Welcome to our list of The 6 Handbags Inspired by Princess Diana!
Lady Diana is perhaps the most influential fashion icon of the 90’s, her style remains an inspiration for women all around the world. Her story is one of evolution and reinvention, something we can all take notes from. Diana became a public figure in the 1980’s when in 1981 she married Prince Charles at St. Paul’s Cathedral. From that moment she became a public person, being photographed everywhere she went, and thus Diana’s passion for clothes and fashion became a requirement of her new public life.
In the beginning of her marriage she had a more traditional style, one that fit the royal requirements, but with time she became bolder with her choices. But only after Princess Diana’s separation in 1992 and her divorce in 1996, her style reached its peak! She had a huge influence in the fashion world and of course that also applies to handbags! Here I’ll show you 6 beautiful bags that were either created for the Princess or that she wore so much that they were renamed in her honor.
So, without further ado here The 6 Handbags Inspired by Princess Diana:
1. Lady Dior
The most classic of all Dior bags the Lady Dior is an icon. In 1995, Dior created what would become the most important bag of the maison, it was designed especially for Lady Diana and gifted to her while she was in a visit to Paris. Shortly after, the Princess was photographed several times with the bag on her arm. Described as “iconic” and “legendary”, Dior launched the bag in a larger series and changed the name to the “Lady Dior” in 1996 with Princess Diana’s blessing. Over the decades, the Lady Dior bag has been established as an enduring icon of the House. It’s most notably distinguished by its structured shape, geometric Cannage topstitching and ‘D.I.O.R.’ charm.
The Lady Dior is perfect for every occasion, it goes from day to evening seamlessly!
2. Gucci Diana Tote
In the late 1990s, one often saw Princess Diana out and about with a bamboo-handled Gucci bag. Hers was in putty-colored suede, and even when it accessorized her biker shorts and sweatshirts on trips to the gym, she made it look divine. The first Gucci bamboo handle bag was launched in 1947 and since then the bamboo has remained an icon of the house. On the day that would have been Princess Diana’s 60th birthday, Alessandro Michele presented The Diana Bag, a bamboo-handled tote much like the version worn by the Princess. The bag is reimagined in three different sizes with removable, leather belts —a nod to the functional bands that once came with the original bag to maintain the shape of the handles. It also comes with the double-Gs facing the same direction, which are Michele’s remix of the classic Gucci monogram.
The Gucci Diana represents the cycle of reinvention and being free to be who you are – something the original poster girl for this bag would no doubt support.
3. Chanel Diana
Constantly seeking inspiration from the world around him, Karl Lagerfeld placed tremendous value in his muses, as these fashionable women helped solidify his designs as timeless classics. As such, Princess Diana of Wales, the ultimate style icon of the ‘80s and ‘90s, had a tremendous impact on Lagerfeld and the living legacy of Chanel. Produced from 1989 to approximately 1995, the Chanel Diana bag is a coveted find among vintage hunters and Diana admirers alike. This classic design closely resembles that of the Chanel Single Flap, and was sported so frequently by Princess Diana, that Karl Largefeld felt it only fitting to honor her in the name. Following Diana’s divorce, rumor had it she didn’t like the Chanel logo, as the interlocking CCs reminded her of her ex-husband, Charles, and his new partner, Camilla. However, eventually, Diana did return to the classic brand and was often seen carrying their bags.
The handbag was resurrected in the Spring 2015 collection, but the vintage Chanel Diana in caviar leather remains the most elusive and sought-after variation ever crafted.
4. Ferragamo Lady Di Bag
In 1990 Salvatore Ferragamo created a bag for Lady Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales. She loved the bag so much some report she owned it in more than 20 colors. The Italian label relaunched the bag in recent years, now called the Diana Clutch. What was a spacious chain strap bag, now is a stylish clutch perfect for eveningwear. It is made in brushed-off calfskin and has the iconic Gancini clasp.
It is worth mentioning that Diana wore a Ferragamo clutch with her revenge dress, the dress she wore on the night Prince Charles announced his affair with Camila Parker-Bowles.
5. Lana Marks Princess Diana Handbag
In 1997, Diana asked her friend, designer Lana Marks, to commission a top handle bag. The result, the Princess Diana Handbag, ended up being one of the princess’ go-to accessories. Like the Princess, this bag is elegant and sleek, a true statement piece. The front fold over of the bag is cut to the LANA MARKS signature contour and accented with delicate contoured piping. The details of this bag represent an extraordinary level of craftsmanship.
Today this beautiful bag is available in alligator and ostrich. It is one of The 6 Handbags Inspired by Princess Diana!
6. Tod’s D Bag
In the 1990’s one of Princess Diana’s favorite accessories was this Tod’s bag, that has since become a classic style of the brand! With room for all she might need, from gym gear to royal tour travel essentials, the Princess was often saw with this tote in hand, so Tod’s renamed the bag after her. In 2019 Tod’s reintroduced this iconic style once more, in form of the D-Styling bag. Crafted in Italy from supple leather, the D-Styling bag is a vision of the label’s thoughtful design process, which considers the needs of modern women. Suspended from twin top handles and a detachable cross-body strap, this accessory offers versatility, opening via two-way zip fastenings with exaggerated leather zip pulls for a contemporary finish.
Unfortunately, both the original D bag and the D-Styling have been discontinued by Tod’s. You can find both models on the secondary market, and if you do, know you have found the perfect everyday bag!
