The eternal legacy of Kim Jones at Dior

We look back at the designer’s most iconic moments during his leadership of the Maison‘s menswear line.

When Kim Jones took over as creative director of Dior Homme in 2018, the fashion industry was expectant. Kris Van Assche‘s departure left a void, and the question was clear: How would a designer with an established career at Louis Vuitton fit into one of the most iconic luxury houses on the planet? What appeared to be an unprecedented challenge soon became one of the most fascinating narratives in contemporary menswear.

From his very first show, the Briton made it clear that his mission was to revitalise the brand while maintaining the essence that has defined it since its inception. His debut collection, presented in Paris during Men’s Fashion Week, embodied this approach: a blend of tradition with touches of radical innovation. A step forward, but with one foot firmly in the house’s heritage. In just a few years, Kim Jones managed to rewrite the rules of men’s luxury with a vision that is fresh, bold and deeply connected to contemporary culture.

DIOR SS19

His first proposal was not just any show, but a moment that marked the beginning of an era of collaborations and the definitive fusion of art and fashion. Jones surprised the world with the inclusion of iconic artist KAWS, who contributed his ‘Companion’ figures to the garments in the collection. Brian Donnelly‘s presence on the runway was not only a nod to contemporary art, but a clear signal that Dior Homme under Jones would not settle for the traditional. Logomania and a streetwear approach merged with haute couture, bringing together two worlds that, until then, had seemed irreconcilable. It was a turning point in the Maison’s history, opening the door to new ways of understanding luxury and men’s fashion.

DIOR PRE-FALL 2019

On this occasion, he chose to invite Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama to create a monumental piece that set the tone for the show: an 11-metre-high robotic sculpture that became the centre of attention. Inspired by the futuristic film Metropolis, the striking work of art was not only a visual reference, but also a tribute to the host city, Paris. And unsurprisingly, the collection not only embraced the aesthetic of the future, but made it its own, with a colour palette that looked like it had been plucked from a sci-fi movie. Greys, blacks and metallics dominated the runway, while shimmering fabrics evoked the technology and glitter of a dystopian future.

DIOR X RIMOWA

One of his greatest milestones was this amazing collaboration, unveiled in 2020. Two of the luxury industry’s most acclaimed giants made an immediate impact on the market and demonstrated Jones‘ ability to transform a functional accessory into a status symbol – even more so. The German manufacturer’s suitcases and travel bags were reinterpreted with the Dior stamp, blending practicality and sophistication with absolute dexterity.

AIR DIOR

This unprecedented union resulted in one of the most coveted trainers on the planet. The fusion of two seemingly distant worlds proved to be an explosive mix that transformed the concept of luxury sneakers as we knew them. The collaboration, which was presented through a campaign starring Travis Scott, left no one indifferent and included the iconic Air Jordan 1 model in its most exclusive version yet, adopting the French fashion house’s most characteristic emblems.

DIOR FALL 2020

Stüssy‘s relaxed style, street aesthetic and Californian spirit invaded Dior‘s tailoring, creating a unique collection that broke with the norms of traditional luxury. The garments in the collection – which ranged from oversized T-shirts to luxury cargo trousers – fused the comfort of streetwear with the technical excellence of haute couture. The result was a resounding success, with designs that became true collector’s items.

DIOR FALL 2021

Continuing his strategy of unifying fashion and art, the British designer brought in pop artist Kenny Scharf. Known for his colourful works and graffiti influences, he brought his unique style to Dior in a series of fun and vibrant garments. Jackets, T-shirts and accessories were filled with bright colours, abstract patterns and the characteristic energy of the New Yorker’s work.

DIOR FALL 2023

The Giza desert, with the pyramids in the background, was the setting chosen by Kim Jones to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the House. And it was not just a catwalk, but a true work of art. The creative director, always one step ahead, took fashion to a cinematic level, fusing history, luxury and contemporary culture in a show as imposing as the surrounding environment.

DIOR x PSG

In 2021, football and luxury came together in an unprecedented way. Paris Saint-Germain and Dior signed a sponsorship agreement that, more than a simple commercial alliance, was a true declaration of intent: the luxury of haute couture merged with the beautiful game for the first time in history.