Despite the fact that Princess Diana died about 25 years ago, her timeless sense of style continues to influence fashion today. During her reign as a royal figurehead, Diana not only brought attention to vital causes, but she also created a slew of very desirable outfits that are still popular in the fashion world. “Fashion might not have been a priority for her, but she loved to explore,” Princess Anne’s stylist Anna Harvey reportedly said of her client.
When looking back on her most memorable appearances, it’s difficult not to notice Diana’s exquisite collection of her favourite handbags. Most likely, the arm candies were one of her favourite accessories, since she was seldom seen without the companionship of a stylish handbag. She used the bags not only as a practical and functional accessory, but also as a prop to shield her cleavage when she stepped out of cars, earning them the moniker “cleavage bags.”
Many of the Princess’s designer handbags have continued to retain her name, symbolically tied to Lady Diana’s narrative, most notably Dior’s Lady Dior and Ferragamo’s Lady D chain-strapped shoulder bag. Take a look at some of her most recognisable purses below.
The handbag was reportedly given to Princess Diana as a gift, and it quickly became one of her favourite arm candy to carry. She had been photographed wearing the bag variation several times since then.
Diana’s go-to handbag was the bamboo-handheld Gucci tote bag. The tote, which was first introduced in 1991, was reintroduced in 2021 in a reimagined version by Alessandro Michele, some 20 years after the original caught the royal’s eye.
While the’revenge dress’ look is still memorable, the clutch added an extra chic factor to the dress. Her ‘Vara’ bow clutch bag was from one of her favourite designers, Salvatore Ferragamo, and modern versions of the same can still be purchased today. The bag is also referred to as the “Lady D” bag or the “Diana” clutch.
Lady Di’s distinctive red carpet flair was to carry little satin purses known as ‘cleavage’ bags. Her intention in carrying them was to fool the cameras by using the little bags as a screen against her cleavage.
The bag became so closely associated with Princess Diana, who, despite her royal title, was still referred to as Lady Diana in France, that it was renamed in her honor. Lady Dior Mini in blue satin with crystal accents. It has been made in a variety of colors, sizes, and materials.
Throughout her career, she wore notable ensembles by designers such as Versace, Armani, Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and Clarks. Diana’s favourite designer was Catherine Walker, with whom she collaborated to create her “uniform” for royal work.
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