Tribal Essence: Korean Artist Brings Fresh Take to Lady Dior Bag

Since its inception in 1947, the House of Dior has cultivated a close and enduring bond with the world of art. In 2016, the Maison commemorated this cherished bond through the introduction of the Lady Dior Art project. This visionary endeavour, a collaborative effort between Dior and a diverse array of international artists, sought to re-envision the iconic Lady Dior bag as a unique canvas for creative expression.

Every year, the timeless bag (which earned its emblematic status after it was created for Princess Diana in 1995) is transformed into a set of collectible masterpieces that mirror the individuality and artistic prowess of those who breathe life into them.

This year, Canadian multidisciplinary artist Zadie Xa is one of the 11 international talents invited to participate in the project’s seventh edition. Born in Vancouver, Canada, but now based in London, England, Xa uses textile collage, painting, performance, and video as some of the creative mediums for her work.

During her childhood, Xa read folktales and fables, which led to her fascination with the animal world and the mythical and ritualistic realms. Meanwhile, an inner drive to break free from the negative cycles of the past and correct the missteps of preceding generations has led her on a profound journey into the themes of heritage and legacy. These themes encompass not only her Korean roots but also the ties to the First Nations people on whose ancestral land she was born.

Drawing inspiration from water and marine ecosystems as metaphors, Xa delves into profound themes of belonging, identity, and the intersection of cultures. Her artistic vision is deeply intertwined with her personal journey as a woman, weaving together elements of fiction, symbolism, and spirituality to contemplate her intricate relationship with the world.

With three models of the Lady Dior, Xa reinterprets the age-old Korean craft of najeonchilgi (najeon means mother-of-pearl, and chilgi means lacquerware) through a contemporary lens. These renditions of the bag are adorned with meticulous detailing, boasting mother-of-pearl embellishments and three-dimensional silk flowers that pay homage to traditional Korean dress motifs.

In a nod to Asian folklore, one variation features sculpted tiger heads, while the geometric patchwork design on the back evokes a handmade aesthetic, a hallmark of Xa’s distinctive style.

In Xia’s unique interpretation of the iconic Lady Dior bag, the artist masterfully weaves a captivating narrative that seamlessly harmonizes culture, craftsmanship, and fashion in a captivating new story.