Last Friday, Dior Men‘s presented its pre-fall 2019 collection in Tokyo. The futuristic show was anchored by a towering sculpture and light installation from contemporary artist Hajime Sorayama. A shining chrome sculpture of a robotic female stood multiple stories high—atop a runway covered in oversized cherry blossom decals. Multi-colored laser lighting added to the sci-fi atmosphere.
Artistic Director Kim Jones drew inspiration from 21st century Japan, as well as the fashion house’s own history with the culture. Christian Dior himself was fascinated by Japan, creating Kimono- and Obi-inspired haute couture garments.
©Alessandro Garofalo
The collection felt hypermodern, with utilitarian, uniform-like tailoring. Houndstooth tweed, pink colors, and panther prints were reimagined. New, technologically-advanced fabrics were introduced, including furs and leathers in iridescent blue and silver. Metallic calfskins were laser-etched while cannage patterns were laser-cut into rubber and leather.
Accessories played with scale—either shrunken down or blown up. Dior’s Street Chic accessories line was revived with newly customizable components, and the men’s Saddle Bag was worn in multiples. Shoes, whether boots or sneakers, shimmered with metalization.
Dior Homme Tokyo Pre-Fall 2019 Menswear
Jones even collaborated with Soryama on a few garments in the collection. The artist’s signature foliages were found in silver mylar, embroidered lace, and accessories in midnight blue and sakura-pink.
