Dior Lady Dior (Large Dark Brown)

Each of the major fashion houses has that one crown jewel bag design so famously connected to the brand. Hermes has Birkin, Louis Vuitton has Speedy, Chanel has 2.55. And Dior has the Lady Dior. Hailing from a time when first ladies gifted each other handbags and the world conducted itself with a sense of decorum, as the story goes, France's first lady gifted this bag to Princess Diana, who was first photographed wearing a then yet-to-be-released handbag to a Paul Cézanne exhibition opening in Paris in September 1995. It was he first of many photographs of Princess Di and Lady Dior such that the house renamed the bag as a nod to the people's princess and her bag. The structured, boxy tote is assembled from 144 parts in ateliers in Florence. The hardware alone is constructed from 43 metal parts – from charms to feet and eyelets. I think the style has never gone out of production, and has been made and remade in various sizes, colors and materials. The style is distinguished by its square silhouette, cannage quilting (a nod to the Napoleon III chairs used in Dior’s salons globally), two top handles and, most notably, the iconic Dior charms on the handle of the bag. Timeless, vintage and perhaps feeling even more of the now and fresher today than it was 30 years ago, it somehow is universally flattering to any conceivable style, improving any outfit it is paired with.