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Fashion has been taking us back to brilliant 1990s for several seasons now, but Maria Grazia Chiuri has just made things 50 Shades of Literal.
Dior’s much-lauded creative director has delved into the brand’s archives to reboot one of the most iconic bag shapes of modern times, the Saddle Bag. Tweaked for the Autumn/Winter 2018 runway, it comes in fresh new fabrications and a slightly larger size than its ancestor. Best news: the style finally dropped into Australian stores this week.
“I thought this collection would be an opportunity to revive its timeless beauty,” Chiuri has said of reintroducing the style that’s sure to become a hot favourite with fashion editors, stylists and Grammers.
For the more elegantly-included, there’s elegant black, navy, red and rose pink leather versions (Olivia Palermo was photographed with the simple black Saddle Bag recently in Paris). In true Chiuri style though, there are options with wild fabrications and luxe bohemian detailing that tap straight into the current more-is-more trend. (Thankfully, subtle is rarely Chiuri’s creative MO.)
GRAZIA’s favourite of the bunch? You’re looking at it.
This retro-look Saddle Bag emblazoned with Dior’s logo in blue would work as well with ripped jeans and a hoodie as it did Russian model and actress Daria Strokous’ fabulously extra outfit for the Winter 2018 couture show. Called the Blue Monogram Oblique, it’s probably the most versatile example of the logomania trend for high fashion you’ll see all year.
It’s not the first time Dior’s stamped its identity all over an accessory. Anyone familiar with pre-millennial fashion pop culture may recall the pink-and-white Dior monogram everything worn by model Angela Lindvall for a campaign way back in the John Galliano era. Kate Moss clutched a cute logo-print purse in the SS05 ads and Giselle donned a skin-tight, logo-emblazoned denim mini dress in 2000 while Rhea Durham clung to her carrying a matching denim Saddle Bag. (Side note: those sunglasses! We’re calling it now…)
Dior, blue oblique monogram Saddlebag, $3900. SHOP IN STORE
“The Saddle Bag is a bag that is worn in exactly the same way as a shirt or jacket, and it’s so comfortable to wear with its long strap that you almost forget it’s there,” Chiuri explains.
[It] is also practical because it allows you to carry everything you need with you.
“It’s for this reason that I wanted it larger and more robust, but also very colourful, embroidered or with beaded fringe because, like a chameleon, it adapts to all situations.”
History might repeat, but this window of opportunity won’t last forever. Run to your closest Dior boutique, don’t walk. But first, scroll below for images of the other Saddle Bag fabric iterations. (You’re welcome.)
Other fabric iterations of the new Dior Saddlebag
GIF and tile art direction: Omar Merced
