Dior made a bold statement in redefining masculine elegance during their recent runway show in Paris. British designer Kim Jones, who heads Dior’s menswear collections, showcased a collection that featured a range of innovative and unique pieces. One of the highlights was a revisited, draped, and reversible suit that challenged traditional notions of men’s fashion.
The runway show took place at the foot of the iconic Eiffel Tower, with the models standing still on a moving runway. This created a powerful visual effect, capturing the attention of fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
The color palette for the collection included noble shades like pale blue, navy blue, black, and various shades of gray. Couture fabrics like silk-like nylon with a luminous texture were used to create a contemporary idea of luxury. The jackets and trousers were tailored close to the body and paired with stylish boots, while long scarves were creatively utilized as belts. One of the standout features of the collection was the inclusion of bulletproof vests layered over suits, adding a unique touch of both fashion and functionality.
Jones emphasized the importance of suits and jackets in the Dior collection, highlighting their role in showcasing elegance, tailored craftsmanship, and couture. The designer wanted to create trendier black suits that could be worn with different shoes and incorporated a removable scarf that could be tied inside the jacket.
The collection also showcased the concept of deliberate exposure, with satin panels integrated into the jackets. These panels gave the impression that the lining was intentionally visible. Furthermore, fully reversible pieces paid homage to couture creations, with both sides being equally perfect. This innovative approach showcased Jones’ attention to detail and his desire to push the boundaries of menswear.
The fusion of femininity and masculinity was a prominent theme throughout the collection. This was exemplified by a powder blue silk panel draping across the chest of a suit, which was taken from a dress created by Christian Dior in 1952. The collection also featured lace cutouts on form-fitting sweaters, further blurring the lines between gendered fashion.
Animal prints, especially leopard motifs, were another key feature of the collection. They adorned suits, knits, and fur, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication. Leather pants and silk bomber jackets were also incorporated, bringing a sense of urban sophistication to the overall aesthetic.
A collaboration with artist Raymond Pettibon added an artistic touch to the collection. Romantic prints, including a face reminiscent of Mona Lisa, were used in prints, knits, jacquards, and hand embroidery, paying homage to Christian Dior’s gallery owner background before his foray into fashion.
Jones also paid tribute to Christian Dior’s love for dogs by incorporating a dog head motif on one of the bags. This detail added a personal touch to the collection, celebrating the legacy of the fashion master.
It is worth mentioning that the Dior fashion show was rescheduled a day earlier to avoid potential clashes with the ongoing “yellow vest” protests. The move was made to protect luxury boutiques in the area, including the Dior boutique, from any potential vandalism or looting.
Overall, Dior’s redefinition of masculine elegance through a reversible and draped suit, as well as other innovative pieces, left a lasting impression on the fashion world. Kim Jones successfully showcased his creativity and ability to push the boundaries of traditional menswear, resulting in a collection that captivated and inspired.
Useful Links:
1. [Dior Official Website](https://www.dior.com/)
2. [Kim Jones’ Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mrkimjones/?hl=en)
