Love It or Leave It: The Return of the Dior Saddle Bag [UPDATE: We Now Have US Prices]

One of the most popular bags of the mid-2000s is on its way back, but are you looking forward to it?

In fashion, any kind of revival is a tricky proposition, but especially in handbags. Because bags are so publicly visible and recognizable, specific bags tend to become tied to particular eras, instead of just general types of bags. That makes it trickier to revive a past design—the bag itself might be too closely tied to a year or even a season in popular memory, even if the shape in general, like a bucket bag, can be revived with updated details by other brands. That makes the imminent return of the Dior Saddle Bag even trickier: not only is it closely tied to a handful of years in fashion history, but its shape is the whole draw. If anyone is going to bring back the look, it has to be Dior.

That’s exactly what Dior has set out to do, though, and the reissued bags land in stores July 19. And by my estimation, they’re faithful to the original, down to the short shoulder straps that were popular on many bags in the mid-2000s, but have since mostly fallen out of favor. There’s some indication that those short straps are coming back, at least among the hardcore trend-following set (ahem, Kendall Jenner), but it’s unclear from the product listings on Dior’s site if the bag will also come with a longer strap option to placate shoppers interested in modernization. The bag is frequently pictured with longer straps, both on the runway and in advertising, but Dior, like most other brands, offers additional strap options that can be purchased separately, which it often styles with its bags. It seems likely that at least some versions of the bag will come equipped with longer, special straps.

Based on feedback on our PurseForum’s Dior section, it looks like there are two additional changes from the original, both for the regular and mini sizes that will be available: a magnetic snap closure instead of the previous velcro, and suede lining instead of textile. It’s crazy to think of a luxury bag having a velcro closure in the near past, but it’s also a detail that proves just how weird everything was ten or 15 years ago.

I was never a big fan of the Dior Saddle during its original run, but I remember very clearly how many people were into it, especially on our PurseForum. Discussion of its return on the site has been generally positive, with people speculating about prices and which versions might make it to stores. And I have to admit, I’m feeling a little more curious about the bag myself—especially with the longer strap, it manages to feel both nostalgic and modern, and because of the unique shape, there’s really nothing else like it out there. We don’t know what US prices will be like, but suffice it to say the bag will be more expensive than it was in 2006.

So now, we want to hear from you: were you a Dior Saddle Bag fan years ago, and are you excited that it’s back?

[UPDATE] We’ve now heard back from Dior on pricing for the medium size of the saddle. In logo fabric, it will cost $2,850, while regular leather in the same size will cost $3,250.

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P

I’m always like “????????” when I see one of these…? Why would you want this? I don’t get it.

Mila Mihailovic

For me, it IS iconic – but I do not think I would carry it…unless getting it for free 😉

FashionableLena

I have a double saddle bag and love it. This one…not so much. I never found this version to be functional. I am jealous of the magnetic closure.

Megs Mahoney Dusil

I love the double saddle – wish I got one when it came out years ago!

M Green

It definitely brings back the worst of the Sex & The City years. Russian nouveau riche extravaganza.

JKNY

Get out of my head! If you can find a way to add “guido chic” and “opulent” to that description you’ve nailed my aesthetic.

Celina Rose

So racist really. All you have to say is you don’t like or you think tacky.

MamaK279

YUP!

MamaK279

Like a Russian Ogliach’s MUCH younger girlfriend…complete with super-short Versace dress.

Celina Rose

I’ve actually seen plenty of older women with this bag. Are you American? Explains a lot I’m sure. The style in USA is all gender neutral hence why the author of this wants a long shoulder strap. I always hated long shoulder straps. They remind me of murses. Birkins are ugly too. I welcome back shoulder bags with short straps.

Celina Rose

Why go into racism and classism? Just say you don’t like it.

Maya

Couldn’t agree more:)))

Sparky

As a horse enthusiast I like equestrian motifs, but I wouldn’t carry it because it looks gimmicky

Rumbabird

Me too. I like equestrian-inspired jewelry, but as an equestrian, I think saddles belong on horses. I agree this is too gimicky. However, I do like true saddlebag inspired bags- as in the two-sided bags carried over the horse’s back behind the saddle. Those are actually made to carry stuff!

J.R.

Styled crossbody like in the shows, it’s a cute look.. specially for the next gen of Dior customers (young and with money). I’ve always thought that as a style it has potential iconic status (like Lady Dior), maybe this time around if done with exotics or custom, it can be a personal special piece for a collector.

memsy

I love it!

Vicky

I think the shape is weird, but undieably Dior trademark. I just know today from your article that the original ones have Velcro opening! ??? I like one in black leather and the gaucho, but always tell myself it’s a trend. I think I’m going to pass it this time, too. But one in black leather with crossbody strap is nice.

Kaitlin Serio

I have the pochette style that I bought for myself when I was 14—I saved every penny from my summer job to get it. I really wanted this one but I couldn’t afford it. My sister always called it my ‘chicken nugget bag’ because of the shape!

Madi K

I’m obsessed and kicking myself for not getting a vintage one when they were only a couple hundred dollars before the new versions came out.

iHateClones

::blows dust off mine::

LA Princess

Love it! I have the original one w/ velcro closure in nude logo! I hope they will sell a strap in that same color so I can update my bag and wear it again after all these years. It’s crazy to think I got it on sale in Dior Las Vegas for $600 back then! And look at that price now!!

kaly

I’ve got the same, the Dior nude logo and as I blew the dust off of mine today, I thought that I could possibly use one of my LV vachetta straps to crossbody it–IF I decide to actually carry it!

LA Princess

😀

ZoeG

I love that it has made a comeback. I still have my original Saddle Bag. I paid either £495 or £595 for it from Dior on Sloane Street in London. The price of the bag in London will be £2,050. Yikes! I still love mine and don’t use it as often as I should. It is in immaculate condition…

MissDemeanor

I bought mine in Monaco for about 700€ doesn’t seem that long ago. My how the prices have gone up!

Chelsea Girl

Good – I can dust off my old red one ( velcro and all) and start carrying it again, hopefully no one will be any wiser – the old is new again – don’t U just love fashion!

MamaK279

Pass. not a fan at all. The solid leather is cute, but the shape is so awkward.

betsyh

i hate this bag lol

coco

I still have the Gaucho bolsa bag in leather. I monet condition. All I need is add the strap. What is the price of the new strap?comment image

Celina Rose

I’m excited to get one. I despise hand bag trends of recent years. Big structured old lady bags. Long straps that lets face it are not sexy. They resemble tourist bags or murses. Shoulder bags with short to medium straps are sexy and versatile. Can be a day time casual look and also a night look.

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