Archive · 3 Sep 2026
How Princess Diana Inspired Lady Dior’s Iconic Rebrand
Dior created a special handbag in 1994.
The bag was first called “Chouchou,” which means “favourite” in French.
It was designed by Gianfranco Ferré.
In 1995, Bernadette Chirac gave the unreleased bag to Princess Diana.
The gift was presented in Paris during a Cézanne art exhibition.
Diana liked the bag very much.
She carried it on many trips and public occasions.
Her frequent use helped make the bag strongly associated with her.
The bag later became known as the Lady Dior.
The bag was conceived in 1994 by Dior artistic director Gianfranco Ferré.
Originally called “Chouchou,” the French name means “favourite.”
Bernadette Chirac gifted the unreleased black bag to Princess Diana in September 1995.
The presentation took place at Paris’s Grand Palais during a Cézanne exhibition.
Diana repeatedly carried the bag, including at Liverpool and the 1996 Met Gala.
- Who
- Dior, Gianfranco Ferré, Bernadette Chirac, and Princess Diana.
- What
- An unreleased Dior handbag was gifted to Princess Diana and became associated with her through repeated public appearances.
- When
- The bag was conceived in 1994, gifted in September 1995, and carried by Diana at the 1996 Met Gala.
- Where
- The gift was presented at the Grand Palais in Paris; Diana also carried the bag in Liverpool and elsewhere.
- Why
- The exclusive bag was given to Princess Diana, who repeatedly used it in public.
- Original name
- Chouchou
- Meaning of Chouchou
- “Favourite” in French
- Designer
- Gianfranco Ferré
- Conception year
- 1994
- Gift date
- September 1995
- Gift recipient
- Princess Diana
- Gift location
- The Grand Palais in Paris
- Notable appearance
- The 1996 Met Gala