How 11 artists reinvented the Lady Dior handbag – both as a bag, and as a work of art

Few accessories are as symbolic as Christian Dior’s Lady Dior handbag. Its signature round handles and cannage motif are architectural and elegant, creating what the brand calls an “ode to femininity’s multiple nature”. Reinventing itself time and again – much like the modern woman – while maintaining the Dior spirit and acknowledging the house’s history, Lady Dior has once again been reinterpreted as a bag – and as art.

The fourth edition of Dior Lady Art brings together 11 artists from across the globe. Each was asked to reimagine the bag as an expression of self, while connecting Dior to the world through creativity.

Indian-American sculptor Rina Banerjee’s design – featuring embroidery, seashells and wooden handles – explores her multicultural identity. Abstract Chinese artist Wang Guangle imbues the bag’s leather with bright colour, while Japanese sculptor Kohei Nawa represents the cycle of life with his design.

Also in the line-up are multidisciplinary South African artist Athi-Patra Ruga, whose designs reference his androgynous self-portraiture and Dior’s famous Junon gown, and American artist Mickalene Thomas, who reinterprets femininity through history, culture and Black Americana.

Others who have worked on the series include France’s Marguerite Humeau; Jia Lee, a Seoul-based artist; Brazil’s Maria Nepomuceno; India’s Raqib Shaw; Mexican architect Eduardo Terrazas; and Joana Vasconcelos from Portugal.

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