Dior Diorama, Gucci Dionysus or something else?

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J

jade

O.G.
Jan 15, 2006
1,571
1,376
#1
I have this handbag gap, and I think I finally know what I want and why some other bags didn’t work.

Wants: day to evening bag, probably a chain or leather and chain strap, roughly 10 x 6 x 3 inches, that is crossbody and shoulder friendly, structured shape

Don’t want: too many logos, too many compartments or divisions - this is really the key!

Likes: interesting hardware, leather interior, gold hardware, back sleeve

I haven’t seen the Diorama in real life and have been tempted to get one second hand for awhile. It seems like the various generations are different, I generally like a leather lining, the specs seem great and I like the classic but not too dressy vibes. There are several finishes that can work for me.

The Dionysus I had sort of admired from afar, but it seems most are logoed. I like the hardware. I wasn’t sure about the silver hardware. I hopped in the outlet today and saw one in person. I quite liked the size, strap length. This version had blue hardware which I was on the fence about. And not sure about the price. I also loved the extra flap that is perfect for your phone.

And that through a wrinkle in my plan to get the Diorama on fashionphile I have been stalking.

I have two other bags in my collection that are almost there, but I finally figured out why they don’t win - each is divided. One has a center gusset and pocket. The other has 3 I think. I and I remember thinking the Chloe Faye was going to be the bag for this itch, and I hated it because of the gussets.

Are there any other bags I should be looking at as well? I’d likely get black, consider a warmer grey, and also burgundy. And the right metallic. But this is still meant to be more of a day time bag with a variety of outfits. Not gym clothes, but my default casual is a bit dressed up. And this would also be a bag to bring to a nice dinner or a show. But not necessarily weddings. I have that covered. And bigger than a WOC to hold my essentials.

Also if you have one of these tell me your review.
 
#2
I have both of these bags in a WOC size and they are both bigger than a Chanel WOC. I like them both for different reasons. The Diorama is leather, no obvious logos. The Dionysus is lightweight but, logos are everywhere - it has dividers that are actually really helpful for travel.

I have not seen new Dioramas recently on the Dior website. I am not sure when/if they were discontinued. When I was shopping for mine, I also looked at the larger sizes and liked that they had lightweight chains. They looked substantial but, were light in weight.

Good luck in your search!
 
#3
The Diorama was discontinued around 2018.
I remember trying them on in store a few time and my SA telling me that they were being discontinued.
They are generally a well structure bag but my SA did tell me if that you went for a softer leather, it would tend to "melt" a little. As in, if you let it sit upright, the sides of the front and the back would eventually start sloping at an angle (think like a trapezoid). The best way to store it would be to stuff it and lay it flat.
I considered the Diorama for a long time but ended up not getting it new or used. Mostly due to my tastes changing as time went by.
 
#4
Between those two I think the Gucci can be quite versatile in full leather.
1665429500361.png


The Dior has more interesting finishes but I feel the bag is firmly associated with a certain time period and more obviously Dior.
1665429614034.png

I would suggest the Serpenti by Bulgari as a third option because I find it has the most elegant hardware between the three and comes in a slew of finishes and leathers. (Moreover the hardware is actually gold plated unlike the previous two).
1665429428067.png
 
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#5
I can't speak about the Dionysus, but I can tell you about the Diorama because I own a Diorama WOC. I bought my Diorama WOC in Paris. I am only 5', so the Chanel WOC is not the way to go. The chain is just too long. I didn't want to and still won't pay that price for a Chanel WOC.

I still love my Diorama WOC very much. I have had it for 4 years now. I still use it, especially on the weekends. The link you shared was Diorama in medium size, but the quality and craftsmanship are the same. I'd recommend the Diroma if you want a structured flap bag.
 
#6
Christofle said:
Between those two I think the Gucci can be quite versatile in full leather.
View attachment 5628900


The Dior has more interesting finishes but I feel the bag is firmly associated with a certain time period and more obviously Dior.
View attachment 5628902

I would suggest the Serpenti by Bulgari as a third option because I find it has the most elegant hardware between the three and comes in a slew of finishes and leathers. (Moreover the hardware is actually gold plated unlike the previous two).
View attachment 5628893
Click to expand...

I really like the Dionysus in leather, and that is the direction I would choose. I also suprisingly think some of the canvas versions are great too. I am not a canvas bag person, but some of them look pretty versatile.

I love the hardware on the Bulgari. I hadn't considered it, but that is really cool as well and worth putting on my list.

I'd land on a plainer Diorama I think, the metallic patent finishes would be a bit too much for a nicer every day bag in my collection, but I think stunning for a smaller evening bag. Great suggestions.
 
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#7
I have both the Medium Diorama in Silver Metallic Microcannage and the Medium Bulgari Serpenti in Emerald Green. To me the aesthetics are very different but the quality is comparable.

I have worn the Diorama day-to-night but I do feel it's primarily an evening/special occasion bag although it does look wicked against dark jeans. This is a bag for someone who is comfortable standing out, because you will.

The Bulgari Serpenti is a perfect day-to-night bag and my friends have all commented on how cool the serpent head closure is. It also carries more than the Diorama, which might be a consideration for you. Very under the radar.

I haven't owned the Dionysus. From the ones I've seen in the wild, the leather looks less "high-end" than both the Diorama and the Serpenti.
 
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