The 38-year-old British designer Kim Jones has left Louis Vuitton about two months ago to take reins at Dior Homme. He replaces Kris Van Assche, who had helmed the French menswear label for Dior Homme 11 years ago.
Jones left Dunhill in 2011 to join Louis Vuitton, which he had made the business turnaround for the menswear range and transformed it into a modern-luxury collection, mixing a lingering nostalgia for British colonial chic with a streetwise edge to appeal to the high-end market. His passion for wildlife and exotic travel have contributed to his sharp sense and refined taste.
Pietro Beccari, Chairman and CEO of Christian Dior Couture, said: “I am delighted to welcome Kim Jones at Dior Homme. He will benefit from the support of the teams and from the ‘savoir-faire’ of the Ateliers to create an elegant men’s wardrobe both classic and anchored in contemporary culture. I am confident that he will continue to further develop Dior Homme on a global scale.”
Commenting on his new appointment at Dior Homme, the British designer says this in a statement, “I am deeply honoured to join the house of Dior, a symbol of the ultimate elegance.” He adds that he is committed in creating a modern and innovative male silhouette built upon the unique legacy of the house.
British designer Kim Jones (C) holds hands with British models Naomi Campbell (L) and Kate Moss (R) / Image courtesy of AFP
Kim Jones is a highly-respected figure in his field and during his six-year tenure at Louis Vuitton, Jones took things to another level. He was the brain behind a series of collaborations with the streetwear label Supreme, and the conoclastic British artists Jake and Dinos Chapman. Jones had also worked with British models Naomi Campbell as well as Kate Moss.
While his predecessor, the 41-year-old Belgian designer, Van Assche, had brought a punkish street style influence to Dior’s fine tailoring. Van Assche said that it was “with great emotion… that I am leaving this beautiful house to pursue new challenges,” but the Belgian designer would be staying on with the luxury giant LVMH, which owns the label, said Dior in a statement.
An official announcement would be made “subsequently”.
Kim Jones will present his first collection for Dior Homme next June, during the Paris Men’s fashion week.
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