The famed saddle bag is the creation of John Galliano, Dior's creative director between 1998 and 2011. It was created as a "tribute to the elegance of the equestrian universe" as per Galliano's own words. Though not confirmed, Galliano apparently got inspired after seeing the famous photo "Saddle I" from Helmut Newton.
Famous celebrities wearing the saddle bag over the years include Paris Hilton, Jessica Parker, Beyoncé, Kate Bosworth, Jessica Alba among others. Over time, popularity of the bag started to fade and it got discontinued in 2000. Soon after Beyoncé was seen rocking a vintage Saddle bag in 2014 though, popularity started to pick up again and is now seen as a real "it-bag". A beautiful investment piece in other words.
Today, the saddle bag is again produced by Dior, and comes in a variety of colors and patterns, everything from the very stylish brown & black leather to the oblique jacquard pattern famously introduced in the 1960's.
We checked in with Alicia Agneson to ask why she loves her saddle bag:
I love the Dior saddle bag, first of all maybe because as a country girl and growing up with horses it gives me fun and fond memories. But it is also, in my opinion, a very timeless design from Dior. It works for a cosy cottage stay as well as a street look on a busy street in London. On a side note it’s also a lot more spacious than one might think, and I can easily fit all my essential bits and pieces.
Since it's re-introduction into the Dior family, almost all of the creative directors have introduced their own interpretations. Kim Jones famously added it to the menswear line, giving it a bit of a masculine touch and adding crafted backpacks and small leather goods in the saddle shape.
The saddle bag is sure to continue its success and cement it's place even further as one of the most iconic bags ever designed together with the Birkin.