Fashion designer Jonathan Anderson took the helm of Dior Menswear after the exit of Kim Jones. The Irish born previously held the position at LVMH sister brand Loewe for 11 years, turning the Spanish label in a profitable achiever for the Paris conglomerate.
The anticipated debut at Paris Fashion Week was palatable. Dior is a crown jewel, a heritage luxury label with pedigree going back almost 80 years. Anderson took the mantle with an impulse to shake up the legacy of historical house.
The newly installed creative head gave certainly lived up to expectations. A journey into a whimsical world of male tailoring mixed with eroticism. A happy place of jackets without shirts, flowing long coats and military wear strutting down the runway. This is not your grandmother’s Dior. Instead of resigning himself to the design shackles of an iconic brand, Jonathan daringly went head on with a unique vision of color while stirring emotions.
The best side of the collection are the earthy elements. Including pieces that can combine with everyones wardrobe without the gaudy pretensions gave all the looks personality. If LVMH is looking for another way to infiltrate the streetwear market, this could be the route to take.
The one drawback, the DIOR monogram on certain pieces felt a bit 2018, too targeted at young buyers looking to trade up. Or perhaps they will wait for the dupes to hit online.
As the first person to head both menswear and womenswear line at the House of Dior since the Christian, there is a lot of weight on the 40-year-old shoulders.
Next up is Anderson’s Couture Collection in July, followed by RTW in October.