Christian Dior Cadillac Y2K Red Patent White Leather 2-Way Purse

Christian Dior by John Galliano 2001 Cadillac Red Patent & White Leather 2-Way Shoulder / Crossbody Bag

$7,995

An exceptional and increasingly difficult-to-source Christian Dior Cadillac bag from John Galliano’s Spring/Summer 2001 collection, presented in red patent leather, white leather and metallic silver-tone automotive-inspired hardware.

One of the more recognizable creations from Galliano’s Y2K Dior era, the Cadillac collection drew inspiration from his 1969 Cadillac and translated classic American automobile detailing into handbag design. Elements throughout the collection referenced steering wheels, door handles, reflectors and automotive upholstery, making these pieces instantly recognizable to serious Galliano-era Dior collectors. 

This example features beautifully detailed perforated white leather, smooth white leather trim and vibrant red patent leather. The side is finished with the distinctive metallic CD steering-wheel-style emblem, while the sculptural silver-tone hardware across the red patent panel resembles an automobile door handle. These automotive details are signatures of the Cadillac collection; documented examples from the series incorporate steering-wheel, door-handle, reflector and license-plate motifs. 

The bag includes two interchangeable straps, allowing it to be worn as either a short shoulder bag or a longer shoulder/crossbody style.

Measurements: approximately 12” W × 9” H × 3.5” D

Straps:
Short strap: approximately 5.5” drop
Long strap: approximately 21” drop
Strap width: approximately 0.5”

The exterior includes a functional pocket, while the interior is finished predominantly in rich red with a contrasting white section and white zipper pulls. All zipper pulls are present and intact.

Condition

This is an authentic vintage piece from 2001 and has been used and preserved rather than restored to appear new.

Overall, the perforated leather, smooth leather, piping and structural components remain in remarkably strong condition for the age and rarity of the piece. The white leather remains attractive with some expected lightening/wear to the painted finish around the corners and other high-contact areas. The exterior isn’t sticky, but there are very minor signs of the glue that has yellowed at the front trim, very unnoticeable, but present. 

The red patent leather remains vibrant but displays some age-related cloudiness and fine spider cracking, characteristics frequently encountered in patent finishes of this vintage. There are also approximately one or two small areas of finish loss to the metallic silver detailing in the most highly handled portions of the bag.

All piping remains complete, the trim is exceptionally well preserved, and the interior is clean with no noticeable odors.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

The bag has intentionally not been repainted or cosmetically restored. While certain areas could potentially be refinished, I strongly recommend preserving the existing original materials and finishes given the collectible nature of this piece.

Includes original accompanying cards as pictured.

Previously authenticated by Legitmark prior to listing.