Dior men’s artistic director Kim Jones invited celebrity guests to attend his spring/summer 2023 Venice Beach show in Los Angeles, marking the beginning of a new capsule-collection approach for the brand, which will recruit guest designers to merge their own creative DNA with the iconic French fashion house. Working with LA-based creative director Eli Russell Linnetz — who directed the music video for Kanye West’s “Fade,” designed costumes for Lady Gaga, and made the multicolour quilted robe that A$AP Rocky wore to the 2021 Met Gala - Jones delivered a ’90s-inspired lineup that channelled the skater-meets-boy-band aesthetic. Among those in attendance were Christina Aguilera, an undisputed ’90s and ’00s fashion icon in her own right, who styled khaki separates over an olive bodysuit with a keyhole cutout across the bust, finishing with white pointed-toe shoes, a Dior box clutch, and oversize shield sunglasses.
Meanwhile, newlyweds Nicola and Brooklyn Peltz Beckham coordinated in off-the-runway pieces: he wore a glittery wave-effect hoodie, black silk logo-imprinted slacks, and sneakers, while she opted for a summery sea-foam pantsuit and a nylon sport Dior bag. Other notable attendees included “Schitt’s Creek” star Dan Levy, Jaden Smith, Kid Cudi, Jordyn Woods, and Winnie Harlow, who all put their own personal spins on the nostalgic aesthetic reflected on the runway.
The opening look — a slouchy, oversize gray suit — set the tone for the relaxed suiting trend that was woven throughout the collection. When paired with suede and quilted high-top sneakers, these looks are sure to become a hit with the younger crowd, who Jones and Linnetz aim to target. “Kids are really into it now, it’s crazy,” Jones told Business of Fashion.
Other standout items from the new Dior men’s collection included the brand’s signature saddle bag in a shrunken shape in bright hues like hot pink and ombré metallic turquoise. These were affixed to a chunky chainlink strap made to be worn crossbody or as a waist pouch. There were also swirling pastel puffer coats, “California Couture” embroidered turtlenecks, and fluffy bucket hats that reflect the careful consideration to texture within the collection overall.
Together, Jones and Linnetz reinvigorated an old Dior logo with the addition of a bold flower and the “ERL” emblem on the side. You can spot it on everything, from the skate shoes and blazer pockets to the neon sign that was the backdrop for attendees to pose in front of before taking their seats for the show. Ahead, soak in all the vibes from Venice Beach.
