Debuting in Raf Simon’s Dior Spring/Summer 15 collection, the Diorama was instantly a hit. The bag, in my eyes, is the definition of a timely classic – the practical shape, iconic cannage pattern and golden chain make it a staple piece. I really could see it being a quintessential Dior piece. However, unfortunately, that is not the case. I’m quite surprised that the Diorama was discontinued in 2020, precluding it from becoming a classic part of the Dior collection. Alas, if you would still love a Diorama, you may be able to find the bag on the pre-loved and vintage markets- I’ve hand-picked a few from Luxury Promise and beyond.
If you love Dior as much as I do, then have a read of my Lady Dior blog post (here) where I go in depth about the sizes, materials and history of the bag. The Lady Dior is my Unicorn Bag, so here’s to manifesting this soon. <3
PRE-LOVED
The Diorama is currently discontinued (note the use of the word “currently”; I am praying to the handbag Gods that Dior will re-release this in the future). However, I’ve found some pre-loved bags on Luxury Promise and The Luxury Closet and have scattered them throughout this post! These links are not affiliate. (Also read: Yes, I sourced these bags for you with no commission haha)
Further information can be found here.
This unique Diorama can be found on Luxury Promise (here), a leading pre-loved boutique, with a creative and bubbly team who handpick and nuture every piece.
This medium black Diorama features unique royal blue cross stitches, mixed with smaller red stitch details. The circular closure makes the bag a unique piece, great for collectors and those who would love to put their stamp on their handbag.
At £695, this Diorama is extremely well priced. Before being discontinued, standard Dioramas were £1,500 and above, and limited edition and unique pieces commanded an even higher price.
Thus, with a more than half price valuation, and a great condition, this bag will be snapped up soon, I am sure. Will you be the lucky, unique owner? Find out more about the bag here.
DESIGN FEATURES
The Diorama is an iconic yet discreet bag – a “if you know, you know” kind of bag, which I love. Dior’s cannage pattern is magnified to create an elegant piece. What’s truly beautiful about the bag is the inspiration that the bag took from a “book”. The base of the bag is curved, and if you rotate the bag 90 degrees, it looks like a book! The rectangular shape with a single flap means that it is a practical piece, great for everyday errands.
Medium Black Grained Calfskin Diorama can be found here.
Medium Grey Grained Calfskin Diorama can be found here
The geometric-embossed crest-shaped push-lock closure mean that the bag has great accessibility. The original Diorama bags featured the crest lock with a colour-lacquer which matched the colour of the leather. However, Maria Grazia Chiuri adjusted the design such that the lock’s hardware is all either silver or gold or champagne gold; there is no colour-lacquer on the perimeter of the lock.
Medium Maroon Diorama available here
This is one of the original Dioramas (as denoted by the lacquered crest lock). At a price of £910, this price is unbeatable in my opinion
Medium Red Diorama available here
Inside, there’s a zipped back pocket (which is great for cards) and a front flap pocket (great for essentials – I like to store my AirPods or chewing gum here). The interior is a soft suede material, whilst the metallic Dioramas are leather lined inside.
Medium Powder Blue Diorama available here
Medium Burgundy and Tweed Diorama available here
This is another truly unique bag – it will complement a country chic look.
Think long black boots and a bottle green Barbour jacket, hot chocolate or coffee in hand, and a countryside stroll
CUSTOM CHAIN
The leather-and-metal-chain combination is a lovely feature. Many bags these days have a one-size setting for their straps. However, with the Diorama there are 5 holes so you can adjust the strap to your height, and whether you would like to wear it crossbody or on one shoulder. I like to wear my bag with one long strap on one shoulder. However, you can also fold the strap and have it as a double strap with the bag at just above elbow level.
Medium Green Crinkled Leather Diorama available here
At £825, this Diorama is extremely well priced
The crinkled leather gives a unique effect to the bag; it also alludes to an exotic leather, at a fraction of the price.
Medium White Patent Diorama available here
The patent provides a glossy finish, without being too overpowering and without creating a thick plastic effect.
It’s a win-win – a great way to protect the leather, and create a unique smooth finish
I would say that the strap is much lighter than the Chanel strap, as the Diorama’s metal chain links are hollow. The part-leather aspect of the strap not only makes the bag lighter, but also makes wearing the bag more comfortable on the shoulder, as the chain does not dig into your skin!
Medium White Diorama with white lacquered crest can be found here
Medium Pink Metallic Diorama can be found here
COLOURS
The metallic Dioramas are unique, novel pieces which are dazzling as evening bags. They feature a micro-carnage pattern, and a brassy finish to create a durable evening piece. The silver Diorama is a truly dazzling evening piece. My best friend Amanda has owned this bag for a while and I can confirm it levels up a relaxed day outfit and adds a touch of pazzazz to evening ‘fits.
Medium Silver Metallic Diorama Bag can be found here.
Medium Blue Metallic Diorama Bag can be found here.
One of the Dioramas which I had my eye on was the Rose Poudre with champagne hardware – the light pink colour makes the bag extremely versatile and can be worn with a multitude of outfits. It is still pink, so you can inject a little bit of cute pink personality into your outfit whilst still sticking to a neutral palette.
Dior’s Summer 17 collection also featured a Powder Pink Diorama- although “Rose Poudre” translates to “Powder Pink”, this 2017 Powder Pink is different to the classic Dior colour. 2017’s Powder Pink was more of a mauve hue. This is a great way to add further colour to spring outfits – I can see it pairing well with a short flowy lace white dress and denim jacket.
Rose Poudre Medium Diorama can be found here
Medium Green Diorama can be found here
Can we just take a second for this gorgeous shade of green?! Luscious yet light, it really is my moms colour
SIZES
- Small Diorama – 11.0 x 11.5 x 4.0 cm
- Medium Diorama – 25.0 x 15.5 x 8.0 cm
- Large Diorama – 29.0 x 18.0 x 9.0 cm
My medium Diorama is a practical everyday piece – it fits my phone, small wallet, keys, lipstick and Diorama sunglasses in a soft case. Yes, my OG, GOAT, Diorama sunglasses. Diorama is handsdown, unintentionally my favourite Dior collection. I’ll make sure to have a blog post on these gorgeous sunglasses soon – anyone who knows me knows how fussy I have been with sunglasses over the years (to the point of not wearing any because I didn’t like the shapes), so when I discovered these my life truly changed.
Medium Metallic Gold Suede Diorama can be found here
Medium Beige Diorama can be found here
The Diorama WOC is a lovely, slender and sleek evening bag. It’s surprisingly spacious and can fit your phone, keys and lipstick. The card slots remove the need for a wallet (although, to be honest, Apple Pay removes the need for physical money all together). It fits everything you would need on a romantic evening date.
Gold Metallic Diorama WOC available here
White and Red Diorama WOC available here
DIORAMA OR BOY?
I like to see the Diorama as the sister of the Chanel boy. Both are equally functional bags with each fashion house’s iconic features and patterns. I’d recommend opting for the Diorama for a more elegant addition to an outfit. Opt for the Boy if you prefer a more bold, dramatic statement piece.
MY DIORAMA
My Diorama is by far my most worn handbag. It’s my Holy Grail. The ease of use and practical shape make it a great everyday bag. The peachy colour, iconic cannage and shiny chain add a touch of glamour to a grocery ‘fit. Of course, the peachy pink colour also complements my wardrobe amazingly and I am so happy that I opted for this colour.
I opted for the lambskin as I love my bags to have a smooth, sleek finish. The Diorama was also available in grained calfskin, meaning that the bag is more durable and more scratch resistant. I’d recommend the Noir Diorama in grained calfskin. The dark colour means that the grain is more discreet from a distance, and the grain also makes the bag more scratch resistant which is great for everyday wear. Of course, the noir is also beautiful in lambskin. I feel that the shiny black lambskin is great for evening wear, but it may be too pristine for every day use.
The durability of the Diorama is insane. I remember being stuck in a rainstorm in Canary Wharf, and coming back with a speckled pink bag… I was in tears! However, after messaging my SA (Thank you Alexandra!), she reassured me that I should leave the bag to air dry and it will be as good as new. As if by magic, the bag was dry an hour or so later. However, it did teach me a lesson to pack an umbrella next time!
Medium Black Diorama available here
At £917, this piece is an extremely fair value. One of the original Dioramas, as highlighted by the lacquered crest lock. Grained calfskin makes this piece durable, whilst the black colour means it is a versatile day and night piece!
Metallic Silver Diorama Card Holder available here
At £131, this cute little card holder is a great addition when using other WOCs and small cross body bags
Do you like the Diorama? What’s your favourite colour-material combination? Are you also praying to the Handbag Gods for its return? Let me know!
Lots of love, Jo xoxo
