THE Dior archives inevitably lead to the main character of the story, Monsieur Dior. Revisiting the past and the many seasons that have led to spring-summer 2022, artistic director Kim Jones reinforces the visual vocabulary of the modern Dior man. Interpreting the looks that Dior left in his legacy, the past is brought back to life in this collection.
Dior Men’s SS21 Collection
Dior Men’s SS21 Collection
Dior Men’s SS21 Collection
Stretching all the way back to the start, in 1947 when the founder opened his doors for the first time, Jones takes elements like the leopard print motif from the debut Dior collection and reimagined it in knitwear and belts. Florals that reference Monsieur Dior’s passion for flowers and love for gardens are printed into patterns and the CD from Marc Bohan’s time at the house is reshaped into a love heart. The references are inherently Dior and yet, are executed with the utmost subtlety.
Dior Men’s SS21 Collection
Dior Men’s SS21 Collection
Jones’ ability to perfect the balance of creating looks that mix both the savoir-faire of the ateliers with his own taste that hints at the ease of sportswear, the collection continues his own narrative of putting together formal with casual wear. Shearling bombers are contrasted with light-weight outerpieces, the Dior Saddles becomes completely functionally crossbody and the phrase Atelier Christian Dior becomes a new signature feature as an ode to the craft of couture.
Dior Men’s SS21 Collection
Dior Men’s SS21 Collection
Dior Men’s SS21 Collection
With couture stereotypically associated with womenswear, pratique sportif is how Jones is translating the heritage of the house into menswear. Materials traditionally used in this art become more tactile and are found on the sides of the Dior B30 sneaker, for example.
The muted colour palette of grey and pink mixed with light-toned earth colours echo nature and the bustling cityscape bringing the past and present together to create a contemporary future of Dior Homme.
by Imogen Clark