Marking his five-year anniversary as the creative director of Dior, Kim Jones pays homage to tradition while skillfully reimagining it for the modern era.
Dior Men’s creative director, Kim Jones, presented its Spring-Summer 2024 collection for men, opting to revisit Dior’s rich history and paying homage to the designers who came before him. Commemorating his fifth year at the helm of the esteemed French fashion house, Jones reflected on the fundamental aspects that have shaped and influenced Dior’s essence.
In the show’s notes, Kim Jones stated, “Dior is an haute couture house: it is all about the clothes. At the heart of Dior is silhouette, shape, technique, and fabrication of the very highest order. I like to think that in my five years of being here, I have never forgotten this. It’s a culture we have inherited from womenswear past and applied to menswear present and for the first time in our collections, it is a collage of influences from different Dior predecessors and eras we wanted to pay tribute to at once,” This sentiment became evident as models emerged from concealed entrances, forming a captivating display in the courtyard of École Militaire in Paris. The emphasis on savoir-faire and meticulous workmanship permeated the entire collection.
Kim Jones also put into emphasis the spirit of Yves Saint Laurent’s brief tenure, while incorporating textiles, materials, and embellishments reminiscent of Marc Bohan and Gianfranco Ferré. Kim mixed his own signature touch of British tailoring and playful modernity into his new menswear collection.
The collection also drew inspiration from the iconic cannage and the Lady Dior bag. They both as well as polo shirts, crew neck tops, cardigans, and loafers transmuted into menswear staples. The collection seamlessly blended masculine and feminine elements, particularly evident in the use of colours and embellishments such as the Ronghua, delicate velvet flowers crafted by skilled Chinese artisans. The selection of textiles and materials contributed to a diverse array of textures, with notable highlights, including tweed, crystal embroideries, and lightweight fabrics. Jones infused the collection with inherently modern and trendy features.
Embracing the ongoing neon trend that has taken the runways by storm, the colour palette showcased vibrant chartreuse, aqua, neon green, and hot pink. Additionally, the ensembles were styled with layered shirting, and the footwear ventured into the realm of streetwear, featuring chunky soles and a focus on practicality.
When it comes to accessories, the unwavering commitment to meticulous craftsmanship and reverence for the past was evident from the outset. Notably, the legendary 1955 Lady Dior bag made its presence felt in an innovative manner, as elements of its timeless design were artfully incorporated into slides and loafers. Furthermore, models sported eye-catching knit hats in a variety of vivid colours and captivating textures, ranging from a vibrant electric orange to a soft, understated baby pink.
The Dior Spring-Summer 2024 menswear show also attracted an impressive lineup of celebrities, showcasing the brand’s widespread appeal. Some stars in attendance included J Balvin, Aron Piper, Winnie Harlow, Jeremy Scott, Tom Daley, Jeremy O. Harris, Pharrell, Maluma, Caleb McLaughlin, Felix Mallard, the Hadban brothers, and more.
