Dior Resort 24 Menswear

Kim Jones has once again showcased his prowess as the Artistic Director of Dior Men with a captivating pre-spring lookbook shoot. The set exudes a backstage ambiance, giving a nod to the transitional nature of this collection, which serves as a bridge between different stages in Jones’ career. As he approaches his fifth anniversary at Dior Men, Jones hints at embarking on a new creative journey, promising something unique to commemorate this milestone.

While not a retrospective of his half-decade tenure, the pre-spring collection exemplifies Jones’ ability to craft a universal language for Dior Men while infusing it with his distinct British flair. This season, he masterfully blends elements of the 1980s Buffalo style popularized by Ray Petri with Dior’s classic color palette. The collection features playful variations of the house logos and is adorned with dazzling jewelry inspired by the highest French national honors.

Jones’ extensive knowledge of youth subcultures shines through in his work, a passion that he has nurtured since his days as a student. Reflecting on his inspiration, he shares his admiration for the London style of mixing high fashion with vintage, embodied by the Buffalo movement. Ray Petri, a pivotal figure within this collective of artists, photographers, filmmakers, and musicians, left an indelible mark on Jones’ creative approach. Today, Petri’s photographs still possess a modern allure, capable of transforming a skirt into the epitome of masculinity.

For those unfamiliar with Ray Petri’s significant contributions to fashion, his innovative work in men’s editorial shoots, including pioneering styling and street-casting, should not go unnoticed. The book “Buffalo Ray Petri” offers a captivating introduction to his influential role in fashion history (edited by Mitzi Lorenz and published by Westzone in 2000).

Jones skillfully weaves together the evolving elements of his Dior wardrobe, effortlessly pairing boxer shorts with coats and complementing them with sturdy military boots. He pays homage to both Buffalo skirts and the subtle Egyptian motifs from his recent extraordinary show in Cairo, featuring half-kilts that exude a sense of sartorial fusion. Additionally, Jones reimagines the original army-surplus MA-1 flight jackets elevated by Petri’s Buffalo style, which transcended boundaries from London’s working-class clubwear to the realm of mainstream fashion. Kim Jones continues to captivate and innovate, consistently pushing the boundaries of Dior Men’s aesthetic with his remarkable vision and distinct artistic language.