The most memorable moments of his tenure.
Kim Jones’s tenure as Artistic Director of Dior Men has undeniably left an significant mark on the landscape of menswear.
Beyond simply designing clothes, Jones masterfully orchestrated a cultural dialogue, bridging high fashion with streetwear, art, and music, while simultaneously honouring the heritage of the storied French fashion house. His seven-year reign (2018-2025) wasn’t just about creating collections; it was about building a modern identity for Dior Men, one that resonated with a new generation of consumers while respecting the brand’s rich history.
Jones’ approach was characterised by a keen understanding of the zeitgeist. He possessed an uncanny ability to anticipate trends and translate them into desirable, high-fashion pieces. His collaborations—a hallmark of his Dior Men tenure—were not mere marketing ploys, but carefully curated partnerships that brought fresh energy and perspective to the brand.
Redefining Menswear
Kim Jones redefined Dior Men by blending mid-century couture with utilitarian aesthetics, creating a new masculinity. His androgynous designs challenged norms and fostered inclusivity. Throughout his tenure, he consistently referenced Dior’s couture history, from iconic satin sashes to reinterpreted archival pieces like the “Debussy” gown embroidery (FW24) and the “H-Line” collection (FW25). This unique approach solidified his impact on menswear.
Moving away from the super-skinny silhouettes of the past, Jones introduced a fresh, boxy cut that resonated with a new generation. This shift was evident in his early collections, setting the tone for his tenure. His designs often incorporated elements of sportswear and streetwear, creating a sense of effortless cool and practicality. Jone’s consistently defied traditional notions of masculinity, embracing fluidity and inclusivity in his designs and casting. By elevating classic silhouettes with casual elements, he reimagined modern dressing, appealing to a wider audience, and most importantly a younger demographic.
Credit: Vogue Runway
The Power of Collaboration
A hallmark of Jones’s Dior Men was his masterful use of collaborations. These weren’t mere marketing ploys; they were carefully curated partnerships that injected fresh energy and perspective into the brand. From streetwear giants like Supreme and Stüssy to contemporary artists like KAWS, Daniel Arsham, and Hajime Sorayama, these collaborations blurred the lines between high art and street culture, creating a powerful and covetable synergy.
He continued the collaborations in his Fall/Winter 2019 collection, teaming up with with legendary designer and LA punk icon Raymond Pettibon, incorporating Pettibon’s zoological drawings onto a range of garments. Other standouts from that collection included the bondage inspired buckles made by Matthew M. Williams – designer behind luxury streetwear brand 1017 ALYX 9SM and jewellery AMBUSH’s Yoon Ahn.
Jones offered everything from impeccably tailored suits to highly sought-after sneakers. Cult items like the iconic 2020 Air Jordan 1 OG Dior sneaker (with over five million purchase requests), saw him team up with rapper Travis Scott. Released during peak Jordan popularity, its ultra-exclusive nature drove resale prices as high as £10,000, proving once more that Jones was a culture and trend maker.
These collaborations were special because they made previously unattainable high fashion accessible, creating widespread desire and cementing Dior’s place in pop culture.
Credit: Dior
Credit: Dior
Spectacular Runway Shows
Kim Jones consistently delivered impactful runway shows, proving their value way beyond mere hype. Examples of such included Jones’ Dior Pre-Fall 2019 show (Unveiled in Tokyo featuring an 11-meter robotic sculpture by Hajime Sorayam). Notably, the collections highlight was the highly coveted metallic saddle bag that Jones later teased on Instagram, creating significant buzz within the fashion industry.
Alongside this, the brands Spring/Summer 2020 show was a tribute to Christian Dior’s love of flowers. The runway was filled with thousands of blooms, while the collection itself was romantic and ethereal, featuring floral prints and delicate details. The show also highlighted the importance of collaboration and friendship which Jones is renowned for, bringing in artist Daniel Arsham to design the set.
Jones tapped streetwear pioneer Shawn Stussy for his Dior fall/winter 2020 collection, adding a distinctly urban edge to Dior Men. Graffiti fonts, surf-inspired prints, and a generally laid-back vibe permeated the runway. The collection seamlessly integrated streetwear into the world of high fashion, further blurring the lines between the two.
Against the backdrop of the Great Pyramid of Giza, models walked a winding, Dune-esque catwalk, bathed in laser light and dressed in desert-inspired hues. Jones’s pre-fall 2023 collection drew inspiration not from hieroglyphics or Cleopatra, but from Ancient Egyptian astronomy and Dior’s own fascination with astrology. The looks included 3D-printed chest pieces, kilt-trouser hybrids, and NASA-sourced galaxy prints.
Credit: Dior
Jones’ tenure at Dior Men was more than just than just designing collections and presenting multiple runway shows, he continuously produced carefully curated narratives that told a variety of stories about the brand, culture, and the future of menswear. His shows were spectacles that redefined the runway experience and enhanced his legacy as one of the most influential menswear designers of his generation.
It’s safe to say: Kim Jones’ Dior Legacy was a masterclass in modern menswear.
