Dior Unveils Their Summer 2022 Men’s Collection: Cactus Jack Dior
A collection inspired by Texas, the unlikely common ground between Travis Scott and the French atelier.
Dior unveiled their Summer 2022 Men’s collection from Paris on Friday, June 25. But watchers would be more inclined to think they were in the Wild West. Models walked a dusty runway littered with pale cacti, desert roses, mushrooms and a giant buffalo skull. They also passed through an elegant gold doorframe in the middle, highlighting the “fertile culture clash of Dior Summer 2022.”
What makes this collection so unique are the minds behind it. Dior Summer 2022 Men’s became Cactus Jack Dior, the brainchild of Kim Jones, musical artist Travis Scott and Christian Dior. Scott even took his hand at sewing during the design process – which he learned was harder than it looks.
Inspired by one of the first places in America Monsieur Dior visited in 1947 and Scott’s birthplace: Texas. The scenography is reminiscent of Dior’s childhood rose garden and melts into the clear evocation of the American Southwest.
MEET ME IN THE RAGE AND IM SNEAKING YALL IN THE BACK!!! https://t.co/Blr9harA3f & https://t.co/QvG26pwMFa pic.twitter.com/aozOLj7D8b
— TRAVIS SCOTT (@trvisXX) June 25, 2021
The palette of the collection echoes the Texas landscape, featuring muted, soft tones such as mauve, café, pistachio and pale blues.
But it wouldn’t be like Scott to not bring his own unique flair, throwing neon green pieces into the mix. More than just a pop of color, these pieces deepen the conversation between the two cultures and eras that Scott and Dior inhabit.
Precise tailoring, that Scott couldn’t seem to master at his own hand, underpins the collection. Flowing silk trousers and slim overcoats echo Dior’s 1956 ‘Flèche’ line and create an elegant contrast to the sportswear elements of the collection. Adding the couture details that are vital to the Parisian couture house.
The reimagined Dior logo is printed and embroidered on various items within the collection. With a series of hand-drawn graphics, Travis Scott’s signature Cactus Jack designs gave a playful air to the Dior logo.
Other motifs also adorn bags and leather souvenir jackets, evoking the feeling of mementos kept from imaginary trips.
A classic is given a fresh perspective with the transformation of the signature Dior ‘Toile de Jouy” into a “Toile de Cactus” warp print.
The “Dior Oblique” motif is also reworked to spell out “Jack,” a subtle yet creative design. And, for the first time, Kim Jones collaborated with Dior Joaillerie artistic director, Victoire de Castellane, on a gem-encrusted cactus necklace blooming with lush, vibrant flowers, made especially for the show.
Out of the archives, the diamond monogram from the 1960s also became a new graphic logo within this collection, starring on suede jackets.
The hats featured in the collection – by Stephen Jones – are hybrids of the French bucket hat and American beanie. Again, showing the fusion of cultures between the American artist and the French atelier.
An additional collaboration with American visual artist George Condo further the dialogue between American pop sensibilities and European master painting. With four hand-painted unique shirts that were set to be auctioned for charity after the show, with proceeds going towards scholarships to support future generations of creative talent.
Watch the unveiling of Dior Men Summer 2022, Cactus Jack Dior, here:
And watch Scott’s attempt at using the sewing machine here:
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