For the presentation of the Dior Homme Spring/Summer 2025 collection in Paris, the models meandered through five giant cats inspired by the artwork of South African ceramic artist Hylton Nel. In his latest collection for Dior Hommes Pret-A-Porter, Kim Jones – who spent time in South Africa during his childhood – turns away from his typically intense designs and embraces a minimalist, relaxed vibe.

Sophisticated details reflect the rich cultural and stylistic diversity of South Africa. The Dior Homme Spring/Summer 2025 collection is an exquisite fusion of artistry and traditional South African fashion reinterpreted with minimalist elements of craftsmanship.

Dior Homme Spring/Summer 2025 Collection

Crafted Fusion: ceramics, knitwear and prints

The collection contains ceramic elements inspired by Hylton Nel’s creations. Knitwear takes on sculptural forms adorned with playful prints, while others are complemented by ceramic clasps inspired by Nel’s ‘seals’ that adorn clothing and bags. Jones’ collections are characterized by deceptively simple designs that conceal incredible craftsmanship. Nel’s floral jacket, for example, took 600 hours of meticulous hand embroidery.

Luxury meets practicality

Jones continues to refine his blend of luxury and functionality in this collection. The collection includes a range of pieces inspired by workwear, such as B. fitted jackets, chore jackets with rivet pockets and linen-cotton artist jackets, all of which have a polished sheen that contrasts with their rough origins. Furthermore, Jones pays tribute to the rich archive of Dior womenswear by incorporating elements such as pleated pants that elegantly transform into wrap closures, adding a regal sophistication to menswear designs. Among the collection’s standout pieces is a coat inspired by an unpublished sketch by Yves Saint Laurent, underlining Dior’s commitment to combining historical influences with contemporary styles.

A fusion of “Local is Lekker“ and haute couture

In South Africa there is a saying “Local is Lekker”, which means that things that are close to home are often the best. South Africans are proud of the talent of local artists and their unpretentious, home-made creations. The Dior cloche hats, designed by Stephen Jones in collaboration with the South African company Earth Age , are hand-crocheted by local craftspeople in Cape Town and decorated with ceramic beads in Paris.

All Around the Clogs

The shoes in the Dior Summer 2025 collection are a reinterpretation of traditional work shoes, such as clogs, with high-quality materials such as beech wood and calfskin. Handmade clogs are transformed into characteristic derbies and biker boots with wooden soles that have been modified with rubber for added comfort.

Dior Saddle Bag: an iconic piece reinterpreted

This iconic piece was designed by John Galliano in 1999 and reinterpreted for the summer 2025 collection with a softer construction and a curved design that influences other silhouettes. The saddle bag has been a cornerstone of Dior’s style for over 25 years and takes center stage in this collection. The bags feature a mix of simple and luxurious materials, combining hard-wearing canvas with raffia or leather accents.

Combining functionality, longevity and tradition, the Dior Homme Spring/Summer 2025 collection is a refined masterpiece of craftsmanship and texture that emphasizes the minimalist appeal of a life enriched by art. Kim Jones catapults Dior menswear into new dimensions and presents a collection that is more than just a seasonal must-have. This collection by Jones for Dior is very personal and reflects his unique vision and connection to South Africa, making it a timeless celebration of art, individuality and heritage.

You can find the whole show of the Dior Homme Spring/Summer 2025 collection here.