Kim Jones is stepping down as artistic director of Dior Homme after seven years designing the hit menswear line.
Jones left LVMH stablemate Louis Vuitton for Dior in 2018. There, he strengthened the link between the brand’s menswear and the founding aesthetic of the house, leaning into a regal fashion fantasy with deftly draped tailoring, at times with cinched waists in a nod to the house’s signature Bar suit.
The revamped formalwear was blended with savvy merchandising and rapid-fire collaborations with a diverse cast of artists and brands, from Peter Doig to Nike, which helped tap demand from tribal, streetwear-informed fashion customers at a time of rapid casualisation in the luxury industry. Sales of men’s products grew roughly five-fold to over €1.2 billion in the first five years of his tenure at the brand, according to industry sources.
“It was a true honor to have been able to create my collections within the house of Dior, a symbol of absolute excellence,” Jones said in a statement.
“I am extremely grateful for the remarkable work done by Kim Jones, his studio, and the ateliers. With all his talent and creativity, he has constantly reinterpreted the House’s heritage with genuine freedom of tone and surprising, highly desirable artistic collaborations,” said Dior CEO Delphine Arnault.
The English designer’s next moves are unknown. Jones’ exit comes as market sources say LVMH is preparing to transfer Loewe designer Jonathan Anderson to Dior, betting on a creative shakeup to reverse slowing sales. Tuesday, LVMH reported fourth-quarter sales up 1 percent, with fashion and leather goods sales falling 1 percent on an organic basis.
Stay tuned to BoF for updates on this developing story.
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