How a pet dog inspired Christian Dior

Maria Grazia Chiuri looked to the Dior archives for inspiration when designing her latest bag - and specifically, a beloved pet of the house's legendary founder.

Christian Dior's dog Bobby actually lent his name to many designs throughout the history of the label; the 'Bobby' was originally a style of tailored skirt suit.

"Each collection contained a suit earmarked for success called Bobby," Dior wrote in his memoirs.

A Bobby suit from the Dior couture spring/summer 1953 collection

A Bobby suit from the Dior couture autumn/winter 1953 collection

The loyal pet also inspired a limited-edition perfume bottle, designed in his image by Fernand Guery-Colas in the 1950s.

The J’appartiens à Miss Dior perfume bottle, 1953

Now, for 2020, Bobby has been reincarnated as an elegant new bag.

"My background is in accessory design," Grazia Chiuri told us, explaining how the new bag came to be. "Accessories remain a fundamental part of my projects and I am especially interested in the object that is so important in the life of every woman: the handbag. A sort of extension of one's home. A faithful companion."

Courtesy

It was this idea of companionship that reminded her of the relationship that the founding couturier had with his much-loved pet.

"When I focused on the notion of loyalty, I decided that the bag I was designing - a rounded shape, a crescent with a comfortable shoulder strap, an example of our craftsmen's savoir-faire and conceived to be a faithful companion in everyday life - should be named after Bobby, Monsieur Dior's beloved dog. This is how the Bobby Bag was born."

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The minimalist hobo-style bag forms part of the autumn/winter 2020 collection. Available in three sizes and four colours - black, cream, camel and the now-iconic Dior Oblique canvas - the Bobby bag is available to buy in-store and online at dior.com, now.

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