In its ninth iteration, The Dior Lady Art Project by luxury fashion house, Dior, has tapped 11 international artists to reinterpret the emblematic “Lady Dior” bag. Peruvian artist, Sara Flores, known for her meticulous craftsmanship in the traditional style of Kené, is one of the selected artists chosen to reimagine the classic handbag.
Flores designed two Dior Lady Art bags in a medium and mini format. Both bags use black and grey plant pigments known as pokoti and pineapple leather to reveal a subtly embroidered serpent motif across both bags. The motif is beaded onto the painted bags, with the medium-sized model featuring a constellation of black beads and a gemmed and geometric serpent rising from the handle.The mini format is studded with several silver gems, both representing the healing power of Kené, all while maintaining the silhouette of the original Lady Dior purse.
Flores was born in the Amazonian community of Tanbo Mayo, where at the age of 14, she apprenticed under her mother to learn about the ancient practice of Kené, an ancient medium that is at the core of artistic expression for the Shipibo-conibo nation of which she is part of. This ancient medium lends a philosophical and technical artistry to Flores’ work, which features complex labyrinths and configurations of ecological networks that give representational form to the spiritual world.
In a video showcasing the design process of the Dior Lady Art bags, Flores expresses her pride in showcasing the Kené style for the Dior Lady Art Project, stating “I feel very proud, because through my work, I can support, honor, and preserve my land, my family and my culture.”
The Dior Lady project was pre-launched on November 7th at Dior’s Flagship stores in Paris and Shanghai, ahead of a global release in December in select stores.
