An exceptional archival Christian Dior Lady Dior bag from December 1997, dating to the beginning of John Galliano’s tenure as creative director of the House.

This particularly special example was produced just one year after the iconic handbag was officially renamed in honor of Princess Diana. Originally introduced as the Chouchou, the design became an international sensation after the Princess received one as a gift from France’s First Lady, Bernadette Chirac, in 1995. Diana was subsequently photographed carrying the bag on numerous occasions, prompting Dior to rename it the Lady Dior in 1996. This 1997 example therefore belongs to the earliest years of the handbag under its now-iconic name.

Crafted from luxurious ruby-red velvet, the bag features Dior’s signature Cannage quilting, structured silhouette, and rounded top handles. The rich crimson velvet is contrasted with silver-tone hardware adorned with Swarovski crystals, including the signature dangling D.I.O.R. letter charms and decorative handle attachments.

Produced during Galliano’s earliest years at Dior, this distinctive variation reflects a transitional moment in the House’s history, when its established design codes were being reinterpreted with a new sense of theatricality and extravagance. A particularly collectible early Lady Dior design.

Condition: Good vintage condition, with minor signs of wear consistent with age. The bag is slightly misshapen, with minor wear along the edges. All Swarovski crystals are intact.

Measurements: Width 7" (17.8 cm) / Height 5.5" (14 cm) / Depth 3" (7.6 cm).

Welcome to Vintage Heritage, a collection of rare and hard-to-find vintage treasures curated by a fashion history enthusiast with over 10 years of experience. While my heart belongs to 90s Chanel, my closet also includes items from every decade - from 1950s Haute Couture creations by Gabrielle Chanel to modern pre-owned pieces, as well as my favorites from other beloved brands, such as Vivienne Westwood, Christian Dior, Dolce&Gabbana, and Thierry Mugler. I carefully curate each piece with a focus on quality, timeless style, and investment potential. Please note that I'm not affiliated with Chanel Inc or any of the other brands listed. All of the items in my collection are from my personal closet, and I take pride in offering authentic, pre-loved pieces that have been thoughtfully cared for.

When purchasing a vintage item, please keep in mind that it has had a previous life and may show minor imperfections as a result of its age and previous use. I take great care to ensure that every piece in my collection is in the best possible condition and ready for you to wear. Each item is stored in a smoke and odor-free environment and will be sent to you freshly cleaned by the finest dry cleaners. To further protect your investment, every item is authenticated by reputable 3rd-party authentication company and comes with an archival-quality garment bag.

Vintage clothing often runs smaller than contemporary styles, so it's best to rely on the measurements provided rather than the size tag. If you have any questions about a specific item, don't hesitate to ask. Reasonable offers are always considered.

Fast shipping is a top priority, and items are generally shipped within three business days via UPS 2nd Day Air with signature confirmation for added security. International shipping is powered by eBay. If for any reason you're not satisfied with your purchase, returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery. Please note that the item must be in its original, unworn condition and must have the security tag attached. For added security, all item details, conditions, labels, and shipping processes are recorded via video to prevent fraud.

Some of the modeling and styling photos used may have been sourced from social media, search engines, and editorials, solely for presentation purposes, and with the utmost respect for their rightful owners. If you have any concerns about photo credit or would like a photo removed, please contact me.

Thank you for choosing Vintage Heritage, and I look forward to sharing my passion for archival fashion with you.