Collection: dior

Discover our carefully authenticated selection of vintage Dior pieces: Lady Dior and Saddle bags, Bar jackets, New Look dresses, jewellery and iconic accessories from the archives. Every piece is hand-evaluated by our team on avenue Louise and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Because Dior is not just a brand — it is the heritage of French elegance.

The history of Dior, from avenue Montaigne to today

Founded on 16 December 1946 by Christian Dior at 30 avenue Montaigne in Paris, the house revolutionised world fashion from its very first collection. On 12 February 1947, Dior presented what Harper's Bazaar editor Carmel Snow immediately christened the "New Look": cinched waist, long full skirt, soft rounded shoulders — a sumptuous response to the austerity of the post-war years.

At his death in 1957, he entrusted the house to a 21-year-old unknown: Yves Saint Laurent, who saved it with his "Trapeze" collection. There followed Marc Bohan (1961–1989), Gianfranco Ferré (1989–1996), then the dramatic arrival of John Galliano (1996–2011), who reinvented Dior with baroque theatricality. Raf Simons (2012–2015) brought rigorous modernity, before the arrival of Maria Grazia Chiuri in 2016 — the first woman to lead Dior's creative vision.

Iconic Dior pieces

The Lady Dior bag

Created in 1994 as the "Chouchou", renamed Lady Dior after being gifted to Princess Diana by Bernadette Chirac in 1995. Recognisable by its cannage quilting (diamond quilting inspired by Napoleon III chairs), its "D.I.O.R." letter charms in gold-tone metal, and its double handle. Available in sizes Nano, Micro, Mini, Small, Medium and Large.

The Saddle bag

Designed by John Galliano in 1999 in the shape of a horse saddle — asymmetric, with a distinctive half-moon flap and a metal D-ring. Discontinued then triumphantly relaunched by Maria Grazia Chiuri in 2018. Original vintage Saddles from Galliano's collections (1999–2011) are highly collectible pieces.

The Bar jacket and the New Look

The Bar jacket (1947) is the founding piece of the New Look: wasp waist emphasised by a flared peplum, rounded shoulders, shawl collar in raw silk. Exhibited in the world's greatest museums as a symbol of post-war fashion's renewal.

Evening dresses

Dior evening dresses — by Dior himself, by Galliano or by Chiuri — represent the pinnacle of French couture. Ball gowns from the 1950s–1960s, Galliano's romantic creations and Chiuri's feminist embroideries are all highly collected.

The Oblique canvas

The Oblique monogram — interlocking D in a diagonal pattern on a beige ground — has been the house's signature motif since the 1960s. Vintage pieces in Oblique canvas from the 1970s–1990s are prized by collectors.

How to authenticate a Dior piece

Authenticating a Dior piece requires the examination of several combined criteria. Here are the 7 checkpoints we systematically verify in our atelier on avenue Louise.

1. The label and serial number

Modern Dior bags carry a sewn interior label reading "Christian Dior" with the country of manufacture, and a serial number stamped on an interior leather tag.

2. The Lady Dior cannage

Authentic cannage features perfectly regular diamonds, stitched with precision at every intersection. Each intersection point is reinforced and the diamonds are absolutely symmetrical. Irregular cannage is the hallmark of a counterfeit.

3. The "D.I.O.R." charms

The four charms (D, I, O, R) are in heavy metal, precisely engraved on each face. Their finish is perfect, with no bubbling or flaking. Counterfeits feature lightweight charms with superficial engravings.

4. The hardware and zips

Closures and clasps are in heavy metal, engraved "Christian Dior" or "CD" depending on the model and era. Zips are signed by quality manufacturers and slide smoothly.

5. The leather and materials

Dior bag leathers are consistent in quality: regular grain, natural scent, appropriate suppleness. The Oblique canvas is tightly woven with clean colours and a perfectly diagonal pattern alignment.

6. The stitching and construction

Stitching is regular and tight, with no loose threads or skipped stitches. Construction is precise: perfectly aligned lining, cleanly sewn interior pockets.

7. Historical coherence

Each Dior model has specific characteristics depending on its production era. Knowledge of these historical evolutions is essential for authenticating vintage pieces.

Our method: at Les Enfants d'Édouard, every piece undergoes a three-stage examination — visual inspection, technical verification and cross-referencing against our reference database. Every authenticated piece comes with our certificate of authenticity.

Lady Dior size guide

Lady Dior size guide

Model	Dimensions	Best for
Nano	12 × 10 × 5 cm	Jewel / evening
Micro	16 × 12 × 8 cm	Evening / light outings
Mini	20 × 17 × 8 cm	Light day bag
Small	24 × 20 × 11 cm	The most versatile
Medium	28 × 23 × 13 cm	Full day
Large	36 × 28 × 15 cm	Travel / work

Dior ready-to-wear: sizing

Dior uses French sizing: 34 (XS), 36 (S), 38 (M), 40 (L), 42 (XL). Vintage pieces from the Christian Dior and Marc Bohan eras often run smaller than current equivalents.

Why invest in a vintage Dior piece

Dior is a house whose market value continues to grow. Galliano-era pieces from the 2000s — long undervalued — have undergone a spectacular reappraisal since 2020. The major Dior exhibitions (V&A London 2019, Musée des Arts Décoratifs Paris 2017) have permanently elevated the house's cultural standing.

For those wishing to sell a Dior piece, we offer an expert consignment service.

Our Dior selection in Brussels, avenue Louise

Our boutique Les Enfants d'Édouard, 175 avenue Louise, 1050 Brussels, carries an authenticated selection of vintage Dior. We welcome you Tuesday to Saturday and offer private appointments.

Care and maintenance of your Dior pieces

For Lady Dior bags, store in their cotton dust bag with tissue paper. Lambskin is delicate — avoid humidity and direct sunlight. Clean with a slightly damp soft cloth. The charms are polished with a dry microfibre cloth.

For Oblique canvas, clean with a slightly damp cloth without rubbing or solvents.

For ready-to-wear, silk and organza pieces must be dry-cleaned only. Hang structured suits and dresses on wide hangers.

Frequently asked questions about vintage Dior

How do I recognise an authentic Lady Dior bag?

An authentic Lady Dior is identified by: a sewn "Christian Dior" label with serial number, perfectly regular cannage with precisely stitched intersections, heavy "D.I.O.R." metal charms with clean engravings, engraved hardware, quality leather, tight stitching, and a well-finished interior lining.

Do vintage Dior bags appreciate in value?

Yes, particularly Lady Dior bags from the 1990s–2000s in rare colorways, and vintage Saddle bags from Galliano's collections, whose value has surged since the 2018 relaunch.

Which Dior models are most sought-after?

The Lady Dior Small in lambskin, the Galliano-era Saddle in Oblique canvas, the Chiuri Book Tote, and dresses and suits from the Christian Dior era (1947–1957).

What is the average price of a Lady Dior secondhand?

Between €800 and €4,500 depending on size, material, colour, condition and year. Small models in black lambskin typically range from €1,500 to €2,500.

What warranty do you offer on Dior pieces?

Every piece is guaranteed 100% authentic, with a certificate of authenticity and 14 days to return.

Discover also

Looking for an authentic Dior piece?

Browse our full Dior selection or book an appointment with our team for a private viewing on avenue Louise.

• ✓ Guaranteed authentication: every piece certified
• ✓ Secure delivery: Belgium, France, Europe
• ✓ 14-day returns: satisfaction guaranteed
• ✓ Boutique at 175 Avenue Louise: 1050 Brussels