Dior Saddle Bags

The Dior Saddle Bag Story: History Repeats Itself

The Christian Dior Saddle bag, designed by the brand’s creative director, John Galliano, is the ideal daytime handbag given its luxurious and classic appearance. Debuting in 1999 in Dior’s Spring/Summer 2000 show, the Saddle bag stood out from the crowd thanks to its easy-to-spot shape and statement hardware. The Saddle bag’s iconic silhouette allows the collector to perch the piece high on the shoulder and is roomy enough for requisite items, such as keys and lipstick, with space left to spare.

More than eighteen years later, new Dior creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri revived the Saddle bag at the Fall/Winter 2018 show to the fashion community's great excitement. A few changes set this new Saddle bag apart from the original: A slightly larger size, a magnetic closure (rather than Velcro) and a longer strap making this bag even more versatile. The revised models also come in the instantly recognizable Oblique monogram, black leather or a selection of retro-chic patchwork and beaded styles. Collectors can wear the more recent Saddle bags in various ways, including as a shoulder bag, a crossbody and even as a clutch. Because the new Saddles came in several different patterns, they became highly collectible items for many Dior fans. The hallmark features of the recently reimagined Christian Dior Saddle bag include the following:

• Magnetic “D” stirrup closure
• “CD” signature on the flap
• Flat back pocket

Materials and Craftsmanship of the Dior Saddle Bag

In 2000, the brand produced the Saddle bag in only two materials: Smooth calfskin leather and Dior’s trademarked Oblique monogram canvas. However, the Saddle’s re-release in 2018 introduced a plethora of options regarding materials, sizes and styles, to the delight of Dior collectors everywhere. Nowadays, you can find these iconic bags in patent leather and satin, plus more exotic leathers like ostrich and ponyhair. There are even more colors to choose from like, “dusty pink,” “deep ocean blue,” and “cherry red.”  

The Dior Saddle bag initially came in just one size, though, that changed with the launch of the 2018 model. The 2018 Christian Dior Saddle bags are larger than the original and now come in two other styles: The Saddle Mini and Saddle Belt Pouch. The large version of the 2018 Saddle bag measures 25.5 x 20 x 6.5 cm, while the Mini is 21 x 16 x 3 cm and the Belt Pouch is 17 x 10 x 3.5 cm. If you need extra length, collectors can even purchase an additional strap. In addition to the change in size, Christian Dior now lines its more recent Saddle bags with suede versus the original textile lining.

The signature “CD” hardware adorning each Saddle bag also comes in several different finishes: a classic antique gold finish, a monochrome matte finish and a rhinestone finish, which also depends on the model, size and material of the Saddle bag.  

The Dior Saddle Bag Value and Collectibility 

Those who plan to invest in a Dior Saddle bag should initially decide which size they prefer, as the bag’s dimensions and materials often determine the price. For example, a brand-new leather Saddle bag retails at $3,800, compared to the leather Mini Saddle which is slightly less at $3,200. 

Pre-owned Dior Saddle bags in multiple sizes and styles are readily available on secondary marketplaces. In early 2021, pre-loved Saddle bags in canvas often fetch more than $1,000, while pre-owned white leather iterations sell for around $900. Though slightly more challenging to find on the resale market, gently used leather Dior Belt Pouches usually garner more than $700 and the Saddle bag’s smallest iteration, the Mini, sells for more than $1,700.