Dior has announced a forthcoming collection with Parley for the Oceans, the “Beachwear Capsule” collection, launching next month on April 14. Dior’s menswear Artistic Director Kim Jones has imagined pieces from the house’s ongoing capsule of summer apparel with the help of the environmental organization’s strategy called Parley AIR (Avoid, Intercept, Redesign), inspired by founder Christian Dior’s love of nature to move toward more sustainable fashion offerings.
Beginning in 2019, Jones engaged in a joint research project with Parley, working to create new fabrics and fibers from Parley Ocean Plastic, which repurposes plastic debris and fishing gear recovered from the sea. Finding an alternative to virgin polyester, they were able to craft gorgeous fabrications worthy of the Dior oeuvre, like jacquards and mesh knits—seen in the capsule featuring iconic motifs like the Dior Oblique, the Adriatic graphic, and a three-dimensional chine. This year’s iteration of the “Beachwear Capsule” is also committed to supporting Parley’s new “Parley X10” program, ensuring that the carbon and plastic environmental footprint of each item is offset ten times over.
Photo by Brett Lloyd for Dior.
Photo by Brett Lloyd for Dior.
“With the latest science highlighting the dire urgency of action, we need transformational change in every sector of society to end the rapidly unfolding impacts on both humans and nature and protect our future on this magical blue planet,” said Cyrill Gutsch, the CEO and Founder of Parley. “Creating this first collection with Dior is a call for the fashion industry to revolutionize its production methods.”
Earth-conscious origins aside, Jones created the garments in question with an air of casual refinement, featuring a suite of mix-and-matchable pieces perfect for the many adventures of an avid traveler. With cheerful hues like ocean blue and ochre, the capsule encompasses pieces like poplin trousers, polo shirts, thick tees, foldable jackets that fit into compact pouches, and an iteration of the B23 sneakers with biobased plastic soles.
Photo by Brett Lloyd for Dior.
Photo by Brett Lloyd for Dior.
Photo by Brett Lloyd for Dior.
Photo by Brett Lloyd for Dior.
Photo by Brett Lloyd for Dior.
