Dragons Rule In These Artistic Collections By Dior
Craving an artistic twist to dragon motifs for your Chinese New Year ensemble? Look no further than Dior, where capsules boast dragon-like creatures.
By Cherry Tan,
The house of Dior has long embraced the unfettered creativity and passion of the art world. Singapore-based fashion educator Circe Henestrosa collaborated with Mexican artisans for Dior’s recent cruise collection, paying tribute to Frida Kahlo. Meanwhile, Brooklyn-based artist Jeffrey Gibson tapped into Native American culture with his interpretation of the Lady Dior.
Dior Men collaborates with Japanese contemporary artist Otani Workshop, renowned for his clay works, for a capsule collection featuring the dragon-like monster creature called Tanilla.
However, during this festive season, as we celebrate the start of the Year of the Dragon beginning on Feb 10, the spotlight turns to the work of two other artists. Firstly, the 1950s feminist artist and model Niki de Saint Phalle, whose two works featuring dragons – Tu es mon dragon (1968) and Strength (1973) – are among a trio of works featured in designs for a womenswear capsule. The other spotlight goes to the collaboration between Dior Men and Japanese artist Otani Workshop, showcasing motifs of a dragon-like creature named Tanilla. This kawaii beast appears on a range of ready-to-wear and accessories.
Scroll on for a closer look at pieces from the collections.
Niki de Saint Phalle’s Strength (1973) is an exuberant representation of femininity – observe how the princess has tamed the dragon. Now, you can adorn yourself with this fairy tale artwork as a scarf, adding a mystical, magical, and witchy spin to your look.
We can't forget about this bomber jacket, featuring Niki de Saint Phalle’s Tu es mon dragon monster roaring loudly on the back. Crafted in navy blue technical virgin wool knit, the bomber jacket is sure to be a comfy choice for a rainy day.
Elevating creature comfort to an art form: this plush wool and cashmere knit, spiced with a dash of quirk, all courtesy of Niki de Saint Phalle’s Tu es mon dragon motif.
The classic off-white wool and cashmere jersey sweater flaunts a Dior embroidery on its left sleeve, featuring the signature cheeky green monster motif from the Otani Workshop capsule on the back. Despite being seated, it undeniably exudes an air of mischief.
An indispensable in the Dior Men’s collection, this sneaker elevates any ensemble with its sleek calfskin leather and Dior Oblique Galaxy leather inserts. The mischievous little green monster peeking out from the side adds just a hint of cheekiness to the sneaker.
Master the art of preppy chic with this silk tie that flaunts the cute graphic element near its knot – naturally, it's the green monster, Tanilla by Otani Workshop.
Not spotting the green monster? That's because it's covered in brass finishing, alongside the Dior signature, in this pendant necklace. The convenient adjustable clasp allows you to choose the length of the necklace.
We certainly aren't tired of seeing red this season, especially with this red denim overshirt. Take a closer look, and you'll find a subtle all-over Dior Oblique jacquard stamped on the short, adding a touch of eccentric and playful modernity with the capsule collection's signature monster motif.
If you still can't get enough of the little green creature Tanilla, then you should snag this brooch. Pin it to your jacket lapel or, really, any other item of clothing you own, for an extra mischievous air.