There is no disputing the power of Princess Diana’s style – almost three decades after her untimely passing, the world is still obsessing over what she wore, and trying to emulate her most well-known looks. It’s no surprise then that so many of the pieces that she was photographed wearing and carrying remain enduringly popular. This is particularly true of her handbags, many of which are currently enjoying a renaissance.

One of these is the Di Bag from Tod’s, which was first launched in the 1990s, and carried by the princess many times. Almost 30 years later, the tote remains one of the Italian label’s most popular styles and has been carried by many of the world’s most famous women.

Below, discover everything you need to know about this true modern icon, the Di Bag.

The story behind the bag

Originally named the 'D' (the 'i' was added later), this was the very first handbag that Tod’s launched in the 1990s – and was loved by Princess Diana. The royal was pictured with the bag on a number of occasions (teaming it with everything from a lilac skirt suit to a rugby top) and she wasn't the only A-lister to add the style to her collection.

Designed to be a refined, understated and luxurious bag with timeless appeal, the original Di featured a boxy silhouette in a soft leather, and came in three different sizes. It has remained one of the most recognisable and popular Tod’s products – and has since been revived and reinterpreted into new shapes, brought out in various colourways and is now available for complete customisation (so you can have your very own My Di Bag).

A very special piece – and not just because of its royal connections – the Di Bag is a true investment item, particularly if you value great craftsmanship. In the atelier, various pieces of leather need to be sewn together so meticulously that it actually takes an entire day to create just one bag.

Who has carried it?

Of course, the most famous owner of the Di Bag was Princess Diana herself, who was seen with the camel leather style on a number of occasions, carrying it everywhere from the gym to important royal engagements, showing the versatility of the handbag.

But, she is not the only celebrity to have become attached to her Di Bag. Princess Caroline of Monaco, Anne Hathaway, Monica Bellucci, Naomi Campbell, Zoe Saldana and Nicole Kidman are among the other names to have carried the style over the years.

Where to shop

As a timeless classic that has been around for almost 30 years, you can find plenty of great Di Bags on various online retailers like Net-a-Porter or MyTheresa. But, if you are looking to get a personalised version of the bag, we suggest shopping directly from Tod’s through their My Di Bag section, where you can choose from five different sizes (from micro to large), eight different colours (including terracotta and orange) and can customise your bag in nine different text colourways, so you can make it truly unique to you.