For Dior's Summer 2025 collection, Artistic Director Kim Jones delves into the heart of craftsmanship, paying homage to the ateliers and artisans who embody the essence of Dior. This season is a rich tapestry of biography and artistry, intertwining the legacies of Christian Dior, the ceramicist Hylton Nel, and Jones himself. The collection is a testament to lifelong dedication, celebrating the parallel journeys in ceramics, paintings, and couture.
Embracing the motifs and homespun monumentalism of Hylton Nel, the collection advances global ideas of savoir-faire with a seamless blend of luxury and utility. Silhouettes are both sculptural and practical, inspired by ceramic forms and finishes, where the humble and noble coexist. Rounded volumes in tailoring and outerwear offer a sensuous finish, while archival haute couture pieces are reimagined for the modern world, including a fully realized Saint-Laurent sketch from 1958.
Knitwear echoes the collection’s sculptural essence, featuring playful patterns, prints, and ceramic fastenings inspired by Nel's world. Accessories blend practicality with precision, highlighted by handcrafted clogs made from beech wood and calf leather. The iconic Dior Saddle bag, in this collection, juxtaposes hardwearing canvas with raffia or leather, embodying both durability and elegance.
The collection’s crowning touch is the cloche hats, hand-crocheted by Cape Town's Earth Age artisans and adorned with ceramic beads in Paris, symbolizing the unity of diverse crafts and ateliers. Dior Summer 2025 is an exquisite celebration of art and applied arts, a fusion of tradition and innovation, and a tribute to the artisans' skill and pride.