Lady Dior Beaded Embroidery Tote Bag

June 5, 2025

This exquisite Lady Dior beaded embroidery tote is from Dior’s Fall/Winter 2018 collection, reinterpreting the classic silhouette with natural elements and collage-style totem patterns. The bag showcases wool weaving and beaded embroidery techniques that create a three-dimensional, oil painting-like texture.

The Iconic Lady Dior

Lady Dior is affectionately known as the “Princess Diana Bag” due to its special connection with the late Princess of Wales. First introduced in 1994, it was originally called “ChouChou” (French for “favorite”).

In 1995, the French First Lady gifted this newly launched bag to Princess Diana during her Paris visit. The Princess loved it so much that she ordered it in all available colors and sizes, frequently carrying it to important events.

In tribute to the Princess, Dior officially renamed the bag Lady Dior in 1996, establishing it as the brand’s flagship design that continues to be an icon in the fashion world.

Totem Design Elements

This beaded embroidery Lady Dior comes from the Fall/Winter 2018 collection. Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri drew inspiration from the 1968 Paris student protests, incorporating collage-style totem patterns that exude youthful energy.

The collection features four distinct patterns representing wind, fire, water, and earth, paying homage to natural elements.

The Lady Dior showcases the “wind” element, with delicate wool creating a blue sky backdrop. Earth-toned and orange beaded embroidery radiates from the handles like sunlight, with clouds and planets floating throughout.

Colorful beads form silhouettes of running youths, dancing figures with elaborate skirts, birds soaring on wind, and haloed maidens, accented with stars, flowers, serpents, and foliage.

Beads spill beyond the patterns to create fringe, adding dynamic three-dimensionality that embodies the “wind” theme.

Signature Features

Beyond its royal endorsement, the Lady Dior earns its reputation through clean lines, elegant handles, and the innovative D.I.O.R. letter charms.

The bag features semi-circular double handles molded for shape, wrapped in glossy leather over cork, then hammered for perfect fit before being secured with stitching and metal rivets – ensuring both structure and comfort.

This collection uses antiqued brass hardware, with the D.I.O.R. charms adopting a more angular, square design for a contemporary, gender-neutral aesthetic.

Four large rings connect the handles to the body for a sleek look, with the CD logo engraved on the front clasp.

Practical Design

The bag includes a detachable long strap for crossbody wear, ideal for shopping or commuting. Alternative straps can be paired, or personalized charms added for customization.

The flap closure ensures both privacy and practicality.

Four brass feet protect the base from wear.

Storage Capacity

The interior is lined with suede leather, soft and resistant to scratches. Features include a back zip pocket for valuables and a front open pocket for phones or keys.

The spacious main compartment fits a book, pen case, compact, perfume, headphones, cardholder, tissues, iPhone, and lipstick. The beaded embroidery adds noticeable weight.

Styling Suggestions

This Lady Dior combines classic design with artisanal craftsmanship and artistic totem patterns, making it wearable art. Perfect for artistic personalities, it pairs beautifully with vintage blazers, newsboy caps, and other statement pieces.