The Dior Oblique: a short history of the monogram

The Dior Oblique is the house's monogram: the letters of the name Dior set on a slant and repeated as a pattern. It was designed by Marc Bohan in 1967, brought back by John Galliano around 2000, and has stayed one of the best-known patterns in fashion ever since.

Marc Bohan, 1967

Marc Bohan, who led Dior from 1961 to 1989, created the pattern in 1967 as a jacquard, woven into the fabric rather than printed on it. Sources differ on its first public appearance; several place it on the runway in 1969. It was used mainly on luggage and accessories.

John Galliano, around 2000

John Galliano became creative director in 1996 and brought the Oblique back around 2000, most famously on the Saddle bag. The pattern became a signature of the house once more, on bags first and then on smaller things, jewellery among them.

Since then

Later designers have returned to it again and again: Maria Grazia Chiuri on bags such as the Book Tote, and Kim Jones at a much larger scale for men's collections.

The Oblique in jewellery

On jewellery the Oblique usually appears in enamel, on tag pendants, rings and earrings, often in blue or pink. Because the pattern is fine and the enamel sits on the surface, condition matters: small chips and rubbing at the edges are common on pieces that have been worn, so it is worth looking closely at the photographs.

Enamel asks for a little care. Keep it away from knocks and from perfume, take it off before washing, and wipe it with a soft, dry cloth.

Our Oblique pieces

We have the Oblique on an enamel band ring, on a pink ring, on tag pendants in blue and pink, and on blue clip earrings. Every piece is checked by hand, for authenticity and condition, before it comes to you. See everything from the house in vintage Christian Dior jewellery.