Dior launched the Saddle bag in 1999 under designer John Galliano.
The bag was created during Galliano’s tenure as Dior’s creative director and was shaped to resemble a riding saddle. Its curved profile, short handle and distinctive placement under the arm gave it a highly recognizable silhouette. The design quickly became one of the most visible accessories of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The Saddle bag appeared in Dior’s autumn/winter 2000 collection and was promoted through celebrity styling and fashion-editorial exposure. Its compact form made it more of a statement accessory than a traditional large handbag.
The Saddle is sometimes confused with Dior’s Lady Dior, which was introduced earlier and became associated with Princess Diana. They are separate designs: the Lady Dior has a structured rectangular form, while the Saddle is identified by its curved, equestrian-inspired shape.