Fashion
Dior Marks a Decade of the Lady Dior Art Project with Fresh Vision from Global Artists
Dior is celebrating a major milestone as the Lady Dior Art Project returns for its tenth edition, bringing with it a wave of creativity from around the world. The project has become one of the fashion house’s most beloved initiatives, inviting artists to reinterpret the legendary Lady Dior handbag through the lens of contemporary art. What began in 2016 as an experiment in creative freedom has now grown into a global celebration of imagination, craftsmanship, and heritage. With this year marking the tenth instalment, the maison has pushed the boundaries even further by partnering with a diverse group of international artists whose visions breathe new life into one of Dior’s most defining designs.
A handbag that has become a canvas for artistic expression
Few fashion pieces hold the status of the Lady Dior. Known for its structured silhouette, quilted Cannage stitching, and polished charms, the bag has long been celebrated as a symbol of Dior’s signature elegance. Over the years, the Lady Dior has evolved into not only a fashion item but also a cultural icon, embraced by collectors, celebrities, and art lovers across the globe. The Lady Dior Art Project transforms this timeless accessory into a literal work of art, allowing artists to experiment with texture, shape, tone, narrative, and emotion. Each reinterpretation becomes a reflection of the artist’s worldview, turning a classic handbag into a miniature gallery of craftsmanship and storytelling.
A tenth edition shaped by global artistry
To mark this anniversary year Dior selected ten artists from across Brazil, France, China, and Korea. Each creator approached the project with a distinct perspective, honouring the bag’s heritage while pushing its boundaries. Marc Quinn, known for his emotionally charged works, brought his unique visual language to the design. Jessica Canon and Patrick Eugene added their expressive voices, while Eva Jospin drew from her intricate sculptural practice. Lakwena infused her signature colour and optimism, and Sophia Loeb explored shape and abstraction. Together these artists have crafted a collection that celebrates Dior’s past while boldly stepping into the present, proving that even an iconic silhouette can evolve through the eyes of new creators.
Honouring thirty years of the Lady Dior
This tenth edition coincides with another meaningful milestone: the thirtieth anniversary of the Lady Dior itself. First introduced in the mid 1990s, the bag rose to international fame after being closely associated with Princess Diana, who carried it frequently and helped solidify its place in fashion history. Three decades later it remains one of Dior’s most recognisable pieces, loved for its balance of structure and softness and its ability to adapt to changing style eras. The Lady Dior Art Project serves as a tribute to this enduring legacy while also demonstrating how contemporary artistry can keep a classic relevant and emotionally resonant.
Jonathan Anderson’s first Lady Dior Art Project
This year also marks the first edition of the project overseen by Jonathan Anderson, who recently joined Dior’s creative fold. Anderson known for his innovative approach to design and his deep appreciation for artistic collaboration brings a fresh perspective to the initiative. His involvement has added new energy to the project, encouraging artists to take even bigger creative leaps and expanding the conversation around how fashion and fine art intersect. Under his guidance the tenth edition becomes not only a commemoration of past achievements but also the beginning of a new era for Dior’s creative collaborations.
Where heritage meets modern imagination
The Lady Dior Art Project continues to be a testament to the power of combining tradition with experimentation. Every edition reveals something unexpected whether through new materials, sculptural forms, layered textures, or symbolic storytelling. The bags created for this tenth anniversary remind us that fashion at its highest level is not just about appearance but about dialogue connection and emotional expression. Dior’s willingness to hand its most iconic handbag to the world’s most daring artists speaks to a larger commitment to honouring heritage while embracing new ideas. With this year’s edition the maison once again proves that the Lady Dior will always be more than a bag. It is a piece of living artistic history shaped ever anew by global imagination.
