Kim Jones Exits Dior Men. Inside His Legacy and Who Is Next
After seven years, he is stepping down as creative director of Dior menswear. Here's what's next.
After seven years at the helm of Dior men's collections, Kim Jones has announced his exit from the house, marking the end of a chapter that redefined elegance in men's fashion. The British designer, a master of harmonizing classicism and modernity, has left an indelible mark on the French house, transforming Dior Men into one of the most influential names on the global scene. Just a few days ago, his last show paid homage to the "H Line," created by founder Christian Dior for the Fall/Winter 1954 Haute Couture collection. At the end, a long embrace with Dior CEO Delphine Arnault had hinted at his farewell.
"It has been a true honor to create my collections within the house of Dior, a symbol of absolute excellence. I express my deep gratitude to my studio and the ateliers that have accompanied me on this wonderful journey," Jones said in a press release announcing his departure from 30 Avenue Montaigne. In the same note, Arnault expressed her gratitude for the work done by the designer. His years at the helm of Dior earned him France's highest honor, the Legion of Honor, awarded to him a few hours after his last show as creative director of Dior Men.
Kim Jones' Legacy at the Head of Dior Men: Style and Collaborations
Kim Jones revolutionized Dior menswear, introducing couture elements into the male wardrobe and experimenting with new materials and silhouettes, creating a retro-futuristic style that spoke to contemporary men, especially the younger ones. Combining luxury and streetwear, he created collaborations with world-famous designers and artists such as Kaws, Daniel Arsham, Kenny Scharf and Raymond Pettibon, Shawn Stussy and Eli Russell Linnetz of ERL, but also with pop culture icons such as Travis Scott. He took the brand to iconic locations with spectacular shows, such as the Pre-Fall 2022 collection set in front of the pyramids of Giza, transforming the catwalks into a scenic stage for his creations, with monumental installations—just think of the twelve-meter-high robotic sculpture for the Pre-Fall 2019 collection or the reproduction of the Pont Alexandre III in Paris for Fall/Winter 2022.
Jones made his debut as the house’s creative director in style in 2018, making headlines with a sleek morning coat worn by David Beckham at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Since then, his work has made the house a go-to for a new generation of fashionistas, ranging from impeccable tailoring to cult sneakers, such as the iconic 2020 Air Jordan 1 OG Dior, which attracted over five million requests to purchase, or collaborations with Birkenstock, which brought back the classic leather clog, and the 1017 Alyx 9SM.
What Happens Next? Who Will Replace Kim Jones as Creative Director of Dior Men?
In the official statement—in which Dior expressed its deepest thanks to Kim Jones, highlighting the designer's contribution to the growth of the men's collections—no successor was mentioned, fueling speculation about who could take his place. Among the most discussed names at the moment is that of Jonathan Anderson, currently at the helm of Loewe. (He, as usual, did not present his men's Fall/Winter 2025 collection during Paris Fashion Week.)
Jones' farewell comes just days after the presentation of the Fall/Winter 2025 collection, and after receiving the title of Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, the highest French civilian honor, a recognition that almost seems to seal his extraordinary journey at the helm of the maison. It is currently unclear what the next step will be for Jones, who in October 2024 also left the role of artistic director of Fendi, where he was responsible for the Haute Couture line and women's ready-to-wear for Fendi for four years.
