Who designed the original Lady Dior handbag for the House of Dior?

Gianfranco Ferré designed the original Lady Dior handbag for the House of Dior.

Ferré was Dior’s artistic director from 1989 to 1996, and the structured handbag was created during his tenure. Its distinctive features include a boxy shape, quilted cannage pattern, rounded handles and hanging letter charms.

The bag was first introduced in 1994, before it acquired its best-known name. It was presented to Diana, Princess of Wales, during her 1995 visit to Paris, and the association with her helped turn it into one of Dior’s most recognizable accessories.

A common mix-up is attributing the bag’s design to John Galliano, who became Dior’s artistic director after Ferré. Galliano later created many notable Dior designs, but Ferré is credited with the original Lady Dior handbag.