For his 60th collection for Dior in six years, Kim Jones decided to explore one of his obsessions. Instead of seeking inspiration from a historical figure or a familiar connection, the designer simply looked up at his bookshelves. Hylton Nel’s pottery fills the shelves of Jones’ country house, and this season, it filled his runway. Blown-up versions of Nel’s pieces punctuated the show space. If the giant sculptures weren’t enough to convey the collection’s starting points, the first model made it abundantly clear. A mandarin collar two-piece set was accessorised with a regular-sized ceramic piece in sage green.

Nel’s influence throughout the collection appeared in various forms. Animal motifs were printed, embroidered, and strategically placed in studs. Ceramic animals were used in pairs as buttons for sweet, knitted vests. The artist’s quirky animals appeared in pops of colour on classic knit sweaters. The ceramic inspiration escaped the garments and into the model’s heads, some had their hair polished perfectly in order to resemble vases.

Jones’ ventures into the realm of male couture were made in subtle ways, especially compared to his previous show. Beautifully placed crystal embroidery adorned the cuffs and collars of two stiff coats, first in taupe, then in beige.

Words by Pedro Vasconcelos

DIOR MEN SS25

TBT_BTB_ARchive

// LATEST //