Style Edit: The latest My Dior jewellery collection reflects artistic director Victoire de Castellane’s bold tribute to the modern woman

Sep 16 , 2024

The latest My Dior collection includes a line of rings, earrings and bracelets, all adorned with the iconic cannage motif. Photo: Handout

The iconic cannage motif, first seen in the 1940s, was inspired by 18th century canework and remains a cornerstone of the maison’s constantly evolving legacy

Originally seen on the Napoleon III chairs at Christian Dior’s 1940s fashion soirées, the cannage motif has sashayed through the maison’s history with style and sophistication. This geometric pattern, inspired by 18th century canework, transcends mere design – it epitomises Dior’s knack for transforming the everyday into the exceptional.

The My Dior collection features monochrome and dual-tone designs, dazzling with the inclusion of diamonds

Throughout the 1960s, Dior’s former creative director, Marc Bohan, wove the essence of caning into his tweed and Op Art fabrics, infusing a touch of classic elegance into his modern designs. The 1980s brought a bold revival from designer Gianfranco Ferré, who captured the essence of caning in striking dresses and coats that celebrated the pattern’s intricate beauty. The motif reached new heights in 1994 with the introduction of the Lady Dior handbag. Crafted from luxuriously soft lambskin leather and adorned with the iconic cannage design, this handbag seamlessly blended tradition with contemporary chic, cementing the pattern’s place in haute couture history.

The cannage motif has been a cornerstone of Dior’s aesthetics since the 1940s

From its iconic presence on the Lady Dior bag to artistic director Victoire de Castellane’s bold My Dior jewellery collection, the cannage motif remains a cornerstone of Dior’s ever-evolving legacy. In 2012, de Castellane elevated this classic pattern with a new twist, channelling her childhood memories of the Avenue Montaigne boutique. Her pieces, reminiscent of golden straw or “English cannage”, bring a fresh, luxurious take to this storied design. Today, cannage is more than a historical reference; it’s an enduring feature in the My Dior collection, effortlessly bridging the past with the present.

My Dior rings, earrings and bracelets showcase the maison’s handcrafted approach to bringing its designs to life

The latest My Dior collection unveils a stunning array of rings, earrings and bracelets, each adorned with the iconic cannage motif. These pieces are a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, showcasing golden blades in yellow, rose and white gold.

Sketching the design for a white gold paved Dior bangle

While some designs embrace a sleek monochrome aesthetic, others highlight two-tone elegance, with diamonds adding an edge of sophistication. De Castellane’s creativity shines through in this collection, blending traditional gold with a modern lacquer twist. While the My Dior Cuff stands out with its dazzling diamonds and white gold, the rings in yellow or white gold, with or without diamonds, offer timeless appeal. Crafted using the lost-wax technique, these pieces highlight intricate details and artisanal quality, steering clear of machine-made finishes for a truly handcrafted feel.

Each Dior piece stands out on its own, but can also be layered with other accessories to stunning effect

This collection is a quintessential tribute to the modern Dior woman – an embodiment of refined grace and captivating charm. From rings to bracelets and cuffs, each piece stands out on its own or can be mixed and matched for a distinctive look. Whether worn solo or layered for a striking effect, these accessories showcase de Castellane’s vision for Dior jewellery, blending contemporary flair with timeless elegance.