Kim Jones steps down as creative director of Dior Men after seven years of innovations
British designer Kim Jones has announced his departure from the creative direction of Dior Men, concluding a seven-year journey marked by iconic collaborations, bold reinventions, and a significant impact on the aesthetic of the French maison.
Since taking the helm of Dior Men in 2018, following a successful tenure at Louis Vuitton, Kim Jones has redefined the maison's menswear, blurring the lines between classic luxury and contemporary culture. His work stood out through partnerships with sports brands such as Nike, Stüssy, Erl, and Stone Island, as well as artistic collaborations with figures like Kaws, Daniel Arsham, and Peter Doig.
"It has been a true honor to create my collections at Dior, a symbol of absolute excellence."
Jones declared in an official statement, expressing gratitude to his studio, ateliers, and the artists who collaborated with him throughout his journey.
From haute couture to streetwear
In recent years, Jones has delved into Dior's haute couture archives, fostering a dialogue between the past and the present. Under his direction, the maison's menswear achieved a fluid sophistication, balancing the rigor of traditional tailoring with the freshness of streetwear, reflecting a contemporary sensibility without losing the brand's DNA.
Delphine Arnault, CEO of Dior, highlighted the importance of the legacy left by the designer:
"With all his talent and creativity, he has constantly reinterpreted the maison's heritage with a genuine sense of freedom and surprising, highly desirable artistic collaborations."
Changes on the horizon for Dior
Kim Jones' departure comes at a time of potential transformations within Dior. Rumors suggest that Jonathan Anderson, current creative director of Loewe, may take on a leadership role at the maison, possibly unifying the creative directions of both menswear and womenswear, currently led by Maria Grazia Chiuri.
These changes occur amid a strategic reassessment by the LVMH group, following less impressive financial results in the last quarter of 2024. Bernard Arnault, the conglomerate's chairman, has himself signaled the need for adjustments to drive growth.
The future of Kim Jones
Details about Kim Jones' next steps have not yet been revealed. His departure from Dior comes just months after he left the creative direction of Fendi, where he had been in charge of the women's and haute couture lines since 2020.
Recognized for his ability to blend luxury with urban spirit, Jones leaves an indelible mark on Dior, having tripled the revenue of the men's division and redefined what it means to wear Dior in the 21st century.
Now, the fashion world is watching closely: what will be the next chapter in Kim Jones' career — and who will be the next to leave their mark in Dior's history?