Dior Men's Spring/Summer 2025
For Dior Men’s Spring/Summer 2025, Kim Jones brought an irresistible blend of playful artistry and sharp tailoring to the runway, anchored by the whimsical work of South African ceramicist Hylton Nel. “He’s an old friend of mine,” Jones mentioned in a preview, hinting at the personal connection woven throughout the collection. Nel's charming, offbeat animals were everywhere—from studded boots to knitwear and socks, each a product of collaboration between the artist and Jones. It was a playful nod to tradition, with ceramic beading adorning woven hats crafted by South African artisans under the design direction of Stephen Jones.
These artistic embellishments added a fresh, handcrafted feel to what was otherwise a quintessential Kim Jones collection. The tailoring was as precise as ever, with crisp, sculptural silhouettes that felt like they were made to be worn by an artist at work. Workwear jackets, artist’s coats, and pants with wrap-closure details spoke to Jones’s obsession with reinterpreting the archives—this time incorporating Dior’s womenswear heritage into menswear. A standout piece was a coat inspired by an unreleased design sketched by Yves Saint Laurent, which added a dash of historical nostalgia.
One of the highlights of the show was the Nel floral jacket, showcased in Look 44. It took a staggering 600 hours of hand-beaded embroidery to complete—a testament to the craftsmanship Dior is known for. These high-craft pieces are a magnet for the house’s most dedicated clients. “We have a lot of people who come for one-on-one appointments, and they buy a huge amount of special pieces,” Jones said, shedding light on Dior's growing culture of exclusivity.
Even with all the reverence for history and craft, Jones never loses his lighthearted touch. A sweater featuring the line "Dior for my real friends," borrowed from a plate Nel once gave the designer, felt personal and fun. It’s an inside joke turned runway statement—typical of Jones’s approach to blending the playful with the serious. This time around, it was adjusted to say "Dior for my friends" because, as Jones said, "they all ask for Dior." With this being his 60th show for the maison, it’s no wonder.
In many ways, the collection was a love letter to the artisans whose work breathes life into Dior. Jones described the collection as an exploration of craft and dedication, saying, "I wanted to concentrate on elements of craft, the skills of the ateliers and artisans who work for the house. This is the lifeblood of Dior.” From the hand-crocheted cloche hats made by artisans in Cape Town to the beaded embellishments done in Paris, this collection was a celebration of global craftsmanship, a fusion of local and international hands working together to create something truly special.
The final product? A collection that felt both intimate and grand. By blending Nel’s whimsical designs with Dior’s signature sharpness, Jones delivered a fresh, joy-filled vision for menswear. This show was a reminder of the beauty and artistry that comes to life when heritage meets craft—and how Dior, under Jones’s steady hand, continues to push the boundaries of both.
