Welcome to our post about Chanel vs. Dior: Which Bags Are Better?
With similar history, prices and styles it can be hard to choose the best brand. In my opinion there is not one clear superior brand, so I thought I would show you which bags I believe are better in each category. So here you’ll see which is the best tote, the best crossbody and so forth. Let me know in the comments which of the two brands is your favorite!
So, without further ado here is: Chanel vs. Dior: Which Bags Are Better?
Flap Bag: Chanel Classic Flap
The Dior Caro is an amazing flap bag and a great alternative to Chanel, but no flap bag is more iconic than the Chanel Classic Flap. This Chanel handbag that would ultimately become synonymous with the brand was not created until 1983. The Chanel Classic Double Flap was first introduced when Karl Lagerfeld became creative director and decided to reinterpret Chanel’s iconic 2.55 Flap Bag. From his artistic vision came two new features – a leather woven chain and Double C turn-lock closure. Lagerfeld’s Classic Double Flap was a breakout success.
Almost forty years later, and out of all the Chanel handbags on the market, the Classic Double Flap remains one of the most sought-after pieces ever crafted.
Top Handle Bag: Lady Dior
The Chanel Coco Handle is one of my favorite Chanel bags, but I’m being honest, there aren’t many bags I would choose over the Lady Dior, One of my favorite bags of all time. A bag that was designed almost 30 years ago in honor of one of the biggest style icons in fashion history, the Lady Dior is one of the most beautiful designer bags! In 1995 Bernadette Chirac, then First Lady of France, requested Dior to custom design a bag for Lady Diana. The bag was gifted to the princess while she was on an official visit to Paris, it instantly became one of her favorite bags! After that Lady Diana was spotted multiple times carrying the bag, so Dior decided to change its name to the Lady Dior in 1996, with the princess’s blessing.
Described as iconic and legendary the brand launched the bag in a larger series, becoming a favorite of Dior clients. This is a classic top handle bag that will never go out of style, and is a bag every handbag lover should know!
Crossbody Bag: Dior Bobby Bag
If you are looking for a classic crossbody, not a flap or a chain bag, the Dior Bobby is an amazing option. Named after Christian Dior’s beloved pet, the Dior Bobby bag is Maria Grazia Chiuri’s celebration of the notion of loyalty. The bag is supposed to be a loyal companion to the modern woman thanks to its enduring style and craftsmanship. One of the newer additions to the House’s collection the Bobby was launched in the fall 2020 collection. Its signature details include a structured silhouette, flap closure, military-inspired buckle, adjustable shoulder straps and a ‘CD’ signature at the front. The shoulder straps can be removed and replaced with seasonal ones to bring a personalized element to each bag.
The unique design embodies the House’s marriage of heritage and contemporary essence. Is a bag you’ll be wearing on repeat and will not go out of style!
Evening Bag: Chanel Wallet-On-Chain
The Dior Saddle wallet-on-chain is a great bag, but we have to agree the Chanel one is more classic, timeless and iconic. Stylish, simple and chic, the Chanel Wallet on Chain is an amazing forever bag and one of the best designer wallets-on-chain. Known for its versatile 24-inch chain strap and practicality of its many compartments, the Chanel WOC holds the status of a classic Chanel handbag while also being uniquely compact in size. With the wallet built into the bag, these Chanel handbags brilliantly combine small size with efficient space. Moreover, the versatility of the strap is a defining feature of this Chanel purse. The Wallet on Chain can be worn over the shoulder, as a crossbody, or even as a clutch/wallet with the strap tucked in.
Providing all of the coin, cash and card space you could need, this Chanel handbag is a functional and fashionable statement piece.
Shoulder Bag: Dior Saddle Bag
Chanel has many bags that can double as shoulder or crossbody bags, but the Saddle is perhaps the most iconic shoulder bag in history. The Saddle Bag was first created in 1999 at the peak of John Galliano’s Dior tenure. Its initial appearance toed the line between what was considered high fashion and, for lack of a better word, ugly. But it became one of the most iconic It Bags in history. The bag is intended to be worn short trapped and tight against the arm like a saddle, hence the name. After the enormous success of the bag in the 2000’s, the bag was discontinued in the 2010’s. In 2018 Maria Grazia Chiurri relaunched this bag and it has since become a part of the classic styles of the brand.
The Dior Saddle bag takes its cues from the equestrian world. The inspiration can be seen in the graphic design with the now iconic asymmetrical flap. One of the most classic shoulder bags ever, the Saddle is an icon!
Tote Bag: Chanel Deauville Tote
The Dior Book tote is an amazing tote bag but the Deauville is a classic of Chanel that will always be in style. It is one of my favorite designer bags of all time! Refined yet casual, there is no better bag to honor Coco Chanel’s first fashion boutique and favorite seaside destination than the Deauville tote, first introduced for the Spring-Summer 2012 collection. Received to incredible demand, the Deauville quickly expanded color, hardware, and material options to suit any season or occasion. Adorned with two intertwined chains, leather straps, the iconic interlocking CC logo, and “31 Rue Cambon” (the address of Coco Chanel’s apartment and first boutique), this tote is an ode to the luxury brand’s rich history. The spacious tote is equipped with large zipped pockets and a key clasp, ensuring that no personal belongings be misplaced.
Designed as the ideal beach bag – able to hold all the oceanside necessities one may need – the Deauville is functional in all variations.
Hope you enjoyed Chanel vs. Dior: Which Bags Are Better? Finally, check out The Best Designer Bag Dupes!
