Dior Is Back With A New Bag Set To Be Even More Popular Than The Saddle

“Uniform bags – which form part of a uniform and are designed with practicality in mind – were the inspiration behind it,” Maria Grazia Chiuri tells Vogue exclusively of Dior’s new 30 Montaigne bag. “The idea of combining practicality with clean, clear-cut aesthetics has always intrigued me and continues to inspire my work a great deal.” Designed to be worn in various ways, including as a clutch or across the body, it’s just one of the many appealing aspects of the bag.

Named after the address of the brand's first store, 30 Avenue Montaigne, the bag incorporates the understated elegance of old Paris in a modern way. “The Montaigne 30 is designed to become a ‘new classic’, as all of its features – the balanced dimensions, adjustable shoulder strap, flap embellished with a newly styled logo that acts as a functional detail, various colours and materials used to make it – are specifically tailored to today's contemporary women, their needs, desires and free and independent lifestyles,” explains Chiuri.

With a starting price of €2,500 (£2,100), the rectangle bag – which has a wide flap cinched by a vertical belt and a large gold CD clasp – is available in a range of subdued shades. Made from box calfskin or CD logo fabric, the design features a silk and lambskin lining and two internal pockets to safekeep personal accessories. The intricate and practical details were important in its creation for the label's autumn/winter 2019 collection: “Considering the intricate ways in which we use them has to be the primary concern,” said Chiuri. “Providing the perfect balance of technical details and aesthetics is very important when creating beautiful accessories that represent a brand and its history.”

Finding a balance between the brand’s history and its modern approach to dressing is something which has been at the heart of Chiuri’s vision since taking the helm of the French fashion house in 2016. At the end of last year, [link url="https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/maria-grazia-chiuri-on-dior-saddle-bags"] the label reintroduced the Saddle bag, spawning the celebrity craze for the design once more.