MAYS MODECOLLEGE

Cuir cannage

The word cannage may not mean much to you, but when you see the pattern, you have an instant aha experience. The cannage, or cuir cannage, is the typical Dior pattern that they incorporate into their leather, but also in the packaging of their perfumes. There is even a perfume named after it.

Who came up with it?

The story goes that the number of guests during Dior's very first show (where the New Look was presented) was so large that chairs were borrowed from the bistro across the street. These rattan bistro chairs had a cannage pattern, and that’s where the guests placed their fashionable derrières. After the show, Christian Dior received a standing ovation, and you could see the cannage pattern in the ladies' clothing.

Where do you see it?

In the bags, shoes, and packaging of Dior, and even the jewelry refers to it.

Who wears it?

Everyone who loves Dior has a little cannage somewhere. Victoria Beckham, Harriet Calo, and of course your fashion-loving chief editor. Have a nice Sunday!