Blast from the past, let’s do this fast.
You are only allowed five iconic bags, which five will you pick?
I will negotiate for eight (bags), but if I must, I know one of my five will be the Dior Saddle bag. So imagine my excitement when I saw it on the Dior’s Fall-Winter 2018 runway during the February Paris shows.
I get it, when it is said (about the collection) that “remembering is reinvention“. The most iconic bag from the 2000s, as timeless as it is, is made oh-so-relevant again.
Here are six things you should know about the Saddle bag, and how this new-again must-have bag is to be worn:
1. The First Time
The Saddle bag made it first debut at the Spring-Summer 2000 ready-to-wear show, designed in 1999 by John Galliano, then Creative Director of Dior.
2. The Inspiration
The bag style and shape is reminiscent of the horse saddle and a nod to the world of equestrianism.
3. The IT Cred
Armed with a short strap complete with the gilt ‘D’ charm on the bag, this bag sealed its cult bag position in the hearts (I want to say arms) of artists and celebrities. Think Beyonce, Elle MacPherson, and of course Sarah Jessica Parker (as Carrie Bradshaw in the Sex and the City series).
4. The Oblique
The Dior Oblique canvas – a graphic motif drawn from the House’s archives, was designed by Marc Bohan in 1967. You must take a look at the renewed jacquard canvas upclose to see the work that goes into the weave. (Trivia: this canvas is available in a range of new shades this season: deep blue, amaranth, green and brown.)
5. The Savoir Faire
Apart from the hypnotic Dior Oblique jacquard fabrication in deep blue, the Saddle bag is available in monochrome leather; in a 1970s-inspired patchwork bearing ‘peace and love Dior’ inscriptions; and the oblique canvas embellished with nine-pieces of brightly contrasted coloured bead embroidery fully crafted by hand in true savoir faire.
6. The ‘Now’ Proposition
How do you make something better if it is already perfect?
Complete the look with the new ethnic strap options, fringed and embellished with metal pieces, for that mix-and-match expression, cross-body ease and function.
In the words of Dior’s Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri,
“I thought this collection would be an opportunity to revive its timeless beauty. I consider this icon of the House’s recent history the perfect accessory to deal with this battle that is daily life. Indeed, 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. The Saddle Bag 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.”
Yes, yes, and yes.
And you should probably giddyup. You know why.
Images courtesy of Dior, @happybaggage.
Related link:
What fits in a mini Saddle bag
