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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, the English designer 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 utility-inflected merchandising and rapid-fire collaborations with a diverse cast of artists and brands, from painter Peter Doig to sportswear giant Nike, which helped tap demand from tribal, streetwear-savvy 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.
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“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.
From 2020 to 2024, Jones juggled his responsibilities at Dior Homme with his role overseeing women’s ready-to-wear and haute couture for LVMH stablemate Fendi, where he minded the brand’s legacy of Roman elegance while refreshing the playful, pop-luxury voice Karl Lagerfeld brought to the house. Jones exited Fendi last October ahead of the label’s centennial.
At Dior Homme, Jones went out with a bang, staging a final runway show Jan. 24th featuring dramatic volumes and a restrained palette of blacks, greys and pinks. His signature mix of gender-fluid and utilitarian styling was on display as bias-cut tops, voluminous skirts and crepe couture bows were interspersed with aviator jackets and sturdy totes. The same day, France’s Légion d’Honneur presented him with the rank of knight in a ceremony presided over by Anna Wintour.
Jones’ next moves are unknown. His 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.
Disclosure: LVMH is part of a group of investors who, together, hold a minority interest in The Business of Fashion. All investors have signed shareholders’ documentation guaranteeing BoF’s complete editorial independence.
