For the past few days a cute green caterpillar has been camping online on some pieces from one of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Indeed, the French fashion house Dior has transformed The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the famous children’s picture book by Eric Carle, into a luxury capsule collection. Under the creative direction of Jonathan Anderson, the collection reinterprets the book’s iconic illustrations by applying them to a selection of garments and accessories: from the Dior Book Tote and knitwear to bags, shoes, and small lifestyle items. The result is a meeting of childhood nostalgia and haute couture savoir-faire. The capsule, consisting of 23 pieces, is inspired by the themes of growth, transformation and curiosity, central elements of the classic book published in 1969.
The collaboration has already ignited online debate, especially after Macaulay Culkin, unforgettable star of Mommy, I Missed the Plane, appeared at Paris Fashion Week wearing the now viral baby caterpillar sweater. While many appreciated the collection’s playful approach and nostalgic appeal, there was no shortage of criticism of the growing tendency to turn universally beloved cultural icons into ultra-luxury items for the few. At the same time, this collaboration seems to fit into a lighter and more playful phase of the Dior aesthetic, which has been experimenting with more childlike, ironic, and pop imagery in recent times. Just think, for example, of the recent pop-up store opened in Asia, made in the form of a giant pink-colored slice of cake, complete with a cherry on top.
Going into the details of the collection, with prices ranging from about $110 for the smaller accessories up to $3,800 for the Medium Dior Book Tote, we find: a Medium Dior Book Tote, also available in a mini version; a white pullover with the central embroidery of the little caterpillar; an oversize white T-shirt with the same embroidered motif; a short-sleeved sweater; a pair of slippers; and a cream-colored blanket. Completing the capsule, though without the caterpillar motif, are a series of bag charms: a green charm with small flower-shaped charms, a green leaf-shaped charm and a yellow pear-shaped charm; a red leather charm with gold Dior letters; as well as two notebooks and a small wooden breakfast tray decorated with the famous illustrated caterpillar.
The collection will be available in Dior boutiques worldwide starting next May 28.
[đź“· dior.com]
