Dior Men recently marked a significant milestone in its history by celebrating its 75th anniversary with a remarkable menswear collection curated by designer Kim Jones. Held in Paris, the show paid homage to the brand’s founder, Monsieur Dior, and featured exciting collaborations with renowned labels Birkenstock and Dior’s own horticultural team. The collection artfully combined Dior’s iconic codes and styles with a contemporary twist, exemplifying Kim Jones’ inventive outlook.
One of the notable highlights of the collection was the reintroduction of the Prince of Wales check, a beloved print favored by Monsieur Dior himself. Jones masterfully incorporated this timeless pattern into exquisitely tailored six-button blazers and suits, infusing a disco-inspired touch by adding hidden measuring strips on the lapel. This unexpected yet flattering approach to tailoring showcased Dior’s transformation into a dominant force in the realm of men’s fashion.
Jones also paid tribute to Dior’s historic New Look show, which took place 75 years ago. The collection featured elements borrowed from this groundbreaking event, further commemorating this pivotal moment in fashion history. Additionally, the collection acknowledged another significant anniversary: Stephen Jones, the esteemed milliner, has been associated with Dior for 25 years. With a touch of humor, Jones jokingly mentioned that he began his journey with the brand at the age of three. The collaboration between Kim Jones and Stephen Jones resulted in a captivating series of berets displaying captivating big-cat prints in various styles.
In addition to embracing Dior’s illustrious fashion legacy, Jones honored Monsieur Dior’s love for gardens. The collection showcased gardening pants and a gardener’s jacket, paying homage to the founder’s deep-rooted passion for horticulture. Notably, hand-embroidered Miss Dior silk flower sweatshirts, inspired by Monsieur Dior’s enchanting gardens, were a standout feature. The meticulous attention to detail and integration of Dior’s unique history lent depth and richness to the collection.
The collaboration with Birkenstock was another noteworthy aspect of the collection, offering a luxurious upgrade to the partnership. Jones skillfully enhanced the new felt Birkenstock clogs by adorning them with exquisite embroidery, infusing an element of elegance into the otherwise casual footwear. This collaboration exemplified Jones’ ability to seamlessly amalgamate different brands, resulting in something truly remarkable.
Furthermore, Jones showcased high-end jewelry as part of the collection, including dazzling diamond and emerald bracelets by Victoire de Castellane, Dior’s esteemed fine jeweler. This collaboration with de Castellane gave birth to Dior’s most extravagant pieces to date. Additionally, the collection featured exquisite silver costume jewelry by Yoon, incorporating pearl gray worry beads, white pearl brooches, leaf-shaped key rings, and star motifs inspired by Monsieur Dior’s superstitious beliefs.
The show culminated with a well-deserved standing ovation for both Kim Jones and Stephen Jones, acknowledging their remarkable talent and undeniable influence on the fashion industry. This pivotal moment solidified Kim Jones as the most influential menswear designer of our time. The Dior Men 75th anniversary collection is a testament to the brand’s rich heritage, artfully infused with Kim Jones’ distinct creativity and vision.
Useful Links:
1. Dior Men Official Website
2. Birkenstock Official Website
