For Dior Menswear Fall 2022, Kim Jones returned home. Marking the first time in 74 years Dior menswear has been presented outside Paris, the show took place in London and saw Jones march to the beat of his own drum. Dually inspired by the Beat generation and its founding father Jack Kerouac as well as the house of Christian Dior, the show was attended by young local students and designers as well as international guests like Naomi Campbell and Sam Smith.
Models quite literally walked the talk (or at least the writing), with the runway adorned with an 80-metre scroll of On The Road, Kerouac’s second novel. Originally typed in a continuous stream of consciousness format by Kerouac, On The Road was released in 1957, the same year Christian Dior died and was succeeded by a 24-year-old Yves Saint Laurent who released his fleeting ‘Beat Collection’ that paid homage to the rise of youth culture and rebellion.
Merging the liberating, transformative appeal of youth culture during the Beat generation with the classic French codes that are intrinsic to the DNA of Dior, the Dior Menswear Fall 2022 collection creates harmony. Relaxed Americana meets impeccable French tailoring, with trench coats accessories with backpacks; Fair Isle sweaters and beanies shimmering with sequins; skinny ties sitting atop glittery shirts; sequined socks peeking out over hiking boots; and tweed and gingham outerwear paired with cropped jeans and hiking boots.
Words by AR Staff
