Oblique canvas, a signature print of Christian Dior since 1967, is getting an update courtesy of artistic director Maria Grazia Chiuri. We trace the history and revival of the heritage motif
How can a 70-year-old fashion brand stay relevant in the 21st century? Sometimes it’s with the aid of nostalgia. That, at least, has been the case with the latest creative endeavour by Dior artistic director Maria Grazia Chiuri—a new take on the French maison’s iconic Oblique canvas print.
At her autumn/winter 2018 show in March, Chiuri presented her own twist on the jacquard canvas and its application to accessories, honouring the legacy of the atelier in taking inspiration from its archives.
The jacquard canvas, considered by many to be Dior’s official monogram, dates back to 1967, when it was designed by the house’s artistic director of the time, Marc Bohan. An immediate hit, the graphic motif has stood the test of time.
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John Galliano gave it a new spin in 2000, debuting a saddle bag in the fabric that’s still one of the most coveted It bags in luxury consignment stores both on and offline—and a staple in many celebrities’ closets.