Kim Jones catches our attention with his Dior Homme debut for Spring/ Summer 2019
A istic director Kim Jones breathes new life into Dior Homme
THE DEBUT OF artistic director Kim Jones is catching our attention for all the right reasons. For Dior Homme’s capsule collection, it takes inspiration from Monsieur Christian Dior as Jones incorporates his zeitgeist approach. The full collection was completed in a mere 2 months, as Jones took a closer look into the more personal aspects to Monsieur Dior while researching through the archives of his previous works and collections as a good starting point.
Jones collaborated with several brands for his first venture as he was quoted saying ‘Collaboration is the idea of having people I admire working with me. It’s nice to have an outside source.’ Firstly, he enlisted artist KAWS to collaborate on Dior x KAWS BFF DOLLS, as Kaws created the sculpture that stood with Dior’s dog Bobby in hand at the showcase of Spring Summer Dior Homme 2019 held at one of the barracks of Garde Républicaine, as well as created the plush toys of BFF Dior and also reimagined the Iconic Dior Bee logo into a cartoon with xx over as eyes. Bobby Yoon of the brand Ambush also collaborated to create the jewellery pieces for the show and also worked on the bee, and created a crystalstudded pin available in yellow or pink. Then, there is Matthew Williams of 1017 ALYX 9SM, who brought his signature rollercoaster belt buckle reworked with the initials of Christian Dior as detailing on the renewed saddlebag, crossbody, belt and belt bags.
A highlight of the collection will have to be the rendition of the saddlebag, an icon which is now an accessory for the first time for men. The saddlebag was also featured in the Spring/Summer Dior Homme 2019 show also designed by Jones. Furthermore the collection also adds pieces from the Dior Oblique line, including sneakers and pouches
“COLLABORATION IS THE IDEA OF HAVING PEOPLE I ADMIRE WORKING WITH ME. IT’S NICE TO HAVE AN OUTSIDE SOURCE”
which are a staple heritage of Dior’s cuttingedge attitude. The line traditionally is crafted in jacquard canvas which is applied till today.
Other revisited articles by Jones include casual pieces such as jeans, shirts, blousons with coloured threads, intentionally left visible for a simultaneous vintage feel and ‘couture’ appeal on blue and gray denim. Another thing to note is the complexity of a unique 17th-century embroidery technique known as Japanese selvedge denim in a Boro style, which gives clothing an extra resilience and strength. Then, not to forget to mention the playful, offbeat bee by Kaws embroidered on t-shirts, blousons, trousers, backpacks, pouches and other accessories. AM
The collection is currently available only at Dior Homme, KLCC sta ing on the 11th of January.