s not only a problem of independent resellers (actual owners of the purse) but the large consignment stores as well. We have discussed this issue in our article – Can You Buy a Fake Bag From a Reputable Consignment Store.

Want to be confident in your online purchase? Visit our shop and check the available Dior bags to buy online! We guarantee 100% authenticity!

 

 

Do Dior Bags Hold Their Value?

While some people purchase designer bags for their collection, others know that there’s no better investment than a luxury accessory. Is it true for Dior purses as well? The short answer is yes! As we’ve already mentioned, the prices are growing every year, so plenty of people are looking for more affordable options than $5,000 for a handbag. That is why you’ll always be able to find a new owner for your old accessory.

Another reason to think about welcoming an iconic Dior purse into your collection is a recent Forbes article where the House of Dior was called “the hottest investment”. Coming from them, it sounds convincing, isn’t it?

Of course, when it comes to reselling the bag, the condition matters. We recommend paying a lot of attention to the way you store your accessory and clean it after each use. You can find more useful tips in our guide on How To Store Your Designer Bag.

 

 

How To Tell If Your Dior Bag Is Real

Ultimate Christian Dior Bags Guide: History, Leathers, Styles, Authentication

Eager to purchase your first Dior handbag? Beware of fakes when getting a pre-loved item. The quality of counterfeit goods is getting better every year, and it might be hard for a non-trained eye to spot the difference (especially if you’ve never seen a real purse in person).

Here are several tips to follow:

  • check the overall quality;
  • examine stitching;
  • take a closer look at the handles (especially when buying Lady Dior);
  • small details like hardware, zipper and charms deserve special attention;
  • look inside and check the information on the leather tag.

Still wondering what exactly you should do? Check our detailed article on How To Spot a Fake Dior Bag: Ultimate Authentication Guide. There’s a lot of useful information and a thorough explanation of where to look. It also has tips on how to read Dior date code. As you might know, it’s not the same as a serial number. It indicates the month and year of bag manufacturing. Now, you might wonder: can two Dior bags have the same date code? Yes, this is possible. Where to look for a unique number then? To put it simply: the date code is what you find on a leather tag, the serial number is located on the authenticity card (it comes with each new Dior bag).

If there is no authenticity card, don’t hesitate to order independent authentication to make sure you’re buying a real thing.

If you need to authenticate a Louis Vuitton/Dior/Gucci item, please order one of the three types of authentication:

Verbal Authentication $10

  • good when you need a certificate for any reason,

Certificate of Authenticity $25

  • good when you need a certificate for any reason, either to sell the bag with the peace of mind or to return a fake bag to the seller if you purchased a fake
  • includes a permanent certificate on lvbagaholic.com

Certificate of Authenticity with a thorough explanation $50

  • good when you need a certificate and you need to know why the bag is authentic/not authentic for any reason, either to sell the bag with the peace of mind or return a fake bag to the seller if you purchased a fake.
  • includes a permanent certificate on lvbagaholic.com
  • includes an explanation of why the item is fake (detailed pictures and comparisons with an authentic bag, more than 10 pics included)

PLEASE CHOOSE ONE OF THE OPTIONS BELOW

 

The House of Dior is definitely worth attention of the fashion lovers. It has a long history, a list of talented designers, most stylish bags’ silhouettes, and the glory of dressing First Ladies, Hollywood actresses, and members of the British Royal family. Moreover, it made a revolution in the world of fashion and changed the luxury industry forever. The facts we described in our Ultimate Christian Dior Bags Guide only proved that! Were they convincing enough to turn you into a Dior fan?

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