Kim Jones' Departure from Dior: The End of an Era & Who Should Take His Place
Kim Jones’ exit from Dior is more than just a leadership shake-up—it’s the end of an era that redefined modern luxury menswear. Since 2018, Jones has blurred the lines between heritage and streetwear, bringing a fresh, youth-driven energy to the house while still honoring its couture roots. From his groundbreaking Air Dior collaboration with Nike to his intricate embroidery-infused tailoring, Jones transformed Dior Men into a cultural powerhouse. Now, with his departure, one major question looms: who should take the reins next?
Jones didn’t just design clothes—he curated a world. His Dior wasn’t just a brand; it was an ecosystem of art, music, and culture, making each collection feel like a moment in fashion history. Whether it was his collaborations with pop culture icons or his ability to translate underground aesthetics into high fashion, Jones crafted a Dior that resonated with a new generation of luxury consumers. His departure leaves behind a void, one that the right successor must be bold enough to fill.
January 31. Written By Ryan Packer The Legacy of Kim Jones at Dior
Jones’ tenure at Dior was marked by a perfect balance between innovation and respect for tradition. He embraced collaborations with contemporary artists like KAWS, Daniel Arsham, and Peter Doig, proving that high fashion doesn’t have to exist in an ivory tower. His collections consistently pushed boundaries—whether it was infusing skate and sneaker culture into runway looks or reimagining Christian Dior’s archival silhouettes through a modern lens. His influence extended far beyond Dior, reinforcing the idea that luxury fashion can coexist with the everyday wardrobe of the modern man. Losing him isn’t just about losing a creative director; it’s about losing a visionary who shaped the future of menswear.
His impact isn’t just measured in clothing, but in culture. Jones' Dior was a meeting ground for high fashion and subcultures, making the runway accessible to those who once felt excluded. From designing pieces that rappers and athletes proudly wore to seamlessly integrating streetwear into couture, Jones was a master of cultural diplomacy. He didn’t follow trends—he set them, and his departure signals a shift not just for Dior, but for the industry as a whole.
Who Should Replace Kim Jones?
Dior now stands at a crossroads. Should the brand continue on Jones’ path of streetwear-luxury fusion, or should it pivot toward a more traditional approach? Here are a few names that could take the house in compelling new directions:
Martine Rose – If Dior wants to double down on its contemporary appeal, Martine Rose is the answer. Her ability to rework classic menswear silhouettes with subversive, street-infused energy aligns well with the direction Jones established. Rose’s understanding of underground culture and her ability to reimagine tailoring in unexpected ways would make her a bold but fitting choice.
Matthew Williams – With his background at Givenchy and as the founder of 1017 ALYX 9SM, Williams has a sharp, utilitarian approach that could steer Dior into a more technical, hardware-driven aesthetic. His experience in luxury and streetwear hybridization makes him a strong contender.
Wales Bonner – If Dior wants to move toward a more intellectual, refined vision, Grace Wales Bonner would be an unexpected but brilliant choice. Her meticulous craftsmanship, deep cultural narratives, and nuanced approach to tailoring would add a fresh, poetic depth to Dior’s menswear.
Hedi Slimane – A long shot, but if Dior wanted to reclaim its rockstar edge, bringing Slimane back from Celine could be a game-changing move. His razor-sharp tailoring and youth-centric aesthetic would resonate with the fashion crowd that still craves his signature skinny silhouette.
What’s Next for Dior?
Dior must decide whether to continue Jones’ trajectory or pivot toward something entirely new. While it’s tempting to imagine a radical change, it’s undeniable that Kim Jones left behind a legacy that bridged generations and cultures. Whoever steps into his role must have the vision and confidence to uphold Dior’s heritage while keeping it relevant for the next wave of fashion consumers.
The next creative director must be more than just a designer—they must be a cultural curator, someone who understands not just the history of Dior but also where fashion is headed. Will Dior lean into its avant-garde potential or return to its classic roots? The fashion world waits with bated breath. Regardless of who steps up, one thing is certain—Dior’s next chapter will be one to watch.
The Impact of Jones' Departure on the Industry
Kim Jones’ departure doesn’t just shake up Dior; it sends ripples throughout the entire fashion industry. His ability to merge street culture with luxury set a precedent that many other brands have since followed. Without him at Dior, will we see a shift away from the streetwear-luxury hybrid that has dominated menswear for the last decade? Or will brands double down on the formula Jones perfected?
Jones’ next move will also be one to watch. Wherever he lands, he will undoubtedly bring his innovative spirit and cultural fluency. His departure marks the end of one chapter but the beginning of another, not just for Dior but for fashion as a whole.
The Future of Luxury Menswear
The next few seasons will be crucial in defining the future of luxury menswear. Dior’s choice of successor will set the tone for where high fashion is headed. Will the brand embrace a more avant-garde, risk-taking approach, or will it retreat into its heritage and classic tailoring?
One thing is certain: fashion is at an inflection point. As the industry evolves, the next Dior creative director will need to navigate not only aesthetics but also cultural relevance. The world is watching, and Dior has a rare opportunity to define the next era of menswear.