The legendary Lady Dior handbag that belonged to Princess Diana is going up for auction by Julien’s Auctions, in one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year.
Considered a true icon of luxury, the 1995 Lady Dior handbag, made of lambskin leather and cannage stitching, was a milestone in the princess’s personal style and now promises to attract collectors and fashion enthusiasts from around the world.
+ 12 countries that will pay you to move there in 2025
Originally named “Chouchou,” the piece was renamed Lady Dior after it was gifted to the Princess of Wales by Bernadette Chirac, then First Lady of France, in September 1995. Diana instantly fell in love with the handbag — elegant, structured, and filled with French haute couture symbolism. She began wearing it frequently to official engagements, making it a natural extension of her refined look.
The accessory gained worldwide fame during her visit to Argentina in November of the same year, when Diana arrived wearing a dress by Gianni Versace and carrying the Lady Dior — which quickly became a coveted item. According to British Vogue, the princess even ordered a navy-blue custom version “to match her eyes.” Since then, the Lady Dior has been recognized as one of the most iconic handbags of all time.
Now, Julien’s auction — which will take place on June 26 at the Peninsula Beverly Hills — marks one of the largest sales of personal items belonging to Diana Spencer. The historic handbag is estimated to fetch between $20,000 and $30,000, but other items in the catalog could surpass $100,000, including haute couture dresses, evening gowns, and exclusive pieces from the princess’s fashion legacy.
Despite her deep love for the Lady Dior, Diana was also known for rejecting another fashion giant: Chanel. According to Australian designer Jayson Brunsdon, she avoided the famous interlocking Cs because they reminded her of the initials of Charles and Camilla. “I can’t wear the double C. It’s Charles and Camilla,” she allegedly said after her divorce from the then-prince.
Diana’s relationship with fashion was always personal, symbolic, and transformative. Owning an item she once wore is more than acquiring a luxury accessory — it’s holding a piece of history and timeless style.
Source: LuxuryLaunches
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
