The Dior saddle bag really was an icon from the day it was conceived. Immediately recognisable, its shape is both traditional and stridently different at the same time. Famous to many for being the it-bag that Carrie Bradshaw dropped into a pond (and subsequently retrieved by Big), this is a real fashionista's handbag that's definitely not for the shy.
Handbag history: The history of this one doesn't really need an awful lot of explaining: originally made to carry a lady's saddle (her horse's saddle, that is!) in comfort and style, saddle bags were once an every-day part of life, at least for the upper classes.
The modern-day take on the style was dreamed up by John Galliano back in 1991. His witty vision includes the C and D elements of the Christian Dior logo turned into stirrups. Since its original launch, the bag has been re-worked in many different fabrics, including floral and denim versions.
In our View: Equestrian symbolism is still associated with the rich and well-dressed, so the saddle bag has a certain aristocratic appeal to many of its wearers. But it's not merely a stuffy status symbol: this is an innovative design piece, crafted by an avant-garde fashion master, and is only for those who aren't afraid to push their style boundaries a little.
Celebrity Fans: Sarah Jessica Paker, Lily Donaldson, Charlize Theron, Lindsay Lohan, Beyonce, Kate Hudson, Claudia Schiffer, Gisele Bundchen
Get the Look: The Saddlebag is not currently on general sale, but you can get a second-hand one for a reasonably low £100 on Ebay
