The Dior Lady Art Project: Gilbert & George Redefine Luxury

In the latest edition of Dior’s Lady Art project, British art duo Gilbert & George adorn the house‘s seminal bag with an original work.

Now in its eighth iteration, Lady Art invites a diverse selection of international artists to infuse their distinct creativity into one of Dior’s most iconic handbags. This is the ‘Lady Dior’. This stylish handbag was originally known as the ‘Chouchou,’ which gained fame when it was presented as a gift to Diana, Princess of Wales, by then-First Lady of France, Bernadette Chirac, in 1995. The Princess adorned various versions of it over the subsequent years.

While this style has come to symbolize ladylike grace and sophistication, Gilbert & George’s interpretation adds a decidedly subversive touch. The handbag’s exterior is crafted from printed and embossed calfskin. Furthermore, it is adorned with velvet and 3D resin inlays. It also features their portraits arranged in a cross, gazing forth with a disdainful demeanour. On the opposite side, the phrase ‘Love always and always’ is printed alongside the artists’ signatures. Finally, the bag is elegantly complemented with a striking red velvet strap.

The launch of this distinctive handbag, which will also feature editions by artists such as Mircea Cantor, Jeffrey Gibson, Ha-Chon Kyun, Mariko Mori, and Mickalene Thomas, among others, coincided in part with the opening of the Gilbert & George Centre in April 2023. Nestled on Heneage Street, just off London’s Brick Lane, and in close proximity to the artists’ residence and studio, this space, designed by SIRS Architects, was constructed to both preserve and showcase the impressive body of work by the talented duo.

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