Art, Gardens, History, and of course Paris… all merged in the Dior Fall/Winter 2023 (aka Dior AW23) collection. Held in the famed Jardin des Tuileries it featured a “site-specific textile installation” by artist Joana Vasconcelos entitled “Valkyrie Miss Dior.”
According to Dior,
“it incorporates floral textiles inspired by the House’s archives in a tribute to Catherine, the original ‘Miss Dior’ and a celebrated plantswoman, as well as to the founding couturier’s own enduring love of nature.” -IG@Dior
Before discussing handbags and fashion, Catherine deserves a shout-out. After all, Women’s History Month begins tomorrow March 1. Not only was Catherine Dior (nicknamed Caro which explains the root of that design’s name) her couturier brother Christian’s muse, but she was a force in her own right. A French Nazi resistance fighter during WWII she was arrested by the French Gestapo and spent time in the Ravensbrück concentration camp, earning her awards and accolades. This woman was clearly no delicate flower though. She was one of few women authorized as a cut-flowers broker.
Image courtesy @dior
With Catherine in the background of Dior AW23, one might expect the bag theme to feature the Caro line of bags. It did not appear to be, however. Nor was the proverbial “new black” anything other than black itself. Ensembles were primarily black, with white, sometimes houndstooth, which was reflected in the handbags. To the extent color was included, it mirrored the colors in the art installation – wine, green and blue.
On the other hand, there were a lot of exotic fabrications, and continued use of the Cannage design. All with an air of “je ne regrette rien” as Edith Piaf’s so-titled song played for the last walking of the collection.
Key Bag
Key to the bags was Dior’s Key bag, introduced for Spring 2023. This trapezoidal, hand-held, lady-like shape appeared to have both a single- and double-handed version. The name comes from the bag’s closure mechanism, like a turnkey lock. In black, green, wine, embellished, and exotics, there were plenty of options.
Image courtesy Vogue.com
Book Tote
The Book Tote returned to the runway. An oversize printed Cannage pattern was eye catching. One model toted a black leather version.
Image courtesy Vogue.com
An Update to Lady 95.22
Additionally, Dior included another large tote in Cannage pattern, similar to it new-ish Lady 95.22, but without metal handles. This appears to have a leather strap.
Image courtesy Vogue.com
Lady Dior
And what’s a collection without the Lady Dior? Well, it’s not this one.
Image courtesy Vogue.com
Square and Boxy
A number of square and boxy bags in assorted sizes also completed many ensembles. Some were two handled and some with a single strap, but all were structured.
Image courtesy Vogue.com
Perhaps as a reference to BTO – or to spy activities – a document case-type bag showed in multiple sizes. The kind lawyers often carry to court with a flap cross over top.
Image courtesy Vogue.com
With all of these options, you might be wondering what was missing. Well, no Saddle, Bobby, Caro, or 30 Montaigne bags were evident. Nor did we see any of Dior’s Micro bags in this grouping.
What do you think of what’s coming from Dior for AW23? Anything on your wishlist?
xo,
PurseBop
Updated: February 28th, 2023
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